Page 25 of His Sunshine Baby (The Silver City #2)

The next morning, after talking a lot with Reagan and Daniel, all three of us agree on the same thing.

The truth about my origin should remain a secret. It’s all about protecting my child, now. According to Sylviana, my baby girl will be a Royal, like Nora, and I’m going to protect her from whoever wants to harm her. She is still safe while she’s in my womb, but in five months, it will be a different story.

I’m happy I talked to Reagan, too. For the first time, I could finally thank her for taking me in and protecting me, like she promised my mom. I finally understood why she never told me the truth before; she had valid reasons. Thinking back, my mentor could have left me behind so many times, but she never did. She protected me, trained me until she made sure I would be safe on my own, and even so, she found me a good new pack and parents to be with.

She got mad for my sake and stayed around for me. When I tell her all that and how grateful I am, though, she’s back to her old self, telling me to shut up.

“Let’s go talk to your imbecile godfather,” says Reagan. “I’ll let him know what I think about his stupid elders and their rules! This city is impossible as it is nowadays. So many packs, living together yet not allowing their werewolves to mix? So crazy!”

“The peace is probably only because of the King and the alliances between the packs,” sighs Daniel.

Yeah, he’s probably got that right. I can still vividly remember that feeling when the King was next to us… Damn, no wonder no one can stand up to him. I wonder if Nathaniel and their younger brother Liam are the same? It’s hard to tell. Those three are feared for good reason.

I sigh. And one of those three monsters is my baby’s father. How will he react when I tell him? It’s so hard to tell.

“Anyway, babe’s got a doctor appointment all day today,” says Daniel. “Let’s have dinner with my family after that. My dad and Clark are close. Maybe he’ll be able to convince him.”

The doctor’s appointment is as long as Daniel said. Abigail insists on making me go through a whole bunch of tests, but there’s good reason for all that: my baby is now officially stable, I’ll be able to move around again without spending all day on the couch. I get a second ultrasound and get to see my thirteen-week-old baby girl once again. I try hard not to cry. She’s moving and all, alive and kicking, even. I ask for pictures, wondering if it’s okay to show Nate this the next time I see him.

Gosh, now I’ll be able to go and tell him! I can’t stop thinking about it at dinner with the Lewis’. I love Danny’s family. They are all so happy for me about this pregnancy, regardless of who the father is.

When we get back from dinner with Danny’s family, walking as I insisted, it’s a calm evening in the streets. Like always, the dinner at his parents’ ended pretty late. Everyone around here must be busy preparing for Christmas. It’s funny how we celebrate it as werewolves too, but a lot of the families in our neighborhood are Hispanic and very pious.

“I wonder if it’s alright to be taking all this,” I say, looking at the huge box Danny is carrying.

“Of course it is. Mom is overjoyed like she’s going to be a grandma, you know. And my siblings and I don’t use this stuff anymore, anyway.”

I’ve always been a bit envious of Danny for having siblings. Levi, Rachel, the twins, Ben and Bonnie, and Micah. There was some bickering while they were growing up, but all six of them got along, overall. I wonder if I will give my baby girl a sibling someday. It might not be easy though. This pregnancy was already a miracle as it is.

“Babe, look.”

Danny suddenly grabs my hand, taking me to one of the narrow alleys. What’s going on? But he puts a finger on his lips, telling me to be silent, and that’s when I realize: someone’s whispering nearby. Why would someone be whispering? We are so close to the border too. Danny silently puts the box down, and we both lean in to look secretly.

What the… What the hell is my uncle doing with another man, at this time of the night, in secrecy? I try to focus, but I can’t hear much. I turn to Danny. He’s got a better ear than me. Who the heck is he talking to, anyway? I don’t recognize the man. He’s small, and probably around my uncle’s age. He’s got an Alpha Aura, though it’s not much… probably on Xavier’s level. This is so suspicious, especially since they are alone! Suddenly, they both turn their heads in our direction. Danny and I hide, in time, I hope.

“Let’s get out of here,” mimics Danny with his lips, and I nod.

This can’t be good. As quickly and silently as possible, we leave, both totally confused. What was that? We rush back to our apartment, where Danny leaves the box on our kitchen counter, still looking astonished.

