(01
I sat motionless in my wheelchair while I stared at my mate, Alpha Jester. He was tenderly applying lotion to my maid’s swollen belly His lips pressed against her baby bump as she giggled softly
“Jester, stop, it tickles,” Amber teased.
“I just can’t help it,” Jester replied, and continued to massage her with lotion. “They said a pregnant woman’s tummy should always be flawless, so the baby is flawless as well.”
That was actually what my OB–GYN and healer had told me when I was pregnant with our first child. But I got a miscarriage.
I wanted to scream, to cry out, to demand answers, but my body betrayed me. My limbs refused to obey, and my voice remained locked within me. All I could do was watch, paralyzed in every sense of the word
Tears burned in my eyes, but I blinked them away, determined not to let them see my pain. They had no idea! could hear and comprehend every word they said.
It happened a month ago. I had just left the pack hospital after hearing the most wonderful news I was finally pregnant. After years of waiting, the healer confirmed it, and I was so excited to share the news with Jester.
But on my way home, a rogue wolf ran onto the road, and I swerved to avoid it. My car crashed into a tree, and the impact left me paralyzed. The healers said my nervous system was badly damaged, and I wouldn’t be able to move or talk again.
The only good news was that my baby had miraculously survived the crash. That little life growing inside me was
my only source of hope now, even as my world seemed to fall apart around me.
“You’re going to be such an amazing father,” Amber cooed, placing her hands over his.
“I’ll do everything for our pup,” he promised. “He will be my heir.”
The words echoed in my mind. Our pup. Not mine. Not ours. His and Amber’s.
The ache in my chest grew unbearable, and I longed to escape, to turn away from the cruel reality unfolding before me But I couldn’t They continued their display, oblivious to my presence.
When Amber caught my gaze, she smirked. “Do you think she even knows what’s happening?” she asked Jester in a mocking voice
“She doesn’t” he replied dismissively. “Don’t worry about her.”
I clenched my fists, the only movement I could manage, as anger coursed through me. They thought I was helpless and that I couldn’t understand.
But they were wrong
A knock on the door interrupted, and Amber got up from Jester’s side to answer it.
I couldn’t see her clearly, but I could hear the annoyance in her voice. “What is it now?” she asked.
Dr. Helen’s calm voice replied, “It’s time for Luna’s checkup.”
Amber groaned. “Really? Can’t it wait? I was just about to enjoy some time with the alpha.”
Jester laughed, clearly entertained. “Maybe we should just move it to the bedroom. The checkup can wait a bit.”
Amber giggled. “I suppose you’re right.”
The two of them walked off toward the bedroom, and Dr. Helen stayed behind. She waited until the door clicked
shut before turning to me. “They’re gone, Luna.”
Relief rushed through me, but it didn’t ease the heavyness in my chest. Slowly, I stand up in the wheelchair. My body felt weak, but I pushed myself. My legs trembled as I stood, and I almost lost my balance. I caught myself against the wall, but it didn’t stop the tears from coming.
I couldn’t hold it in anymore. My body shook as I cried, the pain of what I’d seen and felt breaking me apart. I
didn’t want to be this helpless
Dr. Helen stepped forward, gently holding me up. “It’s okay, Luna. Let it out.”
“I can’t take it anymore,” I said through my sobs. “I can’t watch them anymore. I can’t be stuck like this, unable to speak I don’t want to just watch my life slip by!”
Dr. Helen gave me a reassuring look. “You know how to escape from this hell, Mauve.” Her voice was brea)
like how I felt inside. “Just say the word.”
That stirred something inside me. Gazing at her, I said, “Please, Dr. Helen, can you help me submit my application to Shadowpine Hospital? I want to train to become the pack’s pharmacist, like what I always wanted to be.”
Dr. Helen nodded. “I’ll help you. I’ll make sure the application is sent. You’ll start your training soon. For now, let’s continue the therapy until your body and mind are strong enough to leave.”
“Thank you,” I said, placing my hand on top of her own
I might have lost my mate, but I wouldn’t lose myself.
