Chapter 23

I woke up slowly, feeling disoriented and a little scared. The room was silent, and as I lay there, I realized I was in my own bed, covered only by a sheet.

There was a soft cushion beneath me, and although my body ached a little, it was nowhere near as bad as when I’d blacked out.

I gingerly propped myself up against the pillows that had been supporting my head, letting out a long sigh as I placed a hand on my swollen belly.

I felt my babies stir inside me, which brought me a sense of relief.

They were okay. Thank God.

The door opened, and Shinna walked in. She looked relieved to see me awake.

“Oh, I’m so glad. I was hoping you’d wake up soon,” she said, walking over to me.

“How long was I out?” I asked her.

“About a day, but it was for the best. You were on the verge of going into labor because of all the stress you were under, and that could have been really dangerous for your little ones.

“They need a little more time before they’re ready to come into the world,” Shinna explained.

“What happened after I blacked out? Was there anything else?” I asked, my hand still on my belly.

Shinna sat on the edge of the bed with me. “I’m afraid I don’t know much. I’ve been here with you since you were brought back.

“But I think Lord Jekia and Sage have been handling the fallout from the attack, although it might be better to wait before we talk about it any further.

“You can’t stress yourself out right now. I was able to stop your labor, but too much stress could trigger it again,” she warned me.

“I guess,” I agreed reluctantly.

“Why don’t I let Lord Jekia know you’re awake? I’m sure he’ll want to see you right away,” she suggested, standing up.

I nodded, watching her bow before she left the room. Lying there in bed, I lifted the blanket to look at my bare belly.

This had been a close call, and I was grateful that my twins were safe.

“Soon, little ones,” I whispered, rubbing my belly. “But not too soon.”

I pulled the sheet back over me and stared out the nearby window, thinking about what had happened.

That witch, she’d betrayed me. She was ready to hand me over to the lycans, to someone she called Lady Kamelle.

Could that have been the lycans’ leader? Was she a woman, maybe even a powerful beta?

My thoughts were interrupted by the door opening. Jekia rushed in, heading straight for me and pulling me into a desperate hug.

“I was so worried about you and the kids,” he said, holding me tight.

“I…I’m okay. I promise,” I managed to say, hugging him back.

It was clear that my handsome Luna Dog needed some comfort right now. I’d probably scared him pretty badly by blacking out and almost going into early labor.

We sat like that for a few minutes before Jekia finally pulled himself together and looked at me again, though he kept touching my face.

“I’m just glad you and the kids are safe. That was too close for comfort, and something I never expected. No one’s ever dared to do something like that to us before,” he confessed.

“I don’t understand why it happened. What could they have promised that witch to make her want to hurt me or our kids?” I asked him.

“That’s what we’re still trying to figure out,” Jekia replied, crossing his arms as he sat with me.

“As much as it pains me to admit it, I’m glad Sage came back when he did. I told him he had perfect timing, but he thinks it was mostly luck.”

I smiled. “Whatever it was, I’m glad he was there. I hope you didn’t give him too hard a time afterward for what hasn’t been dealt with yet.”

Jekia shook his head, a sheepish smile on his face. “No, I promise I didn’t. I even told him I was grateful he came back when he did.

“I’ve also asked him to stay for now, at least until we know you and the twins are okay.”

“Are you going to let him see them?”

“I’ve thought about it.”

“Jekia…”

He laughed at my disapproving tone. “Yes, my dear. I know. And no, I don’t have a problem with him seeing them anymore. Besides, I could use his help right now.

“If these lycans are really recruiting people from my lands against me, then I need to root them out and make it clear what happens when you betray me.

“I’ve already gotten permission from the Higher Ones,” he told me.

It made sense that they would give him that permission. If people were trying to hurt me and our kids, that meant they were trying to overthrow Jekia.

That could throw the entire northern lands into chaos if it was allowed to happen.

“Should I ask what happened to that witch?” I asked.

“It’s better not to talk about that right now. I don’t want to upset you any more than you already are.

“But if you want, I’ve been told you can get up and move around. It might also be a good idea to eat something before you get sick,” Jekia said.

“Okay. I can do that,” I agreed.

I let him help me up, then wrapped the sheet around me as he led me to the dressing room. Edifel was already there waiting for me, looking relieved when she saw me.

“I’m so glad to see you up and about, my lady,” she said, smiling gratefully.

“I’m glad to be able to. I’m sorry I worried everyone so much,” I replied.

“Don’t be. You know we’d worry anyway,” Edifel reminded me. She nodded at Jekia. “I take it you want Lady Lana dressed now?”

