Chapter-4 Abigail

I tightly shut my eyes and inhaled deeply, trying to steady myself as another burst of intense pain swept through me. Despite the joyous mood outside brought about by the ongoing Moon Festival - filled with laughter and cheerful tunes - I remained preoccupied with the unyielding discomfort coming from my lower belly.

Afflicted by wrenching cramp-like sensations, as if being struck in the womb, I doubled over, earnestly seeking some remedy. Regrettably, avoiding this cyclic predicament seemed unlikely now. As the Luna of the Silver Claw pack, I had duties to attend to so having a break was out of the question.

Frantically searching through drawers and cabinets, I rummaged around my bedroom, desperate for any form of ailment. My fingers brushed against empty containers that once held precious painkillers, now depleted due to my own carelessness. Panic set in; without medication, how will I make it through the night?

With heavy steps, I dragged myself towards Ethan's quarters. He served as both healer and confidante within our community, his wisdom extending beyond medical knowledge alone. If anyone could help alleviate my suffering, it would be him.

Upon entering Ethan's quarters, I was met with a sight of him attending to another member of our pack. They immediately ceased what they were doing and offered me a respectful greeting, acknowledging my status as their Luna. A sense of gratitude brimmed as I realized that despite being born into the lowest class of our society – an Omega – I had earned the respect of my peers.

Once we were alone, Ethan turned his attention toward me, "You don't need to explain." He said gently. 

His ability to discern others' needs without words always amazed me.

"The pain will only worsen if you continue taking birth control," he warned, handing me a cup containing a steaming concoction meant to provide temporary relief. Although apprehensive about its taste, I knew better than to question his methods.

Taking a cautious sip, I winced at the bitter flavor but forced myself to swallow down the entire contents. With each gulp, I hoped for the sweet release of relief from the throbbing ache consuming my body.

"Roy tried to rape me."

Ethan gaped at me, looking shocked and taken aback. Carelessly, he put the cup aside, almost forgetting about the brew meant to briefly soothe my suffering. An awkward stillness settled around us, interrupted by distant cheering floating in from the Moon Festivity outside.

"He's that desperate for an heir, huh?" He chuckled derisively. 

"Honestly, it isn't just 'about wanting' an heir. Just yesterday, he warned me that unless I get pregnant within half a year, he'd reject me as his mate."

Shock flickered across Ethan's face, replacing his previous nonchalance. 

"That bastard," he muttered under his breath, clenching his fists involuntarily.

"I need those contraceptives."

"But... Abby..." Ethan hesitated. "It's gonna worsen your pain and you might really become barren if you overdose it."

A sad smile slipped on my lips. "Nothing could be painful than having Roy's baby."

Slowly, he extended his hand and carefully cradled my face, his palm offering warmth and... peace. The tenderness reflected in his stare, touched me profoundly, sparking a sliver of optimism despite the abuse I endured for the past three years. 

"Abby, listen to me," he pleaded softly, "I've known you since we were kids... you used to be so cheerful, now you look..."

"...Like I've been run over by a truckload of troubles and left to die a slow death?" I suggested, completing Ethan's thought. 

A humorless snicker left my lips as I pulled away from his touch, averting my gaze from the pity lingering in his eyes.

Living with Roy had taken a toll on me, eroding my spirit bit by bit until nothing was left but a hollow shell masquerading as the vibrant young wolf I once was. No amount of concealer could hide the dark circles underlining my eyes, nor could any number of smiles disguise the emptiness gnawing away at my soul.

I lowered my gaze, focusing on the worn floorboards beneath us rather than meeting Ethan's concerned stare. My heart pounded in my ears as I prepared to reveal yet another hidden truth about myself. Confessing my relationship with Roy was one thing; admitting my growing closeness with Ethan felt like opening Pandora's Box.

"I got something I really need to get off my chest. I've been sitting on this for a while now 'cause I didn't wanna weigh you down or anything, or mess up what we got going on between us."

My heartbeat quickened as I waited anxiously for him to go on. We sat in silence, save for the faint sounds of celebration drifting in from outside. Finally, he continued, speaking slowly and deliberately.

"Over the years, while caring for your injuries and listening to your struggles, I couldn've never imagined developing such strong feelings for you. Yet here I am."

The room grew quieter, if possible, and my chest tightened as I absorbed his words. After a few moments, I managed to reply, "Ethan... we can't."

So there I was, face-to-face with Ethan, when he suddenly closed the gap and kissed me. Caught off guard, I just stood there frozen for a second, trying to process what was happening. But then, before I knew it, my body took over, responding to the kiss, letting the heat from his lips stir up all those feelings I thought I had tucked away.

For a second there, everything else faded away—the hurt, the noise from the festival outside, even thinking about Roy. It was just Ethan and this soft, tender kiss that somehow managed to fill the void left by Roy's abuse. When we pulled back, both out of breath, I could feel these tears welling up in the corners of my eyes.

"I'm sorry," Ethan murmured, pulling away slightly. "I shouldn't have done that."

But I shook my head, wiping away the tears. "No, don't apologize. Please...don't ever apologize for showing me kindness. Not after everything I've been through."

After that response, Ethan seemed relieved. He gently traced the line of my jaw with his thumb while leaning in closer.

When his lips met mine this time, there were no surprises or hesitations. Instead, I relaxed into the kiss, letting it drive away the lingering darkness that had plagued me for so long. He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me closer and surrounding me with warmth and security. It was the first time in years that I felt valued, not just for who I was expected to be or what I could be used for, but merely for being myself.