CHAPTER 72

I woke up with a sigh, my very pregnant body making even getting out of bed difficult. As I tried to sit up, Xander was right there, his face showing worry.

“Let me help you, Aurora,” he whispered, his soft hands supporting my back as I swung my legs over the edge of the bed.

I smiled up at him gratefully, yet couldn't help but feel annoyed at my weakness. I was accustomed to being strong, able to tackle anything life threw at me. This feeling of needing help was new and not very pleasant.

We sat down to breakfast, still in high spirits, but in my mind at least getting back to normal. Then an urgent message came in-something was happening, vampires and werewolves were battling it out. Duty screamed at me to rush there right away, while another part of me tried to say, “Wait,” the part of me conscious of a growing baby inside me.

Xander saw my internal struggle. “Aurora, you don't have to go. Someone else can handle it.”

I shook my head. “No, I should be there. I'm still the leader of