Chapter 46
Fear.
It’s a strange feeling. In the last several weeks, I’ve been forced to suppress it, to bury it deep within me.
But now it’s different.
I’m different.
This is my child. The stakes have never been higher.
“You’re right, Alara,” I swallow down the knot in my throat, my gaze hardening. “I must.”
Alara gives me a small smile as she descends back into silence until the only sounds reverberating through the apartment are the muted clinks from her tea prep and the dull hum of traffic from outside.
The world keeps moving no matter what plight I’m dealing with.
“I do not want to bring a child into such a dangerous world,” I whisper, more to myself than anyone else.
Alara turns around. “Hannah,” she murmurs softly, her violet eyes full of sympathy. “The world has always been dangerous. But it has also always been beautiful and full of love and life. Your child will bring more of that into it.”
“But Eris…”
“Eris is a considerable threat,” Alara admits, “but she is not invincible. You have power, Hannah. And not just because of your vampire lineage. You have the power of love, of a mother’s fierce protectiveness.”
“But is that enough?” I caress my stomach. “I mean, this is a woman who cuts out hearts.”
“It must be enough,” Alara replies firmly. “And besides, you are not alone in this fight.”
The tea is ready now, the steam rising from the cups as Alara brings them over.
“You’ve got Rogan,” she continues, handing me a cup. “He may not know it yet, but you are still a big part of him, and I’m not just talking about the child you share. You’ve got me. You’ve got your father’s resources, however reluctantly he offers them. And most importantly, you’ve got your child.”
“My child? My child isn’t due to be born for months.”
“No, but the child within you carries great power. The power of his mother and his father combined. He is meant for a great destiny. But it’s up to you to make sure he’s allowed to manifest that destiny.”
Alara’s words hang in the air between us as I sip the tea.
She’s right. This isn’t about me being a vampire princess, or a woman outmatched by a she-wolf. It’s about me being a mother fighting for her child against whatever threats come our way, no matter how formidable they may seem.
I set my cup down and look Alara squarely in the eye. “You’re right,” I say, my voice steady and resolved. “For my child, I can face anything. And for Rogan. I will defeat Eris.”
Alara smiles and places a comforting hand on my shoulder. “Your strength and character will be great allies, but your greatest defense will be your love.”
The tension in the room slowly loosens as we sit in silence and drink our tea. Outside the city buzzes, but it feels distant, in a different world entirely.
After a while, Alara stands. “You should get some rest now. I’ll stay here tonight in case you need anything.”
“I’ll be fine, Alara,” I say out of reflex more than anything else.
“We’ve been through this, Hannah. It’s what your father would want. Besides, you don’t have to do everything alone. Let me help you.”
I don’t respond. My mind is already spinning with thoughts about what lies ahead. I’m grateful for Alara’s presence, her lessons, her unwavering support. But as she leaves the room, the silence that settles in echoes with my lingering worries.
I rise, walk, and lie down on my bed, feeling the soft cushion cradle me. I stare at the ceiling, my hand resting on my abdomen—a silent vow to protect the life growing within me.
As I close my eyes, Rogan’s image surfaces in my mind. His touch, his voice, his—at the time—loyalty. Despite everything, despite all the manipulation and deception on my father’s part, Rogan loved me. Truly loved me.
Is that love strong enough to conquer fate?
For I now know my destiny. I must face Eris. I must destroy her.
Rogan’s fated mate.
And if his heart has followed his soul, if he loves her now and has forsaken me…
He’ll never forgive me.