Chapter 52

The joy of my pregnancy, though wonderous, was short-lived as the dreaded complications that come with werewolf pregnancy arose. It was a cloud that cast a shadow over the newfound unity of our pack. I had begun to have a sense that something was wrong, a nagging worry that refused to be ignored.

One evening at dinner, Armand noticed my distress. "Beryl, are you alright? You seem upset by something.”

Immediately, my mates were on alert, all eyes on me. “I’m not sure. I have a feeling that something isnt quite right. I’m not hurting, really, but I'm uncomfortable in a way that doesn’t make sense. It’s more than just a growing baby kind of discomfort.”

Armand nodded, knowing that complications were possible. “My dear girl, we need to find someone who understands werewolf pregnancies. We won't leave anything to chance."

My mates, Nicholas, Brian, and Cheney, nodded in agreement. "We'll find the best specialist," Nicholas assured me. "We won't rest until we do."

Days passed, and Armand had the pack mobilize to find the elusive specialist who could help with my pregnancy. It had been nearly a decade since the last full werewolf pregnancy had occurred, and even then, that pregnancy had been short lived, sadly.

Finally, word came that a specialist had been found, and Cheney took a group of guards to see if they could bring him to us.

They returned, triumphant. A renowned expert in werewolf pregnancies was on his way. He had to put some things in order before he could make the trip to us. The pack buzzed with anticipation as we awaited his arrival.

When the specialist, Dr. Matthias, finally arrived, he was met with a mix of relief and hope. I was anxious but determined to do whatever it took to ensure the safety of our child.

Dr. Matthias conducted a thorough examination, his experienced hands moving gently over my belly. His expression was grave as he finally spoke, his voice heavy with concern.

"There's a lingering darkness, a malevolent force attached to both you and your baby," he said, his words sending a shiver down my spine.

Somehow, after all that we had gone through to rid ourselves of her, Amy was still affecting our lives in a negative way.

Armand clenched his fists, his anger palpable. "How do we remove it? What's the danger?"

Dr. Matthias sighed, his eyes filled with understanding. "Removing it won't be easy. It's like a stubborn stain on your soul. As for the danger, it's hard to say. Dark magic can have unpredictable effects, especially on the unborn."

I looked at my mates, worry etched on their faces. They had been my pillars of strength throughout this journey, and I knew they would do anything to protect our child.

"Can you help us, Dr. Matthias?" I asked, my voice trembling, the fear I was feeling clear. My mates pushed in closer to me, knowing that I needed their strength.

He nodded. "I can perform a ritual, a purification of sorts. But it will require all of you, the entire pack, to be present and focused. Your bond is your greatest weapon against this darkness."

We agreed, and Dr. Matthias began to prepare for the ritual. The pack gathered around us, forming a protective circle. The night was silent, the air filled with anticipation.

I had been relieved that the doctor had not asked about the darkness that was connected to me and my child. I assumed he had heard rumors, of course, but I didn’t feel like discussing the betrayal again, and I sensed that he had understood that and kept quiet.

My sense of gratitude towards my doctor/savior grew even more with every moment, feeling as though he truly had my best interests, and the safety of my child, at heart.

As the ritual began, Dr. Matthias chanted ancient words, his voice resonating with power. I felt the presence of the moon goddess, her energy surrounding us, lending strength to our efforts.

I closed my eyes, my hands resting on my swollen belly, and thought of the child within me. All I felt for this tiny creature was pure love. I knew that my baby would be safe and grow to be an amazing creature.

As the ritual progressed, a dark, ethereal force emerged from my body, a twisted, malevolent entity that seemed to writhe in agony as it was pushed away by the collective power of our bond.

I gasped as I felt it leave me, the sensation like a heavy weight lifted from my soul. Dr. Matthias continued the ritual, guiding the dark force away from our pack, back into the abyss from which it had come.

When it was over, I looked at my mates, tears of relief in my eyes. Dr. Matthias smiled. "The darkness is gone, but the scars may linger. It will take time to heal completely."

Armand placed a hand on my shoulder, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Doctor. You've saved not only Beryl but our entire pack."

Dr. Matthias nodded, his gaze lingering on my rounded belly. "Take care of her and take care of that little one. He or she is destined for greatness, I can feel it. In all honestly, I would feel more comfortable if I could begin to see her on a regular basis. At least weekly, if I could. Just to make sure she and the baby stay healthy. Would that be possible?"

Armand stood, “Of course. You will have your own rooms, and whatever you need to help care for Beryl.” He turned a spoke quietly to a member of the guard, and preparations for the doctors stay began at once.

I sighed, relieved that he would be here for the rest of the pregnancy to help keep an eye on me and this precious bundle I was carrying.

As the crowd around me dispersed, I felt a renewed sense of hope and unity. Our bond had been tested once again, but it had held strong. Our child was safe, and our pack was whole.

We returned to our own home, the soft glow of the moon filtering through the trees. I nestled into the embrace of my mates, feeling the life within me stir. Our journey was far from over, but with love and unity, we would face whatever challenges the future held.