Chapter 88: A Wolf's Weakness

Morning sunlight flowed in, it seemed, as if to peep through Reika's window. Little of the beauty she could appreciate lay overwhelmed and glued to the bed because of an exhaustion from hell. Beads of sweat flowed over her forehead; dull-aching pain spread along the limbs. This frailty she had never felt since her past life. Cheerily enough, Daisy came in, bearing the tray of herbal tea and bread, but the sight of Reika's very pale complexion soon set her mind racing. "Reika, you look awful," Daisy said, setting the tray on the nightstand. "Oh, good morning to you, too," Reika growled, reaching to sit up and then falling straight back into her pillows as a wave of nausea washed over her. Hey, are you alright? Do I need to get the pack doctor?" Daisy asked; her voice laced with worry. "No," Reika said sharply, though it was off from the sharpness in which she normally spat the word out. She took another deep breath, forcing herself to at least sound somewhat reassuring. "It's nothing. Just stress." Daisy raised an eyebrow. "Stress doesn't normally turn you gray. You're sweating buckets! Reika closed her eyes, a part of her knowing Daisy was right but unwilling to admit the truth just yet. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> It wasn't long before Alpha Ileus arrived, his brow furrowed as he entered the room. He took one look at Reika and crossed the room in a few strides. 'You're sick," he said flatly, kneeling beside her bed. 'I'm fine," Reika said, though her voice was faint. "You are not fine," Ileus said, firm but laced with concern. "You've been pushing yourself too hard. Between the threats from the Dawn family and the execution of Riftan, you haven't given yourself a moment to rest." Reika's wolf stirred uncomfortably, her instinct to defend her strength clashing with undeniable truth. "Ileus, I don't have time for this," she said, trying once more to sit up, which turned out to be beyond her ability. "You don't have time to collapse, either," he threw back. He turned to Daisy. "Call the pack doctor. Now." Daisy nodded and scurried from the room, leaving the two alphas in privacy. "I don't need a doctor," Reika said weakly, though her defiance was losing its edge. "I'm not asking," Ileus said firmly. "You're my mate, and whether you like it or not, I'm responsible for you." Reika's lips quivered and a faint, forced smile got pushed out despite her pains. "Really?"   "Yup," said Ileus, leaning a little closer. "And if you're gonna contest me over it, best get your strength back for that. First."     >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Shortly thereafter, the pack doctor, an older woman by the name of Mirren, arrived. She examined Reika with care, furrowing her brow as she took Reika's pulse, temperature, and breathing in turn. "Well?" Ileus fumed, crossing his arms against his chest impatiently. Mirren hedged before she responded, looking between the two alphas, until finally she answered, "Reika, have you recently felt nauseous, fatigued, or sharpening of senses?" The bomb had dropped and Reika's heart leaped into overdrive. "Yes," she answered very cautiously. Mirren nodded, knowing she knew that. "I had guessed so. Congratulations, Luna-you are pregnant." And God, the words hung there, almost like a bolt of thunder as Reika sat forward in absolute disbelief-minding pregnancy with everything just so chaotic in their current flux. Ileus seemed no less surprised. "Pregnant?" he echoed, as if this were some word too alien. "Yes," Mirren said, softly smiling. "It's still early yet, but the symptoms are consistent. You'll need to rest more, eat well, and avoid stress. Your wolf will protect the pup of course, but you mustn't push yourself too hard. She felt a swirl of emotions-shock, confusion, and a flicker of joy she hadn't expected-but beneath it all was gnawing worry. How could she protect a child when the Dawn family threat is still ongoing? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>≥>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mirren gone, Ileus sat beside Reika, his hand lightly stroking her cheek. "A pup," he whispered, his voice with wonder. Reika nodded, still processing the news. "I wasn't expecting this. Not now." "I don't think anyone's ever ready for this sort of thing," Ileus said with a small smile. "But we'll figure it out. Together." Reika looked at him, the normally guarded expression softening. "I don't know how to do this, Ileus. "You'll learn," Ileus said, implacable. "And you won't be doing it alone. We're a team, remember?" Reika's wolf growled softly in agreement, one of those rare moments when her instincts and her emotions seemed to agree on something. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The moment Daisy came back to check on Reika, the news escaped Ileus with a wide grin. "Reika's pregnant," he said. Daisy's eyes suddenly widened; she let out a shrill shriek of excitement. "My god! This is crazy good! Congrats, Reika!" Reika can wear a small smile now. "Thanks, Daisy, but let this one keep in the family for the meantime because that's what it deserves-just between us.". Daisy nodded vigorously. "Of course! You have to promise to take my care. I am going to feed you the best food, give you soft blankets, and anything for you, sir!" Ileus laughed. "Sounds like someone got their personal assistant." Reika rolled her eye at the display but couldn't quell a smoldering warmth from Daisy's enthusiasm. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> It wasn't until the darkness of night, when Reika slept most soundly, that Ileus could have a secret meeting with Kael and the other council members. Threats against the family were serious by this time but, once again, so was anything associated with this stage in pregnancy for Reika. "We can't afford any more surprises," Ileus said in his lowest, gravest tone of voice. "Reika needs to focus on her health. That means it's up to us to handle this." Kael nodded. "What's the plan? Ileus's eyes darkened, and his wolf stirred in a protective fury. "We hit them where it hurts. No more waiting. It's time to remind the Dawn family who they're dealing with."