Pregnant
Pregnant 24

Chapter 24

Terra

“How about some fresh air, Alpha? A change of scenery could lift your spirits,” I suggested gently,

Nathan straightened from his slumped position in the chair by his father’s bedside, alertness returning to his exhausted features. He scrubbed a hand roughly over his face before giving me a grim nod.

“You’re right, of course. I’ve been cooped up here for too long. Will you sit with him a bit? I don’t like leaving him unattended for long.”

I clasped Nathan’s shoulder and offered an encouraging smile. “Of course. Take a decent walk to clear your head. Your father is resting well – I’ll watch over him.”

Nathan’s answering look held a world of unspoken gratitude. He had scarcely left the former Alpha’s side since we brought him stabilised but still frail back to the estate from the city hospital. The ordeal had clearly taken an immense toll on Nathan’s own health. But his stubborn devotion as guardian remained tireless.

After Nathan departed with the last few instructions on medications, timing and vital checks, I settled into the plush chair he had vacated

Late afternoon sun streamed through the broad bay windows, leaving dappled patterns on the polished wood floors. Birds chirped faintly from the gardens outside, a cheerful counterpoint to the solemn atmosphere hanging over the suite.

The even rise and fall of the former Alpha’s chest as he continued sleeping eased my own worries somewhat. In repose, lines etched deep from decades of leadership seemed to smooth, restoring a glimpse of the fierce warrior he must have been in youth. No wonder Nathan felt such a crushing responsibility to live up to his noble legacy.

On impulse, I gently brushed a few silver strands off the elder wolf’s forehead. He had been a second father to me long ago.

Renewing that bond these past weeks while fighting to save his life brought some light even amidst the heavy shadows. He was healing under my diligent care. The question now was whether the long–neglected wounds between Nathan and I could also mend from past’s merciless scars.

My bittersweet reflections were interrupted by faint hoarse mumbling. The former Alpha’s eyes fluttered rapidly, darting beneath closed lids. I recognized the signs of disturbed dreams and softly grasped his searching hand.

“Hush, it’s alright. Just rest now,” I soothed. “All is well.”

At the sound of my voice he gradually relaxed, featuring smoothing into untroubled sleep once more. But his forehead remained creased and feverish. Infection often plagued the elderly even after major crises passed.

I spent the next hour monitoring for any worrying changes while preparing tea with recuperative herbs and tinctures for inflammation. When the former Alpha finally woke fully, I helped prop him up against plump pillows to sip the steaming

brew.

“This will help strengthen your recovery,” I explained after briefing him on my assessments Your progress is excellent so far. How are you feeling today?”

The elder wolf took careful stock of his body’s signals, assessing in the methodical way of experienced warriors. “Still very weak. But the pain has dulled some.”

1 nodded encouragingly. That’s a very good sign your body is healing well. Be sure to finish that tea- it will speed the process

His eyes sofiened slightly as they searched my face. “You’ve been a great balm through this trial, Terra tuy dear. I won’t forget all you’ve done for me and my son.”

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Chapter 24

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I quickly looked down, blinking back sudden tears at his heartfelt words. Despite all the years lost between us, he still saw me clearly. “It’s been my honour,” I managed simply.

We passed the next hour peacefully enough, with me helping the former Alpha wash up and change into fresh night clothes. once he finished the medicinal tea. He was able to walk short distances supported on my shoulder, stopping periodically to

rest.

I kept up an encouraging stream of praise and distraction through the painful process, a sizable portion of my focus split between monitoring his condition and listening for Nathan’s return.

By the time I got the elder wolf settled back into bed, dusk’s shadows were slipping long across the polished floors. The promised brief escape stretched longer, kindling my worries over Nathan’s own state of mind.

Clearly he had needed time alone to fully clear his head, but his injuries made wandering the forest reckless. Just as I was about to ask the guards to discreetly search for their alpha, heavy footsteps echoed down the hall.

I let out a breath I hadn’t realised I was holding as Nathan filled the doorway, hair dishevelled and colour high on his cheeks

I shot from the mountain air. But his shoulders set straighter than before, and the hollowness had retreated from his eyes. him a pointed look I hoped conveyed my dual relief at his safe return and annoyance he had not sent word. Nathan had the grace to appear somewhat abashed.

“My apologies for staying out so long past dusk.” He inclined his head respectfully to me, then turned concerned eyes on his father. “How is he!”

“Much improved, now that he’s been coerced into resting properly thanks to your very capable healer here,” the former Alpha remarked wryly before I could reply. Nathan looked between us, questions in his gaze, but his father waved them off.

fill you in later, son. Just know all is well.”

Nathan appraised me silently for a moment but appeared to accept the evasion. “Very well, we’ll speak more tomorrow. Terra, please make use of one of the spare rooms to stay close in case you’re needed through the night.”

I nodded in acquiescence. Protesting would only raise Nathan’s suspicions that I was eager to leave for other reasons. His

frail state.

overprotectiveness was understandable given his father

After we transferred the elder wolf to Nathan’s watchful care for the night, I made my way wearily up the shadowy corridor to the familiar guest suite I had occupied often many years ago.

The plush furnishings remained unchanged, yet they now seemed suffocating rather than inviting. I have outgrown the comforts of luxury and privilege. My true home’s simple charms awaited across town, feeling worlds removed from this imposing mansion.

But the brief escape earlier could still offer me some small measure of balm. Opening my hidden suitcase compartment, I carefully drew out the rumpled letter covered in endearing messy handwriting that had arrived for me earlier that week.

Curled up on the brocade bedspread I had avoided touching too closely for fear of soiling the expensive fabric, I soaked up my boys‘ presence through their enthusiastic scrawl.

“Dear Mommy,

We miss you a lot! When are you coming back home? Uncle Collins is nice but he makes yucky sandwiches. Luke put a frog in Levi’s bed as a joke. We hope you are feeling better. Landon lost his tooth but we can’t replace it! And guess what – we learned how to howl just like wolves! Uncle Collins says we sound ferocious. Please visit soon! We love you!

Love,

Your Three Monsters”

My throat tightened as I traced over their messy signatures for the tenth time, imagining their bright faces screwed up in concentration as they sounded out words.

SEND GIFT

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Chapter 24

I should be there guiding their writing practice, not confined here playing political games with wolves who had long abandoned me Suddenly the elegant suite felt stifling as any prison.

Blinking back useless tears, I tucked away the precious letter again safely and began to pace, needing to release nervous energy somehow before I exploded.

Five more minutes of the antique four poster’s oppressive grandeur had me grabbing my small purse of necessities and slipping out the servant’s entrance unseen.

I have to see them.