The house felt unusually quiet, almost deceptive in its calm. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the polished floors, but the air was heavy with tension.
Kael and his mother were away, visiting the Luna's grandmother, leaving the True Blood Alpha house unusually empty. Even the Alphas had gone on a routine matter that would take hours.
In her bedroom, the Luna clutched the edge of the bed, sweat running down her temple as contractions ripped through her body. Each one doubled her over, leaving her gasping for breath. She screamed, her voice echoing down the hall.
"Help… please… someone…"
From the kitchen, the rogue mother had heard the cries. Her eyes widened with concern, and without hesitation, she pushed the kitchen door open and rushed toward the bedroom. Her hands were steady, her voice calm yet urgent.
"Madam, stay with me. Focus on your breathing. I will help you," she said, gently placing a hand on the Luna's shaking arm as she guided her toward the bed.
The Luna's face contorted with pain, but she clung to the rogue mother's words like a lifeline. "I… I'm scared… Kael… they're not here…"
The rogue mother only nodded, her voice soothing. "You're not alone. Breathe with me. You will see your child soon."
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, the rogue daughter leaned against the counter, arms crossed tightly. Her dark eyes glared in silent fury, hatred simmering beneath every sharp breath. She had no intention of helping, no desire to witness another child entering this house, this family she despised. Her wolf growled low in her chest, restless, bitter.
Inside the bedroom, the rogue mother's hands moved with precision and care, guiding the Luna through each contraction. She adjusted pillows, whispered instructions, and never let panic touch her voice.
The Luna clutched her hand tightly. "I… I can't… it hurts too much…"
"Yes, it hurts," the rogue mother replied softly, "but you are strong. You are bringing life into this world. Focus on your baby."
With one final, wrenching contraction, a cry filled the room—loud, sharp, and pure.
The rogue mother's eyes shone with quiet triumph. "It's a girl," she announced, handing the newborn gently into the Luna's trembling arms. "Strong, healthy… and already safe."
Tears streamed down the Luna's face as she cradled her child, exhausted but filled with awe. "Thank you… I don't know what I would have done without you."
The rogue mother only smiled faintly, brushing a damp lock of hair from the Luna's forehead. "You did all the hard work. I only guided you."
And with that the Luna lost her conscious. The kitchen was a mess of clattering pots and hurried footsteps. The rogue daughter had been trying to manage, but her screams filled the room, sharp and panicked.
"I… I can't… it hurts! Help me! Please!" she cried, clutching her swollen belly. Her wolf growled low, restless and angry, reacting to the chaos in the room. It was an early labour but a sign that fate was going to make things worse for them.