Chapter 2: An Unexpected Discovery
(Samantha's POV)
"Sam, are you in there?" Ethan's deep voice came from outside the bathroom door.
I froze, staring at the pregnancy test in my trembling hands. Two clear lines stood vivid against the white plastic—positive. After three long years of trying, of disappointments and heartbreak, it had finally happened.
Tears of joy welled in my eyes as I clutched the test to my chest. My first instinct was to fling open the door and share this precious moment with my mate. But memories of previous disappointments held me back.
Several times before, my cycle had been late, raising hopes that were cruelly dashed by negative tests. I couldn't put Ethan through that emotional rollercoaster again. Not until I was absolutely certain.
I quickly wiped away my tears and tucked the test into the pocket of my robe. Taking a deep breath, I composed myself.
"Yes," I replied, opening the door to find Ethan standing there, his broad shoulders filling the doorframe.
His amber eyes immediately scanned my face, concern etching his features. "Why are your eyes so red?" he asked, his brow furrowed as he gently touched my cheek.
"I was reading a sad story," I lied, quickly changing the subject. I looped my arms around his neck, breathing in his familiar scent of pine and wilderness. "You've been traveling to neighboring territories so much lately. Can't you spend more time with me?"
Ethan leaned down until our foreheads touched. The simple gesture made my heart flutter, even after all these years together.
"After I secure this alliance with the Eastern Pack, I'll take some time off and be with you, my Luna," he promised, his voice soft. "But, Sam..." His hands slid around my waist, pulling me closer. "I miss you so much."
Before I could react, his lips were on my neck, sending shivers down my spine. His touch was both familiar and electrifying, making it difficult to think clearly.
"Ethan," I whispered, my resolve weakening as his hands traced patterns on my lower back.
It had been almost twenty days since Ethan returned from diplomatic meetings across the Northern Territories. Consumed by his duties as Alpha King, he had finally found a moment to hold me close, the fatigue of the past weeks melting away in our embrace.
But tonight, I wasn't as responsive as usual. Gently pushing against his chest, I murmured, "Not tonight."
Until I had confirmation from Dr. Miller, I didn't want to risk anything with our potential baby. The thought made my heart race—our baby, growing inside me after so many years of waiting.
"Is it your cycle?" Ethan asked, raising my hand to his lips and placing a gentle kiss on my palm.
I nodded, wanting to surprise him with the good news after the checkup. It would be worth the wait to see his face light up when I told him properly.
Desire flickered in Ethan's eyes as his gaze traveled from my neck to my lips. "Then...how will my Luna make it up to me?"
He lifted me effortlessly, carrying me to our bed. A nervous flutter rose in my stomach. I knew his desires were strong, and although he always tried to control his instincts, twenty days of separation must have been difficult for him.
"Ethan, really, not tonight…" I pleaded, placing my hands against his chest.
"My sweet Sam," he whispered, his voice husky with restraint. "I won't push you. I just miss you. Let me hold you, cherish you."
His words wrapped around me like a warm embrace. He settled beside me on the bed, his powerful body curving protectively around mine.
Lost in the moment, he intertwined our fingers and kissed my hair. The tenderness of the gesture made my heart ache with love for him.
"Sam," he asked, his voice low in the darkness of our bedroom. "If I made a mistake, would you forgive me?"
My eyes, still hazy with affection, met his. Something in his tone made me pay closer attention.
"It depends on the mistake," I replied carefully. "As long as it's not a matter of principle, I won't blame you. You know I love you more than anything."
A thought suddenly crossed my mind, though I couldn't imagine it being true. "Ethan...did you cheat on me?"
For me, infidelity was the only unforgivable sin. Money could be earned back, positions could be reclaimed, but a man who cheated was irrevocably tainted in my eyes.
In the dim light of our bedroom, Ethan's face was partially obscured by shadows, his expression unreadable. I held my breath, waiting for his answer.
"Sam," he said, his voice husky with sincerity. "I love you. I would never betray you."
Relief washed over me, and I nestled closer to him. His heartbeat was strong and steady under my ear.
"We've been together for eighteen years, supporting each other through every challenge," I said, tracing patterns on his chest. "If even you were to cheat, there would be no good men left in the world."
He stroked my hair, his touch gentle despite the strength I knew his hands possessed. The contrast always made me feel safe and cherished.
"It's late," he said, his tone shifting to something I couldn't quite read. "Let's get some rest. I'm going to take a cold shower."
As he disappeared into the bathroom, I listened to the water running. My mind raced with thoughts of the future.
The two lines on the pregnancy test filled my thoughts. If I truly was pregnant, would it be a boy or a girl? Either way, I knew Ethan would be overjoyed to finally have a child after years of waiting.
I imagined a little boy with Ethan's amber eyes and strong jawline, or perhaps a girl with his determination and leadership qualities. The possibilities made my heart swell with happiness.
When Ethan finally returned to our bed, chilled from the cold water, I instinctively rolled into his arms. His skin was cool against mine, but it quickly warmed between us.
"Ethan," I murmured sleepily, already drifting off. "I have a surprise for you tomorrow."
He mistook my words for dreams, pulling me closer as he settled into the pillows. "Good," he whispered, kissing my forehead. "I'll be waiting."
The next morning, I went straight to Dr. Katherine Miller's clinic for a series of tests. The waiting was excruciating, each minute stretching into what felt like hours.
When the doctor finally confirmed, "Mrs. Reed, congratulations, you're pregnant," tears streamed down my face. I couldn't contain the joy bursting within me.
Dr. Miller, who had witnessed my struggles over the past three years, understood my overwhelming emotion. Her usually professional demeanor softened as she handed me a tissue.
"Thank you," I managed to whisper through my tears.
Countless treatments, herbal remedies, and the repeated disappointment of negative tests had taken their toll on both Ethan and me. There had been moments when I feared we might never have a child of our own.
"The baby is still very small," Dr. Miller cautioned, her voice gentle but firm. "We can only confirm the pregnancy at this stage. It's crucial that you take good care of yourself during the first trimester. We'll do a more detailed examination later."
I nodded, already eager to share the news with Ethan. Even before I retired from my position as a healer, he had longed for a child. Now, our dream was finally coming true.
I reached for my phone, then hesitated. This news was too important to convey through a text message or even a call. Without informing anyone, I decided to go directly to his office at Blackwood Enterprises.
Taking the private elevator to the top floor, I knew he would be in his morning meeting with neighboring business representatives. This would be the perfect opportunity to surprise him.
My heart raced with anticipation as I approached his Executive Suite. The security guards recognized me immediately and stepped aside with respectful nods.
Clutching my purse strap, a mixture of excitement and nerves coursed through me as I pushed open the door to Ethan's office. I could already picture the look on his face when I told him. Would he be as overwhelmed with joy as I was?
The door clicked open, and the scene before me froze the smile on my lips.