Ethan
I sat beside her hospital bed, my heart pounding in my chest. The cold, sterile atmosphere of the hospital was suffocating. The rhythmic beeping of the machines was the only sound breaking the silence, but all I could focus on was her - Rose, lying there, looking so small, so fragile. This wasn’t her. The woman I knew was a firestorm, full of life and strength. But now, her skin was pale, her lips cracked, and she looked like she was made of glass, ready to shatter at any moment.
I leaned forward, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Her skin felt cool to the touch, much too cold. A lump formed in my throat as I struggled to contain the rising fear. I had never felt so helpless. I, the Alpha, the one who always had to be strong, was now at the mercy of fate - waiting, hoping, praying.
Where had I gone wrong? How could I not have known? I replayed the last few weeks in my head over and over. Maybe I should have noticed she was more tired than usual. Maybe I should have stopped her from leaving the infirmary earlier. Maybe, maybe, maybe… I was drowning in them.
The door creaked open, pulling me out of my spiral of guilt. Dr. Dave walked in, clipboard in hand. His calm, neutral face did nothing to soothe the storm brewing inside me.
“Well,” Dr. Dave began, his voice measured, “from the tests we ran, it looks like she will be all right.”
A flood of relief washed over me, but the tension didn’t entirely leave my body.
“It seems she lost consciousness from physical exhaustion and dehydration. She’s been pushing herself far too hard. All she needs now is rest and fluids, and she should recover well.”
I sighed, leaning back slightly. Exhaustion, dehydration - I could handle that. She just needed care, and a little time. We could get through that.
But Dr. Dave wasn’t done. His following words changed everything.
“And the baby is doing just fine.”
I froze.
“Baby?” I repeated, my voice barely more than a whisper. I thought I’d misheard, that maybe I was too tired, too stressed.
Dr. Dave glanced at me, a little puzzled by my reaction. “Yes, the baby,” he said, confirming my fear, or was it my hope? “She’s about 13 weeks along. The pregnancy seems to be progressing normally, despite her current condition. But I would recommend she takes it easy from here on out.”
A baby? She’s pregnant?
I barely registered Dr. Dave’s polite nod as he left the room, his words still hanging in the air. “Call me if you need anything,” he had said, but I couldn’t move. I couldn’t speak.
I stared at Rose, my mind racing. She’s pregnant. My mate, the love of my life, is carrying my child. A baby.
I reached out and gently placed my hand on her stomach, the weight of it sinking in. This was real. There was life growing inside her, our child. My thoughts scrambled as emotions I couldn’t even begin to name rushed through me - joy, fear, confusion, love, and something deeper, something primal. This was my family.
A baby… how had I not known?
Rose didn’t say anything. Did she even know herself? I remembered her trips to the bathroom, how she’d been sick for days, her tiredness. It all made sense now. But why hadn’t she told me? Maybe she didn’t realize it either. Or maybe… maybe she was scared.
Suddenly, it hit me. What must she be feeling right now? Rose, who had always been fiercely independent, always hesitant to talk about the future. How was she going to react to this? Was she ready for this? Was I ready for this?
I watched her sleeping, her chest rising and falling steadily. The exhaustion I had seen in her before now made sense, and I cursed myself for not noticing sooner. I should have been more attentive, more present. But I hadn’t. And now she was lying here, exhausted and unconscious, because I hadn’t taken care of her like I should have.
I leaned forward, pressing my lips softly to her forehead, whispering, “I’m so sorry, Rose. I should’ve been there.”
The thought of a baby, our baby, swirled in my mind. There was so much uncertainty, so many things we needed to talk about. Would she be excited? Would she be terrified? Did she even want children? I knew she had been through so much already, growing up without a family, being thrown into this world of werewolves and danger. And now, she had to face motherhood on top of everything else.
But no matter how she felt, I would be there for her. I would stand by her side, protect her and our child. I would do whatever it took to make sure she felt safe, loved, and supported.
As I sat there, holding her hand, I made a silent vow - to be the kind of man and father she needed, the kind of partner who would never let her down again. I wasn’t sure what the future held, but I knew one thing for certain: I loved Rose, more than anything in this world, and I would love our child with that same intensity.
With a deep breath, I whispered again, “We’ll get through this, love. I promise.”
And as I watched her sleep, my heart swelled with a new kind of love - one that was no longer just for her but for the life we had created together.
