14

Lilith’s POV

Five months later…

“Talia, run a bath for me. I think I’m ready to shower now,” I said, resting on the bed with my heavy stomach and a novel in hand.

“I’m on it, Princess,” she replied, rushing with buckets of hot water.

I tried to push myself up.

“Princess, please wait—I’ll help you when I’m done!” she cried, nearly panicked.

“I’m fine, Talia. I can stand on my own.” I chuckled. Why were they treating me like I was sick?

“Please, let me do my job. Luna Rachel told me not to let you stand alone.”

“I’m pregnant, not sick.” I laughed, sitting upright.

It was my fifth month with Alpha Rowan’s first child, and the pack’s expectations were sky-high.

For the first time in my life, I felt important. Luna Rachel pampered me endlessly since the pregnancy was confirmed. I did almost nothing, cautious only of getting fat from all the food.

Alpha Rowan was excited, though distant. I once overheard him scolding Beta Cole for running his mouth, warning him it could land him in prison. Since then, they have been tense with each other.

Rowan often brushed against me despite Rachel’s worries, but when I pulled away, he gave me space. Still, I sometimes caught him struggling against the mate bond, and I wondered if it was as strong as people claimed.

I’d never had a wolf, but from my past “mates,” I knew it wasn’t something easily ignored. And unfortunately, he couldn't reject me as this bond was crucial if the cub was to survive.

“Lilith!” Luna Rachel’s voice burst from the doorway. She rushed in, horrified.

“Talia! Why would you let her...Talia!” In a heartbeat, she was by my side, propping pillows behind me and adjusting my legs.

“Yes, Luna.” Talia came running from the bathroom, drenched and looking guilty.

“Luna, I told her to prepare a bath, and I could stand on my own.” I defended her, but Rachel ignored me.

“Lilith, stay out of this. I gave her strict orders. She knows there is punishment for when she doesn't follow orders.” Rachel’s tone was sharp, and I felt anger stir in me.

“I’m sorry, Luna,” Talia whispered, her eyes were already wet as she bowed.

Her expression reminded me of myself months ago, punished for things beyond my control, taking blame for things I didn't do.

“No, she won’t be punished. I just told you—”

“Lilith, stay out of this.” Rachel cut me off, her voice hard. “I’ll get another maid to do the rest. Talia, to the red room.”

I had passed by the so-called red room a few times and the sounds of screams I heard from it was not one I planned on letting Talia go through.

The image of her face when she explained what transpired in that room broke my heart. Dread.

I pushed myself off the bed. She reached to help, but I brushed her hand away, only to be struck by a sharp pain in my stomach.

“Are you okay?” she asked, alarmed.

I ignored her. “Talia isn’t going anywhere,” I managed, clutching my stomach.

“Lilith…” Rachel’s voice carried a warning edge.

It was the first time she had raised her voice at me since my pregnancy.

“Blood!” Talia gasped from the doorway, eyes wide.

Another pain ripped through me.

“Blood, Luna! Blood!” she screamed, pointing at the red stains spreading across my bed.

I turned and saw the crimson soaking my nightgown. I screamed.

Rachel rushed out, shouting orders. “Help her! Carry her! Call your Alpha!”

The pain blinded me and my head began banging as blood surged through me. My scream had died on my lips and I was struggling to breathe.

 By the time I was laid on a bed, I realized I was at Doctor Harry’s. My vision blurred as I fought to stay conscious.

“Everyone out, just the Luna and Talia!” Harry’s voice cut through and I could hear the guards and other wolves rush out, closing the door behind him.

“Moon Goddess, don’t fail me,” I prayed faintly.

“What happened?” he demanded of Luna Rachel and Talia.

“I told Talia to never let her stand alone, but I found her trying to sit up on her own.” Rachel explained quickly, exaggerating the last part like it was a crime.

“Any other strain?”

“No,” Talia answered.

“Any arguments? Fights? Disagreements?”

Silence.

“I can’t help her if you don’t tell me the truth!” Doctor Harry snapped.

“Yes, we argued. She raised her voice, but it was nothing serious—”

“Leave us,” Harry ordered, rushing to my side as they left.

He gripped my cold hand. “Hey. How are you feeling?”

“Pain,” I whispered. “That’s all I feel. Please, make it stop.” Tears slid down my cheeks.

“I will. Just breathe with me.” He inhaled deeply until I followed.

“Where is she? Is she okay? Where is the baby?” Alpha Rowan’s voice thundered outside while Doctor Harry moved to examine me.

"Let me in, Lilith. Open up." He said, tapping my legs softly and I grunted, forcing myself to pull them open as I strained to watch the amount of blood that was still flowing out of me.

"Look away, Lilith. Look away." He coerced.

A knock sounded on the door and Alpha Rowan's voice followed. "Doc, is she okay? How is the baby? I came as soon as I heard."

"No one is allowed in, Alpha. I'll be with you soon." 

He said while focusing on me and I watched as his expression darkened.

“Is the baby okay?” I gasped, breath ragged.

“I’m sorry, Lilith,” he said gently. “We’ve lost this one.”