Chapter 7: Fever Dreams and Pack Politics
Chapter 7: Fever Dreams and Pack Politics
(Freya’s POV)
Caroline’s smile was as perfect as ever, but I caught the briefest flicker of something in her eyes when I spoke out. Maybe surprise, maybe irritation. It was so fast, I almost thought I imagined it. Almost.
Before the awkward silence could stretch further, Dr. Anderson cleared his throat loudly. The sharp sound broke the lingering tension in the room. His professional demeanor returned as though he hadn’t noticed the clash.
“Luna Freya,” he said firmly, glancing at me, though I saw his gaze stray toward Caroline more than once.” Your fever is still dangerously high. I’ll prescribe wolf healing herbs. They’re specialized treatments for cases like yours. You’ll need to start taking them immediately.”
I didn’t respond, just nodded weakly. I didn’t trust myself to speak. My eyes darted to Caroline, who gave her trademark warm smile, though her posture straightened, like she was ready to take charge.
Dr. Anderson nodded at Caroline. “Perhaps, Miss Caroline, you could encourage her to take them. Herbs need consistency to work effectively.” His words were polite, but his voice carried undertones of authority.
Caroline placed a hand on her chest, feigning modesty. “Oh, of course. Anything for Freya’s recovery.”
The way she added an extra layer of sweetness to her tone made my stomach churn more than the fever already did. Bella growled faintly within me, a sharp warning to stay on guard.
Aaron’s voice cut through the room, cold and firm. “Are we done here?” He glanced between Caroline and Dr. Anderson impatiently. “We’re leaving. She’s been through enough.”
Dr. Anderson flinched ever so slightly at the Alpha’s tone and hurriedly nodded. “Yes, Alpha Aaron.
sure the Luna starts the herbs today.” His eyes touched on me briefly but lacked the warmth they ca…ed
earlier.
make
Caroline turned to Aaron after we left the examination room. “I’ll ride with you in case she needs help during
the trip back.” She made it sound like a casual suggestion, but there was meaning in her words.
Aaron nodded without hesitation, which shouldn’t have surprised me by now, but it still stung. Bella growled
louder this time, clawing at my chest, angry and protective. I ignored her.
The car ride back to the Northern Ridge Pack house blurred into a haze of fever–induced dizziness. Every bump on the road jarred my head, making the pounding in my temples worse.
When we arrived at last, the pack house stood tall and looming, its timber walls glowing faintly under the setting sun. All I wanted in that moment was to crawl into bed and escape this day. But fate wasn’t that kind.
I stepped out of the car too quickly, desperate to leave. The world tilted alarmingly, my knees buckling
beneath me.
Strong arms caught me just as I was about to hit the ground. The sparks of the mate bond flared where Aaron’s hands gripped my waist tightly.
“For Moon’s sake, Freya!” His voice was sharp with irritation. His golden eyes burned as they glared down at
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- me. “This is what happens when you ignore proper treatment and act stubborn!”
I forced myself to stand upright, shaking him off despite the weakness in my limbs. My pride wouldn’t let me rely on him. “I don’t need your help.”
“Clearly, you do.” He didn’t let go immediately, his hands lingering just a second longer than necessary. But his tone was harsh, cold, unforgiving.
(Caroline’s POV)
I stepped in quickly, brushing past Aaron to take Freya’s arm. My movements were smooth and natural,
rehearsed even.
“She’s unsteady,” I said softly, tilting my head in a show of concern. “It’s no surprise after everything. Let me help her inside.”
Aaron hesitated, his eyes flicking between me and Freya. His wolf was clearly unsettled, but his human side took control. He stepped back with a nod.
I guided Freya into the pack house, and as soon as we crossed the threshold, the whispers began.
“That’s Caroline Redwood.”
“Isn’t she the one who saved Alpha Aaron’s life?”
“I heard she’s his true love. The Luna’s just a political match, arranged after her family lost their territory…”
The conversations drifted as pack members passed around gossip like wildfire. I pretended not to hear, but every word settled like victory in my chest.
Martha Wilson, the stern house manager, stormed toward them, frowning. “Don’t you all have something better to do than stand around whispering?” Her Beta authority carried weight. The lower–ranking wolves quickly scampered to their tasks.
I fought to keep my smile hidden as I led Freya upstairs. Her feverish state made her compliant a… weak- too weak to protest.
When we reached her chambers, I helped her to the bed, arranging the blankets perfectly over her. My lips curled ever so slightly as I glanced toward the Alpha’s coat hanging near the door. It was tucked away neatly, but the sight of it darkened my mood for just a flicker of a second.
I smoothed out my expression before leaving.
(Freya’s POV)
Finally alone, I exhaled shakily, sinking into the warmth of the blankets. But my mind was far from calm. My hand instinctively moved over my stomach, shielding the life growing within me. No one could know. At least, not yet.
My eyes stung with exhaustion, my muscles heavy and numb. Worry gnawed at me even as the fever took hold again. How much longer could I keep going like this? How long until someone found out?
Before I could focus further, the world pulled me under.
My dreams were far from peaceful. Feverish and fragmented, they came in pieces I couldn’t fully grasp.
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< Chapter 7 Fever Dreams
At first, I felt someone’s touch–a cool cloth pressed against my forehead. My skin burned, yet the touch was soothing, familiar even.
I clung to them in my delirium. Soft sparks buzzed faintly through the bond. For a fleeting moment, I thought it was Aaron.
Then everything shifted. Suddenly, they kissed me. It was desperate, fierce. The taste of desperation overtook me. My fevered mind rebelled, acting on survival rather than thought.
I bit down, hard.
A pained gasp reached my ears. “You little-” The familiar voice hissed before fading completely from my consciousness as darkness claimed me.
“Luna!” Sarah Cooper’s soft voice pulled me back into the waking world. I blinked blearily at her as she hovered anxiously by my side.
Her kind face blurred in and out of focus before settling.
“You gave us a scare,” she murmured, relief flooding her voice. “Are you feeling any better?”
My head pounded too much to respond properly. I managed a faint nod instead.
“The doctor’s herbs are ready,” she added, indicating the steaming cup on the side table. “They’ll help bring your fever down for good this time.”
The smell hit me before anything else. Bitter and pungent, it made bile rise in my throat. I swallowed hard against the nausea, suppressing the instinct to recoil.
“I… appreciate it,” I managed, my hoarse voice barely above a whisper.
Sarah smiled warmly. “You’re hungry, aren’t you? I’ll bring you some soup. You shouldn’t take medicine on an empty stomach.”
“Thank you,” I said, forcing a small smile.
The moment she left the room, I grabbed the cup. Shaking fingers carried it to the bathroom sink, and without hesitation, I poured it all down the drain.
The scent of the herbs hung in the air like a taunt, but I didn’t care. I wouldn’t risk harming the cub.
As I turned to leave, my heart stopped.
Aaron stood leaning against the doorframe, one brow raised, his piercing golden eyes narrowing sharply as they locked onto me.
His presence made the small bathroom feel even smaller.
“What are you doing?” he asked, his tone deceptively calm.
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