Luna. Chapter 24

(Lyra's POV)

The morning sickness hit me again and again at five-thirty AM. I barely made it to the bathroom before losing what little I'd managed to eat for dinner the night before.

This was new. I'd had some nausea early in the pregnancy, but nothing like this. Nothing this violent or sudden.

"Lyra?" Sarah's voice came through the bathroom door. "Are you alright, dear?"

"I'm fine," I called back, then immediately threw up again.

"You're not fine. I'm calling Dr. Elena."

By the time Dr. Elena arrived, I was sitting on my bathroom floor, sweaty and exhausted and trying not to move too much.

"How long has this been going on?" she asked, helping me to my feet.

"Just this morning. It started about an hour ago and hasn't stopped."

"Any other symptoms? Cramping, bleeding, fever?"

"No, just the nausea."

Dr. Elena guided me to the bed and began her examination. "When's the last time you ate?"

"Yesterday around six. Just some soup and bread."

"Hmm." She pressed gently on my belly, checking for tenderness. "Let's do an ultrasound and see how the baby is doing."

The sound of my baby's heartbeat filled the room, strong and steady. On the screen, I could see tiny arms and legs moving around.

"Baby looks perfect," Dr. Elena said, relief clear in her voice. "Strong heartbeat, good movement, measuring right on track."

"Then why am I so sick?"

"Stress," Dr. Elena said matter-of-factly. "Your body is dealing with a lot right now. New environment, emotional turmoil, changes in routine. Sometimes pregnancy symptoms can intensify when you're under pressure."

"But I thought I was handling everything well."

"You are. But handling stress and not being affected by it are two different things." Dr. Elena cleaned the ultrasound gel off my belly. "I want you to take it easy today. Light foods, lots of rest, minimal activity."

"I have kitchen duties—"

"Sarah can handle the kitchen for one day. You need to take care of yourself and this baby."

After Dr. Elena left, I found myself back in bed feeling frustrated and useless. I'd been working so hard to prove I belonged here, to show the pack that I was earning my place. Now I was stuck in bed like an invalid.

A soft knock interrupted my self-pity. "Come in."

Magnus entered carrying a tray with tea and toast. "Sarah thought you might be able to keep this down."

"Thank you." I struggled to sit up. "I'm sorry. I know I should be helping with breakfast prep—"

"Stop." Magnus set the tray on my bedside table. "You're six months pregnant and dealing with more stress than most people face in a lifetime. Taking one day to rest is normal."

"But the pack already thinks I'm weak and dramatic. Being sick just proves their point."

"The pack thinks you're strong and dedicated. You've been working harder than any Luna we've ever had." Magnus sat in the chair beside my bed. "One day of being human won't change that."

I nibbled on a piece of toast, testing whether my stomach would accept it. "Magnus, can I ask you something personal?"

"Of course."

"Have you ever been in love?"

His expression grew carefully neutral. "Why do you ask?"

"Because I'm trying to understand how you can be so patient with me. So kind. Most men would want their mate to love them back."

Magnus was quiet for a long moment. "I was engaged once. About five years ago."

"What happened?"

"She died. Car accident." His voice was steady, but I could see the old pain in his eyes. "Her name was Evangeline. We were supposed to be married in the spring."

"Oh, Magnus. I'm so sorry."

"It was a long time ago."

"But you still love her."

"I'll always love her. But she's gone, and I've learned to build a life without her." Magnus met my eyes. "When I offered you the Right of Second Chance, I wasn't looking for love. I was looking for purpose. Partnership. A way to help someone who needed protection."

"And you got stuck with a pregnant woman who's still in love with her ex-husband."

"I got a Luna who works sixteen-hour days to take care of pack members.She stands up to kitchen bullies and makes sure little girls with food allergies have safe meals to eat." Magnus leaned forward. "Lyra, you don't owe me your heart. But you're already giving me everything else that matters."

I felt tears prick my eyes. "You deserve better than this mess."

"I deserve exactly what I have. A strong, caring Luna and the chance to help raise a child who will grow up knowing they're wanted and protected."

"Even though the baby isn't yours?"

"Biology doesn't make someone a father. Choice does. Love does. If you'll let me, I choose to be this baby's father in every way that matters."

The tears started falling then. Not from sadness, but from gratitude. This good man was offering my child a father when their biological father had thrown us both away.

"Magnus—"

"You don't have to say anything. Just think about it."

After he left, I lay in bed thinking about his offer. Magnus wanted to be my baby's father. He wanted to raise Kael's child as his own.

My phone buzzed with another text from Kael: "I've been thinking about baby names. What do you think of Emma for a girl? Or maybe Charlotte?"

I stared at the message, feeling the weight of impossible choices. Kael was trying to be involved, trying to show interest in our child. But Magnus was here, offering daily support and stability and unconditional love.

How was I supposed to choose between them?