Evening shadows stretched across the city, and night finally settled in. Celine sat curled on her couch, her thoughts tangled and heavy. Her body felt strange — heat rolling under her skin, her head pounding with each breath. She pressed a hand against her forehead. It was burning.
At the same time, Adrian's phone had been in his hand for hours. He couldn't shake the gnawing worry that had clung to him all day. As the darkness deepened, his worry grew sharper. He dialed her number.
Once. Twice. Three times. The call rang out into silence.
He tried again. Four. Five.
"Come on, Celine… pick up," he whispered into the quiet room, his jaw tightening. His instincts screamed that something wasn't right.
Back in her house, Celine's phone buzzed endlessly on the night stand, its glow flashing across the room. But she didn't reach for it. Her body was too weak, her mind too foggy. She pulled a blanket tighter around herself, trembling despite the fire burning under her skin.
Her chest rose and fell heavily, her breaths uneven. What's happening to me? she thought, tears stinging her eyes. She wanted to answer him, to tell Adrian she was okay — but even lifting her hand felt impossible.
Adrian gripped his phone tighter, a storm building in his chest. Something was wrong. Terribly wrong. And he knew he couldn't just sit and wait anymore.
Adrian's fingers flew over his phone, his heart hammering in his chest.
Adrian: "Celine, why aren't you answering my calls? Are you okay??"
He stared at the screen, waiting, every second stretching unbearably long. The two gray checkmarks appeared beneath his message — delivered. But no reply came.
Celine lay curled up on her bed, her phone buzzing weakly on the nightstand beside her. She saw the notification flash, Adrian's name glowing against the dark. Her lips trembled. She wanted to answer him, but her body refused to move. Her vision blurred, her head spun, and she sank deeper into the mattress, clutching her blanket.
Adrian typed again, frustration and fear twisting inside him, then stopped. He clenched his jaw, his knuckles whitening around the phone. Something's not right, he thought. His wolf instincts stirred restlessly, urging him to act.
Still, the silence from Celine's side was deafening.
Adrian's patience snapped. He grabbed his car keys from the table, his chest tightening with dread. Without a second thought, he stormed out of his house, the night air cold against his face as he rushed to the car.
The engine roared to life, headlights cutting through the darkness as he sped down the empty streets. His mind was racing, every possible fear clawing at him.
"Please, Celine… be okay," he muttered under his breath, his hands gripping the steering wheel tighter.
Within minutes, he pulled up outside Celine's house. Her lights were still on, but the silence surrounding the place was heavy and unsettling. He killed the engine, stepped out, and his heart pounded harder with every step he took toward her front door.
He knocked once. Twice. No answer.
Adrian (voice rough with worry): "Celine? It's me… open the door, please."
Adrian knocked on the door several times, but there was no answer. His worry grew heavier with each passing second. Finally, he forced the door open and rushed inside, calling out:
"Celine… are you here?"
The house was silent. But when he reached her bedroom, he found Celine lying on the bed, breathing heavily, her eyes shut tight. She couldn't even stand or speak—she remained completely silent, her body weak and trembling with fever.
Adrian hurried to her side, his heart racing, and grabbed her hand, feeling the burning heat of her skin.
Adrian carefully lifted Celine in his arms, noticing how unusually hot her body felt. "Celine… why is your whole body so hot?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.
In a soft, barely audible whisper, Celine replied, "I'm… I'm fine, Adrian."
Adrian looked at her worriedly. "Celine, we need to go to the hospital. You don't look well."
Celine shook her head weakly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm fine, Adrian… don't worry about me."
Adrian's eyes softened, but he couldn't shake off the unease building in his chest. "I can't just stand by. Please, let me take you… we need to make sure everything's okay."
Celine hesitated, then gave a small nod, still insisting softly, "I'm really okay… just stay calm, please."
Adrian grabbed her hands gently, concern etched across his face. "Celine… how can I stay calm when you don't look well and your whole body feels like it's burning?"
Celine bit her lip, trying to mask her discomfort. "I… I'm really okay, Adrian. Please, don't worry too much."
Adrian shook his head, refusing to be convinced. "No, I can't ignore this. We're going to the hospital, now."
Celine whispered, her voice trembling, "I… I don't want to go to the hospital."
Adrian glanced down at her, concern etched across his face, but he said nothing. He simply nodded, as if understanding her fear without needing words. Gently, he lifted her into his arms, holding her close.
