Chapter 198 The Suspicious Gift
Chapter 198: The Suspicious Gift
Chapter 198: The Suspicious Gift
(Aria’s POV)
The morning sun streamed through the windows of our Moon Valley home as I read the notification on my phone for the third time, my pregnant wolf humming with satisfaction despite my confined state
“Dominic, look at this!” I called out, waving my phone excitedly. “The herbal remedy project ranked third in the Northern Territory’s pharmaceutical achievements!”
Dominic looked up from his laptop, his silver–gray eyes brightening with pride. “After only two weeks? That’s incredible, Aria.”
“The company is being flooded with collaboration requests from packs across multiple territories,” I continued, my hand instinctively moving to my swollen belly where our pup was growing stronger each day. “Everyone wants to work with us.”
My wolf stirred restlessly within me, yearning to be part of the success I had helped create. But as I started to rise from the couch, Dominic’s protective Alpha presence immediately radiated concern.
“Where are you going?” he asked, his cedar scent wrapping around me with gentle authority.
“To get ready for work,” I replied, though I already knew what his response would be.
“Aria, you’re eight months pregnant,” Dominic said firmly, his powerful frame moving to block my path. “Dr. Nathan, your parents, and even your colleagues have specifically forbidden you from going to the company right now.”
My pregnant wolf whimpered with frustration. “But this is my project too. I should be there to help manage all
these new opportunities.”
“Your job right now is to stay healthy and safe,” Dominic replied, his tone brooking no argument. “The company can survive without you for a few more weeks.”
I sank back into the couch with a heavy sigh, my wolf’s protective instincts making me especially vulnerable during this final stage of pregnancy. Everyone treated me like I was made of glass, and while I understood their concern, the constant hovering was driving me insane.
“You don’t have to be with me every day,” I said, watching as Dominic closed his laptop and settled beside me. “I’m not a three–year–old, Dominic.”
His silver–gray eyes met mine with gentle understanding. “I know you’re not. But humor me, okay? I’ve waited
so long to have you and our pup safe in my arms.”
The love in his voice made my heart flutter, but my restless wolf needed more than protective coddling. “I want to return to work. Even if it’s just for a few hours a day.”
Dominic considered this carefully, his Alpha instincts warring with his desire to keep me happy. “What if I compromise? You can accompany me to work daily and do as you please within our territory. I’ll be close by if you need anything.”
Hope sparked in my chest. “Really? You’d let me do that?”
Chapter 150 The Suspicions Gift
“As long as you promise to take it easy, he replied, his cedar scent carrying both love and concern.
I nodded eagerly, already feeling more energetic at the prospect of returning to familiar routines. “But what about my mother? She’s been especially protective since we reconnected”
Mrs. Caroline Lewis had been hovering over me constantly since her return from Europe, her maternal wolf instincts in overdrive after being separated from me for over twenty years.
*I’ll handle your mother,” Dominic assured me, his powerful Alpha presence radiating confidence. “She’ll understand that keeping you happy is important for both you and the pup.”
True to his word, Dominic convinced Mrs. Caroline to allow me limited work activities. The next few weeks fell into a comfortable routine of spending fulfilling days with my colleagues while my Alpha mate remained protectively close by.
But as my due date approached, my mother’s anxiety reached new heights.
“Aria, I think you should stay in Silvercrest Hospital, Mrs. Caroline announced one morning, her wolf’s maternal instincts demanding maximum safety for her daughter and grandpup. “Werewolf pregnancies can be unpredictable, especially in the final weeks.”
I looked up from my herbal remedy notes, my pregnant wolf bristling with reluctance. “Mom, there are still two weeks until the due date. Do I need to be hospitalized so early?”
“Premature labor is always a risk, she replied firmly, her brown eyes filled with worry. “And if something goes wrong, you’ll already be in the best possible place for immediate care.”
Dr. Nathan Lewis, who had been reviewing my latest medical charts, nodded in agreement. “Your mother’s right, Aria, Given your wolf’s enhanced healing abilities and the pup’s strong Alpha genetics, it’s better to be
cautious.”
Though reluctant, I agreed to the hospitalization, understanding that my family’s concerns came from
genuine love rather than mere overprotectiveness.
The private room at Silvercrest Hospital was spacious and comfortable, with large windows overlooking the
territory’s forest. But the sterile hospital environment made my pregnant wolf feel confined and restless.
