Pregnant

Chapter 29

Nathan

A small voice of warning broke through the bloodrage fogging my thoughts. There was more here than met the eye. Terra was no whimpering maid to be cowed by shows of brute strength.

Nor would she make wild threats emptily. She had come anticipating possible violence, and looked fully prepared to weather the consequences. What could drive anyone to such extremes?

Father’s stern tone intruding on the tense stalemate jerked me fully from the savage haze. “Enough. Stand down, both of you.” When I continued glaring mutinously, he thundered, “Now!”

With herculean effort, I unclenched my fists and adjusted my posture to non-aggressive.

Terra likewise slowly straightened from her fighting stance, eyes never leaving mine. Father beckoned us to sit. After an interminable silent battle of wills, we reluctantly complied, flanking opposite ends of the imposing desk.

Father regarded us both gravely. “Powerful emotions run high here. But we must all master them, for the pack’s sake. Terra will explain her reasons in due time. Until then, you both stay under this roof.” He held up a hand to silence my fresh. protests. “I mean it, Nathan. There are politics at play you grasp not. But the time for truth comes soon.”

His resolute words doused my rebellious anger as effectively as icy floodwaters. However deep the perceived betrayal by Terra, he was right. Wisdom ruled impulse here – I must trust in Father’s solemn counsel, as I always had.

With immense effort I ruined my roiling emotions by schooling my features. “Very well. You have my obedience, if not my understanding. I kept my gaze fixed ahead rather than look at Terra. One wrong move could shatter my tenuous composure. I wanted only to flee the repugnant sight of her.

After a fraught pause Father nodded in satisfaction. “That will have to suffice for now. Nathan, you may go. Terra, remain for

a moment.”

The urge to object flared holly. What further secrets could they possibly have to share? But under Father’s steady gaze, I wordlessly departed, each step rigid with banked fury. If only the seething vortex were so easily caged as my tongue now. stalked blindly onwards, trusting my feet to find purpose eventually.

But there was no escape from the maelstrom within. It chased me no matter how far or fast 1 fled through the moonlit city

streets.

By the time icy air burning in my lungs finally cooled my rage some, I found myself in an unrecognisable industrial district. Steam billowed from overflowing gutters and establishments of repute lined the narrow alleyways. Faintly the lonely wail of police sirens cried out to the unrelenting night. What was I doing in this grim place so far from proper streets?

A ragged beggar lurched from the shadows, eagerly pleading for coins with rotting breath. Revulsion twisted my face. I waved the filthy urchin off without a backward glance, resolved to form. Enough wallowing in futile anger over what was done. I was Alpha. Self-control was imperative, now more than ever with Terra poised under our very roof to wreak the Moon knew what new havoc. I must play the steady leader despite inner storms.

1 strode towards the nearest thoroughfare, intent on hailing a taxi carriage back to the respectable hotel district. But the surrounding dilapidated buildings grabbed my notice instead. Crooked shutters hung by rusting nails, gaping holes where glass should fill windows. No trace of light, warmth or welcome.

My steps stowed. Here were the hollow shells of businesses once vital, now abandoned and stripped of worth. But also dens where the city’s desperate and downtrodden languished every night, ignored by polite society. A stark reminder of how enuously even an Alpha’s grasp on power clung. Nothing lasts eternally.

The profound realisation winded me more forcefully than my furious dashes through the wooded city park earlier. I sank onto an icy curb, humbled. True leadership meant aiding all under my charge, especially the vulnerable. What efforts had I made to guide society toward more equitable treatment, not simply preserving traditions?

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Piece by piece, the mountain of righteousness I had built up while scoring Terra’s disappearance toppled. I had been so focused on personally feeling betrayed, I ignored the wider packs welfare. Bringing about true unity and security mattered. far more than my petty grudges or pride.

A new resolve took root. I would not waste this unexpected second opportunity with Terra, however plagued by suspicion and misunderstanding. We would find a way forward guided by level heads, not volatile emotions. I must extend patience and compassion. The pack deserved no less.

Frozen but calmer, I continued back to more reputable streets and hailed a taxi as originally intended, grateful for the chance to thaw cramped limbs. By the time the penthouse elevator’s polished doors parted, equilibrium had returned to my frayed mind. I was ready to speak calmly with Terra and Father.

But I found Father alone by the dying fire, wearily massaging his temples. He started slightly as I entered. Alarm prickled along my neck. Father was never less than keenly alert, even in supposed solitude. I had clearly interrupted an interrogation

of conscience.

I

“What troubles you, Father?” I kept my tone gentle, free of pressure. He debated internally before finally sighing.

“Forgive my agitation. Old ghosts sometimes return to rattle one’s peace. His smile appeared more grimace. My brows knit. Why so cryptic tonight?

But respect-forbade prying deeper into his personal burdens, so simply clasped his shoulder. “If certain ghosts still haunt, perhaps we should exorcise them through open dialogue.” I held his cagey stare. “Secrets spread darkness, not light”

Father’s eyes became veiled, his touch nudging my hand off. “Let the dead keep their bones buried, son. Now get some rest. Added perspectives tomorrow will clear up certain matters.”

I hesitated, but ultimately bid him goodnight without further objection. Whatever shrouded truth he guarded, it was not mine to demand. But I vowed to show Father the virtues of transparency and patience I had just pledged to bring to my leadership. By enacting them myself.

Despite mentally rehearsing reasonable discourse, I still tensed instinctively when Terra entered the dining room the next morning. But she politely offered a quiet “Good morning Alpha, Elder” with no hint of our violent history. I murmured, returned the greeting and sipped tea, encouraged.

But as breakfast commenced, Father seemed oddly reticent. He answered direct questions curtly, otherwise allowing stilted silence. I sought desperately for neutral topics to fill the yawning void. Terra kept to herself, eating little

Mercifully, Father finally set down his untouched plate with resolve. “Let us clear the fog between us. I know only forthrightness restores trust now.”

Terra and I both started, shock cracking her impersonal mask. Father gestured for her to speak first. She set her fork down with utmost care before responding-

“Very well. But what I share cannot spread beyond this room yet Her eyes implored sincerity. I gave a nod of silent acceptance. We were beyond petty games now.

With a fortifying breath, she began slowly. “After departing here, I returned to my hometown in the rural valley. For the first time in years, I felt peace. Believed 1 could build a humble but worthy new life through my small clinic there.”

Her expression grew distant with bittersweet nostalgia. “And so I did. I spared no effort restoring the derelict building into a sanctuary of care and laughter. Lighting it up night and day so none felt turned aside.”

My own shadowed memories supplied images of cherry rooms illed with activities for children, delicious cooking scents wafting from the kitchen hearth. Terra’s smile held profound sadness and pride.

“It became everything I dreamt – a haven for outcasts. The unwanted, ill, elderly any in need knew they had refuge.” Her voice dropped, barely audible. “And finally a family, bound not by blood but choice. Three lives I’d sacrifice all for.”

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They had threatened her newfound loved ones. It was the only explanation for her ferocity when challenged. My fists clenched under the table. She would not betray innocents, no matter the cost. I should have trusted her integrity.

Oblivious to my churning shame, Terra continued haltingly. “I received a message three moons ago. Return and fulfil required duties, or else permanent harm would befall those most precious.” Her breath hitched discreetly. There could be no choice at all.”

When she said no more, Father prompted gently,”

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