“Danny, that man was…”

“King. The Gold Moon Alpha, Taaron King. I’m sure of it, I’ve seen his face in business magazines, and he tried to buy our Opal Moon’s clinic several times. Iris hates him, she’s convinced her dad not to do so, but…”

“You think that’s what it was about?”

Daniel shakes his head and scratches it with a confused expression.

“Babe, I wish it was just about buying the clinic. But that’s not what it looked like. I heard King mention an alliance to your uncle several times. I didn’t get the conversation in full, but it looked like Xavier was interested. It’s bad.”

“Of course it’s bad. Clark would never agree to an alliance with the Gold Moon clan! He said if we had to choose, it would be the Sapphire Moon clan, we still owe them so much. We don’t interact with them, usually, but it’s obvious they hate the Gold Moon! If we are caught in a war between those two clans…”

Damn, what is my uncle thinking! The Gold Moon clan, out of all people? Why would he agree to that! Is it for money? Moon Goddess, we cannot do that! He will never convince Clark to ally the White Moon clan with them. No fucking way.

Is it about the Opal Moon clan then? Does he intend to have the branch pack betray the White Moon? This is crazy! Daniel and I keep discussing and trying to think of how to deal with this, but there is no way to know what it was about exactly, or if my godfather is involved, which I highly doubt.

The next morning, I’m up early, though we talked until very late in the night. I’m making myself some lemon tea, Daniel eating next to me.

“I should ask Nora for help.”

Daniel almost chokes on his croissant.

“Nora? Why would your cousin help? This is White Moon clan stuff!”

“Don’t be an idiot, Danny, this is bigger than our pack. If the Gold Moon is trying to rally the White Moon, either they are doing this behind the Blood Moon clan’s back, or with their back-up. But with Nora meddling with the King’s engagement, I bet it is the first one. And this is no good to either her pack or ours. So, I shall ask Nora if she knows, to confirm. And if they don’t, and Xavier is really out of his fucking mind, I’d rather have the Blood Moon know than have them gang up on Clark and us.”

Daniel stays silent for a moment, thinking. Eventually, he nods and gets up to make himself more coffee.

“Okay, but we talk to Clark next. I bet Xavier is acting behind his back, and if we let the King know, we’ve got to let our Alpha know too.”

I nod and channel my inner wolf to contact Nora. As expected, no matter the distance, it’s as easy as talking to Daniel who’s next to me.

“ Hey, Nora? ”

“ Elena? What is it? ”

“ We have to talk, fast. I think the Opal Moon clan is about to do something really, really stupid.”

“ What do you mean? ”

“ You are not going to like it. Our Alpha had a secret meeting with Taaron King last night.”

I explain to her what we witnessed, and the current situation for us. She agrees it’s no good at all.

“ Damian doesn’t know, Elena. This is bad… Well, there has been some good news too I need to tell you about. Do you remember the Blue Moon clan? ”

“ Yeah, I have a bit of news too.”

I tell her most of what Reagan said, except that I decide to leave my mentor’s own story out of it. She’s been through a lot already.

“ … and our parents were killed, though I don’t know exactly by whom. We only have… suppositions for now. But do you realize? Your mom’s name was Lilyan, and my dad was… ”

“ Gabriel! Elena, I know all this! How did you find out? ”

I frown, surprised.

“ How did you find out? Nora, I learned all this only yesterday, how could you uncover so much? ”

“ The Blue Moon clan! They’re still alive! I mean, not the main clan, but… Do you remember how Queen Cynthia left for the south and never came back? ”

“ Yeah, she disappeared about… fifty years ago? ”

“ She ended up here, Elena! The Sapphire Moon clan is Queen Cynthia’s pack! They settled here, but never were never able to reach out to Queen Diane until it was too late! They went so far south that they lost contact, but they are here. William Blue, the Alpha of the Sapphire Moon, is our cousin too! ”

Holy Moon Goddess. I sit back on my chair, stunned.

They are alive. A part of our family is alive! Moon Goddess, I never imagined… I turn to Daniel, still so shaken up I can barely believe it.

“Babe? You alright?”

