The next morning, the first thing I saw when I opened my eyes was Carson’s weary gaze. He seemed to have been sitting by my bed, watching over me the entire night.
“Jaliyah, you’re awake,” he said softly, his voice tinged with relief. “You scared me last night.”
I blinked, confused, sensing that there was something unusual about him today. Layne, standing nearby, spoke cautiously, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Miss, the healer said… you’re one month pregnant.”
At her words, I bolted upright in bed, my eyes widening in shock. “What? How could I…?”
For seven years, I had longed for a pup. I never imagined it would come at a time like this.
Carson’s expression seemed joyful, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes. When he saw my genuine surprise, he let out a small, relieved breath.
“Seeing you happy, Jaliyah, is a blessing for this pup,” he said, his tone oddly measured.
His words felt strange. In the past, I might have questioned him, demanding an explanation. But now, I just listened numbly. It was as if all the energy to respond had drained from me.
“Jaliyah, about yesterday…” I knew he wanted to explain why he hadn’t saved me. But my mind was a chaotic mess, my head pounding. I didn’t have the strength to deal with his lies.
“I’m not feeling well,” I interrupted. “Beta, please stay in your study for the next few days.”
“Jaliyah…”
Before he could protest, Layne had already ushered him out of the room. Even as he was pushed out, he called back, “If you feel unwell, Jaliyah, you must call for me.”
I sat on the bed, staring at my still-flat stomach, lost in thought. Tears welled up in my eyes again, the ones I thought had dried up long ago. My wolf stirred within me, her presence a quiet comfort amidst the turmoil.
“We’re going to have a pup,” she whispered softly in my mind, her voice filled with both joy and sorrow.
I nodded silently, unable to find the words to respond. The bond between Carson and me felt strained, but the life growing inside me was a reminder of the mate bond we once shared. I could only hope that this pup would bring us back together, even if the road ahead was uncertain.