"I know, Celine," he murmured softly. "But I can't just leave you like this. Trust me, we'll handle it together."
Without waiting for further protest, Adrian carried her to the car, moving with careful strength, determined to get her the help she needed.
Making sure she was comfortable. Her body felt feverish and weak against him, and he could feel her trembling slightly. He settled her gently in the passenger seat, buckling her in, then got in and started the engine.
The drive was tense and quiet, only the hum of the tires on the road filling the space between them. Adrian kept glancing at her, worry etched on his face. "Hang in there, Celine… we'll be at the hospital soon," he whispered, gripping the steering wheel tightly.
Celine barely managed a weak nod, her thoughts clouded with discomfort and unease. She knew about the pregnancy but didn't know exactly what was happening to her body so sudden, but the fear of the unknown made her squeeze her eyes shut.
Within a short while, they arrived at the hospital. Adrian didn't waste a second. He carried her through the automatic doors, past the reception desk, and straight to the emergency wing.
A nurse noticed their urgency immediately and rushed forward. "Sir, please, what's going on?"
"My wife—she's burning up and she needs immediate care," Adrian said, his voice tense but controlled. He gently laid Celine on a wheelchair and stayed by her side, holding her hand tightly.
As the staff wheeled her away, Adrian followed closely, feeling the weight of both fear and relief. "It's going to be okay, Celine," he murmured softly, even though his heart pounded with worry.
Adrian stayed outside the examination room, settling onto a cold metal bench in the quiet hospital corridor. His hands were clasped tightly together, and he couldn't stop glancing at the door, anxious for any sign of Celine. The sterile smell of the hospital and the distant beeping of machines only heightened his tension.
Minutes felt like hours as he replayed everything in his mind—the fever, the weakness, the way she had looked at him with such vulnerability. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to calm his racing thoughts.
Finally, a nurse appeared, calling his name. "Sir, the doctor is ready to speak with you regarding the results."
Adrian stood immediately, heart hammering in his chest. He followed the nurse to a small consultation room, hoping the news wouldn't be worse than he feared.
Inside, the doctor gestured for him to sit.
The doctor looked up from the file and glanced at Adrian, his expression curious. we've completed the tests," the doctor began, and Adrian held his breath, bracing himself for the news…
"Mr…?" the doctor continued,,
"I'm Adrian Bennett," Adrian said firmly, standing tall despite the tension curling in his chest. "And this is Celine, my partner."
The doctor nodded, jotting down notes. "Alright, Adrian. I just need to confirm—Celine, is he correct? You're… together?"
Celine, still weak but managing a small nod, whispered, "Yes… he's my partner."
Adrian reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "It's alright," he murmured softly, his voice steady despite the storm of worry in his heart.
The doctor smiled faintly. "Good. I just need that confirmation before we proceed with the results."
The doctor took a deep breath. "Celine… the tests confirm it. You're pregnant."
Adrian froze, his eyes widening, a mix of shock and awe spreading across his face. "Pregnant…? Are you sure?"
Celine, standing beside him, felt her chest tighten. Her hand instinctively went to her stomach, and she whispered under her breath, "I… I didn't tell him yet…" She hadn't been ready to reveal the news, but the doctor's words left no room for doubt.
Adrian turned to look at her, worry and curiosity battling in his gaze. "Celine… what is it? Are you… okay?"
She forced a small smile, hiding the swirl of emotions inside. "I'm fine… really," she murmured, though her mind raced with thoughts of how to tell him later.
The doctor cleared his throat. "Everything seems normal for now. Just make sure she rests, follows the guidelines, and takes care of herself."
After the doctor finished giving all the instructions, Adrian nodded firmly. "Alright, I understand. We'll make sure everything is taken care of."
He gently helped Celine to her feet. "Come on, let's go home. You need rest, and I'll make sure nothing stresses you."
Celine nodded quietly, still processing the news, and allowed Adrian to guide her out of the hospital.
Adrian kept a steady pace, alert and protective, glancing at her every few steps to make sure she was okay. She stayed close, feeling both nervous and comforted by his presence.
As they got into the car, Adrian's grip on the steering wheel tightened. He could sense that Celine was hiding something from him. "Celine… tell me. Why didn't you say anything? I need to know!" His voice was sharp, tinged with frustration and worry.
Celine flinched, guilt washing over her. She looked down, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve. "I… I just didn't want you to worry," she whispered, barely audible.
