When we are one

Chapter 18 Anika

I slip from the bed quietly, the cold air biting against my skin where Corbin’s warmth no longer shields me.

He's gone.

And I need to find him—now.

The dream still lingers, seared into my mind like a brand. The truth of what I am. What’s coming. The death that always seems to follow in my wake. I know what will happen if we complete the mate bond. If I stay, this pack—his pack—will suffer.

I won’t be the reason Corbin loses everything.

I won’t let my curse destroy him.

I move through the silent hallways, the weight of my decision dragging with every step.

When I reach the living room, I find Briar seated on the couch, elbows on his knees, lost in thought.

“Briar?” I say softly.

He jumps, startled. Then, seeing me, he’s on his feet in an instant and wraps me in a fierce hug.

“Anika,” he breathes, relief pouring out of him. “I wasn’t sure you were ever coming out of Corbin’s room. I’ve been so damn worried. It’s been over 48 hours—you’ve been in there since…”

He trails off, but his meaning is clear.

I blink, startled. Two days?

Time hadn’t existed in that room. Not with Corbin. Not with the bond pulsing between us, raw and consuming. I hadn’t even noticed how much time had passed.

“I didn’t realize…” I whisper.

Briar pulls back, searching my face. “I didn’t know you were in heat, Anika. I wouldn’t have had you training if I did. None of us knew you were Corbin’s mate until the day it… happened.”

“Yeah,” I mumble, biting my lip. “We’ve been keeping it quiet. With me being a rogue and him being the future Alpha… We didn’t want to cause chaos. Just trying to do what’s best for the pack.”

But it’s not the whole truth.

Because what’s best for the pack—is for me to leave.

Briar watches me closely. “What’s going on?”

I hesitate, the weight of the next words nearly crushing me.

“I have to go, Briar,” I say, my voice trembling. “The pack’s in danger with me here. I’ve seen what’s coming. I have to end things with Corbin. I have to leave—now.”

He looks stunned, pain flashing through his expression. “Anika… no. You don’t have to do this alone. I’ll come with you. I won’t let you go out there by yourself.”

“You can’t,” I say quickly. “You have a life here. A place. I can’t ask you to give that up.”

“You don’t have to ask. I’m offering.” He steps closer. “Corbin will fight for you, Anika. You’re his mate. You’re everything to him.”

“I know,” I whisper. “That’s why I have to do this. Before we complete the bond. Before it’s too late.”

His eyes soften. “You really think it would hurt him more to stay with you than to lose you?”

I can’t answer that. I don’t know.

I lower my gaze, preparing to walk away.

But then Briar says something that makes my blood run cold.

“You can’t go alone. Not with the pups.”

I stop mid-step.

“…What?”

Briar frowns, confused by my confusion. “The pups, Anika. You’re pregnant. I can smell it.”

The room spins.

“No,” I whisper. “There must be a mistake—I would know.”

“Wolf pregnancies aren’t like human ones,” he says gently. “Your body knows. Your wolf knows. It’s already changing. And that bond you’ve been avoiding? It’s already working. I knew the moment you stepped into this room. You’re carrying Corbin’s pups.”

I stare at him, heart pounding, the world narrowing around me.

I’m pregnant.

And now… leaving isn’t just a decision.

It’s a war between heart and duty.