One

“...but if God-forbid and some complications arise, your life will be at more risk, so I really suggest you…”

I was totally zoned off, lost in my shocked and speechless state. My hand was clasped over my mouth in disbelief. Dr. Bailey had just said some overwhelming and unbelievable news and I was still trying to get my head around it.

She said…congratulations, Luna Evangeline. You're three weeks pregnant.

I'd hate to believe it so quickly. Dr. Bailey was known for her sarcasm and wit. Her playful side was her strongest virtue. Maybe she was pulling my legs?

But God, why was my heart already racing in excitement? Why was I already feeling jittery, and why were my eyes already getting wet?

Unable to keep it in anymore, I suddenly squealed. She paused her serious monologue and laughed heartily at my chaotic excitement.

“Did you mean that?” I asked, my voice overwhelmed with happiness. “Please tell me you meant it.“

Because I'd definitely die if she said she was only joking. My heart already took the risk of believing it. I could never undo that.

“For the first time in a million years, Luna Evangeline, I'm not messing around. You're indeed pregnant. Your fetus is healthy. But I recommend —”

I cut her off with another squeal, and then I morphed into a crying mess, covering my face with my hands.

“Aww, Luna Evangeline. Don't be like that.” She stretched her hands on the table, smiling.

I placed mine on hers, trying to curb my tears. “I'm sorry. I'm just way too happy. I'm not sure how to properly show my emotions.”

Happy? Happy was an understatement. I was…over the full moon!

Eight years! Eight miserable, lonely, barren, ridiculed, rejected years! I was branded the ‘incompetent’ Luna because of my inability to give birth to a child.

I got ridiculed in public meetings. The Luna associations excommunicated me from their organisation because I wasn't worthy. I started avoiding public events because I couldn't handle the shame anymore.

Eight years of hellish living. I prayed relentlessly and cried to the moon goddess for this. And she answered. Bless her soul, she really did answer, just when I was already losing all hope.

“I know, Ma'am. Congratulations.” Dr. Bailey said heartily. “I bet your mate will be even happier when he hears about your pregnancy.”

Mentioning my mate killed every inch of excitement that was buzzing through my nerves a few seconds ago.

Brent. The only man I'll ever love. I had an intense crush on him during childhood. He was the Alpha's son and I was the poor Gamma's only daughter.

He never looked at me, not even once. He was way above my league and I knew that too well, so I never tried to be delusional. I never nursed the thought of him noticing me someday.

When he turned 18, he met his mate — she was everything I dreamt to be. Rich, bold, classy, and very beautiful. Every bit of my heart hurt when they had their mating ceremony but I forced myself to forget him.

It was working. I want to think it worked but then the tragedy befell her. She died and he was so broken.

He never smiled again. He became cold as ice, blunt, ruthless. And just like that, every bit of feelings I ever harbored for him returned. I wanted nothing but to be by his side and restore his glow. My heart ached watching him suffer.

The Pack hosted a competition for every unmated female, the winner would become Luna and his mate.

You best believe I gave my all in the competition so I wasn't very surprised when I won.

I became Brent's Mate. I became the mate to the man I've had the deepest feelings for.

He was cold to me. He never bothered to try with me. I swallowed every insult and mistreatment because I loved him so much and knew he was that way because he lost a strong bond.

But when the mistreatment continued for years, I was hit by the painful truth that he hated me. He detested me for real, and no amount of care from me would make him change that.

Though, I've always hoped a child would definitely make a difference. If I gave him a son, it'd definitely warm up his cold heart. The main reason why I've been pinning and begging for a child.

But now, the thought of telling him about this pregnancy didn't excite me very much. On the contrary, it terrified me.

What if he doesn't like the fact that I'm pregnant? What if he yells at me again and calls me demeaning names?

“We could call him right now and share the news with him together,” Dr. Bailey was saying, jolting me out of my thoughts.

“No!” I blurted out, putting out a hand to stop her from reaching for her phone. “Thank you so much but I'd prefer telling him myself.”

I sounded nervous and she must have found it a bit surprising because her brows just shot up.

Smiling, I tried easing the weird situation. “I just wanna make the moment special when I tell him. Don't ruin it for me”

She laughed. “Alright, you win.” Then all of a sudden, she was serious again. “I know you've wanted this child for a long time and you'd do anything to keep it safe…”

“Yes,” I nodded firmly.

“I know that. But Luna Evangeline, you have a weak uterus. The safest option would be for you not to give birth at all. It's too much strain for it. But since you're already pregnant, I'd really recommend that you come here every day for checkups. Please, it's important.”

I nodded. “Of course, I'll be here.”

“No, you don't understand.” Her face tightened even more, and her voice dropped into a whisper. “If things get complicated, there's a bigger chance you're gonna die. Either after giving birth to the child, or before that. But you might not be able to handle half the pain and it might kill you.”

I froze. Slowly, I touched my stomach. I could…die from giving birth to a child I've longed for all my life?