Chapter 3: Struggle to survive

AURORA POV

Four months had passed, and my life had become a routine of isolation and silence. The walls of my small apartment felt like they were closing in on me, but I preferred them over the outside world.

The nights had become my refuge. The world was quieter then, and hid me well, hide my shame. It was easier to avoid the stares, the whispers, and the inevitable questions.

My pregnancy was now impossible to hide. At five months, my belly was prominent, a constant reminder of the choices I’d made and the betrayal I couldn’t escape. I had only two months left before my pup, my reason for still breathing would arrive, a timeline shortened because of the Alpha blood running through its veins. I could feel the strength of the life growing inside me, a mix of pride and heartbreak swirling in my chest every time I felt it kick.

During the day, I stayed indoors, avoiding any chance of being seen. I tried to convince myself that I was better off this way. No prying eyes, no judgmental stares, no awkward questions, living on my little savings.

When I did step out at night, I made sure to wear oversized sweaters and skirts, hiding the truth as best I could. It was ridiculous, really, but I couldn’t bear the idea of anyone seeing me like this—pregnant and mate-less. It would be the talk of the pack, the ultimate joke: Aurora, who couldn’t even claim her mate, to get this miss beauty goddess crown, now carrying a pup.

I tried to wipe Raymond from my heart. Every day, I told myself I didn’t care anymore. But no matter how much I tried, his face haunted me. His betrayal, his lies, and the mark on my neck were scars I couldn’t erase.

Some nights, I found myself talking to the pup. “I’m sorry,” I whispered, my hand resting on my belly. “I don’t know how I’ll do this, but I’ll try. You’ll have me, at least. And I promise you, that will be enough.”

The pup kicked in response, and I closed my eyes, letting a tear slip down my cheek.

But deep down, I knew I couldn’t hide forever.  The pack wasn’t blind, and soon, someone would put the pieces together. My secret wouldn’t stay buried much longer.

But till then..........

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The night was quiet, too quiet.  had just come back from one of my late-night walks, pulling my big sweater around me to block out the cold air. My belly felt heavier tonight, and there was a dull ache in my lower back. I tried to ignore it. This was normal, I told myself. Carrying an Alpha’s pup wasn’t supposed to be easy, not too imagine the pain that comes with getting marked and your mate is with someone else out there.

I sat down on the couch in my little apartment, letting out a tired sigh. But then, out of nowhere, a sharp pain shot through my stomach. It was so sudden and strong that I couldn’t breathe for a moment.

It's just 5 months, what's going on, I clutched my belly. “No... no, not now,” I whispered, fear creeping in.

The pain came again, stronger this time. I cried out, like I don't have the choice than to cry this time, tears filling my eyes as I doubled over. Something was wrong—terribly wrong. My wolf stirred inside me, but her energy felt strange. Her growls were low and uneasy, and it sent a chill through me.

“What’s going on?” I asked her, but she didn’t answer. I could only feel her panic.

I tried to stand, but my legs gave out, and I fell hard onto my knees. Pain ripped through me again, and I screamed, clutching my belly tighter. Then I felt it—wetness.

When I looked down, I saw blood spreading across the floor. My heart stopped.

“No, no, no!” I sobbed, crawling forward on shaky hands. My whole body trembled as wave after wave of pain tore through me. I was alone. No one was coming.

“Moon Goddess, please!” I cried out, my voice cracking. “Don’t take my baby! Please, don’t take my baby!”

My wolf whimpered weakly, her energy fading as I struggled to move. She was fighting, but she felt so far away, slipping away from me just like the life inside me.

The pain was so bad I could barely think. Tears streamed down my face, and I pressed my hands against my belly like I could somehow protect my pup.

“Please,” I whispered again, choking on a sob. “I’ll do anything—anything. Just save my baby.”

For a moment, I felt a strange warmth, like a soft touch wrapping around me. It was so brief I almost thought I imagined it. My wolf stirred weakly, her voice faint but firm. “Keep going. Don’t stop.”

I crawled toward the door, dragging myself across the floor even as my strength faded. My hands shook, and every inch felt like it took all the energy I had left.

I reached the door and pounded on it weakly. “Help…” I whispered, my voice barely a sound.

But the bleeding hadn’t stopped, My hands trembled as I tried to sit up.

My hands trembled as I tried to sit up.

I had no choice—I needed help. I needed to get to a hospital. But going to the pack hospital was out of the question. I hadn’t seen a doctor since I found out I was pregnant. I’d been hiding, keeping everything to myself. If anyone saw me now, pregnant and mate-less, the gossip would be endless. They’d laugh at me, judge me.

But I couldn’t think about that. My pup’s life was more important than my pride, but I guess my pride take over, I will struggle to the neighbouring pack instead.

 My car keys. I needed my car keys. My vision was blurry as I searched the counter with trembling hands. When my fingers touched the cold metal, I gripped them tight.

“You can do this,” I whispered to myself, even though I wasn’t sure I believed it.

The pain nearly knocked me down as I made my way back outside. Somehow, I climbed into the driver’s seat. 

The streets were empty, thankfully, and no one stopped me as I drove past the pack border.

The abandoned road to the neighboring pack was long and quiet. The car groaned as I pushed it harder, but I knew it was a miracle it had even started. It hadn’t been serviced in months.

“Please, not now,” I begged the car as the engine started to sputter.

But my pleading wasn’t enough. The car jerked forward one last time before the engine gave out completely. It rolled to a stop in the middle of the road.

“Damn it!” I yelled, slamming my hand on the steering wheel.

Tears blurred my vision as I climbed out of the car..

My hands scraped against the gravel as I dragged myself forward, tears running down my face. The pain was unbearable, but I couldn’t stop. I wouldn’t stop.

Then, in the distance, I saw headlights. A car was coming.

My heart leaped with relief. “Thank you, Moon Goddess,” I whispered.

I weakly waved my arm, hoping the driver would see me. The car sped toward me, and for a terrifying moment, it didn’t look like it would stop.

I closed my eyes, bracing for the worst. But then, tires screeched, and the car came to a halt just in time.

The door opened, and I saw someone step out. Through my blurry vision, I could only make out that he was tall. His presence was strong, almost comforting, even in my state.

He knelt down next to me, and I forced one word out before everything faded to black.

“Help..