When I woke up, I was in the pack’s medical facility. My hand flew to my deflated belly, panic setting in immediately.
“My pup–how’s my pup?”
A nurse gently restrained me, her voice soothing.
“Easy, easy. You’re injured and weak from the birth. You need rest. The pup’s in the incubator–she’ll be okay.”
Something in her tone made my stomach drop.
Meeting my eyes, she sighed reluctantly. “The pup came early and suffered trauma in the womb. She’s not as strong as other newborns. It’ll take careful nurturing.”
Relief flooded through me. I could handle that–I’d make sure my pup thrived.
After thanking the nurse, Luca walked in.
He helped me sit up, eyes full of concern.
“My sweet girl, you were so brave bringing our little girl into the world.”
“I stopped by Sweet Moon Bakery and got your favorite–blueberry cheesecake. Want some?”
Sweet Moon was on the opposite side of pack territory from the medical center. He’d gone out of his way.
Except my favorite was strawberry cheesecake. Ash was the one who loved blueberry.
When I didn’t respond, Luca pulled me into his arms.
“Baby, I’m so sorry. Lynx only lets me take control when you’re really hurt. I hate that I failed to protect you.”
Luca slapped himself hard across the face, again and again, not caring how he’d look at tomorrow’s pack meeting.
Before, I would have stopped him, held his hands, told him it wasn’t his fault.
Now his act just seemed ridiculous.
“Bring in Ash Winterborne.”
Ash limped in, feet swollen, glaring daggers at me.
Luca kicked her legs out from under her, forcing her to her knees.
“You’re lucky Sera’s alive, or your miserable life wouldn’t be enough to pay for what you did.”
“Keep staring at my Luna like that and you’ll spend the night kneeling in the hallway.”
Such a light punishment. I felt nothing but exhaustion.
Lying back, tears pricked my eyes as I asked what needed to know.
“Luca, do you really love me? Are you keeping something from me?”
He stroked my hair with a gentle smile.
“Baby, of course I love you. Why do you think I fought Lynx so hard to get you to safety?” His voice grew cautious, “What makes you think I’m hiding anything?”
I felt him watching for my reaction.
“Nothing. Just wondering.”
“Come on, sweetheart, We’ve been childhood sweethearts for ten years, with a decade of love, Don’t overthink it, ok? Just focus on getinte bett.
“Ill find a way to control my wolf.”
Luca relaxed and headed for the door.
I closed my tired eyes.
Ten years. From young wolves finding each other to a completed mate bond.
But apparently that couldn’t compete with a cheap thrill.
He was still lying to my face.
I was done with this kind of love.
Before sleep took me, I forced my weak body up to check on the pup.
Passing Ash’s room, I saw light spilling out. Luca knelt on her bed, massaging her legs while whispering sweet reassurances.
Always so thorough, he’d probably told her that “Luca broke through Lynx’s control.”
I looked away and continued to the nursery.
So tiny, his pale little face peaceful as he sucked on his own finger. My heart
roke a
at how perfect he was.
I traced my pup’s features through the glass, making a silent promise.
Sleep tight, little wolf.
Three more days, and Mama’s getting you out of here.
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.