Jekia gave her instructions. “Once she’s done, you can help her to the dining room. I’ll be waiting there with food ready.”

“Sure thing,” Edifel agreed without hesitation.

Vishu moved to my side as Jekia exited the room, her blue eyes filled with concern.

“You sure you’re okay? You were in so much pain when you got back,” she said.

I tried to give her a comforting smile. “I’m okay now. A little sore, but I’ll manage. The important thing is the babies are okay too.”

“Absolutely. But let’s get you into a more comfortable dress,” Edifel suggested.

I was thankful for that. I felt huge, even if it was because I was carrying two babies.

I wondered if I would get any bigger, or if this was as big as I would get.

Edifel dressed me in a loose white gown with a low collar adorned with pearls.

After Vishu brushed my hair and they made sure everything was perfect, they led me down the hallway towards the dining room.

I found I enjoyed walking now. It made the discomfort in my lower body a little more bearable.

As we neared the dining room, I heard voices. My heart sped up when I recognized Sage’s. He had stayed, just as I thought he would.

Jekia and Sage were talking, and thankfully, their conversation sounded normal, like it always had before I got pregnant.

I took that as a good sign, though I hoped it wouldn’t change once I entered the room.

“You won’t deny me that, right? That’s all I’m asking.

“You know I have no intention of taking Lana from you. All I want now is to see my child,” Sage was saying.

I stood by the door, listening to their conversation. It sounded like they were having a serious discussion about the twins.

“I gave you my word, didn’t I?” Jekia responded calmly.

“Even if I said things in anger before, I can’t hold onto that anger now that I understand more about what happened here. And I can’t deny another alpha the chance to see their child.

“Even if I claim to be this child’s father, among us, you are rightfully so.”

Sage sounded relieved. “I’m grateful for this, and even though this is part of our agreement to protect Lana and the babies, I would still do so regardless.

“I’ve always wanted to protect her, and I can’t stand the thought of what I’ve done since she arrived here.

“I wanted to be a friend, but I feel like I’ve often given in to instinct and lusted after her.”

“You’re overthinking things. Lana cares about you and sees you as a friend. Let’s let bygones be bygones. Can we agree on that?” Jekia suggested.

“Yes, of course.”

I decided to enter the room now, since it seemed like they were getting along. As I stepped through the doorway, they both looked at me.

I felt a little self-conscious, considering my very pregnant state and knowing that both of my babies’ fathers were there. But I managed a smile, determined to act as normal as possible.

“I was hoping I’d come in at a good time,” I said.

Sage stood up and guided me to the chair between his and Jekia’s. “You don’t need to worry about that. We’ve settled a lot between us. What’s important is how you’re doing.”

“Exactly,” Jekia agreed as I slowly sat down.

“I promise I’m okay now. It feels good to move around, and I want to be here with you.

“It’ll put my mind at ease to know what’s been going on,” I told them as I filled a plate with the food that had been set out for us. It felt good to eat.

Jekia chuckled, amused. “That’s understandable, and I did promise you I wouldn’t keep you in the dark.”

“Yes, you did,” I replied, a small smile on my face.

Sage found this amusing too, laughing a little as he sat down next to me. I discreetly took in his appearance.

He didn’t look any different than the last time I saw him, but he seemed a little more subdued.

From what I’d heard before I entered, it seemed like Jekia had given him a hard time right after my pregnancy was announced.

I figured he was still trying to smooth things over with us, both to see his child and to maintain the friendships he’d built over the years.

I couldn’t blame him. I would be doing the same if I were in his shoes, and in a way, I was.

“You’ve become quite outspoken, but it’s endearing. You’ve grown so much since you’ve been here, just like I hoped you would,” he told me.

“I’ve tried my best. But I owe a lot to you too.

“Jekia told me you found me when I was a child on the farm, and I’ve started to remember you from back then.

“You’ve always been kind to me, and I appreciate that more than you know. You really gave me my start in this world,” I replied.

Jekia nodded. “She’s right. If you hadn’t stepped in when you did and spread the stories of the fairy forest, she might not have ended up here.

“As much as I’m still a little upset about some things, I can’t deny your role in getting her here to meet me,” he admitted.

“As I said before, you have every right to be upset with me, even if you’re gracious enough to overlook it for the sake of friendship and for her and the baby,” Sage said.

His ears flattened as he spoke, his chin resting on his hand as he looked away. It was clear he felt small in the wake of everything that had happened.

“Sage, I don’t blame you for what’s happened,” I said, “and I don’t think Jekia does either.

“They wanted me to have two heirs, but not two pups. They were afraid they’d always be at each other’s throats.