RosemaryThe heavy fog in my brain slowly began to lift. It was like clawing my way out of a deep, suffocating pit, but eventually, I found my way back to consciousness. My body felt weak, like I had been wrung out and left to dry. My throat felt raw, as if I had swallowed sand, and when I tried to speak, no sound came out. My eyelids fluttered open, but the light was too bright, stabbing into my eyes, forcing me to shut them again.I tried again, this time more slowly. As my vision cleared, I saw him - Ethan. He was sitting in a chair right next to the bed, his head resting on the edge of the mattress. His face was peaceful, his chest rising and falling softly as he slept. A faint snore escaped his lips. Even in sleep, he looked so protective, so close.I didn’t want to wake him, but I shifted just enough to make him stir. His eyes opened immediately, concern flashing across his face the moment he saw me awake.“Rose, you’re awake!” His voice was filled with a mixture of relief and a
RosemaryThe night of the full moon arrived, and I brewed the tea Amber had given me in a thermos, the bitter herbs swirling together like an ink-stained solution to all the chaos swirling inside me. As I stepped out into the cool night, I felt the familiar pull of my wolf, that instinctive desire to shift under the full moon, to let go and run wild through the forest. The urge was powerful, stronger than ever before, but I couldn’t give in tonight. Not until this was done.The moon hung high in the sky, bathing the woods in silver light, casting shadows that danced as I made my way to the creek I had found on my first shift. It was fitting, I thought, to return to the place where I had first felt the raw power of my wolf - where I had first realized what I truly was. But tonight wasn’t about connecting with my wolf. It was about taking back control.I arrived at the creek, the air cool and crisp against my skin. I sat beneath the familiar tree, the same tree that had given me comfort
RosemaryIt had been four months since that night by the creek, the night I drank Amber’s potion, sealing away a choice I didn’t fully understand. I hadn’t dared return to that spot - not even once. The memory of it haunted me, the way the moon had hung so heavily, casting an eerie glow on the water as I swallowed the bitter liquid that was supposed to end everything. Since that night, I had felt different, altered in some intangible way, as though I had stepped into a shadow that followed me everywhere, clinging to my skin.My body betrayed me daily. Fatigue sank deep into my bones, the kind of exhaustion that sleep could never touch. No matter how many hours I slept, I always woke feeling as if I’d been carrying a weight all night. Even the simplest tasks left me winded, my muscles ached as though I’d run for miles. Every step felt heavy, as if invisible chains weighed down my feet. Something was wrong, and yet, I couldn’t find the will to question it. I had made a decision that nig
DylanA strange quiet was settled over the pack, the kind that didn’t bring peace. It was the calm before the storm, the air thick with tension as we all waited for Andromeda to make her move. No one said it outright, but I knew everyone could feel it - like a predator circling, just out of sight. I had been in enough battles to know that this kind of stillness isn’t natural; it’s calculated.And if I could feel it, I knew Ethan did, too.Ethan’s always carried the pack’s weight on his shoulders, but lately, it has been different. There was a heaviness in him that wasn’t there before, like he was wrestling with shadows I couldn’t see. I was used to his relentless work ethic, the way he poured himself into every detail of running this pack. But it was more than that now. He was pushing himself harder, training with a single-minded intensity that would be impressive if it weren’t so worrying. I didn’t think he had slept a whole night in weeks.Last week, I caught him out in the training
Rosemary Today was Nathaniel and Liam’s wedding, a day the pack had eagerly awaited. The air was filled with excitement, love, and joy, but I couldn’t shake the unease building inside me. I had been feeling unwell since the morning, but I did my best to push through, wanting to be present for Nathaniel’s big day. Grace, always the multitasker, had taken on the role of wedding planner and was rushing around to ensure every detail was perfect. I tried to help where I could, but my body felt heavier, weaker than usual.The ceremony was set to take place in a secluded clearing deep within the forest, a place that seemed to be kissed by nature itself. As I made my way closer to the clearing, the breathtaking beauty of it all hit me. The sunlight filtered gently through the towering trees, casting a golden glow on the vibrant greenery that surrounded us. Wildflowers bloomed at the edges of the clearing, their bright colors contrasting with the deep greens of the forest. The smell of pine a
EthanAs Nathaniel and Liam’s kiss ended, they leaned into each other, their foreheads touching, lost in the intimate silence of their love. The clearing was filled with the sounds of cheering, laughter, and celebration, but at that moment, it felt like time stood still for them. I moved forward, ready to embrace my best friend and share his joy, but the atmosphere suddenly shifted. A loud scream pierced the air, shattering the peaceful moment.I whipped around and saw Rose on her knees, her arms wrapped tightly around herself, her face contorted in pain. Fear gripped me, my heart pounding as I sprinted toward her. By the time I reached her, she had collapsed, unconscious, her body limp in my arms.“Rose!” I shouted, my voice thick with panic. I gathered her into my arms, her skin cold against mine, her breathing shallow. My pulse raced as I felt a crowd gathering around us, their murmurs blending into a distant hum, but the only thing that mattered was the woman in my arms. Her face,
