Scarlett’s POV:
The empty medicine bottle mocked me from my trembling hands. My chest tightened as another wave of pain hit – I had no choice but to visit Dr. Kane for more medicine.
I pulled myself together, checking my reflection in the mirror. The black veins were barely visible under my high-necked blouse. Perfect. The last thing I needed was for anyone to notice my condition.
The hospital’s antiseptic smell hit me as I walked through the entrance. I was heading toward Dr. Kane’s office when familiar voices stopped me in my tracks.
“Are you sure you’re feeling alright?” Lucian’s voice, tinged with concern. “Maybe we should get a second opinion.”
My heart dropped as I peered around the corner. There stood my mate, hovering over Lily, who sat in one of the waiting room chairs outside the maternity ward.
I slowly walked out, Lucien was the first to notice me. His expression was tense for a moment, but when he saw my calm expression, I could feel him immediately relax. “Scarlett? Darling, what are you doing here? Are you not feeling well?”
The genuine concern in his voice made my heart ache. Even now, he could be so gentle with me.
“I just came for a routine checkup,” I said softly, maintaining my usual calm smile.
Lily’s hand rested on her stomach as she looked up. “Oh, Luna Scarlett! What perfect timing.”
Lucian quickly stepped forward to explain. “I bumped into Lily on my way to the pack hall. She wasn’t feeling well, so I offered to accompany her to the hospital. I should have called you.”
“It’s alright,” I said, keeping my voice steady. “You were being kind.”
“Actually, Luna Scarlett,” Lily’s eyes gleamed with barely concealed triumph. “I have wonderful news! I just found out I’m pregnant. About a month along now.”
The world is once again dangerously tilting and swaying. A month, a month! I thought it was when Lucian and I were celebrating our wedding anniversary, but their affair happened even earlier, during the time when Lucian went to the Shadow Pack on a visit, or when he attended the Wolves’ Union Reunion? My heart is in turmoil, but I remained composed, my years of practice helping me maintain a calm expression.
“I hope you don’t mind that I borrowed your husband,” Lily continued sweetly. “I was feeling so unwell, and he was kind enough to help.”
I saw Lucian’s jaw tighten at her words. He moved closer to me, his hand finding the small of my back protectively.
“Scarlett,” he said softly. “Let me take you to your appointment. We can talk about-”
A high-pitched shriek cut through the air. We turned to see Lily pressing herself against the wall, pointing at something on the floor.
A small, scruffy puppy had wandered into the waiting area. Its brown fur was matted, but its eyes were bright and hopeful as it wagged its tail.
“Get it away!” Lily wailed. “That filthy thing just jumped out at me! I could have fallen!”
The puppy approached me hesitantly. Without thinking, I knelt down to greet it.
“Careful, love,” Lucian said, his hand squeezing my shoulder gently.
“It’s just a puppy,Oh Lily, I didn’t expect you, a female wolf, to be afraid of such a small dog.” I said, with a sarcastic tone, while scratching behind its ear. The little thing pressed into my touch, starved for affection.