“I’m guessing you didn’t have much say in this when they gave the order, if they even did,” I reasoned.

Sage shook his head. “I didn’t have a choice. I knew that the moment it happened,” he admitted.

Jekia’s eyebrow lifted at that, though he didn’t react much otherwise.

“You haven’t fully explained your side of things to me yet.

“It sounds like you’re saying they didn’t tell you about your role in this until after the fact,” he pointed out.

“They didn’t,” Sage confirmed. “I knew something was off that day.

“I won’t deny that I’ve been attracted to Lana since she started coming into her own as an omega, but that day was different. It was too intense, and I couldn’t control it.

“I had my suspicions afterward, but they weren’t confirmed until the announcement was sent to Emelio.

“I was ready for you to rip into me. I felt like I’d betrayed you and her, whether I meant to or not. I needed time to process it and figure out how to make amends.”

Jekia leaned back in his chair, his hands folded on the table in front of him. He looked thoughtful.

“If that’s how you’ve always felt, and if that’s what happened—which I believe, given what they’ve been known to do—then make amends by helping however you can.

“As I’ve told you before, I’ll always claim this kit as my own and make sure they’re recognized as an heir just like my pup. But I don’t mind you being in their life.

“In fact, I think it’s better for them.

“There are traits that young foxes have that young Luna Dogs don’t, so it would be better for them if you could come by and help them when they need it.”

“I’d like that too,” I said. “Not just because they’re yours, but because they’ll need you.

“Even if I think I can be a good mother to both of them, there are things they’ll need their fathers for. Things I can’t do or teach them because I’m human.

“I want them both to grow up happy and strong, and I think this is the best way to make sure of that.”

Sage nodded, a smile spreading across his face as he closed his eyes. “I agree with both of you. I’ll be around as much as I can to help. You have my word.”

“Good,” Jekia said.

He changed the subject. “Now that we’ve settled that, I’d like to talk about the recent attack and the hag we’ve taken prisoner.

“Since Lana is feeling better, it’s best if we discuss this with her present.”

“I agree. I’d like to hear what you’ve found out,” Sage said.

I rested a hand on my swollen belly, nodding. “I want to know more too. I’m still shocked that a creature here that wasn’t feral attacked me.”

Jekia sighed, looking tired. “We all are. I’ll admit that.

“I’ve had the Sumarians hold the hag for me. I spoke with her and Morosa a few hours ago.

“She’s been reluctant to give us information, but she’s starting to talk more.

“I guess the idea of being imprisoned by the Sumarians for the rest of her life doesn’t appeal to her, especially since she’s already lost everything for her betrayal.”

“It sounds like you’ve already seized her assets,” I said.

“That’s standard,” Sage explained. “It doesn’t happen often, but there have been times when creatures on this side have tried to betray the ruler or cause harm.

“When that happens, the rulers have the right to seize everything they own, from their homes and businesses to their personal possessions, and hold onto it as long as they see fit.”

“That reminds me of my world.

“I’ve heard of people in power doing that to their workers, or to people accused of crimes,” I said.

“As I’ve told you before, a lot of things are similar between our worlds.

“Our laws are the same in many ways, though we try to be fair, especially when it comes to accusations.

“It’s a slippery slope, and I don’t like the idea of punishing someone who might be innocent,” Jekia explained.

“That’s what makes you a good ruler, Jekia. You’re just like the other three. You just need to stop second-guessing yourself so much,” Sage said.

That was news to me. I hadn’t realized Jekia doubted himself so much.

But then, he’d always put on a brave face for me and everyone else, and Sage knew him better than anyone since they’d grown up together.

Thinking about that, I wondered if it had something to do with the twins I was carrying. The two of them had always gotten along well and worked together more than they let on.

Lumae had even said they expected it from the start.

Was that why they wanted these twins to be between them? To continue their legacy and keep the northern lands peaceful?

Jekia’s voice pulled me back from my thoughts. His golden eyes were serious, his tail flicking behind him.

“Yes, I’ll admit that. I’m not going to doubt myself anymore when it comes to dealing with these lycans.

“It’s clear that Kamelle has been busy, even in hiding. She’s trying to recruit from these lands, and maybe from others too.

“That’s why I’ve sent word to Vincent, Merrick, and Lyric. I want to meet with them urgently.

“We need to talk about what happened here and how the hag revealed her communications with the lycans.

“From what I can tell, there might be more from the other lands involved. It’s best to expose them now before things escalate.

“With some luck, we might also find out where Kamelle has been hiding,” he said.

“That sounds like a solid plan. She might be hiding in one of the other lands, so cooperation is crucial.