Rosemary“That concludes today’s lesson,” the professor stated flatly, his voice mirroring the bland fluorescent lights.I didn’t wait for him to finish packing up his notes before I started shoving my things into my bag. The room felt stuffy, the faint buzz of whispered conversations around me pressing against my skull. This was my last class of the day, and I was already half out the door in my mind, worrying about the pending financial management exam and the gnawing question of whether I’d make rent this month.The hallway was crowded, a steady stream of students brushing past me, their chatter a dull hum in the background. I was halfway to the exit when a familiar hand caught my shoulder, the touch light but insistent.“Hey, where are you going?” Nathaniel’s voice, a casual tone hinting at a smile, rose above the surrounding noise.I turned to face him, forcing a small grin. “Heading home. Last class of the day.”“Wanna grab a bite?”The offer caught me mid-step. My brain immedia
RosemaryWhen I was five, they found me wandering barefoot and alone on the edge of a highway. My small hands were sticky with blood, but it wasn’t mine. I didn’t cry, didn’t speak. The only thing I could remember was my name. The police said I was silent the entire ride to the station, staring out the window like I was looking for something. Someone. But I don’t remember any of that. All I remember are flashes: the chill of the pavement under my feet, the red and blue lights flickering like fireflies, the way every adult seemed afraid to meet my gaze.They took me to an orphanage that night, the first of many. I think it was run by a church. Although my memories of that time are now hazy and indistinct, certain details remain strikingly clear: the cold, gray stone walls of the building which felt less like a home and more like a prison, the peculiar odor of candle wax mingling with the scent of aged wood, and the hushed tones of the nuns as they offered their nightly prayers while tu
EthanAs Nathaniel and Liam’s kiss ended, they leaned into each other, their foreheads touching, lost in the intimate silence of their love. The clearing was filled with the sounds of cheering, laughter, and celebration, but at that moment, it felt like time stood still for them. I moved forward, ready to embrace my best friend and share his joy, but the atmosphere suddenly shifted. A loud scream pierced the air, shattering the peaceful moment.I whipped around and saw Rose on her knees, her arms wrapped tightly around herself, her face contorted in pain. Fear gripped me, my heart pounding as I sprinted toward her. By the time I reached her, she had collapsed, unconscious, her body limp in my arms.“Rose!” I shouted, my voice thick with panic. I gathered her into my arms, her skin cold against mine, her breathing shallow. My pulse raced as I felt a crowd gathering around us, their murmurs blending into a distant hum, but the only thing that mattered was the woman in my arms. Her face,
Rosemary Today was Nathaniel and Liam’s wedding, a day the pack had eagerly awaited. The air was filled with excitement, love, and joy, but I couldn’t shake the unease building inside me. I had been feeling unwell since the morning, but I did my best to push through, wanting to be present for Nathaniel’s big day. Grace, always the multitasker, had taken on the role of wedding planner and was rushing around to ensure every detail was perfect. I tried to help where I could, but my body felt heavier, weaker than usual.The ceremony was set to take place in a secluded clearing deep within the forest, a place that seemed to be kissed by nature itself. As I made my way closer to the clearing, the breathtaking beauty of it all hit me. The sunlight filtered gently through the towering trees, casting a golden glow on the vibrant greenery that surrounded us. Wildflowers bloomed at the edges of the clearing, their bright colors contrasting with the deep greens of the forest. The smell of pine a
DylanA strange quiet was settled over the pack, the kind that didn’t bring peace. It was the calm before the storm, the air thick with tension as we all waited for Andromeda to make her move. No one said it outright, but I knew everyone could feel it - like a predator circling, just out of sight. I had been in enough battles to know that this kind of stillness isn’t natural; it’s calculated.And if I could feel it, I knew Ethan did, too.Ethan’s always carried the pack’s weight on his shoulders, but lately, it has been different. There was a heaviness in him that wasn’t there before, like he was wrestling with shadows I couldn’t see. I was used to his relentless work ethic, the way he poured himself into every detail of running this pack. But it was more than that now. He was pushing himself harder, training with a single-minded intensity that would be impressive if it weren’t so worrying. I didn’t think he had slept a whole night in weeks.Last week, I caught him out in the training
