04

Chapter 4

"Does it still hurt, sweetheart?" I asked Raven, gently peeling away the bandage. Five days ago, she'd been screaming in agony from a terrible burn. Now, her skin was smooth and flawless, the wound completely healed. The transformation was nothing short of miraculous.

Curtis, witnessing the sight, was speechless. "The healer said it would take two months for Raven's wounds to heal," he finally managed, his brow furrowed in disbelief. He'd seen the blister, the raw, angry redness. Now, there was only perfect skin.

Raven beamed, her pride evident. "Mom kept blowing on my wound, so the pain flew away and it dried up," she declared, her grin wide and triumphant. I chuckled, ruffling her hair.

"Raven healed so fast because she's a good girl and a strong baby, just like Mom and Dad!" I exclaimed, my voice brimming with pride and a touch of playful exaggeration. Of course, I'd used my own potent blend of medicinal herbs. I wouldn't have earned the title of Miracle Doctor at eighteen without considerable skill and talent.

Wounds like Raven's were simple for me to heal. More importantly, I could also fade the scars, a crucial detail since my children were omegas. Scars carried a significant social stigma for omegas, a burden I was determined to lift from their shoulders.

I envisioned their futures. When they grew up, their beauty would be legendary. Men would flock to them, captivated by their unique allure.

I gently traced Raven's delicate chin, marveling at her exquisite features. My children possessed an exceptional beauty and charisma, a testament to both my and Curtis's genes.

"Runa, don't push yourself too hard with the housework. If you're worried, the triplets are already helping, and I'll try to get home earlier to assist," Curtis said, his voice soft and reassuring. He was the best. Where did I find such an amazing husband?

A month passed, and my own body began to rebel. Restless energy thrummed through me. Sleep became a distant memory, replaced by persistent aches and a nagging discomfort low in my abdomen.

Pregnancy was supposed to be… normal. But this was beyond anything I’d anticipated. The discomfort was relentless, a constant, gnawing pressure.

Clutching my swollen belly, I paced the living room, unable to find a moment's peace. It felt like my insides were being relentlessly churned, a tempestuous storm brewing within.

"Baby, please give Mommy a break. I know you're eager to meet the world, but it's not quite time yet," I whispered, my voice soft but firm, addressing the little lives growing inside me.

"Alruna?"

I whirled around, startled, to see Curtis gently pushing aside the curtain. A wave of emotion crashed over me – exhaustion, fear, and a desperate need for comfort. Tears welled in my eyes.

"Why are you crying?"

Curtis rushed to my side. I collapsed into his arms, burying my face in his chest, sobbing uncontrollably. I couldn't explain it; the exhaustion, the pain, the hormonal roller coaster. Pregnancy had amplified my emotions, making me overly sensitive and prone to sudden shifts in mood.

—

Curtis remembered Alruna's pregnancies with the triplets. She'd been a tempestuous whirlwind, her emotions a volatile storm. There were times he'd felt utterly overwhelmed by her intensity.

But back then, Alruna had been outwardly expressive. Now, she was bottling it all up, her pain silent and internalized. He could only offer comfort, letting her cry and release the tension until she felt calmer.

"You're a beta, and Alruna is a pure-blooded omega. It's not uncommon for pure-blooded omegas to have difficult pregnancies with beta mates because betas can't fully mark omegas and transfer pheromones in the same way," Curtis explained softly, recalling information he'd learned during his studies. The physiological differences presented unique challenges.

Alruna demanded he join her in bed. He readily obeyed, and she immediately snuggled close, seeking the warmth and comfort of his body.

"Rub my belly and talk to them. They seem to calm down when they hear your voice," Alruna whispered, guiding his hand to her swollen abdomen, then pausing thoughtfully.

"Them?" Curtis repeated, his voice laced with a mixture of confusion and apprehension. Alruna looked up at him, her eyes shining with a mixture of excitement and anxiety.

"We're having twins," she announced. Curtis sat up abruptly, his surprise evident. "How do you know?"

"Because I'm the mother, and I feel two distinct heartbeats in my belly," I replied, a touch of exasperation coloring my voice. Curtis looked away, his expression a complex blend of concern and something else… a hint of apprehension or perhaps even disdain? Alruna's patience snapped. She playfully slapped his chest.

"You bastard! What's that look? Don't tell me you're worried about having two more mouths to feed? Don't worry, I'll get a job after the birth—"

"No! Don't overthink it. That's not what I'm thinking," Curtis interrupted, gently covering her mouth with his hand. Tears welled in Alruna's eyes, her gaze filled with a deep disappointment.

"What if they're girls? I won't be able to give you an alpha heir," Curtis whispered, his voice laced with a hint of anxiety, revealing a societal pressure he hadn't fully processed. Alruna roughly wiped her cheek, pulling away from his hand.

"Curtis, I've told you. I want a good life with you and the kids. Whether our children are omegas or betas, I don't care, as long as they're yours," she said firmly, her voice filled with a newfound strength and conviction. Her priorities were clear.

