“Ren’s got the car running,” Carlton shouted, already coordinating our exit. “Medical’s been alerted.”
I burst through the warehouse door into blinding daylight. Ren had the SUV positioned perfectly, engine roaring, back door already open. His eyes widened at the blood on Rhea’s legs but he said nothing, just gunned it the moment I was inside with her.
“Drive faster,” I snarled, cradling Rhea against me as Ren took corners at dangerous speeds.
“I’m okay,” she whispered, though her face was paper white. “The babies are moving. That’s good, right?”
“Don’t talk. Save your strength.” I pressed my hand over hers on her belly, feeling the flutter of movement beneath. Still there. Still alive. But the blood...
The fifteen-minute drive took eight. Ren drove like a man possessed, running red lights, mounting curbs, scattering pedestrians. Carlton called ahead from another vehicle, ensuring Dr. Mira was ready. By the time we screeched to a halt at the medical center’s emergency entrance, a full team waited with a gurney.
“No,” I growled when they tried to take her from me. “I carry her.”
Dr. Mira appeared, gray hair pulled back, already in scrubs. “Alpha Kildare, I need you to let my team work.”
“I’m not leaving her.”
“Then follow quickly and stay out of the way.” She was already moving, shouting orders. “Get me an ultrasound, fetal monitoring, full blood work. This is a twenty-four-week twin pregnancy, possible placental abruption.”
The medical terms meant nothing and everything. I followed the gurney through halls that blurred together, Rhea’s hand gripping mine with surprising strength. Staff scattered from our path, recognizing an alpha on the edge of violence.
“Damon,” Rhea’s voice was stronger now. “Your mother. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t. Not now.” I couldn’t process Lucinda’s death, couldn’t think about birthrights and lies while my entire future bled in my arms.
Dr. Mira’s exam room was chaotic. Machines appeared from nowhere, IVs started, monitors attached. I stood frozen as they cut away her clothes, revealing the full extent of the blood. Too much. Far too much.
“Alpha, I need you to step back,” Dr. Mira said firmly, hands already moving over Rhea’s belly.
“I’m staying.”
“Then be silent and still.” The ultrasound wand moved across Rhea’s skin, gel mixing with blood. The screen flickered to life, showing shadows and movement I couldn’t interpret. Dr. Mira’s face remained neutral, professional, but I caught the slight relaxation in her shoulders.
“There.” She pointed to the screen. “Two heartbeats, both strong. See? They’re moving normally.”
The sound filled the room. Rapid, steady, alive. My knees nearly buckled with relief.
“But the blood?” I managed.
“Stress-induced spotting, complicated by whatever drugs were used on her.” Dr. Mira continued her examination, thorough butgentle. “The placenta is intact, no signs of abruption. But this was close. Too close.”
“So they’re okay?” Rhea’s voice was small, hopeful.
“They’re fighters, like their parents.” Dr. Mira offered a small smile. “But you need complete rest. No stress, no activity, nothing but eating and sleeping for at least a week. These babies are growing fast, and your body needs time to recover from today’s trauma.”
“A week?” I’d been expecting months, years, forever if it kept them safe.
“Minimum. We’ll monitor daily, but if she follows orders, there’s no reason to expect further complications.” She fixed me with a stern look. “That means no pack business near her, no stressful conversations, nothing that raises her heart rate. Can you manage that, Alpha?”
“Yes.” I’d tear apart anyone who tried to bring pack drama near her.
“Good. We’ll keep her overnight for observation, then strict bed rest at home.” Dr. Mira squeezed Rhea’s shoulder gently. “You’ve been through hell, but you’re stronger than you know. These babies chose the right mother.”
The medical team gradually dispersed, leaving us in relative quiet. Machines beeped steadily, monitoring three heartbeats that meant everything. I collapsed into the chair beside her bed, suddenly exhausted as adrenaline faded.
“Hey,” Rhea said softly, reaching for me.
I caught her hand, bringing it to my lips. “I thought I’d lost you. When I woke up and you were gone...”
