004
1086 Words
I slipped into the red flowing gown slowly, my fingers trembling as the soft fabric slid over my skin. Red was the color of strength among our kind. The color of blood, of life, of the Moon’s blessing. I tied my hair back into a neat ponytail, staring at my reflection longer than usual. My face looked paler than before, my eyes darker with worry. I placed a hand over my stomach instinctively.
My pup was in there.
The pack doctor had instructed us to return to the hospital today for a proper scan to check the condition of the pup. I had informed Lucien earlier that morning. He had not even looked at me while I spoke.
I walked into the sitting room, my heels tapping softly against the marble floor. Lucien sat on the couch, legs crossed, eyes glued to the television as though the world could disappear if he stared hard enough.
“Lucien, I am heading to the hospital,” I said calmly. “The doctor asked us to come today to check the pup.”
No response.
I swallowed and continued. “Since you are not coming with me, I will go alone. But I need to take your car.”
Still nothing.
“Your car keys are with me,” I added, already turning toward the door.
“Stop.”
His voice was cold and sharp. I froze.
“Do not take my car,” he said flatly. “And besides, I have no concern for that bastard.”
The word sliced through me.
Anger surged hot and uncontrollable, burning through my chest like wildfire. I turned back to him, my fists clenched.
“Our baby is not a bastard,” I snapped. “That child is ours. You are the father and whether you like it or not, you will accept it.”
Lucien laughed, low and humorless.
“Really?” he said slowly. “Then get rid of it. Abort the baby. I do not want it.”
My breath hitched.
“You cannot be the one to conceive an heir for me,” he continued. “Never.”
“Never,” I screamed back, my voice breaking. “I would never abort my baby. Never.”
Tears burned my eyes but I refused to let them fall.
“I will keep this child,” I said firmly. “It is our baby. Our first baby, Lucien. And I will protect it with my life.”
His eyes hardened.
“Then you will leave my house,” he said. “I will strip you of the Luna title and send you away.”
I let out a bitter chuckle.
“That can never happen,” I replied.
He stood abruptly. “Give me the car keys.”
“I will not.”
“Are you insane?” he barked.
“Give me the keys,” he repeated.
I exhaled sharply, my heart pounding, and threw the keys onto the floor. They clattered loudly between us.
“If you do not want me using your car,” I said coldly, “then I will take a taxi.”
I shot him one last glare and walked out, my chest tight with pain.
Abort our first pup.
The thought alone made me sick.
No matter what Lucien said or did, I would never harm my child. Never.
——
The hospital smelled sterile and unfamiliar, filled with the scent of medicine and something metallic that made my wolf uneasy. I sat on the bed quietly as the scan was conducted earlier, my fingers gripping the sheets as I watched the faint movements on the screen.
After what felt like hours, I sat alone in the waiting area. My heart raced as my thoughts spiraled. Please be fine. Please be healthy.
The door opened.
The pack doctor stepped out of the laboratory. His expression was unreadable. He was neither smiling nor frowning, but the papers in his hands told me everything I needed to know.
I stood up immediately.
“How is the condition of the pup, doctor?” I asked, my voice barely steady.
He adjusted his glasses. “Mrs. Sara, I believe there is an issue.”
My heart slammed violently against my ribs.
“What issue?” I whispered.
“The pup,” he said slowly. “It is not in a good condition.”
The world tilted.
“What do you mean?” I gasped. “What is wrong with my baby?”
“The pup is not positioned properly in your womb,” he explained. “Due to some complicated issues"
I staggered back slightly. “What do we do?”
“You will need to undergo a surgical procedure,” he said calmly. “Preferably before the pregnancy progresses further.”
Fear wrapped around my heart like chains.
“And if I do not?” I asked.
“Then the pup may not survive childbirth.”
My breath caught painfully.
“No,” I whispered. “No, I cannot lose my baby.”
“How much is the surgery?” I asked suddenly.
“Two million dollars,” he replied.
My eyes widened in disbelief.
“Two million dollars?” I repeated. “That is impossible. I cannot afford that.”
“That is the cost,” he said. “And it is the only way to save the pup.”
“There is no alternative?” I asked desperately.
“No, Mrs. Sara.”
My knees felt weak.
Lucien would never help me. Never. He wanted the baby gone.
“When can the operation be done?” I asked, my voice shaking.
“Anytime,” the doctor replied. “But if the surgery is not carried out before the end of this week, the pup will be lost.”
The words echoed in my head.
Two million dollars.
Before the end of the week.
I placed a trembling hand over my stomach, tears finally spilling down my cheeks.
I had days.
Days to save my pup.
Or lose everything.
- Writer
