Chapter 20: A Difficult Decision
Chapter 20: A Difficult Decision
(Freya’s POV)
The Crescent Moon Medical Facility loomed before me, its white walls gleaming under the late morning sun.
It stood as a symbol of clinical detachment, far removed from the warmth or familiarity of the United Council of Werewolves hospital where I had received my initial pregnancy report.
That hospital was not an option–it was too close to Elder Katherine and her allies. Someone would recognize me.
Beside me, Emily squeezed my arm tighter as we walked toward the doors. Her grip felt both grounding and suffocating. “Freya,” she said softly, her voice filled with doubt. “Are you absolutely certain about this?”
I kept my face neutral, my shoulders squared. “Yes, Emily. I’ve already made up my mind.”
Emily didn’t let go of my arm. Instead, she tugged me to a stop just outside the entrance. “This… It’s a cub. A part of you, Freya. Do you really want to go through with this?” Her voice cracked on the last word, and her eyes searched mine.
Staring back at her, I found myself momentarily speechless. Bella whimpered inside me, her sadness mixing with the storm of emotions I refused to let surface. “I have to,” I finally said, my voice steady but hollow.
“When did you become like this?” Emily demanded, her voice rising slightly, urging me to feel something, anything. “You’re shutting down. You’re… detached. This cub–it’s not just his, you know. It’s yours
Her words struck deeper than I wanted to admit. My hand moved hesitantly to my stomach, and for a moment, I felt a pang–a flicker of something that could’ve been hope if I hadn’t buried it so deeply. Bella let out a sorrowful cry in my mind, echoing my internal conflict.
“I know,” I whispered.
Emily saw her chance. She gripped my other hand tightly, her eyes blazing with determination. “Then don’t do this. Please, Freya. There has to be another way. Let’s figure it out together. We can find a solution. I’ll help you, no matter what it takes. Just don’t do this.”
Before I could respond, the sound of my name being called broke through the moment. A nurse in a crisp white uniform stood by the clinic entrance. “Mrs. Snow? Dr. Martinez is ready for you.”
I glanced at Emily, her expression pleading, torn between wanting to stop me and respecting my decision. My heart ached seeing her like that. “Wait here,” I said quietly. She reluctantly nodded, letting go of my arm as l walked away.
The air inside the clinic felt cold–too cold. The bright white walls and faint smell of antiseptic were sterile, but not comforting. This place wasn’t warm like pack facilities. It was impersonal and businesslike, designed for the wolves who came here seeking discretion over comfort.
Dr. Rachel Martinez was waiting in her office. She was a tall woman with sharp features and an even sharper tone. Her scrubbed–clean professionalism felt almost like armor, and I envied her ability to approach this so coldly.
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She looked down at the file in her hands briefly before glancing at me, her tone brisk. “Mrs. Snow, I see you’re here regarding a termination.”
I swallowed and nodded tightly. There was no judgment in her voice, nothing personal–just the same tone one might use to read numbers off a chart.
‘Let’s discuss your options,” she said, sitting down and gesturing for me to do the same.
Though I sat, I wasn’t sure my legs would hold me much longer.
“For wolf pregnancies,” Dr. Martinez began, “the termination process can be more complex due to enhanced healing and maternal bond instincts. We’ll need to run additional tests to determine your physical compatibility for the procedure, ensuring there’s no risk to your health.”
Her words washed over me like waves–neutral and factual, but each one tightened the knot in my stomach. Bella snarled softly, her protective instincts flaring instantly.
“The cost will depend on these preliminary tests,” the doctor continued, flipping through my file. “I’ll also need a signed release form as extra precautions for this type of procedure are legally required.”
“I understand,” I said softly, gripping the edge of my chair. Each word she spoke felt like a nail driving deeper into the decision I was forcing myself to make. But I kept going because what other choice did I have?
Dr. Martinez placed her pen down, leaning back slightly. “If you have any questions or concerns, now is the time to voice them.”
I shook my head quickly, desperate to avoid prolonging the discussion. “No questions,” I murmured. “Thank you.”
