Decisions to protect the baby.

Isabella's POV 

I slowly hummed a song as I slowly rocked Treasure in my arms, watching as he slowly drifted off to sleep.

Almost a week has passed since I ended up here. I was surprised as I was constantly given food, and rested in the hospital. The most surprising thing was how despite my stay here, I had never been asked regarding my bills. Nothing was for free, and the omission made me believe that something was up.

For the past five days, I hadn't seen Sierra as well. For some reason, I didn't know whether to be relieved or anxious about it. Claire visited once, on the third day. However, that was the only encounter I had besides the nurses, and most of the time I was left alone in solitude. It didn't bother me, as I had been living alone since I ran away from home.

I looked down to find that my baby boy had already drifted off to sleep. Quietly, sitting up, I walked towards the cot that was brought to my room after the second day. My confusion back then was appeased when I had heard from the doctor that it was a standard policy, due to the mother-child pack bond.

Shortly after I had laid him down, there came a knock on my door before it opened. I saw Sierra again in all her glory.

I held the urge to growl as I turned fully to face her while the cot was behind me, acting as a barricade between her and my baby.

I saw how her eyes trailed and knew she knew exactly what I was doing. Moving back, she seemed to tread carefully.

"Good day to you, Isabella." She said, her voice lacking any of the venom I was used to.

I nodded, "Hello Sierra."

It was likely the most cordial we had been, and the first time we seemed to be on equal ground as compared to her picking on me.

"How are you doing?" She asked.

I nodded, "I'm much better."

It was the truth. Between the past few days, I had almost fully recovered. With eating food and good proper rest, my werewolf healing seemed to kick in, doing the rest of the work.

Moving towards the chair in the room, Sierra sat down. I followed her, cautious of her every move.

"You don't have to worry about the hospital bills. They are all paid for. " She said casually, making me blink.

"Thank you." I said gratefully. Although I still couldn't understand the change, I had to do so, especially knowing what she had done.

"For the past few days I have spoken to my brother." I clenched my jaw to stop myself from reacting at the mention of her brother. What was his name again? It was best she didn't know. 

"He has finally agreed to let you stay with us."

I tensed. I clearly remembered what he had said the last time.

"I want her out of this pack once she has rested for a week at most."

The point was moot already, considering that I had already left of my own volition before ending up back here. Including the scent that was wearing off with every day, his reasoning was less sensible.

"You'll stay here temporarily, only as a guest for three months. By that time, you'll probably be more recovered."

I looked at her carefully to see any hint of deceit in her gaze. She was telling the whole truth. 

The thought of staying in a pack, no matter how temporary, brought an ache in my heart. It reminded me of the pack I had left behind. It was melancholic, and yet...so tempting.

But did I want to stay in a pack with the man who assaulted me? The one who took my innocence and brought me into my predicament.

"What happens if I refuse?" I ask carefully.

"We found you on the street, which can only mean you don't have shelter."

I flinched, waiting for her to insult me. She didn't however, and instead continued.

"If you choose not to stay, that'll be it. The bills have already been paid and there's no taking that back. Once you get discharged, which I'm sure will happen soon, you'll be free but at what cost?"

She was right. I had no place to go and the few belongings I had were not enough to keep me going, especially now with Treasure. What was I going to do?

I remained contemplating when a small sound drew us both away, coming from behind me.

It seemed like Treasure was still asleep, his cry likely from whatever dream he was having. His cry however, felt more like a sign than anything.

I look back to Sierra to see her staring intensely at the cot. Before I could say a thing, she reverted to staring at me before standing up.

"I'll come back for your answer tonight." She said, about to walk away.

"No need," I interrupted her.

Ignoring her frame for a moment, I looked at my baby, sleeping so peacefully.

"If it's you, I don't mind putting everything away," I whispered fondly to him.

Turning back, I looked at the brunette woman.

"Okay then," I nodded. "I will be grateful if you let me stay in your pack for a few months."

I would stay but only as a guest, and I didn't mind. Whether he decided to let me stay permanently, I was set on leaving. Once I was able to get a stable job, I could leave. Hopefully Sierra would place me with another pack member and I wouldn't have to ever encounter her brother. 

Once the door was shut, I closed my eyes. There was no reconsidering or second guessing. Beggars didn't have a choice after all.

My decision had been made, and nothing could be taken back.

Looking back to my child, I pray to the moon goddess that everything I was doing is for the best.