Chapter 3

Talia (9 years later Part 3)

As I am sobbing my heart out, I feel a sharp pain in my abdomen. Shane and I were happy together and he does this to me. I felt him do it a few times, but this one is more painful. Wolves can feel their mates emotions once they have mated. More strongly when they mark each other as well. Yes, Shane and I have had sex. A LOT of sex. So, it is to no surprise that I have felt him with another. I haven’t told him about us being a wolf. However, I don’t think I ever will.

‘It’s time, Soteria.’ I say in between crying. ‘ Yes, love. But just so you know, we will birth pup soon after. The pain will be too much for us to bear. I’ll help heal as best I can, but pup will be here no doubt.’ She responds. We had known we were with pup for 5 months now. One more month and we would have given birth. But I need to reject mate because I can’t handle the cheating no more. I’m aware of the risks, and the possibility of not being able to find a mate again. Well mainly because most man wolves don’t want to share a pup with another male. I won’t do that to my pup. She will always be protected!

I take a deep breath and say the words I never wanted to say with a shakily breath. At least I don’t have to wait for his response, “I Talia Everest, of the Everest Pack, hereby reject Shane Wilkins as my mate and I sever our connection the Moon Goddess had given us.” Searing pain rips through my chest as my heart shatters. The pain in my stomach worsens.

We decided to this outside of the pack borders, just near the river and under a hollow tree I had made when I was scared. Sometimes humans wonder by it and use it as shelter. I don’t mind. However, as I howl in pain, trying to stay awake and birth my pup, but also not focus on the pain in my chest, I hear a stick break. ‘Fuck not now! Soteria rogues?’ I ask in banted breaths. It is getting harder to breath. ‘No, human Talia. He smells friendly. Pup may die; we need help!’ She panics.

As I am taking short breaths, I see a man appear. We just stare at each other. He starts to inch closer to me and I growl a warning growl. He stops and extends his hand slowly. “I I I just want to help. I live in the neighboring pack. You look like Alpha Thallium’s sister. Um, T Talia right?” He nervously asks. I just look at him. He looks like one of the humans who has sanctuary amongst our allied packs. I don’t remember his name.

“If you’d like I can run back and…..” he began but I cut him off angrily roaring. “NO!!! Are you a doctor?!?!” He jumps back and shakenly replies, “ Yyyes but I have only worked on humans and wolf pups since they are hu… Well, you know miss.” He bows slightly. At least he knows how to treat a ranked member regardless of which pack they are from. “Just help me give birth, then you can be on your way. Soteria says we are losing our pup, is there a way you can check?” I tell him quickly.

“Not without the machines, but if you let me check your pelvis I can see how far along you are miss.” He rushes out. I nod my head in approval and he quickly, but cautiously makes his way towards me to examine me. I was wearing a dress since most clothes hadn’t fit me for a while. Not even my normal black baggie sweatpants, with a colorful tank and a baggie sweatshirt on top. Yeah, I was that huge at 5 months. By the six month I would be a boat.

He reaches under my dress and inserts his fingers to check me. “Miss you need to push, you are ready.” He says urgently. I just push, not caring if I rip or so he says. He was telling me something, but all I cared about was saving my pup. Then when I saw him hold my pup, his eyes are what scared me the most. He didn’t look sure about something.

“WHAT!?!?” I shouted. Why was he worried? Did something happen? Did I push so hard I broke her head? I don’t know what to think or do but I need to know why he is worried!

“Sorry miss, this is my first time helping with a wolf birth. Your baby is fine, just different I think.” He hands me my little girl, and I see why he was concerned. She has black eyes. It is abnormal but I don’t care. Like humans, the eye color will change over time. I just hope it is not red, like Soteria. That would be a give away that she or would be gifted.

“Like humans, her eyes will change color. No worries.” I assured him. “Miss, you need to be hospitalized. I think. Should I tell my Alpha and let him know, or tell your brother?” He asks as he scratches his head. I smiled at him and hum out, “No need Hun. I linked my brother just now. He’ll be here as well as some warriors to help me. What is your name so I can send a gift for helping me?” Why does he look surprised? I just want to show how thankful I am.

“Actually Miss, I was wondering if I can swing by anytime to help with your pup? I have noticed you were alone. From what I gather single mom wolves are frowned upon. If that’s alright with you miss. Oh! my name is, Taim Salem.” I am shocked by his knowledge, but I settle upon him visiting or even babysitting for me once I’m able to go back to work.

My brother came and collected us. Taim went home. I have wondered what to call my sweet baby girl and then it hit me. Adina. It means, ‘the gentle one.’ ‘I love pup’s name. Moon Goddess has a wolf picked out for her already. She is willing to tell us if you want?’ Soteria is wagging her tail in my head and prancing around happily. She was so focused in keeping our pup alive that hearing her fan over her is a relief. I laugh, ‘Sure, what is her wolf’s name?’ ‘Her name is Xena. And yes, she will be a guardian wolf like us.’ Soteria rasps out. I’ll forever be happy with my pup. Hopefully, my life will be better now that I can’t be mated again. If only I hadn’t forgotten about second chances.