Alruna guided Curtis's hand back to her abdomen.

"Even if we don't have an alpha in the family, it's okay. I believe our life will still be wonderful. If they're omegas, I'll teach them healing; if they're betas, you'll teach them to be strong warriors like you, and good husbands," Alruna said, a soft smile gracing her lips. Then, she paused, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Hey! The babies stopped moving. Looks like they're eavesdropping on our conversation," she joked, her voice light and teasing, momentarily breaking the tension.

Curtis squeezed Alruna's hand tightly, his expression softening.

"I promise, for as long as I live, I will never let you experience injustice," he whispered, his voice filled with a depth of emotion that touched her deeply. She smiled, nodding her head, finding solace in his unwavering devotion.

That night, miraculously, Alruna slept soundly. Curtis spent the entire night gently stroking her belly, whispering soothing words and promises to their unborn children, offering comfort and reassurance.

When Alruna woke, it was noon. The restful sleep had worked wonders, leaving her in a significantly better mood.

"Alruna, Kara's scars are gone. They said you put something on them every night. What is it?" a neighbor called from outside.

Alruna looked towards the yard. It was their neighbor, a close friend of the triplets.

I approached, explaining that I'd created a cream from carefully selected herbs. I asked Raven to fetch the jar.

"It smells amazing. Did you make this yourself?" the neighbor asked, her eyes wide with wonder.

"Yes," I replied, a warm feeling spreading through me. The possibility of this becoming more than a hobby was exciting.

"Are you selling it, or still just making it for yourself? I'd love to buy some," she said enthusiastically. I smiled, shaking my head.

"Maybe after I give birth. I'm practically due any day now, and Curtis gets upset whenever he catches me moving around too much," I said, touching my cheek self-consciously. The woman laughed.

"Oh my, you're so lucky to have Curtis. He works even at night," she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration. She promised to buy some of the cream as soon as it was available.

It was incredibly encouraging. I hadn't even considered selling the cream yet, and already I had a customer.

Later, while tending my herb garden, I caught the familiar scent of an omega's pheromones. My brow furrowed as I looked towards the source.

An omega, accompanied by three betas and several other women, caught my eye. Her appearance was striking; clearly, she was an omega raised in the capital. She exuded an air of sophistication and privilege.

"Sister Alruna, is that you?"

It was Narah, the half-sister of the original Alruna. The memories flooded back: after I'd been given away and Narah banished, she'd become Faolan's favored omega.

They now had a child, rumored to be an alpha.

"What ill wind blew you here?" I asked coolly, as they approached my yard.

"Aren't you going to invite us in?" Narah asked, her tone laced with a hint of arrogance. I looked at her male companions, then back at her.

"If you intend to bring those men into my home, we'll talk here," I said firmly, setting a boundary.

Narah's expression soured.

"What's your problem? You're just a lowly omega, and your husband is a hunter. Don't act so high and mighty," Narah sneered, crossing her arms. A small crowd had gathered, their attention riveted on our exchange.

"As an omega myself, I'm ashamed that we share the same blood. You clearly don't understand the basic rules, considering you're from capital and had a superior education ," I retorted, my voice calm but sharp. I wasn't going to let her belittle me.

I noticed my neighbors trying to stifle their laughter.

"You! How dare you talk back to me! I'm the next queen, and my son is the prince!" Narah shrieked, her anger escalating. Her reasons were utterly unreasonable.

"Did you come here to fight with me? Or are you here to convince me to send Curtis back to the border to support the alpha?" I asked, my voice steady and unwavering.

Narah fell silent, her anger momentarily checked. I maintained a neutral expression, letting her know she was wasting her time.

"Don't you care about the people? We need men like Curtis at the border," Narah insisted, her voice sharp with urgency. I crossed my arms, leaning back slightly.

"We have an alpha in our village, and many people will be joining the border patrol. You don't need Curtis if you're just looking at numbers," I countered, my voice calm but firm. How exceptional did Curtis have to be for Faolan to be so desperate to take him away? They were acting as if the border's defense would crumble without him.

"If the king finds out about this, he won't be pleased," Narah threatened, her voice dripping with menace. I rolled my eyes, my patience wearing thin. "Go ahead and report me."

"You!" Narah pointed at me, her face contorted with rage.

"I doubt the king will insist on sending Curtis to the border without my permission. According to the rules, betas and alphas with more than two omegas in their family are exempt from military service," I stated, holding up three fingers.

"There are three omegas in this house, and that doesn't include me. Curtis will never go to the border without my permission, and I'm not giving it, especially since I'm pregnant," I added, my voice firm and unwavering. Narah's fury escalated. She threatened me again, promising retribution if anything happened to Faolan.

"If he dies in battle, it's his own fault. He's weak," I retorted, my voice cold and devoid of emotion.

To my shock, Narah shoved me violently. I fell to the ground, a sharp pain lancing through my side. Kara screamed.

"Mom!"

My stomach hit the hard-packed stone. Terror seized me as I saw blood welling up and a searing pain radiating from my side.

