Chapter 8: The DNA Result

LORA

So here's the thing about flying cross-country with a distinguished and famous elderly doctor who smells like expensive cologne and medical antiseptic - it's awkward as hell, especially when you're pretty sure he has some level of power over medical decisions.

Dr. Gray looked like he belonged in some fancy medical drama, all silver hair and kind eyes behind wire-rimmed glasses, but I knew he wasn't just any doctor. This was Erin's personal physician, the one who handled "sensitive matters" for the werewolf royal family. Which apparently now includes my son

"Ms Blake," he said gently as our plane descended into Portland, "I want you to know that this procedure is completely routine. A simple saliva swab, nothing invasive."

"Yeah, well, nothing about this situation is routine," I muttered, bouncing my knee nervously while Alex, whom I'd picked up earlier to avoid delay, colored in his dinosaur book next to me—completely oblivious to the fact that his entire future was about to be decided by some spit in a tube.

The thing is, I knew what the results would be. Had known from the moment I saw those golden eyes staring back at me from Erin's face. But knowing something and having it legally confirmed are two very different things, though.

Alex looked up at Dr Gray with that fearless curiosity that made my heart clench. "Are you gonna make me better, mister?"

"You're not sick, sweetheart." Dr Gray's voice was genuinely warm. "I just need to see something very quickly. Like when the dentist counts your teeth."

"I have ALL my teeth," Alex announced proudly, opening his mouth wide to prove it.

Despite everything, I almost smiled. My kid was tough as nails, rolling with every weird situation life threw at us like it was just another adventure. Which... I guess in his world, it kind of was.

The medical facility Dr Gray chose was discreet - some private clinic in downtown Portland that probably charged more for a checkup than most people can afford. 

We entered the modern examination hall, where Alex immediately started touching everything, while I tried not to worry.

"Mummy, why is your heart beating so fast?" Alex asked suddenly, and I realized that he could hear it. Werewolf senses and all that.

"Just... nervous, baby. Like when you go to a new playground."

"But it is not a playground, it is boring." He made a face at the sterile white walls. "No swinging."

"There is a beautiful park across the road. If you want, we can go after we finish here." Dr. Gray muttered.

"Can we, Mummy? Please?"

And in the same way, my three-year-old child had fully convinced the man who was about to change our whole life.

Story of my life, really

The actual test took maybe thirty seconds. Dr Gray was gentle and professional, making it seem like a game while he swabbed Alex's cheek. My son barely noticed, too interested in the stethoscope he'd been allowed to "examine"

"That's it," Dr Gray said, sealing the sample. "Results will be available within twenty-four hours."

Twenty-four hours to pretend my life wasn't about to implode

The flight back to New York was torture. Somewhere over Ohio, Alex fell asleep against my shoulder, his small breaths steady and trusting.

I spent the rest of the trip staring out the window, my mind tangled with thoughts of custody battles, werewolf law, and how I was supposed to protect my baby from it all.

I barely understood. I couldn’t leave him with Mrs. Chan anymore—I needed Alex as close to me as possible to avoid unforeseen circumstances.

My phone buzzed as we landed. Maya asked 

"How did it go, babe?"

Like having my soul extracted through my teeth, I texted back

That's good, huh?

Dr Gray was professional to the end, arranging our transportation back to my apartment and promising to call the moment the results were available. 

I thanked him because my mother raised me right, even when my entire world was falling apart

That night, Alex and I made grilled cheese sandwiches and watched Finding Nemo for the millionth time. Normal mom and kid stuff, except nothing felt normal anymore. 

Every time I looked at his golden eyes, I saw Erin, the future that is barreling toward us like a freight train

"Mommy," Alex said during the part where Nemo gets lost, "if daddy comes back, will you still be my mommy?"

The question hit like a physical blow, "Of course, baby. I'll always be your mom no matter what."

"Good," He snuggled closer. "I don't want another mom. Just daddy"

Jesus, this kid was going to kill me with his innocent honesty.

My phone rang at exactly 9 AM the next morning. Dr Gray's number.

"Ms Blake," his voice was gentle but formal. "The results are conclusive. 99.9% probability of paternity"

There it was. Official confirmation of what I'd known in my gut for three years

"I see." My voice sounded remarkably steady considering I felt like my heart was about to fall off my chest. "What happens now?"

"Lord Marrock will be in touch regarding next steps. I'm... I'm sorry, Ms Blake. I know this isn't easy."

After I hung up, I sat in my kitchen staring at my coffee mug, trying to process the fact that Alex is officially a Marrock heir. Third in line for some werewolf throne I didn't understand, target of political enemies I'd never heard of, and part of a world that could swallow us both whole

My phone buzzed. Text from Erin

"We need to talk. My office. One hour - E

No please, no consideration for my schedule or emotional state. Just a command like I was one of his employees

Well screw that.

“I'm not your employee. If you want to talk, we can do it on neutral ground - L

This isn't a negotiation, Lora - E

Everything is a negotiation when it comes to my son - L

Three dots appeared and then disappeared several times. At the end: Good. Coffee shop on 5th street. One hour – E.

I left Alex in a daycare, where the elderly woman in charge welcomed us with a kind smile. She asked the general questions – his name, any allergies, emergency contacts – before taking him in. With Alex in good hands, I felt like the most important meeting of my life.

When I got to the coffee shop, Erin was already there, looking like he was going for a photoshoot, even at ten in the morning.

"The result," he said without preamble, the moment I sat down.

"99.9%. Congratulations, you are now a father," my voice leveled, but my hands were shaking around my coffee cup.

"What now?"

"Now we discuss the future of Alex." He moved a manila envelope across the table. "My lawyers have prepared some documents."

I kept staring at the envelope as if it would bite me.

 "What kind of documents?"

"Custody arrangements. Financial support. Security protocols." His voice was all business, but I caught something else underneath. Relief maybe. Or possessio,n "He's my heir, Lora. That comes with responsibilities."

"He's my son," I shot back. "That comes with rights."

"Rights that are about to be challenged by werewolf law"

The words hung between us like a threat, and I realized with crystal clarity that everything had changed

Alex wasn't just my little boy anymore.

He was theirs too.

But no matter what it took, I'd always keep him by my side.

Losing him wasn't an option I'd ever accept. Werewolves or not.