“Besides, if she’s targeting you, she probably won’t stop there. Bastial also had ambitions to take over more lands before he was killed.

“It’s only logical that she would continue that,” Sage added.

“Could they really do that? It seems far-fetched to me,” I said.

“Normally, I’d agree. But after what happened in the eastern lands with that ogre, I’m not ruling anything out. Neither would the others.

“Besides, I don’t want to risk any more lives.

“Not only were you and our children in danger, but they also killed and injured innocent creatures in that village. They were just there to celebrate a happy occasion.

“The thought of what happened makes my blood boil more than it has in centuries,” Jekia admitted.

“Mine too. These lands have always been our home, and we’ve always fought to protect them. That won’t change now,” Sage agreed.

“I wish I could do more to help. Even if I could just go out there and offer some comfort,” I sighed.

“You might be able to in time. But you need to take care of yourself. You already had a close call,” Jekia reminded me.

“I understand,” I agreed, albeit reluctantly.

Just then, Emelio appeared near Jekia. “Sorry to interrupt, but Morosa wants you to go there. It seems the hag has decided to talk more,” he said.

“Really?” Jekia replied, sounding hesitant.

“Why not go? I can stay here and make sure the palace is safe, along with Edifel.

“Shinna is also here to keep an eye on Lana. If anything happens, we can send for you right away,” Sage suggested.

“I guess so.” Jekia still didn’t sound convinced.

“It’ll be okay, Jekia. I promise I’ll make sure everything is taken care of if anything comes up,” I reassured him.

“Alright,” Jekia agreed, still sounding reluctant. He stood up, came over to me, and kissed my forehead. “Please take care of yourself, for you and the children. I’ll be back soon.”

“I will,” I promised.

I sat there after Jekia left the room, still stroking my belly. The babies were moving more now, and I smiled as I felt them.

I was so relieved that they were okay, but I was also eager to meet them.

I kept trying to imagine what they would look like. Would the pup be white like Jekia, and the kit be silver like Sage? Would they inherit some of my traits?

Sage let out a long sigh, then stood up and offered me his hand.

“Why don’t we walk around a bit? It might be more comfortable than just sitting here,” he suggested.

“Yes, that’s true,” I agreed.

I took his hand and slowly stood up, keeping one hand on my belly. The pressure was intense. I knew it would probably get worse before it got better.

“It’s still amazing to see you like this,” Sage admitted as he looked at me. I let him touch my belly.

“I’ve thought about it a lot too. It’s been centuries since I’ve had a kit, and never one like this one.”

“You know, Sage, I want you to see them and for them to know you,” I told him.

“I’m glad to hear that, and I’m glad that Jekia will let me be around them,” Sage admitted.

We started walking, leaving the dining room and heading down the hallway.

We didn’t have a specific destination in mind, and I was okay with that. It was nice to talk to him again, and to move around.

“You and Jekia mentioned that he was angry with you after my pregnancy was announced. Did it turn into a real fight?” I asked.

Sage shook his head. “Not really. It was mostly words, which I was grateful for. I wouldn’t have fought back if he’d wanted to get physical, because of my own guilt.

“But I meant what I said. I didn’t know until later that they intended for one of these children to be mine. It’s left me feeling conflicted.”

I stopped and turned to face him. “You said you’ve been conflicted about me for a while. Did you really not plan to sleep with me like you have?”

“No. At first, I didn’t. But the alpha in me wasn’t ready for the omega you were becoming, not like I thought I was,” Sage admitted.

He ran a hand through my hair and over my cheek. “I knew you’d grow up to be beautiful from the moment I first saw you.

“I thought that when you came here, I’d stay friends with you while you built a life with Jekia.

“But from the moment I saw you again, I couldn’t resist my attraction to you. Even now, I still feel it to some extent.

“But I meant what I said, too. You belong to Jekia first and foremost. I’d never dream of taking you away from him.”

“I know. And I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for me, just like I told you before.

“Regardless of everything that’s happened, you’ll always be my friend. I hope you’ll visit often to see our little ones when they arrive,” I said to him.

A gentle smile spread across Sage’s face. He tenderly placed his hand on my belly again. I was sure he could feel the tiny movements of our babies inside me, responding to his touch.

“I plan to,” he assured me. He planted a soft kiss between my eyes. “No matter what happens, my life is dedicated to you and these children. That’s a promise.”

At that moment, I had no idea how true his words would become.

All I knew was that this was where I wanted to be in my life. I loved Jekia, but I also cared deeply for this fox who had made such a significant impact on me since I was young.

Soon, our children would be born into this world. I knew that we would do anything to keep them safe.

And to protect this world that I had grown to love and become a part of.