"No… no, my babies," I whispered, my voice filled with dread. I heard Kara and the others screaming, their voices filled with panic as they tried to help me up.

"Mom! Mom!"

The pain was unbearable, a wave of agony threatening to consume me. I couldn't sleep; I couldn't even think straight.

"Call a healer! Hurry!" I heard the neighbors shouting. I prayed desperately for Curtis's return.

The pain was overwhelming, a relentless assault on my body.

"Mom! I'll go find Dad!" Kara cried, struggling to her feet. I grabbed her waist, holding her back.

"No! You can't leave," I choked out, tears streaming down my face. Curtis was in the mountains, and I couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to my children while I was incapacitated.

I used the table as support, pushing myself up slowly, agonizingly. Each step felt like tearing my body apart, but I ignored the pain, focusing solely on the safety of my children, who were already rushing to help, their faces etched with fear and concern.

Our hut was small, but the distance to the bed felt like a marathon.

I saw Kara and Raven dragging the mattress, laying it on the floor. Freya helped me onto it, the triplets working together seamlessly, their small hands surprisingly strong and efficient.

Tears streamed down my face, a mixture of pain and overwhelming gratitude. They were only young children, yet they were already so capable, so fiercely protective.

"Mom! I'll heat some water. I'll get everything you need!" Freya shouted, pulling Kara out of the hut.

"Mom, the healer's coming," Raven sobbed, her small hands wiping my forehead with her sleeve.

In those agonizing moments, I prayed for Curtis's return. I needed to see him; I was terrified.

I fought back screams of pain, knowing it would only increase my children's fear.

"Alruna!" Curtis's voice boomed, cutting through the chaos. He rushed in, dropping to his knees beside me. I reached for his hand, my fingers gripping his tightly.

"I can't take it anymore, Curtis. They're coming," I gasped, my voice strained.

"What do I do? I don't know anything about midwifery!" he cried, his voice filled with panic and helplessness.

I swallowed, forcing myself to speak clearly. "Just follow my instructions." Kara had already gathered the necessary supplies.

"Please, Curtis!" I pleaded, tears streaming down my face. He quickly shifted, kneeling between my legs.

Freya placed a clean towel over my mouth, and Kara closed the door, shutting out the world.

I began to push, the pain a wave threatening to drown me. This was harder than I'd anticipated. Curtis gently massaged my abdomen, offering what little comfort he could.

"Babies, please come out," Curtis whispered, his voice filled with desperation. Something felt wrong; I could feel one of the twins was positioned incorrectly.

Blood continued to flow from my injury. What was I going to do? Was this how I was going to die?

"Brother, please don't make Mom suffer. Come out already," Freya's small voice pierced the pain.

"Mom! I'll blow on your tummy to make the pain go away," Raven added, her voice filled with childish determination. Kara, ever the responsible one, angrily threatened to spank her brothers if they didn't hurry.

I laughed and cried, the absurdity of the situation momentarily breaking through the agony. The air filled with the scent of the sea, earth, and herbs – a strangely comforting aroma. My breathing gradually steadied, and I looked at Curtis, finding strength in his unwavering support.

"You can do it, Alruna. We're here for you," he said, his voice firm and reassuring. He was right. I couldn't give up. I wasn't alone. I was carrying two lives, and my family was right beside me.

"Ahhh!" I screamed, pushing with renewed determination. This time, as I pushed, I felt a shift. One of the twins had miraculously moved into the correct position.

They had heard our voices, our prayers. After a few more agonizing pushes, the first baby emerged.

"Ma… Mom?"

The triplets' eyes widened in awe as they stared at the tiny infant nestled in Curtis's arms. There were no cries, no wails. Just a small, perfect being.

"Curtis! What happened to our baby?" I asked, my voice laced with apprehension. The absence of crying was unsettling.

My attention was ripped away by another wave of pain. Freya carefully wrapped her sibling in a blanket. Curtis, his face pale with worry, waited for the second baby.

With my next push, the second baby arrived, still silent. Fear clenched my heart.

"Curtis! Why aren't the twins crying!"

I sat up, gasping for breath. Then, I saw them. Nestled together in Curtis's arms, the twins were curled in a perfect cub formation. Who wouldn't be shocked?

"Curtis," I whispered, reaching for his arm. He thanked me, his eyes filled with relief and gratitude, pulling me into a tight embrace.

"You worked hard," he whispered, kissing my forehead gently.

News of my unexpected early delivery spread quickly. I also learned that Narah had faced consequences for her actions.

"Mom! Does that mean they're like Dad? Are they also betas?" Kara asked, her eyes wide with curiosity as she peered at her new siblings in their crib.

A werewolf's class wasn't determined until they turned five. Only omegas were identifiable at birth, already in human form. Betas and alphas remained in their wolf form until they were two.

"Mom, I heated some herbal medicine."

Freya approached, holding a steaming cup. I gratefully accepted it, thanking my thoughtful daughter. Even now, I was weak, the fragility of an omega's body a stark reality.