Chapter 94
Olivia's POV
The healer’s quarters were warm and comfortable. I sat on the worn leather chair, my hands tightly clasped in my lap as the healer, Maren, bustled about with her tools. Her soft hum filled the room, but it did little to calm my nerves.
“Luna,” she said gently, her sharp green eyes meeting mine as she took a seat across from me. “You’ve been under immense stress lately, but there’s more to this than just exhaustion.”
I swallowed hard and nodded. “I’ve felt… different,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “More tired than usual, but it’s not just that. There’s this sense of… change. Like something’s shifting inside me.”
Maren smiled knowingly, her hands warm as they covered mine. “You’re right. There is something different. Are you ready to check and see?”
She leaned back and placed her hands on my lower belly. A soft light emanated, and a gentle smile curved up at the corners of her lips. By the time she finished, the confirmation hung in the air between us: I was pregnant.
“This was quicker and more accurate than those pee on a stick tests anyway.” She laughed to herself. ‘But we can do one to confirm if it will help you feel better.”
The room seemed to tilt, and I gripped the armrests tightly. “Pregnant?” I managed, my voice shaking with equal parts awe and fear.
Maren nodded, her expression both reassuring and amused. “Yes, twins. A blessing from the Goddess, no doubt. You’re strong, Luna, and your bond with Alpha Ethan will only make you stronger for what lies ahead.”
I barely heard her as my thoughts swirled. Twins. Two lives growing inside me, a testament to the bond Ethan and I had fought so hard to solidify.
My wolf stirred wrapping her body around my womb, her presence a quiet comfort amidst the chaos in my mind.
As I left the healer’s quarters, the shock of the news settled in. My footsteps felt lighter, my emotions a mix of overwhelming joy and daunting responsibility.
I found myself wandering to the quiet grove my mother used to love, her words echoing in my mind. “You’ve always had the strength to lead and to love.”
A deep breath steadied me, and I resolved to tell Ethan the news in a way that honored this moment. He deserved to hear it without the politics or Pack duties overshadowing it.
A special dinner, just the two of us, would give us the space to celebrate and plan for our future.
Back at the Pack House, I busied myself with preparations, my hands working with a focus that helped quiet my racing thoughts.
When Ethan walked into the room later that evening, his sharp gaze softened as he took in the candlelit table and the faint scent of his favorite foods wafting through the air.
“What’s all this?” he asked, a small smile tugging at his lips.
“Just a little something special,” I replied, my heart pounding as I guided him to his seat.
We talked quietly over dinner, the tension of the past few weeks easing with each shared laugh and stolen touch.
Finally, I couldn’t hold it in any longer. Setting my fork down, I reached across the table, taking his hand in mine.
“Ethan,” I began, my voice steady despite the nervous flutter in my chest. “There’s something I need to tell you.”
His brows furrowed slightly, concern flashing in his eyes. “What is it? Are you okay?”
I took a deep breath, the words tumbling out in a rush. “I’m pregnant. With twins.”
For a moment, his expression was unreadable, and I held my breath. Then, his hand tightened around mine, and his face broke into a wide grin. His wolf surged forward, its protective instincts radiating through our bond.
“Twins?” he repeated, his voice filled with wonder. “Olivia, that’s… incredible.”
Tears stung my eyes as I nodded, his joy washing over me like a wave. He stood, pulling me into his arms, his hold strong and unwavering. “We’re going to protect them,” he murmured into my hair. “And give them the world they deserve.”
I melted into his embrace and felt my heart overwhelmed with love.
The courtyard was alive with energy, the mingling scents of two Packs now united filling the air. Members of Storm Haven and Thorne Ridge stood together, some with arms crossed in skepticism, others exchanging hopeful glances.
The moment was monumental, and the weight of its significance pressed down on my shoulders.
I stepped up onto the dais, Ethan at my side, his steady presence grounding me. My wolf stirred with pride as I surveyed the crowd, a mix of familiar and new faces. This was the beginning of something greater than any one of us.
Drawing in a deep breath, I let my gaze settle on the expectant faces before me. “Today marks a new chapter,” I began, my voice strong and clear, carrying over the gathered crowd. “Storm Haven and Thorne Ridge are no longer two separate Packs. Together, we form something stronger, something unbreakable.”
A murmur rippled through the assembly, and I raised a hand to quiet it. “This merger isn’t about survival or necessity. It’s about unity, about creating a future where we thrive, not just endure. Together, we are more than we are apart.”
I shifted my gaze to Amelia, who stood with Grace near the front of the crowd. Both women had fought their own battles to stand here today, and their journeys were far from over. “Amelia has agreed to oversee Rogue reintegration. Her unique perspective and experience will ensure that those seeking a second chance might find a path forward.”
Amelia’s cheeks flushed as eyes turned toward her, but she lifted her chin, her determination shining through.
“And Grace,” I continued, turning to her, “will lead community rebuilding efforts alongside Mia. Together, they will strengthen the bonds between us, ensuring that every member of our united Pack has a place and a purpose.”
Grace nodded, her gaze meeting mine with a quiet understanding that hadn’t always been there. I thought back to the conversations we’d had, the tension that had once defined our relationship, now replaced with tentative respect and shared goals.
“Mia and Grace will be crucial in ensuring our Packs remain united,” I said, my voice softening. “It’s not enough to merge by name; we must merge in spirit, supporting one another and building trust.”
Ethan stepped forward, his hand brushing against mine in silent encouragement. “We’ve faced trials that could have torn us apart,” he added, his voice steady and commanding. “But we chose unity. We chose strength. And now, we will choose to build a future we can all be proud of.”
Applause broke out, tentative at first, but it grew, filling the air with a sense of hope. My heart swelled as I looked out over the crowd, seeing the beginnings of understanding and acceptance take root.
As the applause subsided, I spoke up again. “This is just the beginning,” I said, my voice resolute. “Together, we will create a legacy that will endure for generations to come. We are one Pack now. One family.”
The roar of approval that followed sent a thrill through me. This was our future, and for the first time, I felt its promise in every fiber of my being.
