I was dreaming. I was wearing my warrior’s uniform that fit perfectly like I was never pregnant. I completed the Hunter Trails beating my high score. There was a celebration with a table full of all kinds of food. My own personal buffet. I couldn't wait to dig in until the scent of something more delicious hit my nose. Hot cinnamon rolls. The smell alone brought me out of my dream as I began to open my eyes.
“Don’t you dare,” I growled, staring at Isabella.
She had a finger on one of my mom’s famous cinnamon rolls. She looked at me shocked but not letting go of the roll.
“Well I think I deserve something sweet sitting with you all night,” she said, throwing the roll in her mouth with a grin.
“How long have I been out?”
“Overnight, Miss Lake,” Dr. Callie said walking in. “Twice in one day is a little concerning, especially in your condition.”
I smiled apologetically. It’s not like I wanted to come here but it didn’t matter. I wanted to sit up but I still felt a bit out of it. I noticed how Dr. Callie was a bit hesitant before saying, “Isabella, can you give us a minute please?”
Isabella gives me a hug and tries to walk away. I didn’t want to be alone with the news the doctor had to share, so I grabbed Isabella’s hand and shook my head. Isabella looked at the doctor and shrugged her shoulders.
“Guess I’m staying.” Isabella sat near my leg. I wanted to sit up but for some reason I felt a bit weak.
“Okay, I guess it’s fine. ” Dr. Callie sat near the chair at my feet. “With your recent accidents and the current state of your pregnancy, I’m worried about the level of stress you're under. So, I think it’s best for you to stay put for now. A little bed rest for the next four months-”
“NO! I can’t!”
I couldn’t stay here. I had plans. I wanted to travel and experience the world before all of this. As soon as I yelled at Dr. Callie the door suddenly opens and Isaiah storms in.
“What is going on,” Isaiah asked, looking between the doctor, Isabella, and finally landing on me.
He quickly scanned me with his eyes and for some reason it made me want to cover up. I didn’t want him to be here. What if Alaia came with him? I’m not in a position to protect myself. I looked behind him and I guess he noticed.
“She's at the packhouse, Zi. You’re safe,” he said with a smile. I didn't return it. I laid back thinking over what Dr. Callie was saying. I realized I didn’t let her finish and she looked as if she was about to walk out.
“Dr. Callie please continue. Whatever you need to say, just finish,” I said. It’s not like it could be worse than this anyway I thought.
I decided to sit up. I moved too fast and felt my stomach turn. Isaiah was instantly by my side, helping me sit up. The action warmed my heart a bit, but my thoughts went back to Alaia and I pulled away. I really wish he would stop doing that. Isaiah looked hurt for a second before walking to the other side of Isabella. He looked at the doctor to continue her report.
“Well, as I was saying, I think bed rest is necessary at this time. As you may know, it can be difficult to reproduce with someone you’re not mated with. Actually the chances of getting pregnant is extremely low. So this would be considered a miracle under certain circumstances,” she laughed but quickly stopped when no one joined her.
She coughed a bit and continued. “With that being said it is extremely rare for the pregnancy to come to full fruition involving Alpha’s blood.”
Great another thing to add to my stress level. “What does that mean for me,” I asked.
Again her hesitation was testing me. “I don't want to build unnecessary stress-”
“I think it’s a little too late for that,” I sharply cut her off, “but if this could end badly. I would like to know my chances.”
Dr. Callie nodded. “It means that there’s a high chance that you or the baby won’t make it through this journey.”
The room stood still for a moment and I could feel everyone looking at me. My face was blank but inside I could feel the anger rising. Why did the Moon Goddess put me in this situation? Why should I be gambling with my life? This baby is nothing but trouble and I have to get-
No don't you even think it growled Nina.
Oh now you wanna chime in. Where were you when I was attacked? I snapped at her.
Protecting our pup, of course, but you don't seem too familiar with the concept Nina said glaring at me with her eyes.
I'm trying to protect us, Nina. And if there's a possibility to keep us alive, I'll take it in a heartbeat.
I shut her out before she said anything else. “I would like to speak to Dr. Cassie alone, please.”
Isabella gave my hand a squeeze and started to walk out. I kept my gaze on my hands knowing Isaiah was looking at me, but I couldn’t bear to look at him. Knowing what I was going to ask the doctor next, I just couldn’t. I cleared my throat when he didn’t make a move towards the door.
“Isaiah, she wants to be alone. Let’s respect that,” Isabella said, successfully pulling him out the door.
“Dr. Callie, is there anything I can do that might help my chances in this situation?” I was actually skirting around my actual question but sometimes you have to ease into it.
“Well, in this situation a mate’s bond can usually help a she-wolf through difficult pregnancies. So I would say your best bet would be to bond with the Alpha in question but-”
“He’s already bonded. Is there a second option?”
“Well if you have your mate and bonded with him or her, then-”
I sighed and shook my head. ”I’m screwed.”
Just keep adding salt to the wound I thought as I felt tears slowly rolling down my face. Dr. Callie handed me a napkin to help clean my face, then she grabbed my hand.
“Look, Zira. It is possible to have children with a wolf who isn’t your mate. It happens occasionally, but not without complications. Whether it’s a miscarriage, stillborn, or-” Death. She wanted to say death. “I just want you to know all the options and to know we’re going to do everything we can to bring you both through this safely.”
I nodded with a small smile. At least she was trying. I thought about everything she just said. Trying to make sure her words were sinking in. I could possibly have this baby or miscarriage or have a stillborn or death. Not really a great selling point there.
“And my other options,” I asked, staring her straight in the face. I wanted her to see I was serious.
Dr. Callie looked at me confused for a minute until she understood what I was asking.
“Zira, are you sure? I mean, it’s an Alpha bab-”
“It’s my body,” I snapped, then instantly apologized. “If I have to choose between my life and another then I would rather be selfish.” Of course saying it out loud felt wrong but it was still true.
“Well this is an unusual request but I can find you some information. When you come in for a check up I'll have it for you.”
“Thank you, Dr. Callie. I would like this to be confidential, please.”
Dr. Callie nodded and got up to walk to the door. Before leaving she turned and said, “Zira, I really am sorry about all this. I don’t know the details of how this happened but I know you’re a good person. I just want to say the Goddess does things for a reason. So maybe there’s a reason for all this.” She smiled and left the room.
I laughed a little at what she said. Yeah Goddess and her little plans were just fan-f-ing-tastic. Maybe next time she can give me a heads up.