The hospital lobby smelled faintly of antiseptic, a sharp contrast to the warm, tense atmosphere inside Adrian's car. Celine clung to his arm, still weak and pale, every step a reminder of the nausea and exhaustion that had plagued her morning.
Adrian guided her gently, his golden eyes constantly scanning the environment, muscles coiled with alertness. Shadow stayed close by his side, a quiet presence that made Celine feel slightly safer, though the tension in the air was palpable.
"You're doing great," Adrian whispered softly, pressing a reassuring kiss to the top of her head. "Just a few more steps."
Celine nodded weakly, taking deep breaths as they approached the reception desk. Her hands rested instinctively on her belly, still trying to protect the small life growing inside her. "I… I just want to know everything is okay," she murmured, her voice trembling slightly.
Adrian's grip tightened around her waist. "It will be," he said firmly. "I'm not letting anything happen to you. Or our baby."
The nurse glanced at them, noting Celine's pale complexion. "Are you here for a checkup?" she asked kindly.
"Yes," Adrian replied, his tone polite but clipped, the sharp edge of protectiveness clear. "She's early in her pregnancy, and she's been experiencing… severe nausea , fever and weakness. I want a full checkup, now."
Celine flinched slightly at his intensity, but she felt safe. There was no doubt in her mind that Adrian would do anything to protect her.
As they were guided to a private examination room, Adrian never let go of her hand. "You're safe here," he murmured. "I'm not leaving your side for a second. No one can touch you."
Inside the room, Celine sat nervously on the edge of the bed while the doctor prepared for the checkup. Adrian stood close, eyes scanning the room, every instinct coiled and ready to spring. Shadow lay quietly at his feet, alert but calm.
"You're doing amazing, Celine," Adrian whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Just a little longer, and we'll know everything is okay."
Celine rested her head against his chest, feeling the strength and protection radiating from him. Despite the fear, the nausea, and the exhaustion, she felt a flicker of peace. In Adrian's presence, even a hospital could feel like a sanctuary.
The doctor began the examination, and as Celine held Adrian's hand tightly, she realized something profound: no matter what challenges lay ahead—Damien, danger, or the unknown—she wasn't facing them alone. And that made all the difference.
Adrian pressed a soft kiss to her temple. "See? We're okay. Everything will be fine. I promise," he murmured.
Celine smiled weakly, resting her head against him. "I trust you," she whispered. "Completely."
Outside, the city moved on, unaware of the tension, the danger, and the fierce love that protected this small, fragile life inside her. Inside the hospital room, however, it was just Adrian and Celine—and for now, that was enough.
Celine lay back on the examination bed, her hands still resting protectively on her stomach. The doctor moved efficiently, checking her vitals, taking her pulse, and preparing the equipment for the ultrasound. Adrian remained close, never letting go of her hand, eyes constantly alert, scanning the room for any potential threats.
"You're doing really well," Adrian murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her damp forehead. "Just a little longer, and we'll know everything is fine. I'm right here with you."
Celine tried to smile, but the fatigue and lingering nausea made it shaky. "I'm scared," she admitted quietly. "What if… something's wrong with the baby?"
Adrian's jaw tightened instinctively, the wildness in him flickering for a brief moment. He leaned down, pressing his forehead to hers. "Nothing is wrong. I promise. But even if there was… I'd handle it. I'll handle anything. You and the baby are my priority. Always."
The doctor gestured for them to look at the screen. A soft, quiet beep filled the room as the ultrasound revealed the tiny life inside Celine. The baby's movements were small but distinct. Adrian's golden eyes softened, a rare mixture of awe, relief, and instinctive protectiveness washing over him.
"There," he whispered, gently pressing a hand over Celine's. "Do you see? Everything's okay. You're both okay."
Tears pricked at Celine's eyes. The anxiety of the past weeks, the fear of Damien, the sickness, and the exhaustion—it all seemed to melt slightly in the warmth of Adrian's presence. She leaned against him, feeling his strength and protection surrounding them like a shield.
Adrian kissed the top of her head, whispering softly, "I've got you. I'll always protect you… both of you. Nothing will get close to you while I'm here."
For a long moment, they just stayed like that—hands intertwined, hearts beating in sync, the outside world and all its threats temporarily pushed aside. The city outside could wait; here, in this quiet hospital room, Adrian and Celine found a fragile sanctuary in each other.
Then Adrian spoke again, his voice low and steady, a hint of wild intensity returning. "But we can't let our guard down, Celine. Damien knows… he senses things. He'll be planning his next move, and we need to be ready. I won't let him get near you. Not ever."
Celine nodded against his chest, drawing courage from his unwavering presence. "I trust you," she whispered. "Completely."
