Chapter 5

Sitting in the treatment room waiting for my test results, I pull a novel from my purse to read. I had turned my ringtone off to prevent me from hearing any messages from Riker and so far it has worked. I feel calmer and the pain in my stomach has settled to a dull ache. 

The burn on my arm also stopped aching since being treated as soon as I entered the Pack Hospital. The Nurse had been frantic to see me with a stark white bandage hastily wrapped around my forearm and had rushed me into this treatment room to clean, medicate, and re-wrap it while another Nurse signed me in. Five minutes after they left, the Doctor came in with a worried gaze. 

I explained how I was burned at work but left out the incident that followed afterward. These wolves are part of Solar Wraith. Anything I say against Riker will likely be relayed back to him, Annabeth, or Serena.

The doctor had ordered a few tests, even asking me when the last time was that I had my period – something that I inherited from my human side. Honestly, I could not remember if I even received it. This caused me to have to do a pregnancy test and the thought of bringing a baby into this world scared me. What would Riker think if he knew our rendezvous ended in a pregnancy?

“Theta Thornhill?” Looking up from my novel, I find the Doctor walking into the room with a worried expression. Putting the novel down on my lap, I give him my undivided attention as he sits on the wheeled stool and stares into my eyes. 

“I am not sure how you feel about this, but the cause for your stomach pain is due to the fact you are pregnant.” He states, handing me a file. Shocked, I take a deep breath before looking down at what he has given me.

Inside the manila folder are my test results, the word pregnant bolded and highlighted in bright yellow. Not only that but there were pamphlets for my options on how I would like to proceed.

“I know this is shocking news to you.” The Doctor continues, making me look up.

“But you are in the early stages of pregnancy. You have many options on how to handle it but I recommend you talk to the father, whoever he may be.” All I can do is nod before looking back down at the pamphlets. 

Pregnant. Me, pregnant with Riker’s pup.

“Other than the pregnancy, what caused the pain?” I ask quietly.

“Most likely stress as well as being badly burned. Did you go through anything upsetting other than that?” He answers, his inquisitive eyes boring into me. Without thinking, I shake my head yes but stay silent. I went through many upsetting things today. 

“I see.” He sighs, standing from his stool and placing a hand on my shoulder.

“I recommend that you try to reduce stress as much as possible even if this means cutting back on your hours at work or walking away during a stressful situation to calm down.” The doctor sighs out, turning his attention to the computer where my medical chart is displayed.

“You are still a young woman working in a high stress position beside Alpha Riker. All this stress will complicate the pregnancy if you decide to keep it. I do have to ask due to you being half-human, but is the father a werewolf?” Shocked by this question, I find the doctor staring at me with a stern gaze. My eyes sting as more tears threaten to spill and I nod, looking down quiltily at my lap.

“He is.” I confirm, the doctor sighing.

“This complicates your situation further then. As a hybrid, your body may not be able to handle this pregnancy. Anything overly stimulating in your position may cause a miscarriage. Remember, health is wealth. Without your health, you won’t be able to live a life full of happiness.” The warmth and kindness the Doctor gives me makes me smile. He is right. If I want to live a good life, I need to be cautious of my health, especially as a half-human in a werewolf world.

“Thank you, Doctor.” I say quietly, looking up at him.

“Don’t worry about it, Theta Thornhill. A Nurse will be in soon to discharge you, do you need a cab to take you home?” 

“No, I can drive myself.” I answer, getting a nod from the man.

“Okay. If anything feels wrong, come here right away and I will see you, this includes any problems with that burn of yours.” His tone is full of concern and I nod, taking his words to heart.

“Also, once you decide what to do about your pregnancy, please give me a call. My number is in the file.” With that, the Doctor leaves the room and I am left alone with my thoughts for just a brief moment. Before long, the Nurse who assisted me earlier came in with a tablet and a clipboard. We go through the discharge process before the Nurse wishes me good luck. With a sigh, I leave the exam room and make my way towards the exit.

“How long till we see a Doctor?” My steps pause when I hear the familiar deep voice coming from just a few feet away. Nervous, I peek from around the corner of the wall and notice Riker with his arm wrapped around Darcia. His face is full of concern and yet the Nurse looks absolutely disgusted at her Alpha.

“As I mentioned, all the Doctors are busy. You will be seen soon.” The Nurse replies. Riker Snarls, but the Nurse doesn’t cower. She may be an Omega, but the Hospital here runs on an emergency-based protocol. Here in the Pack Hospital, the Alpha’s word is not law.

“Besides, your companion doesn’t seem to be injured.” The Nurse continues as if Riker’s snarl did not happen at all. Riker scoffs and leads Darcia towards the waiting area with such tenderness that it feels like my heart is about to shatter into millions of pieces. Wanting to get her away from him, even for a brief moment, I take my phone out and send a text to Riker.

Cassandra: Riker, I heard you are here at the hospital too. I am in waiting room three just down the hall. Could you come to see me? I am pregnant and we need to talk about what to do.

With the text sent, I move towards waiting room three and close the door behind me. I know Riker holds family in high esteem. If he knows that I am carrying his pup, he will come here immediately. 

It isn’t long before the door slams open, scaring me into jumping and whirling around. I expected to see Riker standing there, to feel his happiness and excitement at the mention of a pup. 

What I did not expect was to see Darcia sneering at me, her eyes filled with hatred and disdain as she slowly walked towards me, her heels clicking on the tiled floor. A sneer forms on her face as she eyes me from head to toe and a chuckle leaves her lips.

“Well if it isn’t the little home wrecker.”