I took a test every day for the last week. Each one proving Nina was telling the truth. I was...I was...I can’t think about this. I have to figure out what to do before my parents find out, before anybody else finds out. My phone notifications were blowing again for the umpteenth time today. Isabella has been texting me nonstop since that night. Asking if I was okay or needed anything.
Even Alpha Zack hit me up a few times. I don’t even know how he got my number but I was truly considering going to his pack for a while. I just ignored them all and kept myself hidden inside my room. I needed to get away from this pack and Isaiah but I need the stupid papers. Maybe I can risk it and live as a rogue. That doesn’t sound that bad, right?
You would get us killed within a week Nina butted in.
I stood in front of my mirror completely naked besides the choker Isaiah gave me. I guess I never really took it off since the ceremony. Something about it made me calm when I touched it. I touched and squeezed my stomach to see if I could feel anything. I didn’t really see any change. I mean yeah I look a bit bloated but I pretty much eat a meal for ten every day. I’ll just cut back and train a little. I haven’t shifted in a while so nothing is burning off. Maybe it’s a hysterical pregnancy. Yes! That could be it and I’m totally freaking out for nothing. The moment I thought that I ran to the bathroom to throw up.
The only thing hysterical is your train of thought. Zira just face it. We’re pregnant. We’re having a pup Nina threw in my face, like she was happy about it.
Why are you so okay with this? I snapped at her. We’re having a...a...with someone who isn’t our mate. Aren’t you angry?
Yeah I was at first. I mean who would have thought his little soldiers were so eager. But it’s pup, Zira. I’m a sucker for pups, especially our own.
I groaned at her words. I really wanted her to be angry and yell at me. I wanted her to say she didn’t want it so we wouldn’t have to fight. I screamed into a pillow before throwing it across the room. I had to get out of there. This whole thing is driving me insane. I have to find Isaiah and get out before it's too late then later some training might help with this bloating problem. Or should I train first?
I don’t know if that’s wise, Zira. You could do something to hurt…
I won't, Nina. I’m not a novice.
It’s not that. It’s just...you’re not really taking care of yourself and our pup needs things you haven’t provided. We should go to the pack hospital before anything else.
No! I don’t want anyone here to know right now Nina. Do you know how much drama that will cause? Me with the Alpha’s ba..baa..you know…
Baby, Zira. The word is baby. Stop being a wuss.
I’m not! Look I just need to figure some things out, ok. I already have an insane Luna on my back. I don’t even want to think about what she would do if she found out. Besides we had plans of leaving remember?
Pfft. I can take her. I smell her wolf and she’s weak Nina boasted. And we’re not leaving. There’s no way we can survive with a baby on the way.
Well we’ll have to figure it out and no attacking the Luna, Nina. That’ll be a one way ticket to the dungeons and then we’ll really be stuck.
Nina just huffed and disappeared in the back of my mind. She knew I was telling the truth. We have no power right now. I took a shower and dressed in my warrior's uniform. Surprisingly still fit but maybe a bit tight around the waist. Let’s just bring the focus back to my plan. Gets papers, figure out what to do, and then leave before anybody else finds out about the ba-thing. Easy.
It sucks that the day I decided to get out, I started to feel worse. After throwing up everything I ate last night, I got to my feet and felt a bit shaky. I focused a bit on my breathing to steady myself and it worked. I opened my eyes and the little black spots I was seeing earlier were gone. I prayed to the Goddess to give me strength. My mom, as usual, had breakfast ready in the dining room.
“Good morning, sweetie. Doesn’t it feel great to wake up to breakfast everyday? How are you going to get that when you decide to leave,” she asked looking at me, immediately frowning. “Are you alright? You look a bit flush.” She put her hand to my forehead and I swatted her away.
“I’m fine, mom. Just a little restless from the lack of training,” I said, looking down at the plate in front of me.
I started to drool, which I thought was from the food, but instead I felt the acid build up in my throat. I quickly ran to the nearest bathroom. My mom followed me a bit worried.
I looked at her with a weak smile. “Maybe I’m training a bit too much.”
“Okay, we are going to the pack’s doctor. Maybe they can suggest something to help.”
I went to the sink to wash my mouth and face. Feeling a bit better from the cold water. “I’ll be fine, mom. It will pass and I’ll drink more electrolytes or something.”
My father appeared behind my mother, “Z-Bug, are you alright?”
I walked back to the dining room and sat in front of my food. I started to eat and luckily I felt fine. I looked at my parents who were watching me intently and I smiled. “I’m fine guys. Really.”
Leaving the house was a relief. I didn’t like my parents hovering over me like a hawk. I decided to go straight to the training fields. It was still early and I knew Isaiah would be training. Hopefully he’s alone.
When I got there I saw a few warriors stretching, some about to go on a run, and then Isaiah talking to a group. No sight of Luna Alaia which was perfect. I waited for the group to disperse before walking over.
“Alpha.”
Isaiah turned and it was me. “Hey, Zi.”
We stood there silent, looking at each other. It was awkward silence since this was the first time we’ve been alone in awhile.
“Why is this so awkward?” Isaiah laughed which made me laugh a little.
Because in a little over a month we’ve had sex, you dumped me for your mate, you’re married and mated, and now you have no clue that I’m carrying your seed in my belly I thought to myself as I looked at his smiling face.
“It’s not. I was coming by to see if I could get my papers today. I would like to get back to my original plan.”
His smile disappeared instantly as he regarded me.
“Um, I don’t remember where I put them. Everything has been so crazy lately with the ceremony and we’re still investigating the rogue attack. So my time is very limited-”
He was stalling but why? Why won't he just sign the stupid papers? It’s probably the easiest thing to do as an Alpha.
“Look, I have an extra copy at home. We could just walk over and get it done. That way I’m not taking up too much of your time.”
He started to look around as if he was waiting for someone to interrupt us but I was determined and this whole situation was pissing me off.
“Why are you making this difficult for me,” I heard myself ask. I didn't realize I said it out loud.
“I’m just worried, Zi. You were targeted and I don’t feel comfortable letting you go out there unprepared,” he said defensively.
“You don’t get to decide that,” I snapped at him.
His face twisted up. I guess he didn’t like that and I didn’t care, at least for a moment. He stepped towards me. “Apparently it does if you’re still here.”
Is he really flexing right now Nina growled.
Unlike Nina, I respected Isaiah as Alpha so I did what any other pack member would do. I barred my neck in submission but my mouth had other plans.
“You’re right but I don’t need your stupid papers. I’ll just become a rogue and find another pack to accept me. I don’t need you.”
“Zi, I didn’t-”
I didn’t want to hear it. I turned to walk away and Isaiah grabbed my wrist to turn me around. The turn made me dizzy and nauseous at the same time. I almost fell when he pulled me towards him. I steady myself in his hold, reminding myself to take deep breaths to keep from throwing up.
“Zi, are you okay,” Isaiah asked.
“Yeah, just a bit dizzy but I’m good. You can let me go, now,” I said. I didn’t like this position especially if a certain someone shows up.
“Only if you let me take you to the pack hosp-”
“No,” I yelled at a shocked Isaiah. “Sorry, I mean I can go myself.”
Isaiah stared at me for a moment and for a moment I got caught up in his eyes. I knew he was genuine'y worried for me but he had to realize this was torture for me. I needed to leave. I needed a way to get him out of my system. So being here in his arms was not helping.
“Isaiah!” Someone growled behind him. We both looked up and saw a smiling Isabella, worried Victoria and a glaring Alaia watching us. Of course we’re caught this way in front of her. Fate is so funny.