RosemaryIt had been four months since that night by the creek, the night I drank Amber’s potion, sealing away a choice I didn’t fully understand. I hadn’t dared return to that spot - not even once. The memory of it haunted me, the way the moon had hung so heavily, casting an eerie glow on the water as I swallowed the bitter liquid that was supposed to end everything. Since that night, I had felt different, altered in some intangible way, as though I had stepped into a shadow that followed me everywhere, clinging to my skin.My body betrayed me daily. Fatigue sank deep into my bones, the kind of exhaustion that sleep could never touch. No matter how many hours I slept, I always woke feeling as if I’d been carrying a weight all night. Even the simplest tasks left me winded, my muscles ached as though I’d run for miles. Every step felt heavy, as if invisible chains weighed down my feet. Something was wrong, and yet, I couldn’t find the will to question it. I had made a decision that nig
RosemaryThe night of the full moon arrived, and I brewed the tea Amber had given me in a thermos, the bitter herbs swirling together like an ink-stained solution to all the chaos swirling inside me. As I stepped out into the cool night, I felt the familiar pull of my wolf, that instinctive desire to shift under the full moon, to let go and run wild through the forest. The urge was powerful, stronger than ever before, but I couldn’t give in tonight. Not until this was done.The moon hung high in the sky, bathing the woods in silver light, casting shadows that danced as I made my way to the creek I had found on my first shift. It was fitting, I thought, to return to the place where I had first felt the raw power of my wolf - where I had first realized what I truly was. But tonight wasn’t about connecting with my wolf. It was about taking back control.I arrived at the creek, the air cool and crisp against my skin. I sat beneath the familiar tree, the same tree that had given me comfort
RosemaryThe heavy fog in my brain slowly began to lift. It was like clawing my way out of a deep, suffocating pit, but eventually, I found my way back to consciousness. My body felt weak, like I had been wrung out and left to dry. My throat felt raw, as if I had swallowed sand, and when I tried to speak, no sound came out. My eyelids fluttered open, but the light was too bright, stabbing into my eyes, forcing me to shut them again.I tried again, this time more slowly. As my vision cleared, I saw him - Ethan. He was sitting in a chair right next to the bed, his head resting on the edge of the mattress. His face was peaceful, his chest rising and falling softly as he slept. A faint snore escaped his lips. Even in sleep, he looked so protective, so close.I didn’t want to wake him, but I shifted just enough to make him stir. His eyes opened immediately, concern flashing across his face the moment he saw me awake.“Rose, you’re awake!” His voice was filled with a mixture of relief and a
EthanI sat beside her hospital bed, my heart pounding in my chest. The cold, sterile atmosphere of the hospital was suffocating. The rhythmic beeping of the machines was the only sound breaking the silence, but all I could focus on was her - Rose, lying there, looking so small, so fragile. This wasn’t her. The woman I knew was a firestorm, full of life and strength. But now, her skin was pale, her lips cracked, and she looked like she was made of glass, ready to shatter at any moment.I leaned forward, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Her skin felt cool to the touch, much too cold. A lump formed in my throat as I struggled to contain the rising fear. I had never felt so helpless. I, the Alpha, the one who always had to be strong, was now at the mercy of fate - waiting, hoping, praying.Where had I gone wrong? How could I not have known? I replayed the last few weeks in my head over and over. Maybe I should have noticed she was more tired than usual. Maybe I should have stoppe
EthanAfter a long, exhausting day in the office, all I wanted was to crawl into bed next to Rose. Being near her had become something I couldn’t live without. Her warmth, her presence - it was all that allowed me to truly rest. But when I knocked on her door, there was no answer. I tried again. Still nothing.A strange unease crept into my chest. I turned the handle and opened the door to find the room cold and dark. A quick glance revealed the impromptu art studio she’d been using was untouched. Something wasn’t right. I decided to wait for her, assuming she’d show up soon, and sat down on the bed, scrolling through work emails on my phone. Slowly, exhaustion won, and I drifted into an uneasy sleep.A while later, I stirred awake. The room was still dark, and her side of the bed remained untouched. Panic started to gnaw at me. A quick glance at my phone told me it was 2 a.m. I tried to link Rose through the pack-link, but there was no response. I tried again. Still nothing. The knot
RosemaryIn the early afternoon, I received a mind-link from Dr. Bella asking me to come to the hospital wing. All day, my mind had been spinning with the possibility of being pregnant, and the concept of becoming a mother. The thought terrified me. I had never had a role model for a loving family, and the idea of creating one of my own felt foreign, almost impossible. The doctors had once told me I couldn’t have children, and I had accepted that. It felt like a decision had been made for me, a choice I never had to face. But now? I wasn’t sure if I was more scared or excited - or both.On the way to the infirmary, Ethan caught up with me. I tried to keep things casual, dodging his concern.“I’m just checking this stomach bug,” I said with a forced smile. “Nothing serious.”“Okay, love,” he replied, his eyes soft with concern. “Just let me know if you need anything.”I nodded as he turned and walked toward his office. Watching him disappear, I felt a pang of guilt.When I arrived at t