Chapter 198
Aria’s POV
Light filtered through my eyelids, a gentle insistence pulling me from the depths of unconsciousness. The sterile scent of hospital antiseptic hit me first, followed by the rhythmic beeping of monitors–sounds that had likely been my constant companion for days.
My body felt impossibly heavy, as though gravity had doubled its pull overnight. Even the simple act of opening my eyes required monumental effort. When I finally managed it, the fluorescent ceiling lights sent sharp pains lancing through my skull,
“Aria?”
Ethan’s voice–soft, hesitant, almost reverent–came from somewhere to my right. I turned my head slowly, wincing at the stiffness in my neck. He stood by the window, silhouetted against the late afternoon light. For a moment, I simply drank in the sight of him, seeing him through new eyes now that I knew the
truth.
“You’re awake,” he whispered, rushing to my bedside. His fingers hovered inches from my face, as if afraid I might shatter at his touch. The hesitation broke something inside me. This man–my mate–had been carrying such unnecessary guilt.
“Water,” I managed, my voice a raspy imitation of itself
He reached for a plastic cup on the bedside table, carefully bringing the straw to my lips. The cool liquid soothed my parched throat, and I took several grateful sips before pulling away.
“Lucas? I asked immediately, maternal instinct overriding everything else.
A soft smile warmed Ethan’s features. “He’s fine. He’s with my mother right now. They hit it off immediately.” His thumb traced gentle circles on the back of my hand, a simple touch that sent electricity through my weakened body. He’s been amazing. Aria. So brave and strong through all of this.”
“How long?” I croaked, trying to assess the damage.
“Eight days,” Ethan replied, his voice cracking slightly. The dark circles beneath his eyes told doctors weren’t sure you’d make it. You crashed twice.”
d their own story of sleepless nights and constant vigil. “The
Eight days. A braviness settled in my chest that had nothing to do with my physical condition. The realization hit me like a physical blow–more than a werk of my life simply gone, vanished into that strange liminal space with the Moon Goddess while the real world continued turning without me.
“The twins?” I whispered, my hand instinctively moving to my abdomen. My fingers trembled against the thin hospital gown, terrified of what answer might
come.
Ethan’s expression lightened, the tension around his eyes softening as he glanced down at my protective gesture. “They’re fighters, just like their mother.” Ilis voice held a note of awe that made my heart flutter. “The doctors can’t see them on ultrasounds for some reason, but their heartbeats are strong.”
Cassandra had protected them, just as she promised. My brave, loyal wolf had earlier comment, my eyes slapping open again as the implications sank in.
d saved my babies when I couldn’t. “Your mother knows?” I asked, catching his
Ethan’s mouth quirked into a half–smile, a dimple appearing in his s left check. “Apparently, my godmother Vicky mentioned it to her.”
“Vicky?” The name jolted through me like an electric current. My fingers clutched at the thin blanket covering my legs as the memory crystallized with perfect clarity–the older won at the convenience store who had approached Lucas and me. “She’s your godmother?
Ethan nodded, confusion crossing his features at my reaction. His brow furrowed, and he leaned forward slightly, searching my face. “You know her?” The question held a note of surprise that matched my own inner turmoil.
“We met once, briefly” My mind raced, connecting dots I hadn’t even realized were related. My pulse quickened as so many puzzle pieces suddenly clicked into place. She must have recognized him immediately as Ethan’s son.
I shifted, trying to sit up, needing to feel less vulnerable for this conversation, but sharp pain shot through my abdomen like red–hot needles, making gap. My face contorted as I bit my lower lip to keep from crying out.
Ethan hands were instantly there, one supporting my back while the other gently gripped my shoulder. His touch was careful yet sure, radiating a warmth that seemed to ease the pain slightly. He adjusted the pillows with practiced efficiency until I was semi–reclined, his eyes never leaving my faer as he assessed my comfort level
“Easy,” he murmured, the concern in his voice nearly undoing me. The gentleness from such a powerful man made my heart ache with a sweet pain. The wellsbane did a number on your system. His finger lingered on my shoulder, as if he couldn’t quite bring himself to break the contact.
I Am His Wolfless Luna
