Chapter 3

Liam carried her in his arms in bridal style. "Bring the car," He yelled to no one in particular. "I'll be fine," Stella said in a pained voice.

I don't know why but I had a gut feeling Stella was lying but still, what if she was really in pain?

"I will come too," I said as I hurried out of the packhouse as the car pulled over. I opened the door as Liam put Stella in the backseat. Liam asked the driver to get out as he took the driver's seat. I got into the backseat as I placed Stella's head on my lap and Liam put the car to drive.

"I'll be fine. Please, I don't need a doctor," Stella whined but continued to clutch her stomach.

"No, I can't take any risks regarding your health," Liam said.

Within a few minutes, we reached the pack's best hospital as Liam pulled over.

"I think I'm fine now. I don't feel any pain," Stella said as she sat up properly on the seat and I watched her stunned. Just seconds ago she was writhing in pain and now she was fine?

"I think there was some problem with April's food," Stella said and my eyes widened at her blatantly accusing me.

Before I could defend myself Liam turned to face Stella. His expression was soft. I never got that soft expression from Liam.

It was obvious that Stella was pretending and wanted to blame me which was why she refused to go to the hospital now.

"It's okay. I understand you, Stella." Liam's voice was soft as I gazed at him stupefied. "Still, you just woke up from a coma. You need a check-up anyway."

Liam got out as he opened the door for Stella grabbing her shoulder, he walked her into the hospital. 

I stared at their retreating back. I felt nauseous again but I controlled myself as I walked in after them.

I was drowned in my thoughts when I didn't realize where I was going and I collided with a wall. A hiss of pain escaped my lips as I rubbed my nose. My eyes were shut in pain. I felt warmth on my arm as I slowly opened my eyes and my gaze landed on a broad muscular chest clad in a white button-down shirt.

It wasn't a wall.

My face paled as I craned my neck up to look at the person and my eyes met with the unique blue hues that reminded me of the vast ocean. He had thick black lashes that could make girls jealous. I barely noticed his eyes before my senses came back and I abruptly moved away from him because we were too close. 

"S...sorry," I whispered embarrassedly.

I peeked a glance at him only to find his wide eyes fixed on me as if he was shocked to see me. He's the pack's well known doctor and warrior. Jason Cortor, 25 years old. The same age as Liam. He has saved many lives and is well known in the pack for his amazing work as a doctor and his magnificent fighting skills as a warrior.

"Hi," His deep voice reached my ears, making me gulp. I whispered a small hi. 

"Are you alright, April?" He looked happy to see me but then he got worried.

"I...I'm fine." I whispered but there was concern etched on his face.

"You look pale," His warm eyes roamed my face in concern.

"Doctor, Alpha needs your presence," One of the nurses informed him and his brows furrowed.

"Okay," He said as we both walked to the room where Stella and Liam were. Liam asked Jason to do Stella's check-up. After a while, the result showed that Stella was fine and just a little weak. I was standing near the door quietly as I stared at them and then I met Jason’s gaze.

"Why are you always looking at April?" Liam asked coldly. He seemed pissed all of a sudden. Liam won't admit about his relationship with me to everyone but he was getting possessive of me because of the mate bond.

"She needs a full body check-up more than this patient here," Jason said calmly and my eyes widened.

"She looks pale as if she will faint any minute now," Doctor Jason said.

"It's not needed," Liam said.

"Yeah. She's perfectly fine." Stella agreed.

They both were lying because they wanted to cover the truth about me feeding Stella my blood.

"I insist. I'm a doctor. I know she's not fine," Jason insisted in a deep strong voice. Liam sighed as he levelled me with a look that said I must not let the secret out. 

I gulped as he tilted his head, telling me to go with Doctor Jason. I followed him to his office as he guided me to the examination table, I sat on it with my legs hanging down.

He needed to draw some blood from my arm for a lab test, but I hesitated. I didn’t want him to see the scars, I tried to cover them, and forwarded my right arm which has less scars.. 

His brows were knitted in something I can’t explain. “You could talk to me and I can be your psychiatrist.” He said and I instantly shook my head.

Maybe he thought I’m depressed, which makes me prone to self-harm. It was nothing like that but I can’t tell him the truth either.

20 minutes later, the lab results came out, Jason stared at it for a long time with a complicated expression.

“Is everything okay?” I asked uneasily.

