Chapter 38 – Guarded Joy

(Ella’s POV)

The first rays of the morning sun that spilled into my room, painted everything in soft gold. I sat on the edge of the bed, my hands resting over my stomach, feeling the subtle warmth that had begun to settle there. The knowledge of the life growing within me had overnight changed the way I saw the world. Every breath felt heavier, more significant, and yet, somehow, it felt lighter at the same time.

I traced invisible lines across my skin, fingers lingering where the bond pulsed faintly against me. Cole’s emotions pressed at the edges of my awareness, restless, chaotic, tangled with guilt and longing. But I pushed them aside. This morning was all mine. My world. And the little life I carried deserved my attention, not the tumult of a man who had yet to choose between me and his regrets.

Rising, I moved to the small mirror near the window. My reflection looked pale, weary, but my eyes held a spark I hadn’t seen in months. Strength. Determination. A quiet joy that came not from Cole, nor from the approval of the pack, but from the knowledge that I was creating something pure and untainted by the chaos surrounding us.

“I will always protect you,” I whispered to the child within me. “No matter what comes, I promise you that.”

Breakfast was a quiet affair. The hall was alive with murmurs, the rustle of silver and leather, the scent of cooked meat and bread. I kept my eyes low, sensing the faint pull of curiosity and caution from those around me. Some whispered behind hands, guessing at my mood, perhaps noticing the subtle shift in the curve of my waist or the way I carried myself with a careful grace.

Mia and Jasper were my anchors. Mia caught my hand under the table, squeezing it in silent reassurance, while Jasper slid a folded note my way: You carry more than just yourself now. They can whisper all they want—your strength is already becoming visible.

I smiled faintly, grateful. Their presence reminded me that even in the shadows, there were allies who saw beyond appearances. They didn’t know about the pregnancy yet, and as at now, I wanted it to remain that way. I would reveal nothing until I was ready. This child, this life, was my secret to guard.

Across the hall, Sasha’s eyes lingered on me, this time longer than usual. Her smirk faltered, replaced by a flicker of suspicion. Perhaps she sensed the shift in me or the subtle aura of resilience that radiated from me like the first rays of dawn piercing the forest canopy.

Good. Let her keep wondering.

By mid-morning, I had retreated to my room with my sketchbook and journal. I traced lines across the page, drawing wildflowers once again—tall, strong, upright, reaching toward the sky without fear. Today, they were different. They had buds that suggested growth, promise, and life yet to bloom. Just like me.

I wrote furiously in my journal, thoughts spilling onto the paper: I am strong. I am independent. I will protect this life. I will not be broken. The words felt heavier than ink; they were vows made, promises, shields forged in solitude and determination.

I allowed myself a brief moment to imagine what the future would look like. A small cabin in the woods, laughter echoing through the trees, a life untouched by all of Sasha’s schemes, a child growing in safety, surrounded by love and guidance. The fantasy was fragile, but it still existed within me and that was enough to kindle hope in me.

The bond stirred faintly, it carried Cole’s distant emotions. It was a mixture of irritation, confusion, and lingering obsession with Sasha. I pressed my hand to my stomach and inhaled deeply, steadying myself. Yes, I know he is part of mine and this child’s life, but I won’t allow him to dictate my choices.

I allowed a small smile to tug at my lips. Let him swirl in his chaos. Now, I had found my own strength, my own purpose. The child I carried would only know safety, love, and guidance even if it’s father faltered.

I spent the afternoon preparing in practical ways. I reorganized my room, clearing space for what would inevitably become some sort of nursery. I gathered herbs that had been recommended by Marcus. He recommended them to me for balance and health, and I tucked them carefully into small jars. Every careful action was a statement, a declaration that I was capable, independent, and ready to guard the life that has been entrusted to me.

I even began a modest training routine, lighter than before, mindful of the growing life within me. Each movement was deliberate, strengthening not just my body, but my resolve. This child would inherit my resilience. This child would inherit strength. And I would see that, that comes to pass.

The evening approached, bringing the silvered light of the moon through my window. I stepped outside, the cool night air brushing my skin, carrying the scent of pine and earth. The forest stretched before me, tranquil yet alive, shadows dancing across the undergrowth.

I sat on a low stone, my hands resting gently over my stomach. The bond pulsed faintly against my chest, a reminder of Cole’s presence somewhere nearby, his emotions rippling against mine. But tonight, I ignored it. I let the forest cradle me, let the whisper of wind carry away any fear, doubt, and the lingering chaos.

“You will be safe,” I whispered into the night, voice soft, steady. “No one will touch you, not him, not Sasha, not the pack. You are mine to protect.”

The air carried my words, rustling leaves like gentle applause. I closed my eyes, letting the moonlight wash over me, feeling the life inside me respond in subtle flutters. Hope, small and fragile, blossomed in my chest alongside fear and anticipation.

I thought of Marcus and the lessons he had taught me, lessons about strength, resilience, and protecting what is yours. I thought of Mia and Jasper, unwavering allies even in a world that often felt treacherous. I thought of the child I now carried, and I knew that no matter what storms came my way, I would endure them all. I would thrive.

I traced my fingers along my stomach, pressing gently as if to communicate silently with the life within me. We got ourselves now. And we will face the world together as one.

For the first time in weeks, I allowed my smile to stretch across my face, it wasn’t forced, not fragile, but it was real. The world around me remained chaotic, unpredictable and dangerous but now I had found a center. A strong, unwavering center.

And in that quiet moment, under the silver gaze of the moon, I made a promise to myself and to the tiny life growing within me: We will survive this. We will grow. And we will be stronger than anyone expects us to be.

The bond throbbed faintly, a reminder of Cole, of fate, and the chaos still to come. But tonight, it was all faded to background noise. Tonight, I was the protector. Tonight, I was the strength and the anchor.

And tomorrow… tomorrow, we would continue.