Celine sanked under the weight of her growing belly, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps. Each step felt heavier than the last, as if an invisible force pressed down on her chest and spine.
"Adrian…" she whispered , voice trembling, "I feel… strange. The baby… it's like it's too powerful for me. I can't… I can't move properly."
Adrian held her close, chest against her back, one hand pressed protectively over hers on her belly. "It's the baby," he murmured, voice low but steady. "It's making you sick. It's… hard sometimes. But you're not alone. I'm right here."
Tears pricked at Celine's eyes, both from pain and fear. "I feel so useless… I can't even… I can't…" she stammered, voice breaking.
"You're not useless," Adrian said firmly, brushing her hair back from her damp forehead. "You're carrying our child. That's strength. And I… I will protect you every second. Don't fight it alone."
Celine clutched her belly, tears forming. "But I feel it… in my bones, my blood, my heart. Every time it moves, it's like… like my body is breaking."
Adrian's golden eyes softened, concern written deep in every line of his face. "I know, love," he murmured, guiding her to sit. "It's not your fault. This child… it's not an ordinary baby. Its power… it's strong, even now."
Adrian pressed his hand over hers, firm and grounding. "That's the cost of carrying the hybrid. The ancients feared it for this reason. A human body can only contain so much wolf energy. That's why Damien wants it… because even a little of this power is dangerous in the wrong hands."
Suddenly, a chill ran down her spine. The lights flickered, and Shadow let out a low growl outside the window. "Adrian… it's awake," she whispered.
Adrian held her tighter, voice steady but fierce. "It's okay, love. I'll help you bear it. We'll face every moment together. You are not alone."
Celine exhaled shakily, pressing her forehead against his chest. "I just… I just hope I survive this… for him."
Adrian kissed the top of her head. "You will. And when he's born… he will change everything. But for now, you are his shield, his strength, and mine."
Celine pressed against him, drawing strength from his presence, even as waves of nausea and weakness swept over her. "I'm scared," she admitted, trembling.
"I know," Adrian whispered, lips brushing the top of her head. "I'm here. I'll never leave you. Nothing… no danger, no enemy… will touch you or our baby while I'm near."
For a long moment, she clung to him, heart racing, body trembling, and Adrian held her as if she were the most precious thing in the world—which, to him, she was. Shadow lay at the edge of the bed, alert, sensing Adrian's tension and the delicate fragility of the morning.
Celine took a shaky breath, feeling a small sense of reassurance. Despite the sickness, the weakness, and the fear of Damien or any danger outside, she felt the unshakable truth: with Adrian, she could endure anything.
The morning sunlight continued to stream softly into the room, but inside, the warmth of Adrian's arms and the unspoken promise of protection made the shadows outside seem a little less threatening.
Celine trembled in Adrian's arms, weakness still coursing through her body. Her breathing was shallow, and her stomach churned painfully. Adrian's golden eyes never left her face, scanning her every expression with an intensity that made her feel both safe and exposed.
"Celine," he said softly but firmly, "you need to get checked. I don't want to take any risk chances."
"I… I don't want to leave the house," she whispered, still clinging to him. "What if something happens… outside? What if Damien comes?"
Adrian's jaw tightened, a flicker of his wild instincts showing as he pressed his forehead to hers. "Nothing will happen to you. I will protect you. I won't let anyone touch you. But this… you need proper care. We can't take risks with you or our child."
Celine pressed her hands to her belly again, worry and fear mingling. "I… I'm scared, Adrian. What if something's wrong? What if…"
He shook his head, cupping her face in his hands. "Nothing bad will happen. You're strong… stronger than you think. And I'm right here, every step of the way. But we need to go. Now."
With gentle persistence, Adrian helped Celine stand, supporting her as her legs trembled under the strain. Shadow padded quietly behind them, alert and ready, a constant reminder that Adrian's protective instincts were always active.
Celine took a deep, shaky breath, still hesitant, but the warmth and reassurance in Adrian's presence gave her courage. "Okay… okay, let's go," she whispered, her voice small but determined.
Adrian nodded, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head before wrapping an arm securely around her waist. "Good. You're doing great. Step by step, we'll get there. And everything will be fine."
As they made their way to the car, Celine clung to him, feeling the magnetic pull of his presence and the unspoken promise of protection. Despite the lingering fear of Damien or the unknown dangers outside, she felt a rare sense of safety. For now, Adrian's presence was enough, and together they would face whatever challenges came next.
The morning sunlight illuminated the city streets, but in that moment, the world outside mattered little. What mattered was Adrian, the baby, and the unbreakable bond that kept them strong