“At least I can still work on remedy formulations from here, I muttered, arranging my research materials on
the bedside table.
News of my hospitalization spread quickly through the werewolf territories, and soon my room was flooded with well–wishers bearing gifts. Flowers, food, traditional healing herbs, and baby supplies arrived daily from
various packs.
Sarah Chen, the professional werewolf nanny Mrs. Caroline had hired to care for me, worked tirelessly to
organize the constant stream of presents. She was a middle–aged woman with kind eyes and the patient demeanor of someone accustomed to caring for expectant mothers.
“Mrs. Blackwood, I’ve had to create a separate corner just for storing all these gifts, Sarah said with a weary smile, her wolf’s scent carrying the mingled fragrances of multiple pack territories. “Your popularity in the werewolf community is remarkable.”
I watched her efficiently categorize the presents, feeling overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. “I never expected this much attention.”
< Chapter 198 The Suspicious Gift
“Your herbal remedy work has helped wolves across multiple territories,” Sarah replied, arranging a beautiful bouquet of healing herbs. “They’re showing their gratitude.”
Ten days before my due date, Sarah announced that I had visitors. “Miss Alison Lewis and her mother are here to see you.”
My pregnant wolf immediately tensed, instinctively wary of the approaching scents. I had met Margaret Lewis, Alison’s biological mother, only briefly at family gatherings, but something about her abrasive demeanor and calculating wolf pheromones had always put me on edge.
“Send them in,” I said reluctantly, composing myself as they entered.
Margaret Lewis was a sharp–featured woman in her fifties, her cold eyes appraising everything in the room. with obvious calculation. She moved with the confident stride of someone accustomed to getting her way through intimidation.
“Aria, dear,” she said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “How are you feeling?”
“Well, thank you,” I replied politely, maintaining distance despite her attempt at warmth.
Alison followed behind her mother, her wolf’s scent carrying barely contained jealousy. “The room is lovely. All these gifts must make you feel very special.”
There was something sharp in her tone that made my pregnant wolf bristle defensively. “People have been
very kind.”
Margaret approached my bedside, carrying a decorative basket filled with what appeared to be eggs. “I brought these for you, dear. They’re specially prepared eggs, excellent for pregnant werewolves.”
She set the basket on my bedside table with satisfaction. “These are guaranteed to give you a strong male
pup. Every Luna needs to provide her mate with a proper heir.”
My hand moved instinctively to protect my belly. “Thank you, but I’d be happy with either a boy or girl.”
Margaret’s expression soured, her wolf’s disapproval evident in her scent. “You have to have a grandson for your mate’s family, especially considering they don’t entirely approve of you.”
The casual cruelty of her words made my pregnant wolf recoil. “I’m sorry?”
“Oh, don’t misunderstand,” Alison interjected with false sweetness. “Mother just means that proving your worth through producing a male heir would strengthen your position as Luna.”
Her veiled insults were becoming increasingly obvious, her wolf’s jealousy barely contained beneath her
polite facade. “After all, not everyone in the Shadow Pack was thrilled about Dominic’s choice of mate.”
I felt my temper rising, my pregnant wolf bristling with indignation. These women had come here not to offer
support, but to undermine my confidence and question my worthiness.
“Are we going for the check–up later?” I asked Sarah suddenly, hoping to end this uncomfortable encounter.
“Yes, Mrs. Blackwood,” Sarah replied immediately, recognizing my distress. “Dr. Nathan Lewis will be here
within the hour.”
Margaret and Alison exchanged glances, clearly disappointed that their visit was being cut short.
“Well, we should let you rest then,” Margaret said with false concern. “Do enjoy the eggs, dear. They’re a very old family recipe.”
Chapter 199 The Suspicious Gift
After they left, I sat in agitated silence, my wolf still bristling with unease from their negative energy. The basket of eggs sat on my bedside table like an unwelcome reminder of their visit.
“Those women always make me feel uncomfortable,” I muttered to Sarah, who was organizing the latest
batch of gifts.
“Some people carry darkness in their hearts,” Sarah replied diplomatically, her wolf’s protective instincts responding to my distress. “It’s best to keep such individuals at a distance.”
As she worked, Sarah suddenly paused while handling the egg basket, her enhanced werewolf senses picking up something unusual. Her expression shifted from mild interest to sharp concern.
“Mrs. Blackwood,” she said carefully, her voice tight with worry. “What is this?”
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