The Child He Didn't Choose.

ERYN

“Since she wants to speak with you alone, take your time,” Saela said sweetly.

“I mean, Asher’s still in a dangerous observation period but I suppose Niko might need you too, though he’s much stronger, right? Such a gifted little wolf.”

She wore that mask of pity so well. Concern dripping from her voice, while painting me as the cruel, jealous wife.

I didn’t come to argue with her. I didn’t have the energy for that.

Torren gave a small nod and walked off a short distance. I followed him.

“What do you want?” he snapped. “Dragging your son to the hospital just to make a scene? Real classy. Do you even know how to be a mother?”

And there it was again, attacking my parenting. Like I brought Niko just to get his attention.

I forced my voice to stay steady. “Once Niko’s wolf awakens… he’ll go. He was diagnosed with MCD. His last wish and also my last request is for you to be there when he transforms. Also… Keep your distance from your mistress in front of Niko. Don’t hurt him.”

He scoffed. “I only promised to be a good father. Nothing more. And you really shouldn’t be so jealous of Saela. Asher’s my son too.”

“Are you even listening?” My voice broke. “Niko is going to die!”

“There’s no need to curse your child just to stall the divorce,” he snapped. “Don’t you think saying that might actually make him sick?”

I bit down hard. “If this is your idea of being a father—God help him. Do you even care at all? Not even a little, Torren?”

His expression darkened, with eyes dropped to the floor. “He was never something I wanted. My grandfather forced him on me, because of your schemes.”

Nyx was clawing to break free, ready to sink her teeth in. And God, I wanted it too.

I inhaled sharply, about to respond—

 When I heard a small voice behind us.

“Mommy.”

 Niko’s voice was soft. Trembling.

He’d heard it.

His lips parted but no sound came out.

He’d heard everything.

The thought of him hearing his own father say he never wanted him made my heart ache painfully.

 “Let me go! I want my mommy!” Niko shouted as Asher was holding his arm.

He broke free and ran to me. I dropped to my knees, catching him as he collapsed into my arms.

Asher tripped, but Torren caught him.

“Daddy, it hurts,” Asher whimpered. “I was just helping him find his mommy. Then he scratched me.”

I stared. There was barely any blood. Just a scratch.

He was as much of an actor as his mother. 

Yes, Niko’s claws had scratched him because he was in the middle of shifting and they were sharp, but…

“Apologize,” Torren said.

Niko didn’t lift his head.

  “You’re as vicious as your mother, Niko. Surely she rubbed her attitude off on you.”

“Don’t talk about my mommy like that!” Niko shouted. His eyes shimmered. 

Torren was silent. After a long, heavy look at Niko, he scooped up Asher and left without a word.

“Mommy,” Niko whimpered, hugging me tighter. “I get it now. I’m not the child Daddy wants. It’s okay… but what will you do when I’m gone?”

I couldn’t speak. Couldn’t breathe.

He knew. He knew he was dying.

“My wolf is coming,” he whispered.

And then his body convulsed in my arms. And he went limp.

“NIKO!”

I screamed. Holding my little boy tightly, I sprinted toward the doctor’s office.

“Please, please, he can’t die.”

 “Niko, please stay with me. Open your eyes, please don’t leave me.”

I sobbed as one of the nurses took him from my arms and rushed him inside. 

I stumbled into the doctor’s office, barely holding it together.

“Please tell me we got approved for the special suppressant,” I begged. “Please. Niko needs it now.”

The doctor slowly removed his glasses, placing them gently on the table.

 My pulse thundered.

“Hurry,” I said, voice rising. “He’s shifting now!”

He exhaled. “We got a spot… but the funding was redirected to the Awakening Serum Project.”

It hit like a truck.

My vision went black. I reached for the edge of the desk, anything to hold on to.

“No… no. Why?”

Why now? Why us?

“Please, Luna,” the doctor said quietly. “The suppressant was experimental. Even with it, survival was unlikely. I’m sorry.”

My teeth chattered. My lips trembled. And I just let the tears fall freely.