I explain to him in a few words before reaching out to Nora again.

“ Nora, are you sure? William Blue? ”

“ William Blue, Elena! I talked to him yesterday, he told me so much. I even saw a portrait of our grandmother, Queen Diane! She looks a lot like me, by the way. How about you? ”

“ Nora, I learned about my mom too. Why I don’t look like you, and why I’m not fully Royal. My mom was human.”

“ Human…? Oh Moon Goddess, it does explain a lot! That’s why… Oh gosh, Elena! You have to meet with William, let him know about you! ”

“NO!”

Damn, I screamed out loud too. Danny jumped and spilled his coffee. I whisper a sorry to him before taking a deep breath in and talking to Nora again.

“ Nora, I can’t. For now. It’s better if very few people know about our link, okay? I’m in a bit of a situation. I want my real identity to stay as concealed as possible, please. I’m not saying I don’t want to meet the Sapphire Moon, but… ”

“ I understand, Elena. It’s about the baby, is it? Okay, how about you come here? I have an idea on how to protect everyone from this Dark Witch, but I’ll need your help. And you need to talk to Nate too, right? He’s… missing you. A lot.”

I take a deep breath in. Going to the Blood Moon territory again? I have Nora and Nate’s permission, and anyway, there’s nothing more Clark can’t blame me for now.

“ Elena, can I tell Damian about us, at least? He’s my mate, I don’t want to hide things from him.”

“ Alright, Nora, but promise me you won’t tell Nate. I need to talk to him myself.”

“ I promise. Come to Damian’s building. You know which one, right? ”

“ Yeah. I’ll see you there.”

I take a deep breath and turn to Daniel, who’s been waiting for me. I explain my conversation with Nora in detail, and he nods.

“I guess it’s time, babe, huh?”

I nod.

It’s high time I tell Nate I’m pregnant with his daughter.

I decide to go there as soon as I can. It’s a bit intimidating after being away for so long. To my surprise, it’s not Nora who lets me in, but the King’s Beta, Boyan’s older brother.

“Welcome, Miss Elena. My name is Neal Mura.”

I introduce myself, trying to remember where I’ve seen that guy before. The fight with the vampires! That guy was there, in his wolf form. His wolf is exactly like Boyan’s and their sister Tonia’s, only a tad smaller.

He guides me all the way to the highest floors of the Black Corporation building. Damn, I’m invited to the King’s private quarters… Is Nora living there with him now? It’s not very cozy, all glass and metal, in shades of gray and black. Definitely intimidating, though.

Once we get there, Nora welcomes me with a big hug.

“Elena! I missed you! So, I told Damian, as discussed, okay? Nathaniel should be here any minute too.”

She calls him Nathaniel instead of Nate? I wonder what their relationship is. Isn’t Nora working at one of his restaurants?

I completely forget my questions when Damian Black appears behind Nora. Moon Goddess, I had forgotten how imposing her mate’s aura is. Especially staying in the same room as him is suffocating. Like a living storm, a dark cloud. How does Nora handle this? My cousin looks perfectly fine around him. She’s even happier the closer she is to him. It’s interesting to see how the pair interacts and reacts to each other.

The King constantly has an eye on her. She is never out of his line of sight, like a bodyguard. If she moves, he adjusts to her. Nora is never far from him, either, like he’s her landmark or something. They sit together, they move together, they breathe together. Are they even aware of it?

“So, Nora, what was your idea?” I ask, a bit anxious.

We are in some large room, Nora and the King standing in front of me.

“Gathering everyone,” she says. “All the packs, in one place, to discuss a large alliance. No more little alliances between several packs and bickering between the others. I want to gather every Alpha, every clan, and ask them to cooperate against this Dark Witch that’s coming for us.”

“Miss Nora argued that her Royal blood and power might help convince everyone,” says Neal. “Her bond with the Sapphire Moon, Jade Moon, and also with you.”

I frown. My bond with her? Does she want me to act as a spokesperson for the White Moon? Oh Moon Goddess, I am not really in the position for that, at the moment… I may convince Clark to show up, at best, but…

“Elena, trust me, I can do this! I want to–”

But just when she was about to finish her sentence, someone walks in. Nate.