Her sharp gaze flicked over me briefly before she nodded and closed the folder. “Take your time to decide. The procedure won’t be scheduled until we complete the required testing, so you still have the option to change your mind.”
Change my mind. The words echoed inside me long after she led me back to the waiting area.
As soon as I stepped out, my legs nearly buckled beneath me.
“Freya!” Emily bolted from her seat, rushing to support me before I could collapse. Her hands gripped my arms tightly as she studied my pale face. “Gods, you look terrible.”
“I’m fine,” I murmured, leaning heavily on her. “Low blood sugar. That’s all.”
Emily didn’t look convinced. “You’re clearly not fine,” she scolded, adjusting her hold on me. “Are you just
going to faint here too? How long has it been since you ate?”
“I don’t know,” I admitted, my voice weak.
“Stay here,” she ordered, her tone unusually stern. “Don’t move. I’m getting you food, whether you like it or
not.”
Before I could protest, she was already heading toward the snack kiosk at the far end of the clinic.
I sank back into the chair, my head falling back against the cold wall. Closing my eyes, I tried to block out the storm of thoughts swirling in my mind.
You’re making the right choice, a voice whispered in my head. End this before it becomes another chain tying
you to him.
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“No,” another voice replied, louder this time. Bella’s voice. This cub is ours. You don’t need Aaron to protect it or raise it. You’re strong enough.
My head pounded as the two voices battled. The low blood sugar only made it worse, and I pressed my palms to my temples to fight the growing ache.
“Freya?”
At first, I thought I was imagining things. The familiar voice felt distant and impossible. But then it came again, sharper this time.
When I opened my eyes, Margaret Hunter stood before me.
Dread pooled in my stomach. Margaret’s sharp hazel eyes were fixed on me, and even her Beta wolf scent
seemed oppressive in the small waiting room.
“Luna Freya,” she said again, a polite smile on her lips that didn’t reach her eyes.
“Margaret.” My voice was steadier than I expected, but my heart raced. I forced a calm expression as I straightened in my seat. “What brings you here?”
Her smile widened slightly, though it still lacked warmth. The Beta was one of Aaron’s trusted council members, known for keeping a close eye on anything that could threaten pack stability.
“I could ask you the same question,” she said smoothly. “It’s not every day one sees the Luna of the Northern Ridge Pack in a place like this.”
I swallowed hard, keeping my face neutral. “I’m here with a friend,” I replied evenly.
Margaret’s eyes dipped, and her gaze lingered on my stomach for half a second too long. My wolf Bella bristled, sensing her suspicion.
“Is that so?” Her tone was light, but there was a sharpness lurking beneath.
“Yes,” I said firmly, refusing to let her rattle me.
She hummed softly, tilting her head as if studying me. “You know,” she began, her voice sweet but dripping with subtle malice, “the pack council often praises you for your unwavering dedication to duty. You’ve always been… dependable.”
Her words felt like an edge of a blade, pressing lightly but threatening to cut deeper.
“A shame,” she added, her hazel eyes dancing with curiosity, “if certain… unseen matters complicated things.” Tension coiled in my chest. I knew exactly what she was implying.
“Careful, Margaret,” I said quietly, my tone sharpening. “Unfounded accusations against your Luna could look very bad for you.”
She laughed lightly, brushing a strand of auburn hair behind her ear. “Accusations? Oh no, Freya, I would never make accusations. I’m merely making an observation. A passing comment, really.”
Her gaze, however, betrayed her words. She wasn’t here by accident, and she wasn’t fooled by my calm
facade.
“Of course,” I said coolly, meeting her gaze head–on. “Though you should know that making baseless remarks doesn’t reflect well on your reputation.”
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“Baseless?” Margaret echoed, feigning surprise. “I’m simply curious. Although,” she added, her hazel eyes glinting, “your defensiveness is rather telling, don’t you think?”
I gripped the arms of the chair tightly, Bella snarling in my mind. “Believe what you like, Margaret. Just remember–curiosity can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.”
She chuckled softly, the sound sending a chill down my spine. “You’re right, Freya. Misunderstandings can be so troublesome. But don’t worry–I’ll keep this little visit to myself. For now.”
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