Adrian's jaw clenched. "You think I can stay calm while something this important is happening to you and you keep it from me?" His eyes were fierce, but beneath the anger, there was a storm of fear.
Celine's throat tightened, tears threatening to spill. "I'm sorry… I just… I wanted to handle it myself for now."
Adrian exhaled slowly, trying to calm himself. "You don't have to handle anything alone. I'm your partner, Celine. Whatever it is, we face it together. No more secrets, okay?"
Adrian took a deep breath, trying to push down his frustration. "Celine… come with me. Let's go home so you can rest properly," he said, his voice softer now, though the intensity in his eyes remained.
Celine hesitated for a moment, then nodded. She trusted him, even if a part of her still felt guilty for not telling him sooner.
The ride was quiet, but the tension lingered in the air. Adrian's focus was on ensuring Celine felt safe, while Celine's mind was a whirlwind of emotions—guilt, relief, and a strange excitement at how much he cared.
Adrian looked at Celine carefully and said, "Alright, now we're going straight to my place."
Celine moved a little closer and said softly, "Adrian… then at least take me so I can grab my clothes and things."
Adrian chuckled lightly, pointed a finger at her, and said, "No going anywhere for those clothes. I'll buy them for you."
Celine was slightly surprised but accepted, knowing she couldn't argue.
They passed by a small store to pick up some food, then continued their drive until they arrived at Adrian's home.
After arriving, Adrian made sure Celine sat in the dining room to eat while they talked. He poured her a glass of juice and gently encouraged her to eat, sensing how exhausted she still was.
Celine, still a bit tense, asked softly, "Adrian… what happens now? I mean… with everything?"
Adrian reached across the table, placing his hand over hers. "For now, we focus on you resting and taking care of yourself. That's the most important thing. Everything else… we'll handle together."
Celine nodded, taking a small bite of her food, trying to calm the whirlwind of thoughts in her mind. "And… what about him?" she whispered, referring to the presence she felt, the one that seemed to be watching her closely.(Damien)
Adrian's eyes darkened for a moment. Before Adrian could respond, a sudden movement outside made his body tense instantly.
From the shadows emerged Damien, smirk cruel, eyes to go sharp. "Adrian Bennett," he hissed, voice dangerous, "I see your secret has become even more precious."
Celine instinctively pressed her hands to her stomach, a shiver of fear running through her. "Adrian… he… he wants to hurt me!"
Damien's gaze flicked over her, slow and calculating. Then he smiled, his eyes narrowing as if sensing something beyond the visible. "I can see it… life growing inside you," he said, voice cold but sharp.
Celine froze, her face draining of color. Her hands gripped her belly tightly, heart hammering in panic. "No… no…" she whispered, terror mingling with awe. "Please… don't…"
Adrian's body went taut. Every instinct flared. He stepped in front of her, muscles coiled, eyes flashing gold. Shadow growled low, sensing the threat immediately.
"Celine," Adrian said, voice low but steady, brushing her hair from her face. "Don't be afraid. Everything gonna be okay . I promise you, no harm will come to you or our child."
She pressed closer, trembling against his chest, feeling the magnetic force of his presence and the controlled wildness beneath it. "Adrian… he knows!" she whispered, voice barely audible. "How… how could he know?"
Adrian's jaw tightened, gaze locking onto Damien, wild and protective energy radiating from him. "It doesn't matter," he growled. "He can sense, he can threaten… but I will protect you. Always. I won't let him touch you."
Damien laughed, sharp and cruel. "You think your protective instincts can shield her forever? Life is fragile, Adrian. And I can see what's growing inside her. Precious… and vulnerable."
Celine's hands clenched over her belly instinctively, fear and awe mingling in a rush of emotions. Adrian held her tighter, lips brushing her temple. "You're safe here. I won't let him harm you. Everything will be fine . Trust me."
The tension in the air was palpable. Damien lingered in the shadows, smirking, waiting, testing. But Adrian's protective presence, the coiled strength and wild intensity beneath his calm exterior, was enough to make even Damien pause.
Celine rested her head against Adrian's chest, trembling but clinging to him. "I'm scared," she admitted softly.
"I know," Adrian whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "But fear can't touch us here. Not while I'm with you. Not while I'm protecting you. I promise, everything will be okay."
The shadows outside lingered, whispering of the dangers yet to come. But in Adrian's arms, Celine felt the undeniable pull of safety, love, and protection. And for the first time, despite fear and uncertainty, she knew they would face whatever came next—together.