Chapter 2
1199 Words
Elena's Pov.
I said under my breath, "I'm pregnant," finding it difficult to say. "I don't think I can keep doing this."
Joyce stood motionless, staring at me in astonishment as she gasped and put her hand to her lips. "Oh my God, does Jackson know about this?"
I gave a headshake. "Not really, because I have to keep it a secret from him because he rejected me without telling me."
"There's no reason to keep it from him when he isn't the cause of your pregnancy." Before continuing, she took a moment to look at me. "Or is that him?"
"Jackson is the only person they have ever mated with, so he is the only one accountable."
Her gaze grew anxious. "This alters everything, Elena. With a baby, you cannot go out there by yourself.
"I have no other option," I answered, my voice shaking. "I must keep my child safe."
Joyce tightened her hold on my arm.
"You're not by yourself. Together, we'll solve this, and I'll assist you.
I felt an overwhelming sense of thankfulness as I gazed into her eyes. "Thank you, Joyce, but since this is your home, I can't ask you to leave the pack."
"Anything that happens to you happens to me; it's not my home, especially when you're living with the pack and getting hurt in the same pack."
As I breathed them in to feel satisfied, my world fell apart with my breath. "I know how honest and ready you are, but I can't let you risk your life for my sake" .
She gave a headshake. "Elena, you are my family. And family members stay together and reside together.
I nodded, my eyes starting to flood up with tears again. I said in a whisper, "Thank you."
I never wanted her to put herself in danger for me, so I left her and the pack behind and headed into the woods.
She still has more important things to do than fleeing the flock because of me.
I had to live for my child, even though I had no idea what the future contained. and overcomes any obstacles life throws at you.
However, when I approached the boundary of a territory, a terrifying notion occurred to me, causing a complex mixture of anguish and anxiety.
What would happen if Jackson learnt about the baby? Would he pursue us? Or would he desert us once more?
I tightened my hand, bracing myself for whatever lay ahead. As I crossed the border into the unknown, I sensed that this was only the beginning of something greater than I could have ever imagined, but I couldn't allow fear to rule me.
I turned and started to walk while carrying a big load. I had left the pack home with the weight of my decision, and nobody could ever stop me.
In stark contrast to the searing ache in my chest, the night air was chilly. My heart ached with each step I took away from the pack.
Regardless of the situation, I had to continue. To beat the wind, I must have strength.
I muttered to myself, "I'll be alright," believing that if I repeated it often enough, I might begin to believe it.
After a few hours, memories began to torment me. I was really moved by this, and even though my leg hurt, I was unable to stop.
I didn't know where I was headed, but I had to keep going.
The silence was abruptly broken by a voice. From behind me, a deep voice hissed, "You shouldn't be out here alone."
I whirled around, looking around, and it appeared as though something invisible was holding me. I caught sight of a silhouette emerging from the darkness.
There was something about him that made the hair on my spine rise up, and his menacing presence was overwhelming.
"Who are you?" Despite my nervousness, I asked in a calm voice.
"What are you doing here?" is a question I should be asking you. His eyes narrowed as he examined me in response. "Are you not from Jackson's pack?"
I forced myself not to reveal my dread as I swallowed. "I was," I answered, raising my chin. "But I am no longer."
The man moved in closer, staring at me like he was about to assault or rip me to pieces. Wandering by yourself is risky, especially for someone like you. From what are you fleeing?
"I wonder why you will stop someone and start asking some annoying questions when that is none of your business." I stepped back and snapped. "Just so you know, I am living, not running."
A grin appeared on his face. "It doesn't matter if you run or leave. You're carrying more than yourself, though, aren't you?
I went cold. How was he aware? Instinctively, my hand went to cover my stomach, but it was too late. The movement had already captured his attention.
He replied, "You’re pregnant," in a softer tone now, as though he felt sorry for me.
I balled my fists up. "That doesn’t concern you."
His voice was low as he questioned, "Does Jackson know?"
I gave him a scowl. "No. And it will remain that way.
He arched an eyebrow. You intend to raise a child by yourself, then? Here outside? Away from your family and your pack?"
I shot back, "I don’t need anyone," but uncertainty began to creep in. Would I be able to handle this on my own? I had nowhere to go, no plan, and no one. But I had to hide my weakness from this stranger.
After a minute, he said, "You're strong." "But you’re also stubborn."
I said, "I'll take that as a compliment."
He shook his head and laughed. "Out here, you'll need more than just tenacity and strength. The outside world is hard, particularly for a wolf that is pregnant.
"I’ll survive," I murmured, averting my eyes from him.
He called after me and asked, "And your child?"
His comments struck me more forcefully than I cared to acknowledge, and I came to a halt. I hadn't considered the kind of life I could provide for my child because I had been so preoccupied with getting away. Would it suffice? Could I keep them safe?
I muttered, more to myself than to him, "I'll protect them."
The man replied, "Elena, you're running from a lot more than just a broken heart," his voice now closer. "But you can’t run forever."
With a burning determination in my chest, I turned to face him. "I won't run indefinitely. I'm beginning anew.
He gave me a long look before gently nodding. "I'll give you that you're brave. But you'll require assistance.
"I don’t need anyone," I said again, but it sounded vacuous.
"Everyone needs someone," he said quietly in response.
His comments hung in the air as I turned and left, uncertainties rushing through my head. Would I be able to handle this on my own? Would I be able to raise this child alone? Or had I made the worst decision of my life by abandoning the pack and isolating myself from those who could support me?
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