Melissa wakes up to the muffled whispers and shuffling feet around her. She blinks, adjusting to the dim light of the packhouse infirmary. Marco sits beside her, his face hard, arms crossed over his chest. The moment her eyes flutter open, his head snaps toward her.
"You’re awake," he mutters, standing abruptly. "Took your f*****g time."
Melissa inhales sharply, milking the moment. Her hand drifts to her stomach, and she lets out a shaky breath, making sure her voice is weak. "The baby... is my baby okay?"
Marco's jaw ticks. "The healer said you're fine. But what the f**k happened?"
Melissa exhales, her eyes flickering with hesitation—just enough to make it believable. She shifts slightly, adjusting her position as if in discomfort.
"It was Nana," she whispers.
The words hang in the