“When is your last period?” Jason asked me.

Period? Jason's words reminded me that my period had been delayed by two weeks. I'd been so busy with the pack and the gift for Lily that I'd neglected it. Thinking about the nausea I felt while cooking this morning, I've got a suspicion in my mind.

“Did I get…” I looked at Jason nervously.

He seemed calm again, as usual, “We need an ultrasound to verify it.” Then he instructed me to lie down on the examination table.

After a quick check-up, Jason sighed. "You're pregnant." He informed me and I was too surprised to speak. A giddy feeling engulfed me as I felt happy. I wanted to tell Liam that he was going to be a father.

"Are you planning to tell him?" Jason asked and I furrowed my brows. Before I could answer 'yes', he spoke up.

"Liam told us not to call you Luna in front of Stella, he is hiding your relationship from Stella isn't he?" Jason said and I stopped getting off the soft examination table.

‘Liam still hadn't told Stella about our relationship. Would he want the baby?’ Frea asked, concerned.

“But he loves me. He will be happy to hear this news.” I answered back to my wolf.

"You're severely anaemic and your baby is too weak. Isn't he taking care of you?" His voice was hard as he said the last words. I didn't know if this was really the case or just my gut feeling but he seemed angry. I didn't know why.

My brows were furrowed as I stared at the floor. The sleeve of my left arm slid up when I tucked my hair strand behind my ear. Feeling his gaze on me I looked up to find him staring darkly at my scars. I abruptly covered my arm and gave him a small thankful smile. "He is, he treats me well," I lied. 

My heart was beating faster. If Stella finds out that I'm pregnant she will keep hurting me until I will lose my baby. Will Liam argue with Stella to protect me? I'm not.... sure. Maybe it’s better to  tell Liam about the pregnancy after he tells Stella about our relationship. 

Unlike other packs in north america, abortion is legal in our pack. What if he doesn’t want the baby?

"C...can you please keep it confidential for now. I...I want to give them a surprise by myself," I said to Doctor Jason who peered at me keenly. He stared at me for a long time, I couldn't read his eyes, but somehow, I felt he was upset. 

I wondered if he had caught my lie, and just as I was about to say something more, he nodded his head and I sighed in relief, at least for now. I got up from the table and was about to leave when he stopped me. 

"April," The way he said my name with that deep voice of his made my heart skip a beat. He was so tall and muscular that he made his office look smaller. If not for his warm blue eyes that whispered the tales of kindness, I would've been scared of his intimidating presence. And also he radiated off these strong dominant vibes that demanded respect from everyone.

"Yes?" I asked gently.

He forwarded me his card and I took it. "Mind-link me or call me at any time you need me." 

"Thank you," I appreciated his kind effort but I noticed this sadness swarming in his kind eyes. 

Back at the packhouse. Liam asked me what the doctor said and I told him about being anaemic and weak. I hide my pregnancy for now. The fact that Liam didn't ask about my well-being in front of Stella in the car was saddening. He only asked me when we were alone in our room.

"I'm sorry, April. I didn't take care of you properly. Please forgive me. I was so busy that I neglected you. You know I love you right? You are my mate. I only love you. Please forgive me April," He apologised for his actions and my heart softened. 

"Our anniversary is coming, right? I promise that I will arrange an amazing date for us on that day and there'll be a big surprise for you. Only you and me. It's been a long time since we've been on a date alone." He said and a smile graced my lips. My brain screamed at me to see the reality but my heart refused to see anything. I continued to tell myself that Liam loves me and everything will get better.

My heart started to beat faster at the mention of surprise. Maybe he wants to propose to me on our anniversary. That could be a surprise. 

"I only love you," He said and I believed him. Thunder cracked outside the window as my back pressed on the bed and he roughly grabbed my wrist and I winced. I was scared because he was always so rough and forceful. He always said I would enjoy it but I never did. 

Before he could even kiss me the door burst open and Stella stood there with tears streaming down her eyes.

"I'm scared of thunder. I can't sleep alone. I want Lia-" Stella's voice died down in her throat when she saw us on the bed.

Her face reddened in rage as she trekked to my side and before I could react or say anything.

I felt a sharp stinging pain on my cheek as it throbbed with pain.

"Bit*h! How dare you seduce Liam!" Stella screeched and I was shocked beyond belief.

She slapped me!