At first, he doesn’t notice me, greeting his brother, Nora, and the other people present. Boyan and Tonia walk in right after him, both greeting me. That’s when his blue eyes fall on me, making my heart go crazy. Oh, Moon Goddess.

He frowns a bit, surprised to see me here. Oh, right, he doesn’t know about my relationship with Nora… He turns his head to his brother, looking worried for a second. But Damian Black is focused on Nora, as usual, only nodding at his brother’s arrival.

Nate finally walks up to me, looking uncertain.

“Elena, what are you–?”

“Nora called me here.”

“Nora?”

“She’s my friend!” says Nora, with a big smile.

That’s the most simple-minded explanation one could think of, and I see Nate give a glance in Boyan’s direction too, trying to make sense out of it, but the huge wolf is just laying at Nora’s feet like a furry carpet. Nate seems to give up with a sigh, and while I’m totally unprepared for it, takes me in for a hug.

Damn, it feels good. I missed his smell like crazy. So good, actually, I’m almost crying. I answer his hug, unable to hold myself back. My wolf is breathing again, too, soothed. Why does it feel like we’re closer now? Is it because I’m carrying his baby? Or because we missed each other so much? His whole body against mine is calming me down. Behind Nate, Nora is giving me a faint smile, and the other people in the room are either observing us with a hint of curiosity or total disinterest.

“All right… shall we get started, Miss Nora?” asks Neal.

Nathaniel and I part, though he holds my hand a bit longer. Nora walks up to me, looking a bit worried, biting her lip.

“Elena… I’m not sure how strong my inner voice will be… Can you help me out? A bit?”

I nod.

“Yeah, sure. Don’t worry, Nora, you’re already way better than I am. Just take a deep breath, relax, and you’ll do great.”

“Okay.”

Nora takes several deep breaths, exchanging looks with me, channeling her inner wolf. Is it just me or are her eyes shining stronger than usual? I sit on the couch and wait for it. Nate hesitates before slowly walking to stand behind me.

I hear her message, bright and clear, in my head. To me, it’s like a clear voice. But as I observe in the room, only the Black brothers are fine. Neal, Tonia, and Boyan are making faces, probably a bit overwhelmed by her aura.

As discussed, Nora lays out her plan. She explains who she is, and I actually learn for the first time she was born in the Gold Moon clan. Nora’s in a unique position, though. Born in the Gold Moon clan, raised by the Jade Moon, mated to the Blood Moon Alpha and yet, her true roots belong to the Sapphire Moon clan. And there’s me, her cousin, from the White Moon pack.

The biggest surprise is her heritage as a Royal, though. She only says a few words about this, but I know she doesn’t want to make a big deal out of it. It would only have people freak out. Yet, her dominant voice in our heads leaves no doubt. Hence, they have no choice but to listen to her warning. Her warning about the Dark Witch that will target Silver City, and finally, how the packs need to work altogether.

It’s a crazy idea.

I know Nora’s a believer, but when she gives the time and place for a meeting in three days, I’m wondering who will dare to show up. It’s not just about her being a Royal, or the pending attack. Most clans, though they won’t admit it, are crazy scared of the Blood Moon. To Nora and I, the Black brothers are just lovers, but to everyone else, they are cold-blooded killers, crazy strong Alpha werewolves. At least, having a Luna of her background next to Damian Black might draw a few curious people in.

Nora exhales and opens her eyes. Good job, girl.

“You did great, Nora,” says her mate with that gentle expression he only has for her.

“I have to admit, I didn’t think you could really do it, but I guess this headache is my retribution for doubting you,” growls Boyan’s older brother.

Nora chuckles with a bit of an apologetic expression. Damn, she is so cute. No wonder everyone loves her. I wonder how we got to be so different when our parents were twins.

Though, she frowns soon enough and looks down, holding her head. I can almost feel it. Everyone who heard her voice is responding, using the mind-link back, submerging her.

“Nora, are you okay?” asks the King.

“Sorry… It’s my head…”

He rubs her shoulder, while Nora is struggling to clear the voices out. It’s funny, I can feel them as if I have a little window in her head. She finally lets a few in, exchanging with some Alphas unknown to me. I hope people are responding positively. Everyone in the room is holding their breaths, waiting for her.

