Chapter 89
Olivia's POV
The scent of herbs and ointments greeted me as I stepped into the healer’s quarters. It was a comforting mix, one that reminded me of resilience and renewal and nothing of the sterile hospital.
The room was warm, sunlight streaming through the small windows, illuminating the shelves lined with jars and bottles.
The Pack healer, Maren, was a middle-aged wolf with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor. She turned from her workbench as I entered, her hands dusted with dried lavender.
“Luna,” she greeted with a slight bow of her head. “I wasn’t expecting you today.”
“I hope I’m not interrupting,” I replied, offering a small smile. “I wanted to discuss something that’s been on my mind.”
Maren gestured for me to sit at a nearby stool. “Not at all. What’s on your mind?”
“It’s about the formula I’ve been working on,” I began, pulling a small vial from my bag. “We’ve been testing its properties for detecting hormonal imbalances and early signs of illness, but I wanted your perspective on how it might work in real-world applications.”
Maren took the vial from my hand, holding it up to the light. The liquid shimmered faintly, a testament to the hours of work I’d poured into it. “Fascinating,” she murmured. “If this works as you hope, it could revolutionize how we approach health within the Pack.”
“That’s the goal,” I said, my chest swelling with a mix of pride and anticipation. “I want it to be something that helps, something that makes a real difference.”
She nodded thoughtfully, setting the vial down on the counter. “You’ve done something remarkable here, Luna. It’s not often that innovation and intuition blend so seamlessly. But...”
The pause in her tone made me tense. “But what?”
Maren’s sharp eyes studied me carefully. “You’ve been working tirelessly, haven’t you? Pushing yourself harder than usual?”
I frowned, unsure where she was going with this. “I’ve been busy, yes, but nothing too much I don’t think. Why?”
She stepped closer, her expression softening. “Luna, have you noticed any changes in your body? Fatigue, lack of appetite, maybe a shift in your scent?”
Her words caught me off guard, and for a moment, I could only blink at her. “What are you suggesting?”
Maren gave me a knowing look, her hands clasped in front of her. “I’m suggesting that it might be time to consider whether you’re expecting.”
The room felt suddenly smaller, the air heavier. “Pregnant?” I repeated, the word barely more than a whisper.
“It’s not uncommon for a newly mated pair to conceive quickly, especially with the strength of your bond,” she continued gently. “Your aura has shifted recently, and while I can’t say for certain without testing, it’s worth considering.”
My mind raced, a swirl of disbelief, hope, and trepidation. I thought back to the moments with Ethan, the way his wolf had been overly protective, how he’d mentioned my scent and looked at me as though sensing something I couldn’t yet see.
“I –” I started, then paused to steady my voice. “I hadn’t even thought about it. With everything going on, the vote, the Rogues, work… it just didn’t cross my mind.”
Maren placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “You’ve doing a great deal, Luna, but your body often knows what it needs before your mind catches up. Take some time to reflect. If you want, we can confirm it when you’re ready.”
I nodded slowly, still processing the possibility. The idea of carrying Ethan’s child – our child – was overwhelming, but it wasn’t unwelcome. It was another thread weaving itself into our lives, one I hadn’t seen coming but couldn’t ignore.
“Thank you, Maren,” I said finally, my voice steadier now. “I’ll think about it.”
She smiled warmly. “Take your time, Luna. I’ll be here when you’re ready.”
As I left the healer’s quarters, the vial of formula safely tucked back into my bag, my mind churned with what-ifs. The thought of a life growing inside me was both thrilling and terrifying.
Ethan’s face flashed in my mind, his steady presence and fierce devotion grounding me.
We just needed to get through this Council vote.
The scent of fresh parchment and ink greeted me as I stepped into my office, a stark contrast to the earthy, herbal air of the healer’s quarters. I closed the door behind me, letting out a slow breath as I leaned against it.
My mind was still reeling from Maren’s words, the possibility she had planted swirling in my head. But there was no time to dwell on it. The Council meeting was looming, and Chloe wasn’t going to stop until she had dismantled everything Ethan and I had worked for.
I moved to my desk, the surface cluttered with documents and recordings we had compiled over the past weeks. Aiden’s confession, Matthew’s ties to Chloe, Rogue activity reports; each piece of evidence felt like a lifeline in this mess.
Sitting down, I reached for the recording device that held Aiden’s incriminating words. As his voice filled the room, bitter and spiteful, I replayed the part where he spoke about Chloe’s plans to overthrow the Council.
And remembered the other recording that set me on this path. Aiden’s voice ringing out at our failed Mating ceremony. It felt like a full-circle moment: Chloe may have started this, but I would make sure to end it.
I closed my eyes, shifting focus back to the present and letting the words of the recording sink in. This was the proof we needed, but it had to be presented carefully. Chloe was cunning, and even a small misstep could weaken our position.
A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. “Come in,” I called, setting the device down.
Mia stepped in, vibrating with a mix of determination and concern. She carried a small tray with two steaming mugs. “Thought you could use some tea,” she said, placing the tray on my desk before sitting across from me.
I offered her a faint smile. “You’re a lifesaver.”
She waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t get used to it. This is your reminder that you’re not an invincible Luna who can run on sheer willpower alone.”
I took a sip of the tea she’d brought, the warmth spreading through me. “I’m fine, Mia,” I said, though my voice lacked conviction.
Mia arched an eyebrow. “You look exhausted.”
I hesitated, thoughts flashing to the possibility of a pregnancy. Then back to the weight of everything pressing down on me. “The evidence is solid,” I said finally, gesturing to the pile of papers and recordings. “But I need to be ready for whatever she throws at me.”
Mia nodded, her sharp eyes scanning the room. “You will be. You’ve got more than evidence, Olivia. You’ve got empathy, and that’s something Chloe can’t fake or manipulate.”
Her words struck a chord. “Empathy can be a double-edged sword,” I said softly. “What if I let it cloud my judgment? It’s a tough line to walk between head and heart.”
Mia leaned forward, her tone firm but kind. “Empathy isn’t weakness. It’s your strength, Liv. But you have to set boundaries. You can understand someone without excusing their actions or letting them walk all over you. Use it to see through Chloe, not to feel sorry for her.”
I swallowed hard, nodding as her words settled into me. She was right. Empathy was my gift, but it had to be wielded carefully.
Mia’s gaze softened. “You’re doing everything you can to protect your Pack, your Mate, and yourself. Don’t lose sight of that.”
I reached across the desk, squeezing her hand briefly in thanks.
She smiled, standing and brushing imaginary dust off her pants. “That’s what I’m here for. Now, get back to work. And if you need a break, I’ll be at Witches’ Brew.”
As she left, I turned back to the evidence on my desk. With Mia’s words bolstering me, I picked up the recording device again, listening intently to Aiden’s words.
This time, I didn’t feel overwhelmed. I felt ready. Chloe could try to manipulate the Council all she wanted, but I wasn’t backing down.
Not now, not ever.
