38

38

Adrian's POV

The morning had started like any other—quiet, steady, predictable. Bethany was organizing papers in the library, the sunlight spilling through the tall windows and catching the strands of her hair. I had been watching her from my seat by the fireplace, pretending to read, but really just savoring the rare moment of peace.

Bethany was humming softly under her breath, some old tune I couldn't place but found oddly comforting. She didn't notice me watching her, her focus entirely on the stack of books she was rearranging on the desk. I told myself to get back to work, to stop staring, but before I could, something in her posture shifted.

Her hand trembled as she reached for another book, her knees buckled, and in an instant, she crumpled to the floor.

"Bethany!" I was on my feet before I could even process what was happening. I sprinted to her side, dropping to my knees. Her face was pale, almost ghostly, her lips parted as if she was struggling to draw in breath.

"Bethany, look at me," I said, my voice shaky, my heart pounding like a drum in my chest. "Hey, open your eyes!"

She stirred faintly, her lashes fluttering. "Adrian…" Her voice was barely a whisper.

"I'm here," I said, scooping her into my arms. She felt so light, too light, and a sharp pang of fear sliced through me. "I've got you. You're going to be okay."

I carried her out of the library, my mind racing. The pack healer. I needed to get her to the healer. Everything else could wait.

The healer's house was tucked at the edge of the estate, surrounded by thick woods and the scent of wild herbs. I didn't bother knocking, kicking the door open with more force than necessary.

"Marina!" I bellowed, my voice echoing through the small house.

The healer appeared from the back room, her eyes widening when she saw Bethany in my arms. "What happened?" she asked, her tone sharp as she hurried to clear a table.

"She collapsed," I said, my throat tightening. "She's pale, weak—I don't know what's wrong."

Marina motioned for me to lay Bethany down, her movements calm but efficient. "Set her here. I need space to work."

I did as she said, stepping back to let her do her job. My hands were shaking, so I shoved them into my pockets, trying to steady my breathing.

Marina pressed her fingers to Bethany's wrist, checking her pulse, then moved to examine her eyes and skin. She murmured softly under her breath, words I couldn't catch, her brows furrowing in concentration.

"Is she going to be okay?" I asked, my voice breaking despite myself.

Marina glanced at me, her expression unreadable. "Give me a moment, Adrian. I need to confirm something."

I clenched my fists, forcing myself to stay quiet as she continued her examination. The minutes dragged on, each one heavier than the last, until finally, Marina straightened and turned to face me.

"She's not in any immediate danger," she said, and I exhaled a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. "But there's something you need to know."

I stepped closer, desperate for answers. "What is it?"

Marina hesitated, her gaze flicking to Bethany before settling back on me. "She's pregnant."

The words hit me like a physical blow. "Pregnant?"

"Yes," Marina said, her voice gentler now. "It's still early, but the signs are clear."

I stared at Bethany's still form, my mind spinning. Pregnant. With my child. I mean, at least I thought it was my child.

A thousand emotions surged through me at once. Shock. Fear. Joy. But one stood out above the rest: protectiveness.

"How is that possible?" I asked, more to myself than to Marina.

Marina raised an eyebrow. "Do you really need me to explain how these things work?"

I shot her a look, and she sighed. "It's not uncommon for an omega to experience heightened sensitivity and fatigue during early pregnancy, especially if the child is…" She hesitated.

"If the child is what?" I pressed.

"Special," she said carefully. "There's a certain energy around her, Adrian. A blend of yours and hers. It's strong—unusually so. That might explain why she's feeling the effects so acutely."

I rubbed a hand over my face, trying to process everything. "What do we do now?"

Marina's expression turned serious. "You need to keep this quiet. If the pack finds out about her condition—about you—there will be questions. Challenges. The hierarchy doesn't take kindly to disruptions like this."

I nodded, her words sinking in. The pack was already watching me closely, waiting for any excuse to bring me down. If they found out about Bethany's pregnancy, it would be a political disaster.

"Will she be okay?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"She needs rest," Marina said. "And care. Both of you do. This isn't going to be easy, Adrian. You'll need to be careful. But yes, she'll be okay."

I turned back to Bethany, my chest tightening at the sight of her. She looked so peaceful and her breathing steady.

"She's strong," Marina added, almost as if reading my thoughts. "She'll get through this."

"I'll make sure of it," I said, promising myself.

Bethany stirred hours later, her lashes fluttering as she woke. I was sitting beside her, my hand resting on hers, and the relief that washed over me when her eyes met mine was overwhelming.

"Hey," I said softly.

"Hey," she whispered, her voice hoarse. "What happened?"

"You fainted," I said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I brought you to Marina. She… found something."

Bethany frowned, struggling to sit up. I helped her, keeping my hand on her back to steady her.

"What did she find?" she asked, her tone wary.

I hesitated, my heart pounding. "You're pregnant, Bethany."

Her eyes widened, her breath catching. "Pregnant?"

I nodded, watching her closely for her reaction.

She pressed a hand to her stomach, her expression a mix of wonder and fear. "How… how is that possible?"

I chuckled softly. "Well, I could give you a biology lesson, but—"

"Adrian," she said, cutting me off, her tone serious.

I sobered, my smile fading. "It's real, Bethany. Marina confirmed it. You're pregnant."

She looked down, her hand still resting on her stomach. "I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything," I said, taking her hand in mine. "But I need you to know that I'm here. For you. For this baby. No matter what happens."

Her eyes filled with tears, and she squeezed my hand. "I'm scared, Adrian."

"I know," I said, my voice breaking. "I am too. But we'll figure this out. Together."

Bethany nodded, a single tear slipping down her cheek. I reached out, brushing it away with my thumb.

"You're not alone in this," I said firmly. "I'll protect you. Both of you. I promise."

She looked at me, her eyes searching mine, and for the first time since this whole ordeal began, I saw a flicker of hope.

"Okay," she said softly. "Together."

I sat beside her, my mind racing with plans and contingencies. The pack would never accept this if they found out. The elders would see it as a betrayal, and a disruption to the delicate balance of power.

But none of that mattered. Not anymore.

Bethany and the child growing inside her were my responsibility now, my priority. I would move mountains to keep them safe, even if it meant going against the very people I was sworn to protect.

I sighed, not knowing how exactly to feel, because in a long time, I knew what I was fighting for. And I wasn't going to let anyone take it away from me.