Zoya’s P.O.V
While Ezra drove us back to the pack territory in the Sapphire Mountains, I couldn't shake off the overwhelming thoughts of the things that had occurred at the wedding.
The chaos, the revelations, and the confrontation between Silas and Ezra kept replaying in my mind like a broken record.
It was chaotic, especially the news of Ravi and Tania’s infidelity, but in that chaos, I felt a sense of liberation. The truth was out, and I was no longer bound by the lies that had haunted me for so long.
And then, the confrontation between Silas and Ezra. Their anger clashed like thunder and lightning, and I was torn between them, torn between my past and my present.
Silas's rage at losing me to Ezra was evident, and it was a painful reminder of the complicated dynamics between us.
Now, in the solitude of my car as Ezra drove us home, I couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.
I was happy and grateful to have Ezra by my side, but I'm also haunted by the memories of the wedding. It was a day of revelation and reckoning, a day of confrontation and confessions, and I'm left wondering what the future holds for me, for us.
Outside, the early evening moon bathed the landscape in a soft glow, and the stars twinkled like tiny lights in the night sky. In the midst of all the chaos and uncertainty, the mountains remained steadfast, a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always hope.
"Zoya.” Ezra called softly, drawing my attention towards him.
“I'm sorry if my actions at the wedding caused any problems for you or your mother," Ezra said sincerely, his eyes focused on the road ahead. "I didn't mean to humiliate her."
I glanced at him, appreciating his concern and his willingness to acknowledge his actions. "It's not about that," I replied, my voice tinged with a mix of emotions. "What you did was necessary. My mother can be overbearing and controlling, and she needed someone to put her in her place."
I took his free hand in mine and squeezed it. "In fact, I'd like to thank you as well. If you hadn't shown up, I have no idea how the day would’ve turned out."
Ezra nodded, understanding in his eyes. "I'm proud of you, Zoya," he said. “Facing your enemies is difficult, but it takes a different kind of courage to face your loved ones. I’m so proud tha you could do it. However, you deserve respect, Zoya, and I won't let anyone treat you poorly, not even your own family."
His words warmed my heart, and I laced our hands together, resting them on his lap. "Thank you," I whispered softly. "No one has ever stood up for me like that before. It means a lot to me."
He brought our interlaced hands close to his lips and pressed a gentle kiss on the back of my hand, his touch bringing comfort and solace. "I'll always protect you, Zoya," he murmured. "You're important to me, and I won't let anyone hurt you."
“Thank you,” I told him. And no matter how many times I said those words to this man, it felt like I hadn't said it enough.
His expression softened, and he used his thumb to stroke my hand gently. "It was a lot to take in, and I'm sorry if it added to your stress."
"Don't worry about it," I assured him. Then my mind went back to what he had said earlier… and I used that excuse to lighten up the mood between us. "So, a healer, huh?"
He chuckled. "Yes, ma’am.”
I raised my eyebrows. "Is it really true?"
"Well, yes. Technically," he said, shrugging his broad shoulders. "To be more specific, I just have healing powers aside from being the Alpha. That's not exactly the same as being an actual wolf healer. But if it counts, I did study with a pack healer when I was… away from the Sapphire Mountains."
"Wait, so you can really sense when something's wrong with someone's health? Is that how you knew about my mother’s diabetes and her blood pressure?" I asked, my curiosity piqued. "And you've studied with a pack healer? Oh my gosh! That’s really awesome, Ezra!"
Ezra smiled, his eyes twinkling with a hint of pride. "Well, it's something that has always come naturally to me since I was young," he explained. "I’m not a pro by any means and sometimes, my intuitions may not be as perfect as a blood test, but it does help in emergency situations. And during my time away from the pack, I learned a few things from the skilled healer I mentioned. I am not very well-versed in human medical knowledge, but I can recognize some symptoms and signs."
My interest was piqued, and I turned to face him fully. I contemplated whether I should tell him. For some reason, I was nervous about what his reaction would be, if what Silas said would turn out to be true.
But if I don't tell him now, when should I?
And why should I keep this from him? After all he was the father; he had every right to know.
However, I still hesitated a bit, uncertainty and rejections from my past resurfacing with a vengeance.
"Could you…check if there's something wrong with me?" I asked hesitantly. "I've been feeling sick lately, and I can't seem to figure out why."
Ezra's brows furrowed in concern, and he nodded. "Of course, I can check," he said, his voice gentle and reassuring. But he sounded surprised at my request, too. “I have been wanting to ask you to get a check up about it as well, since the symptoms have been persisting for a while now. But since you’re a doctor, I didn’t want to intrude.”
Yeah, I can't really blame him. Between the two of us wasn't I the one in the medical profession? Wasn’t I supposed to be the one with the basic knowledge of all these symptoms?
Yet, I had failed to notice the most obvious symptoms of pregnancy out there! Morning sickness!
Ezra pulled over by the side of the road as soon as he could, releasing the lock on his seat belt so he could properly turn to face me. "Why didn't you tell me about this earlier?" he asked, his worry now mixed with a hint of guilt.
I looked out the window, feeling a bit ashamed for not sharing this with him sooner. "I didn't want to worry or shock you," I admitted. "And besides, I thought it might just be nerves due to the wedding or something."
He gently squeezes my hand, his concern evident in his touch. "You think it’s something else?"
I nodded, suddenly feeling a lump forming in my throat that prevented me from speaking.
His touch was gentle as he started to examine me with his hand, checking my temperature and pulse. His hands felt warm against my skin, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort and safety with him.
"Well?" he prompted, no doubt finding nothing wrong about my vital signs. "What did you want me to figure out? You seem to be in good shape."
"It's not a sickness," I told him. "It's… I think. I just…" I swallowed. How do I tell him?
"Has the puking not stopped?" he asked, eyebrows furrowed in deep concern. "I knew there was something to it, but you said it might be something about the food, so I wanted to trust you on that..."
I nodded, pursing my lips, and took a long and deep breath. "Ezra…there's something… something that Silas told me at the wedding," I began. "And I know I shouldn’t be trusting him but…I think it’s true."
Pull yourself together, Zoya! Stop being so nervous! Why are you even so nervous in the first place? Remember, this is Ezra. He won't push you away if what Silas said turns out to be true!
I sighed, gathering myself before I finally told him the truth. "Ezra…I think…I'm pregnant.”