She is Pregnant

Scarlett's POV:

The empty medicine bottle mocked me from my trembling hands. My chest tightened as another wave of pain hit - I had no choice but to visit Dr. Kane for more medicine.

I pulled myself together, checking my reflection in the mirror. The black veins were barely visible under my high-necked blouse. Perfect. The last thing I needed was for anyone to notice my condition.

The hospital's antiseptic smell hit me as I walked through the entrance. I was heading toward Dr. Kane's office when familiar voices stopped me in my tracks.

"Are you sure you're feeling alright?" Lucian's voice, tinged with concern. "Maybe we should get a second opinion."

My heart dropped as I peered around the corner. There stood my mate, hovering over Lily, who sat in one of the waiting room chairs outside the maternity ward.

I slowly walked out, Lucien was the first to notice me. His expression was tense for a moment, but when he saw my calm expression, I could feel him immediately relax. "Scarlett? Darling, what are you doing here? Are you not feeling well?"

The genuine concern in his voice made my heart ache. Even now, he could be so gentle with me.

"I just came for a routine checkup," I said softly, maintaining my usual calm smile.

Lily's hand rested on her stomach as she looked up. "Oh, Luna Scarlett! What perfect timing."

Lucian quickly stepped forward to explain. "I bumped into Lily on my way to the pack hall. She wasn't feeling well, so I offered to accompany her to the hospital. I should have called you."

"It's alright," I said, keeping my voice steady. "You were being kind."

"Actually, Luna Scarlett," Lily's eyes gleamed with barely concealed triumph. "I have wonderful news! I just found out I'm pregnant. About a month along now."

The world is once again dangerously tilting and swaying. A month, a month! I thought it was when Lucian and I were celebrating our wedding anniversary, but their affair happened even earlier, during the time when Lucian went to the Shadow Pack on a visit, or when he attended the Wolves' Union Reunion? My heart is in turmoil, but I remained composed, my years of practice helping me maintain a calm expression.

"I hope you don't mind that I borrowed your husband," Lily continued sweetly. "I was feeling so unwell, and he was kind enough to help."

I saw Lucian's jaw tighten at her words. He moved closer to me, his hand finding the small of my back protectively.

"Scarlett," he said softly. "Let me take you to your appointment. We can talk about-"

A high-pitched shriek cut through the air. We turned to see Lily pressing herself against the wall, pointing at something on the floor.

A small, scruffy puppy had wandered into the waiting area. Its brown fur was matted, but its eyes were bright and hopeful as it wagged its tail.

"Get it away!" Lily wailed. "That filthy thing just jumped out at me! I could have fallen!"

The puppy approached me hesitantly. Without thinking, I knelt down to greet it.

"Careful, love," Lucian said, his hand squeezing my shoulder gently.

"It's just a puppy,Oh Lily, I didn't expect you, a female wolf, to be afraid of such a small dog." I said, with a sarcastic tone, while scratching behind its ear. The little thing pressed into my touch, starved for affection.

Lily's face twisted with disdain. "Well, I suppose it makes sense that you'd bond with a common dog. After all, you don't have a wolf of your own to connect with."

I felt Lucian tense beside me, but I placed a calming hand on his arm. "It's alright," I murmured.

"No, it's not," he growled. "Lily, apologize. Now."

"I was just saying what everyone thinks," Lily protested, hands protectively over her stomach. "A Luna without a wolf might as well keep dogs for company."

The puppy whined softly, sensing the tension. I gathered it into my arms, taking comfort in its warmth.

"I'll take care of this little one," I said quietly. "Better a loyal dog than no companion at all."

"Scarlett-" Lucian started, his voice pained.

"Please," I interrupted gently. "Take Lily home. She needs rest in her condition."

"But Luna," Lily simpered. "You can't possibly keep that stray. What will the pack think?"

"I don't mind what they think," I said, my smile never wavering. "Some of us don't need to prove our worth through others' opinions."

Lucian's eyes searched my face. Even now, after everything, he could still read the pain behind my calm exterior.

"Let me help you first," he insisted. "Lily can wait a few minutes."

"Alpha," Lily's voice turned pleading. "I'm feeling faint again. Please..."

I stepped back, maintaining my serene expression. "Go on, Lucian. I'll be fine."

"Scarlett," he caught my free hand, his thumb brushing over my ring. "We need to talk later."

"Of course," I agreed softly. "When you have time."

The curse pulsed beneath my skin, but I kept my smile in place as I watched him lead Lily away. Only when they disappeared around the corner did I let my shoulders sag.

"Luna Scarlett!" Dr. Kane's voice made me turn. "Your medicine-"

"Thank you," I said.

"However, I still suggest you do another check-up." Dr. Kane said looking at my expression.

"I'll come back tomorrow," I said quickly. "Please, I just need to go home now."

The puppy nuzzled my neck as I carried it to my car. Its presence was oddly comforting - a simple, uncomplicated love that asked nothing in return.

As I drove home, I couldn't help but wonder about the cruelty of fate. Here I was, dying slowly from a curse I took to save Lucian, while he created new life with another woman.

The puppy settled in my lap, its warmth steady against my trembling hands.It looked at me with big wet eyes and trust in them.

"I'll call you Bobby from now on." I held both of its little paws.

He wagged his tail at me cheerfully, and it was obvious he liked the name too.

"At least you're honest," I whispered to it. "No pretending or hidden agendas."

It didn't understand my meaning, but it still licked my fingers and rubbed its little head in my palm.

The curse's darkness pulsed beneath my skin, In my study, I pulled out fresh paper. Another letter needed to be written.

Bobby curled up at my feet as I began to write, its presence a silent comfort. Maybe this was what I needed - not a wolf's power, but a dog's simple, faithful love.

When I finished writing the letter, my phone alerted me that I had received a message. When I saw the content of the message, I felt my blood rushing to my head again.