Adrian pressed a final kiss to her temple before stepping back slightly, his protective instincts still simmering, golden eyes sharp, always alert. "Good. Now let's finish up, and then we'll get you home".
The doctor smiled at the visible bond between them, silently observing the depth of care and protection Adrian exuded. Outside, the city continued its rhythm, unaware of the delicate life inside this room and the shadows waiting just beyond the hospital walls.
But for Celine, right now, the warmth of Adrian's presence, the safety in his arms, and the life growing inside her made the shadows seem a little less threatening. And for the first time that morning, she allowed herself to relax, just a little, trusting him completely.
Finally the doctor assured them everything was fine they can go back home and make sure Celine gets much rest and eat well.
They left the hospital going back home. On the way they passed to the supermarket doing some shopping of food , fruits and drinks. After then they went back home.
When home they ate, made stories, jokes laugh , and finally got some rest together.
The evening air hung over the city, thick with the promise of danger. Celine had already woke up and sat by the window in Adrian's house, tracing the city lights below with trembling fingers. Despite the relief from the hospital checkup, unease still clung to her like a shadow.
Adrian moved around the room restlessly, muscles tense, senses alert to every sound outside the house. Shadow prowled near the door, ears twitching, body coiled with the same intensity as Adrian's.
"Something's wrong," Adrian murmured, eyes narrowing. "I can feel it. Damien is close. He's planning… something."
Celine's stomach churned—not from morning sickness this time, but from fear. "He can't… he can't come here," she whispered, voice shaking. "Not to us. Not to the baby."
Adrian's jaw tightened, golden eyes blazing. "He will try," he growled. "And if he does, he won't find you unprotected. I won't allow it."
Before she could respond, the house door shattered inward with a violent crash. Glass and splintered wood rained to the floor, and a chilling laugh echoed through the room. Damien had struck directly—an audacious move designed to draw Adrian out.
Adrian reacted instantly, muscles coiling, eyes glowing red. Shadow leaped forward with a low growl, and Adrian moved to shield Celine. "Stay behind me," he commanded, voice sharp, almost primal.
Damien stepped into the room, a cruel smirk on his face. "I wanted to make this easy," he said, eyes flicking to Celine. "But I see the father is stronger than expected. That's fine… he'll be easier to deal with first."
Adrian's body tensed, wild instincts surfacing. Every inch of him radiated danger, his presence magnetic and terrifying all at once. "You'll never touch her," he growled. "I'll kill you before you even think about it."
Damien lunged, swift and precise, trying to catch Adrian off guard. But Adrian was ready—every movement controlled, every reflex honed by instinct and experience. He dodged, countered, and pushed Damien back, muscles coiling and strength surging like a predator in full control.
Celine watched, heart pounding, as the two men clashed. Her fear surged—not just for Adrian, but for their unborn child. She wanted to run, to hide, but Adrian's protective command rooted her in place.
"You're safe here, Celine!" Adrian shouted over the chaos, moving like a force of nature. "No one will touch you!"
Damien smirked, underestimating the depth of Adrian's power, and struck again. This time, Adrian's counterattack sent him sprawling across the room, glass crunching beneath his boots. Shadow growled, circling Damien like a shadow of pure menace.
Celine's hands gripped her stomach tightly, fear and awe mingling. Despite the danger, she couldn't tear her eyes away from Adrian—the way he moved, every muscle coiled, every instinct focused on keeping her safe. His golden eyes met hers for a moment, fierce and unyielding, and she felt the magnetic pull of his protection wrap around her like armor.
"You will never touch us," Adrian growled again, voice low and primal, as he forced Damien toward the door. Every strike, every move was precise, controlled, and deadly—but always with the purpose of keeping Celine out of harm's way.
Finally, Damien stumbled out, cursing under his breath, disappearing into the night—but not without leaving a warning in the air, a reminder that he would return.
Adrian turned immediately to Celine, pulling her into his arms. She clung to him, trembling, her hands pressed to her belly. "It's over… for now," Adrian whispered, brushing hair from her face. "You're safe. I promise. No one… no one will ever touch you. I'll protect you. Always."
Celine exhaled shakily, tears pricking her eyes. "I… I was so scared," she admitted, voice trembling. "I didn't know what to do."
"You did exactly what you were supposed to," Adrian murmured, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "You stayed safe. You stayed with me. That's all that matters. We're together, and we're strong. Nothing will break us."
She leaned against him, feeling the surge of safety, protection, and love radiating from every inch of him. Despite the fear, the chaos, and the lingering shadow of Damien, she knew this: with Adrian by her side, they could face anything.