**Chapter 6: The Accident**
I woke up to rain lashing the windows and Victor’s hand still spread across my stomach like a shield.
The cramps had faded to a dull ache sometime before dawn. He hadn’t moved all night, just held me, rumbling that low, soothing sound until I finally passed out. When I stirred, his eyes snapped open instantly, gold and alert.
“Morning, little wolf.” His voice was rough from no sleep. “How do you feel?”
“Like I got hit by a truck,” I mumbled into his chest. “But the baby’s kicking.”
He went completely still. “Kicking?”
I took his hand and slid it lower. We waited, breath held. Then, there. A tiny flutter, like butterfly wings against my skin.
Victor’s whole face changed. Wonder. Terror. Something fierce and tender that made my throat close up.
“That’s our
