18

Lilith’s POV

I waited quietly for Alpha Rowan to come in since I couldn’t see the door from where I lay.

When he stepped in, I felt him. This was different, it wasn’t just knowing, it was a pull, like he was part of me.

Was this the bond people spoke of between mates? Was this how he felt whenever I was near?

I wanted to cry. This was the closest I had ever come to feeling like a complete wolf.

Moments later, Talia shifted slowly, and his face appeared beside me. He took my hands in his, and the contact stirred fire within me.

What was this?

"Hey," he whispered softly, crouching low so his eyes met mine. "Are you okay?"

I nodded, tears sliding down my face. The feeling was whole, complete, like I’d found someone who could carry my pain with me.

"Don’t cry, please. My heart hurts when you do," Rowan whispered, wiping away my tears.

I sniffed, forcing a smile. "I’m not crying. I’m happy."

He kissed the back of my hand, and my body only grew hotter. I wanted him to hold me, to touch me—anything.

"Is she okay?" he asked Dr. Harry, finally looking away.

I didn’t catch the answer. My eyes were fixed on his, on his chiseled jaw, the brown eyes I once thought were black, the way he licked his lips and left them glistening.

"Her womb is fine, Alpha. Only because she’s strong. That pregnancy was risky," Harry said. Rowan nodded and squeezed my hand tighter.

"Thank you," he whispered, returning his gaze to me. "Thank you for being strong, Lilith."

Lilith.

My name on his lips sounded like the most romantic thing I had ever heard. I smiled, even through the turmoil.

"And about your brother and mother," his eyes darkened. "Did you really hear everything?"

I sighed, nodding. "Everything."

"I confirmed it too," Dr. Harry added. Rowan shut his eyes briefly, then turned back to me.

"I didn’t mean for you to hear all that, not after everything you’ve endured. I thought—" he faltered, stuttering.

I shook my head, calming him. "I know. Dr. Harry explained. It’s fine."

Relief washed over his face, but then his shoulders tensed again.

"What’s wrong?" I asked, the moment he pulled his hand from mine and muttered, "Sh*t."

The bond. He wasn’t happy I could feel it.

"What is it, Alpha?" Harry asked.

"Rachel." His voice was tight.

We all froze.

"What about her?" Harry asked, echoing my thoughts.

"This room is soundproof, right? No one can hear outside?" Rowan asked.

Harry nodded.

"Good. Then this stays between us. Talia," Rowan turned to her.

I stepped in quickly. "She won’t tell a soul."

Talia nodded, fear flickering across her face.

"But why?" I asked.

"If Rachel found out, she’d push me to reject you. She wouldn’t care if it ruined our chances," Rowan said.

Harry added, "Exactly. Better she doesn’t know."

"I understand." I turned to Talia. She mimed zipping her lips and tossing away the key.

I smiled. "Then we’re safe."

"Which means," Rowan said, "you act the same as before. Nothing changes."

"I understand," I whispered.

"But how? How did this bond even happen?" He pulled a chair closer, reclaiming my hands, but his eyes were on Harry.

Harry hesitated. "I can’t say for sure. But likely the baby. Putting a royal inside a—" He faltered, unsure what to call me.

"You can say lowlife. It’s fine," I joked.

Harry glared, correcting himself. "Non-royal. Better."

I laughed, strangely happy.

"The baby could’ve sent a surge of power into her, which explains this bond. Reverse the roles, though, and I doubt it would work. Still, there’s a chance."

"So she can still try again?" Rowan pressed. "If not, we’ll find someone else. I don’t want her hurt."

Panic shot through me. "No! I can. I’ll try again, right, Doctor?" I pleaded with my eyes.

Harry looked at me, then nodded. "Yes, she can. The power is still there."

Relief flooded me. If I lost my role as surrogate, I was useless again. Worse—if Rachel discovered anything between Rowan and me.

Trouble. Too much trouble.

"Do you think it’s permanent?" Rowan asked.

Harry shook his head. "Unlikely. It may linger since she carried for five months, but another pregnancy is the only way to boost it again."

"Then we can do this," Rowan said firmly.

I nodded, though my chest was heavy.

"Where’s Luna?" I asked.

"I sent her to rest. She felt guilty for arguing with you," he replied.

I nodded slowly.

"I’ll leave you two. I’ll be in my office," Harry said, heading for the door.

I felt Rowan’s finger slide across my hand. My breath hitched.

Was he doing that on purpose? I dared not look at him to confirm.

"Doctor, may I sit up?" I asked before Harry left.

He raised a brow, thought for a moment, then nodded. "Yes. You’re healing faster thanks to the surge. Talia, help her." He stepped out.

Talia came over with a smile. "Still in pain?"

I shrugged. A moment ago I’d been groaning. Now, the pain was dull and bearable. "I’m fine. Help me."

Together with Rowan, she eased me upright.

Strength returned, faint but steady.

"Do you think this could force my wolf out?" I asked Rowan.

He shrugged, still tracing my hand. "Not strong enough, but if you carry it again, maybe."

I looked into his eyes and felt trapped. Terror gripped me, I couldn’t move without touching him.

"Talia, make lunch for us," Rowan dismissed her.

She bowed, stepping out. His eyes followed her until the door closed.

Then they locked on me.

Before I could speak, his lips crashed against mine, fierce and starving.