Chapter 206 – Denial
Ella
When I wake I’m in my nest, hooked up to about a dozen machines and wracking my brains for some explanation of how I got here. Of course… the moment my memory kicks in, I wish it hadn’t. My wolf howls in my head, but I shut out the tumultuous emotions threatening to consume me. It might not be healthy, but if there’s one thing I’m good at – it’s repressing feelings.
I clench my eyes shut. “It’s not real, it’s not real.” I insist to the empty room, reflexively tracing the outline of my womb. “Are you alright, little one?” I squeak, wondering if my pain is about to multiply by a million.
The baby flutters and sends feelings of sleepy confusion through our bond, and the tightness in my heart eases a bit. He’s okay. I tell my whining wolf, but we both know she’s not just worried for the baby’s sake.
They’re both okay. My wolf assures me, sounding surprisingly confident for all her nervous whimpering. I don’t care what anyone says. We would feel it if he was gone. I would feel it.
But what if he’s too far away? I ask, hating myself for the kernel of doubt currently sitting in my stomach like a boulder.
I would still know. She insists. Trust me, no amount of distance could fool me. Our bond is in tact, just out of reach.
Then why are you so worried, I can feel how feral you are. I remind her, praying she’s right and that this isn’t simply bravado.
Because he’s out there alone somewhere and someone just tried to kill him… they succeeded in killing all his men. She answers, and I can feel the truth in her words.
responsible. I growl fiercely. This is Damon’s doing. I don’t know how he managed it, but I will not rest until that bastard is
pitying expression of someone who wants to be sensitive
Highness. My wolf remarks dryly, noting the trend that far too many of the Vanarans and
my hands still resting
your case it triggered false labor and a dizzy spell which thankfully caused you to pass out before your heart or child could be harmed.” He explains. “We’ve got
I have to go back onto bed rest?” I question
under far too much stress. I know the doctors in Moon Valley diagnosed you with preeclampsia, and when you arrived here we thought that the condition had been mitigated by your wolf waking. But based on the numbers I’m seeing, you’re at risk of the condition returning. We need to get your stress levels under
my mate…” I know if I tell him that Sinclair isn’t dead he’ll just think I’m in denial, but I can’t bring myself to lie
Alpha Dominic.” The doctor tells me sympathetically. “I know it’s hardly a comfort, but his death is a huge loss for all
myself to thank him, even though I know he’s trying to be nice. I
for the sake of your child’s
I murmur, feeling
what worries you
telling him would mean admitting that I believe my mate is alive… and how terrified I am that he isn’t. The truth is that I’m afraid to go to sleep, because no amount of distance can keep us apart in dreams. My
seeming offended by my response. “But I hope you’ll reach out to me if you
to burrow deeper into my nest, seeking the lingering scent of my mate from the last time we lay here together, when Henry and Cora enter the room. They both have tears in their eyes, and Cora immediately comes forward and climbs into bed with me. “You scared me.” She murmurs, cuddling up to
kissing her
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