After a while, she nods and turns to us.

“The Sapphire Moon and Sea Moon clans are coming. The Jade Moon, too. I don’t know about the others yet, it was a bit confusing…”

It’s already a good start, though. With the Blood Moon clan in as well, it means two of the biggest packs are already interested. That’s huge…

“We expected this,” says Neal Mura, “but this is how it always works between werewolves anyway, Miss Nora. No matter what happens, you did what you had to. We know how risky this is.”

“Don’t worry, baby girl. It’s going to be okay. Even if only a few packs show up, it’s plenty, okay? We just need to open up a dialogue,” adds his sister.

Nora looks a bit uneasy, but I agree with the betas. Nora’s done great, especially since she was reaching out to mind-link so many people for the first time.

“Anyway, we need to get ready. Three days is a very short time to sort out everything. Securing the stadium, informing the human police, and preparing the lieutenants won’t be an easy job.”

Looks like the Blood Moon’s Beta is already in work mode. He starts making calls, giving orders, and everyone in the room moves. The King is talking to Tonia, and Boyan goes to Nora, who’s sitting facing me. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to be doing. I wait a bit and get up, but the King leaves the room with Tonia and Neal, while Nora goes to the kitchen. I’m left alone with Boyan, still in his wolf form, and Nathaniel.

Nate walks up to me in a hurry.

“Elena! I missed you. How are you?” he asks, looking worried.

His hand is already on my neck, and the other grabs mine, we’re so close. I need to catch my breath for a second and nod a bit awkwardly.

“I’m… fine.”

Damn, why is it so hard to talk now that he’s here facing me, so close, so real! What was I expecting? Nate’s right in front of me, but the words are stuck in my throat while I’m just trying to breathe normally. It’s been so long already. I don’t even know where to start! I can’t just drop the bomb like that! Where is our relationship at, anyway?

“Talk to me!”

He’s getting impatient, but I just keep avoiding his eyes and trying to come up with something.

“Elena, I can’t go on like this!”

“I told you I’m fine, Nate. Stop asking, please.”

Can’t you give me a second to think, to figure out what I want to say to you?

“I don’t believe you! You’ve been avoiding me for days; I can’t take it! Do you think I haven’t noticed it? You’re pale, you lost weight... Elena, are you sick?”

“What?”

Oh gosh, why does he have to be so observant about those kinds of things? I barely lost a couple of pounds! Guess what? Your daughter only likes freaking pizza and lemon tea.

“No, I’m not, I swear, Nate. I’m fine, okay? I really am.”

“Then why…!”

“I’ll tell you later, okay?” I just say, shaking my head.

“Later? What do you mean later! Elena… When?”

When your brother and half of your pack’s leaders are not freaking next door, for a start! I’m not ready, for Moon Goddess’ sake.

“After the pack meeting. Once it’s over, we can talk,” I stutter. “I promise, but not now. It’s not the right time, with all that is going on. Nate, please.”

He keeps staring, and Moon Goddess, he does look worried. Well, guess what, I’m freaking out too, and scared like I’ve never been before. I just… I’d rather fight a thousand vampires than tell Nate the truth right now. It’s so fucking scary. I’m doubting his response, how he’ll react, what he’ll say, what he’ll do. It’s like a fucking void scaring the hell out of me.

“Okay, but… you have to stop avoiding me, please… I miss you.”

I take a deep breath. Damn, there’s so much weight in those three words.

“I missed you too,” I confess in a whisper.

I see Bobo leave the room in silence, giving us some space, but right when my eyes are back on Nate, he pulls me in for a passionate kiss.

Oh, Moon Goddess, this feels so good… I don’t even resist and respond right away, grabbing his shirt, his hair, any part of him I can claim. I want him. I’ve missed him, oh, so bad… We keep going, kissing each other, our lips and tongues going crazy, my skin burning under his touch, my blood rushing. I want more, it’s like a drug. It tastes sweet and addicting.

