Chapter 73
Rachel’s POV
I nodded and closed my eyes, breathing slowly to steady my heartbeat and prevent another round of dry heaving.
The woman returned quickly with a bag that smelled of herbs.
“I’ve brought some things that might help,” she said. “We need to get you settled so you can eat something and feed that little one.” She placed a cool cloth soaked in moonflower on my forehead. “Keep your eyes closed and focus on your breathing.”
“Thank you,” I whispered, following her instructions. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to take up so much of your time or be a burden.
“Don’t worry, dear. There’s not much else to do on this ship anyway. My life is helping young mothers with unborn cubs. I’m a pack midwife, after all.”
This woman is also a werewolf!)
I opened my eyes to meet her gentle gaze, noticing how her eyes flickered with subtle green as her emotions shifted. She reminded me of Emma–considerate, kind, and patient with those in her care.
Though I’d only left the Ironjaw Pack days ago, it felt like centuries.
“You’re very kind to help me,” I said, mentally thanking the Moon Goddess for bringing this wonderful woman into my path. “You
didn’t have to.”
“Think nothing of it. You’re about the same age as my sister. She’s carrying a cub too, and if she were in your situation, I’d hope someone would help her as I’m helping you.”
She smiled and produced a green apple. “Try this. They’re good for seasickness, especially for werewolves. Something about the tartness covering the smell of the sea, I think.”
I watched as she cut the apple into small pieces with practiced ease.
“It’s an old remedy from the packs,” she explained, offerin
me a slice. “Here.”
I accepted without hesitation. After a few chews, I swall?
“That’s so refreshing. Wow, it actually helps.” I sat up, feeling better already. “I’m Rachel, by the way. It’s nice to meet you.”
The woman chuckled softly and handed me another slice.
“Selena, thank you so much for your kindness.”
Selenal”
Selena studied me for a moment, her smile fading slightly before she nodded. “The real world can be quite cruel to female werewolves sometimes. But we must stick together, take care of each other, especially during heats and pregnancies.”
We both laughed lightly at her words, and I felt a sisterly connection forming between us.
After feeling better, 1 tried to stand to return to my room, but dizziness struck again the moment I was upright. My eyes flashed the distinctive green of a pregnant werewolf.
“Moon Goddess above…”
“Slow down, dear. The apple helps, but it takes time to fully adjust. werewolf’s sensitive nose needs a day or two to get used to
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the open sea.”
Selena helped me to my feet, dind the rocking sensation felt less severe now.
“So, Rachel, which pack are you from?” she asked suddenly.
The question caught me off guard. I pretended to lose my balance again, feigning another bout of seasickness.
When I “recovered,” I answered, “I’m from the Goldshore Pack.”
Selena nodded with a smile. “I’ve been there a few times. Have you seen King Jason?”
I paused, then nodded. “Yes, I was fortunate enough to see him once in the castle courtyard market.”
Selena immediately looked uncomfortable. “Oh, I’m sorry, honored Luna!”
“No, no, no!” I said quickly. “I’m just a regular werewolf. I only saw the Alpha King from a distance.”
The lie came naturally, but my thoughts instantly returned to Nathan. Our precious time in the castle courtyard market brought a smile to my face as I remembered how his pine scent had warmed for me:
I realized that the longer I was away from him, the more the sweet moments we’d shared floated to the surface.
Imiss him…
But then I remembered his cold decision to “release” me after I gave birth, and my smile faded, my heart aching as my fingers instinctively stroked my belly.
Fortunately, Selena accepted my explanation easily.
Aware of how little I actually knew about the Goldshore Pack, I quickly changed the subject. “What about you?”
“I’m from Eclipse, but I travel often. And now I’m heading back to Eclipse. But before that, I’ll be visiting my sister.”
“She lives in Emerald City?” I asked.
“Yes, she does.”
We reached my cabin door, and I turned to Selena.
“You’re an amazing person,” I said with a smile. “I’m not sure I could have handled this on my own.”
“Oh, dear. Never think you couldn’t. You’re stronger than you believe of that I’m certain. Alpha–blooded she–wolves always find strength within themselves.”
Selena followed me into my room, helping me back into bed and tucking the comfortable blankets around me.
“This feels wonderful,” I murmured.
Selena laughed, placing several herbs on the bedside table. “Yes, but you still need to get fresh air regularly. These herbs are gifts from the Moon Goddess to help pregnant werewolves.”
“I can’t thank you enough, Selena.” I curled deeper into the blankets.
“Don’t worry about it,” she said softly. “I’ll come back later to check on you and bring some food suitable for pregnant werewolves.
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Take a nap if you can. Believe it or not, once you get used to it, the waves actually help you sleep, just like running und full
moon.”
As the door slowly closed, darkess enveloped me once more. I hope that this time, Nathan wouldn’t haunt my dreams.
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