Phoebe’s POV
I woke up with Perry wrapped around like a human blanket.
His arms locked against him, as though he planned to absorb into his massive fra. The problem? His body was enormous and weighed a ton.
He was crushing .
I squird, trying to escape his grip, but he only pulled closer. The heat radiating from him was unbearable, especially with the morning sun beating down on our tent.
I wiggled again. This ti, Perry’s hand found my breast, fingers kneading the soft flesh while he let out a low groan in his sleep.
Even unconscious, he couldn’t keep his hands off .
I grabbed his wrist to stop him, accidentally jolting him awake. "Mm?" His brows drew together in sleepy confusion before he nuzzled into the curve of my neck.
——
Joe strode toward Fiona, who was retching beneath the gnarled tree. His hand found her neck, massaging gently. "What’s wrong with you? You look like death."
Joe was one of the twin warriors from the Crimson Fang pack. He and his brother had grown up alongside Fiona, their loyalty to her absolute.
"I’m fine," Fiona managed between gasps. She took the water bottle Joe offered, rinsing the bitter taste from her mouth.
She splashed so on her face too, her skin slick with sweat. She’d been sick for days now.
"You need sothing?" Fiona asked again, her voice raw. She nodded her thanks for the water.
"We have to move. The king’s sending search parties to hunt down survivors."
Joe’s expression darkened. "How’s Reginald doing?"
Fiona wiped her damp face with her sleeve. "He sleeps most of the ti. When he’s awake, it’s more frequent now, but recovery’s crawling."
Joe gave a sharp nod. "I’d tell you to rest, but I need you to speak with royal beta Allen."
Fiona’s body went rigid at the na. "What... what for?" She couldn’t bear facing him again. The thought of his filthy hands on her, of seeing his face, made her stomach churn.
"Like I explained before." Joe’s brow furrowed.
Fiona hadn’t been listening. "The king’s got search parties tracking us. We need to evacuate. Allen claims he can get us to the Valerium Kingdom - it’s our only shot at survival. We leave now."
Only Allen knew the route to reach the Valerium people and cross the border. Reginald had briefed alpha Sterling, who passed the information to Joe and the other warriors.
That’s why they’d kept the royal beta from the Valerium kingdom breathing.
"Fiona, are you hearing ?" Joe gave her shoulder a gentle shake.
"Yeah, I caught that." Fiona swallowed hard. "I’ll... I’ll talk to him."
In the distance, Tiara walked toward them - Reginald’s mother.
"Breakfast is ready. Co eat," she said, exhaustion weighing down her voice. She’d never endured this kind of hardship, not even before eting Caron.
"I’ll wait for updates." Joe squeezed her shoulder once more before walking away.
Tiara studied Fiona with concern. "Are you alright, dear?" Her tone was gentle. "You look ghostly pale."
"I’m fine." Fiona dried her face and cleared her throat. "Let’s head back."
But Tiara suddenly cupped Fiona’s face. "Are you pregnant?"
"What?" Fiona’s eyes widened. "What are you talking about?"
Tiara’s face lit up with sudden joy. "You’re pregnant! I’m absolutely certain you’re pregnant!" She practically bounced with excitent.
"My God! I’m going to be a grandmother!" Tiara was glowing.
A smile tugged at Fiona’s lips as she pictured herself carrying a child. A baby. A tiny miracle in this nightmare. It would be challenging, but it would be everything.
"How... how can you tell... that I’m pregnant?"
Fiona felt a surge of hope, but she didn’t want to get carried away. She couldn’t handle disappointnt, especially if Reginald was about to hear this wonderful news.
"Of course I can tell. I’ve had two children! The signs are obvious." Tiara kissed both of Fiona’s cheeks. "Even your scent is shifting now. I’m positive."
Fiona’s smile grew as Tiara’s certainty sank in, but then reality crashed over her and her joy crumbled.
"Reginald’s going to be thrilled!" Tiara bead. "We need to find a healer to determine how far along you are."
No. No. No.
Fiona scread internally. This baby wasn’t Reginald’s. It couldn’t be his, and to her horror, Fiona was certain because she couldn’t even rember the last ti she’d been intimate with Reginald.
Terror flooded her features as her breathing beca ragged. This was impossible. This couldn’t be happening.
She’d survived so much, but carrying Allen’s child was beyond her worst nightmares.
She’d rather die than bear his offspring. She refused!
"Are you alright?" Tiara’s worry deepened as Fiona began shaking. "Co on, let’s get so food. You need to nourish yourself and your baby."
Your baby.
"I’ll... I’ll co later." Fiona bolted from Tiara, unable to face the hopeful expression on her face, the assumption that Fiona was carrying Reginald’s child.
Fiona ran until she couldn’t see the hut, then doubled over and vomited. She couldn’t breathe.
Fear and revulsion consud her.
She had to eliminate this baby.
Without hesitation, Fiona drove her fist into her stomach.
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