His hands glide on my skin, under my shirt, on my neck… I shiver a bit. I had almost forgotten what his hands feel like. I feel my desire growing, like ash burning underneath the long-extinguished fire. A small, shy flame, as the kiss keeps going… It’s Nate, my man. Mine. The only one I want to allow on me, the only one that can touch me. My wolf softly growls.

“Nate… Nate, wait…”

He keeps going. He doesn’t want to stop. Frankly? Me neither. I just want more of his lips, more of his skin and smell on me. It’s driving me crazy. My wolf growls again. We are in his brother’s apartment, damn it.

“Nate, stop.”

This time, I put my hands on his chest, pushing him away, taking a deep breath in.

“Elena?”

“Give me a second. I have something I really need to tell you.”

He raises an eyebrow, a bit surprised.

“Well, that’s a first. Everything okay?”

“No. I mean, yes, but… Moon Goddess…”

I take a step back, a deep breath, trying to think. How do you say it? How do you announce this kind of thing? What’s the right word? Damn it. Breathe, Elena, low blood pressure. Nate is staring at me, confused, a bit worried. He puts his hands on his hips, waiting. Fuck it.

“Nathaniel, I’m… pregnant.”

There’s a long silence.

His expression is undecipherable, and he chuckles nervously.

“You’re what?”

“Pregnant. I am pregnant, Nate.”

It takes him a few more minutes for it to sink in, and his eyes wander mindlessly around the room. I have no fucking idea what to expect. Honestly, I’m terrified. He doesn’t seem happy, or mad. He swallows his saliva, and turns to me, looking a bit off.

“Okay… I… How long?”

“I’m thirteen weeks now.”

“I see.”

He’s frowning, looking anywhere but in my direction. Looking like he’s confused. It’s not what I was expecting. I don’t know what to say, what to do, I stand there waiting, nervous as heck.

“For Moon Goddess’ sake, Nate, says something. Please.”

“… Who’s the father?”

I stare at him, shocked. Is he fucking kidding me?

“Are you kidding me? Of course it’s you!”

“Seriously, Elena.”

What the hell, now? He doesn’t believe me?

“Nate, you’re the father! What now, you think I fuck anyone? I’m thirteen weeks pregnant, we were together back in September!”

I’m almost crying, I’m so fucking mad. I did think he would be surprised, not that he wouldn’t believe me! He shakes his head.

“Elena, it can’t be mine. Think again. I’m not accusing you, I just…”

“You think I don’t know who I had sex with? There’s been no one but you since last June, Nathaniel! You can ask Daniel, I haven’t been close to another man!”

“Is it Levi’s?”

“Wha– Fuck you! I didn’t sleep with Levi. Are you mad? What the hell is wrong with you!”

“Elena, I’m telling you, if you are pregnant, this child cannot be mine!

“I am pregnant! I am pregnant, you dick, so pregnant I don’t know what to do with myself!”

I grab the picture in my jacket and throw it at him, pissed.

“Look at that! This is your daughter and mine! There is no way she’s anyone else’s but yours!”

But he doesn’t even look at the picture, or me crying. He takes a deep breath in, like he’s trying to control himself, and I can feel his unsettled wolf too. What the hell…?

It’s like a nightmare. He’s there, but he’s just distancing himself from me, building a wall between us. I don’t get it. I feel anger replacing the disappointment, and my wolf growls.

“What’s wrong with you? I’ve been avoiding you, now you don’t want to believe I’m pregnant? Is that it? This is too much for you? Or you don’t trust me? Is it because of your status, you can’t have this happen?”

“Elena, stop it! I know this child isn’t mine, so just tell me whose it is! I don’t even care at this point!”

“Fuck you! I’m telling you, this child is yours! What the hell is wrong with you?”

“It can’t be mine, Elena!”

He lets out a big sigh, before finally looking at me.

“… I’m sterile, Elena.”

I stare at him, speechless for once. What the…

“I can’t have children,” he continues. “I swear if there was a one in a billion chance this child could be mine, trust me, I would gladly believe you. I would be thrilled if you were pregnant with my baby, Elena, I swear. But here’s the thing, it cannot possibly be mine. I’m sterile.”

… This is a nightmare. I feel the tears coming, and I don’t repress them. I can’t deal with this right now; I don’t have the strength for this. I start sobbing, unable to repress it. Sterile? What the actual fuck? How can he say he’s sterile? I’m pregnant with his baby!

