CHAPTER 9

XAVIER'S POV

I narrowed my eyes, inspecting the markings on the wooden bow in my hands. It would do.

A small exhale left me as I set it down and wiped my hands with a clean cloth. The perfect gift for her… if she would accept it. The soft click of the door pulled my attention instantly.

I turned sharply.

The room was dim, shadows stretching across the walls—but I could make out a figure standing by the entrance.

Mia.

My brows drew together. Why is she here… this early? I moved toward her slowly. Something was wrong.

Her eyes were open… but unfocused. Blank. She wasn’t seeing me. Heat radiated from her body, and beads of sweat clung to her skin.

Sleepwalking.

“It… hurts,” she whispered weakly. “Everywhere…”

“Mia.”

I reached her just as her body gave out. She collapsed into my arms. I caught her quickly, lifting her with ease and placing her gently on the bed.

“Mia,” I called, shaking her lightly.

She gasped suddenly, her eyes snapping open. The moment she saw me, she screamed and scrambled back.

“What are you doing?!”

“You came here on your own,” I said calmly. “You were sleepwalking.”

She frowned, wrapping her arms tightly around herself. I handed her a glass of water.

“Drink.”

She hesitated… then took it, sipping slowly.

“I couldn’t breathe,” she murmured. “I couldn’t sleep either. The pain… it started again.”

“How do you feel now?”

Her eyes flickered to mine before she quickly looked away.

“It’s gone,” she said. “I can leave now.”

I reached for her hand before she could move.

“Wait.”

She stilled.

“I have something for you.”

I released her and walked to my desk, picking up the bow.

“I made this.”

She reached for it slowly, almost cautiously.

“Since your weapons were destroyed.”

Her fingers traced the wood.

“It’s… beautiful,” she whispered.

Her voice was softer now.

“When did you make this?”

“A few days ago. I finished it this morning.”

She tested the string, pulling it back slightly.

“It’s strong,” she said, a hint of surprise in her tone.

Then her expression shifted.

“What is it?” I asked.

Her eyes lifted to mine.

“You trust me with this?” she asked quietly. “You know what I am—”

“Respectfully,” I cut in gently, “I don’t care what you are.” I stepped closer. “I care about who you are, Mia Grey. I want to know who you are”

Silence.

She didn’t move.

Didn’t look away.

And for a moment… neither did I.

“I should go,” she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. She stood and handed the bow back—

then paused.

“No… I’ll keep it,” she added softly.

“Thank you.”

Before I could respond, she turned and walked out. I stood there long after she left. Something had changed. And I wasn’t sure if it was her…

Or me.

Just as she left, Ember slipped into the room quietly.

My back was turned, but I caught her scent instantly.

“You’re up early,” she said, her hands sliding over my bare back.

I turned to face her. “I could say the same for you. Shouldn’t you be in bed?”

My gaze flickered briefly to her stomach before returning to her face.

“I could be,” she said with a smirk, walking toward the bed. She slipped under the covers. “Here… with you.”

My jaw tightened. I walked over, grabbed a pillow from the bed, and turned away toward the couch.

Her smile faded.

“What are you doing, Xavier?”

“Going to sleep.”

“Xavier!” she snapped. “We need you… close.”

I glanced at her. She had a hand on her stomach, that familiar, pitiful expression already forming.

“If you don’t like it,” I said flatly, settling onto the couch, “you can leave.”

“You’re not being fair,” she said, her voice rising. “I didn’t get myself pregnant.”

I turned my head slightly.

“Did I?” I asked.

Her mouth fell open. I looked away before she could compose another act.

“I saw her leave your room just now,” Ember said sharply. “What was that about?”

“An Alpha spending time with his Luna,” I replied coldly. “When are you going to understand that, Ember?”

“Stop it!” she snapped. “What has she done to you?!”

I turned away, refusing to engage.

“You’ve changed, Xavier,” she continued, her voice shaking. “Why now? When we’re having a child together?”

In a second, I was in front of her. She gasped.

“Then tell me this,” I said, my voice low. “Why don’t I feel anything? No connection to that child.”

Her lips parted.

“Because you refuse to accept it!” she shot back.

“Bullshit.”

I stepped away again, running a hand through my hair. “Ember… I care about you. But I won’t accept something that doesn’t feel right. For your sake—tell me the truth.”

Silence.

“Is that child mine?”

“Yes!” she cried. “It’s yours! Your son!”

I stared at her for a long moment… then exhaled.

“Fine,” I muttered. “If that’s what you say.”

I turned and walked into the bathroom. Behind me, I heard things crashing—her usual outburst. I ignored it.

Until—

A scream. Not anger. Pain. Sharp and terrifying. I rushed out immediately.

“Ember—”

My words died in my throat.

Blood pooled beneath her.