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As bliss fluttered through my body and the tears slipped free, I told myself I wouldn’t let my feelings of inadequacy hurt my chances of bringing a healthy baby into the world. I needed to be strong and hold my head as high as I could. Night was chasing my worries away for now, and I had no doubt they would return, but it was alright. I would try to be brave for him and our baby because my mate was right. The baby was a blessing, one he and I would cherish forever.

Chapter 14

Night

By the morning of the third day after the ultrasound, Bryn and I were falling into a routine: she’d wake up, I’d rub her back while she was sick in the bathroom, and afterward, I’d bring her tea and plain toast for breakfast. It never felt like enough food to me, but Bryn assured me it was all she could stomach in the morning. Glenda also came by often to check on her.

“How are you, love?” I asked my mate, setting the plate and the tea on her bedside table.

A pale, exhausted face looked back at me. Her sile