“What the fuck are you saying?” I ask, hoping I heard that wrong. “Sterile?”

“It’s from many years ago,” he nods. “I lost the ability to have children because of my father. One day, he hit me. He always hit us, though most days Damian protected me and Liam. That wasn’t always the case, though. And, that one time, he… hit me so hard in my stomach, I started bleeding… I bled a lot. Damian took me to the hospital, but they couldn’t… I learned I wouldn’t be able to have children no matter how much surgery I underwent. There’s nothing medicine can do for me, Elena, I’m sterile. I’ve been sterile since I was fifteen… That’s the real reason my fated mate didn’t want me. She had a choice between her rich fiancé and a damaged teenager who could never have children. I can’t blame her.”

No, no, no. There’s no fucking way. I am pregnant, I am pregnant for sure, and there’s no fucking way anybody else is that child’s father. And he has the fucking guts to give me a story about him being sterile now?!

“… Fuck you, Nate.”

That’s all I could utter right now. I’m so furious. I’m crying tears of anger and frustration. I don’t care what he thinks and I don’t care about that stupid offended expression of his.

“You dare mention your ex now?” I go on. “Do you think I care? I don’t give a damn what you think you can or can’t do, I know what I’m saying. Those doctors were wrong, Nate. I am pregnant, I am pregnant and no one else but you can be the father!”

“I cannot be, Elena! Even if you are, I can’t have children! At all! I have all of the files, my complete medical chart, back at my place, attesting why your child cannot be mine! If you want, I can show it to you, I–”

“I don’t give a shit about your medical records, you idiot!” I shout. “I’ve been trying to think for weeks about how to tell you, and now, this? Nate, this child is my miracle! I didn’t think I could have children either! I had a miscarriage, and–”

“But your chances after a miscarriage aren’t zero, Elena. Mine are. I’m… I’ll try to be happy for you that you got pregnant again, but… don’t say I’m the dad. I cannot be.”

He steps away from me. Moon Goddess… He really doesn’t believe me, not even one bit. I keep crying, helpless. What the fuck do I do? I don’t care about his sterility bullshit, I need him! I didn’t think I would have to fucking convince him! But it’s already over. Whatever I say, he won’t believe me. It’s all written in his eyes. Fuck… This is the worst. I knew it could go wrong, he could have not taken it well, but this is a whole fucking different level. I feel so stupid! I feel stupid for even crying, for being so disappointed! Worse, now he thinks I’m carrying somebody else’s baby!

“Elena, I–”

“Nate, shut up.”

This time, I’m the one to step back. I can’t do this. I need to think of myself and my child… Nate doesn’t matter.

“I don’t… You know what? Never mind. I don’t need you.”

“Elena, I–”

“You don’t want to hear the truth, fine,” I retort. “I’ll do it on my own.”

“I’m not leaving you, Elena! You’re the one who’s not listening, this child–”

“Nathaniel, I never slept with anyone else but you for almost a year,” I growl. “This baby was conceived thirteen weeks ago, and as far as I’m concerned, I’m pretty sure I’m not able to conceive on my own.”

I don’t give a fuck what he thinks. This is the truth, and if he won’t hear it, I won’t waste my time here. I don’t care how sorry he looks. I’m so fucking disappointed in him, that he won’t even try to hear me out, to trust me, but there’s no use staying here. He thinks I slept with somebody else, he thinks I’m a liar and some hoe. I don’t care about his excuses. He doesn’t get to play the apology card now.

“Elena, I really wanted to–”

“To what? Believe me? Believe whatever you want, Nate. I’m tired of lies. I came here to tell you this, now I’ve done my share. You do whatever you want with it.”

“What do you mean?”

“You heard me. I’ve told you, now whatever you want to believe is up to you. I’ll have this child, with you as its dad or not. I don’t give a damn about your story of being sterile. It’s your problem now.”

I grab my jacket before I really lose my shit. I’ve cried more than enough already, and even if this child’s father won’t fucking be there, I owe it to protect the both of us. I leave his place, slamming the door, feeling completely wrecked.