All Chapters of Barren? Honey, I'm Just Getting Started: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

- WILLOWCallum rushed out of the bathroom. He was no longer indifferent but totally panicked. He rushed to the door, then hesitated just long enough to glance back at me.“Look, Sherlyn's taken it really hard,” he said, his words running, trying to justify himself. “She’s completely traumatized by the battle. With my brother dead, I'm the only person she has left in her corner. She needs me to have her back. I have to go calm her down, okay? So just try to understand.”He didn't give me the chance to give him an answer. He really didn't want one. Before the last word even left his lips, he threw the bedroom door wide open.Sherlyn stood right there in the brightly lit hallway. Her swollen, tear-red eyes were filled with panic. As soon as the door opened, she didn't even give it a second thought. She jumped into Callum's arms in a wracked sob, burying her face in his chest.“I was so scared,” she choked out. Her perfectly manicured hands clutched at the fabric of his white button-down

- WILLOWThe fluorescent light above the hospital bed hummed, buzzing right into my skull. My eyes fluttered open to white ceiling tiles and the sharp smell of antiseptic.A doctor in blue scrubs was standing by the monitor, checking a chart. He looked up, his face immediately softening into that sympathetic, carefully practiced expression."Ms. Talley," he said softly, pulling a stool closer. "I'm so sorry. We couldn't save the baby. There were severe complications from the trauma, and we had to clear the tissue immediately to stop the internal bleeding."I didn't say anything. I just stared at the beige wall across from me, my hands lying totally flat against the cold sheets. My stomach felt hollow. Empty."The emergency procedure paperwork requires your Alpha’s signature to officially discharge you," the doctor continued, shifting uncomfortably. "Should I call him for you?"I remained silent, staring at a tiny crack in the paint. He took the quiet as a green light, tapping his phone

- WILLOWThe kitchen was freezing at seven in the morning. I stood over the island counter, staring at the raw ingredients Callum had dragged out of the main pantry before he left to spend the night in the medical wing.He asked me to make the soup again as Sherly only liked the way I prepared it.I took a breath, letting the icy air bite into my lungs to keep my head clear. My hands were still a bit shaky from last night, but touching the burner phone tucked in the waistband of my sweatpants reminded me a countdown was running. Three days. Just three days.I started chopping the red ginseng and dried lotus seeds, the heavy thud of the chef's knife against the wooden board keeping a steady rhythm. The recipe was an old pack remedy for post-natal recovery, something meant to rebuild blood supply and soothe torn muscles. Sherlyn had been whining about her back aching since yesterday, so Callum insisted on doubling the dosage of high-grade herbs."Miss Willow?"I flinched slightly, brin

- WILLOWThe moment he left, Sherlyn turned her head toward me. Mindy and Tricia giggled behind their hands, watching us like hawks. The delicate, weary expression vanished from Sherlyn's face instantly, replaced by a cold, victorious smirk. She picked up a fork, poking at a piece of roasted potato."You look awful tonight, Willow," she whispered, keeping her voice low so the elders across the table couldn't hear. "It’s actually getting painful to watch you cling to the edges of his life like this."I leaned forward slightly, resting my elbows on the polished wood. "Enjoy the spotlight while it lasts, Sherlyn.""Oh, it's not a spotlight, sweetie," she purred, taking a slow bite and chewing thoughtfully. "It's a permanent seat. By the time the full moon hits next week, Callum is officially transferring the Luna title over to me. For the pack's stability, of course. A fat, barren Omega can't lead warriors. You'll get a nice little cottage on the edge of the territory and a monthly allowa

- WILLOWThe heavy oak door to my bedroom didn't just open at midnight. It practically slammed against the drywall.I sat up in bed, my heart instantly leaping into my throat. The room was dark, save for the pale moonlight filtering through the sheer curtains. I had been staring at the ceiling for hours, counting the rhythmic ticking of the wall clock, waiting for the house to go completely dead before I checked my burner phone again.Callum stood in the doorway, his silhouette blocking out the soft light from the hallway. He looked completely unhinged. His hair was a mess, his tie was undone and hanging loose around his unbuttoned collar, and he smelled heavily of expensive scotch and hospital-grade antiseptic.In his right hand, he held a thick manila folder."We need to talk," he growled, slamming the door shut behind him with a loud thwack. He didn't even bother turning on the main light. He just strode straight toward the foot of my bed, throwing the folder onto the duvet like