I thought I had been careful, that I had taken all the necessary precautions, but in the end, what I feared happened. He claimed me in such a way I could never reverse it.

My first instinct was to call Fendwyr, though, but I stopped myself before reaching for my phone. It was in that moment I realized I didn't know what I was going to say.

His vision was still fresh in my mind, along with the dark intensity in his eyes when he spoke about the necklace and his plans. He was focused, driven by something that transcended lifetimes. How would this news affect that? I had no idea, though I suspected it wouldn't change his attitude much. He already knew I was his.

The memory of how possessive he was, the way he'd gripped my neck while talking about our past lives, made me shiver. Fendwyr was already protective to the point of suffocation—what would he be like if he knew I was carrying his child? But I already knew the answer. It would be much more amplified.

"Mister?" The doctor's voice came through the door. "Are you alright?"

"Yes," I called back, quickly folding the paper and shoving it into my pocket. "Just needed a moment."

When I emerged, she gave me a look that spoke at least 1000 words. "I understand this is overwhelming news, especially given your... unique situation." She'd been recommended by other omegas as someone who didn't ask too many questions about mate status or pack affiliations. I knew she was trustworthy, but it still didn't make this easier. "However, you need to start prenatal care as soon as possible. Your hormone levels are quite high, suggesting a strong alpha father."

Of course they were. Everything about Fendwyr was intense, why would his child be any different?

"I'll be careful," I promised, accepting the prescriptions she handed me. Vitamins, supplements—all things I'd need to hide from Fendwyr's sharp eyes. However, was it going to be enough? I couldn't help but think it wasn't going to be.

"And the father?" She pressed. "Will you be informing him?" She cared so much. I could feel it was genuine, but still wished she hadn't asked.

Then, I thought about Fendwyr's current state—obsessed with recovering the necklace, making plans that seemed to grow more dangerous by the day. Just this morning, he'd been on the phone discussing something about rival territories and necessary 'cleanup operations.' I didn't even want to know what that was about, but I knew I would, eventually. It wasn't something I could control.

"Not yet," I said. "It's complicated." And she didn't have to know, I thought again.

She frowned but nodded. "Just remember, omega pregnancies can be delicate, especially in the early stages. You'll need support."

Support. The word echoed hollowly as I left the clinic, pulling my coat tighter against the cold. The irony wasn't lost on me—I had finally found my fated mate, someone who was supposedly destined to be my perfect match across time itself, and I couldn't even tell him about our child.

And she was right. I knew I needed his support, but it wasn't easy to ask for it. Nothing with him ever was.

My phone buzzed: a text from Fendwyr. "Where are you?"

Three simple words that made my heart race. He was already tracking my movements, growing suspicious of any time I spent away from him. How long could I really keep this secret? Not much longer, I answered myself.

"Had to pick up some medication for headaches," I typed back, hating how easily the lie flowed from my fingers. But then again, I wouldn't be where I was if I weren't good at it. "On my way back now."

His response was immediate: "I'll send someone to pick you up."

"No need," I replied. "I'm already walking. The fresh air helps."

There was a long pause before his next message appeared: "Don't make me wait too long, little omega. We have matters to discuss."

I closed my eyes, one hand moving to my still-flat stomach. The child within was barely more than a concept, yet already it was changing everything. Fendwyr needed to focus on whatever dangerous game he was playing with rival cartels and ancient artifacts. He needed his omega to be strong, capable, and ready to help with his plans—not compromised by pregnancy. Butthere was nothing I could do about that. I wouldn't opt for an abortion.

And for now, at least, this secret was mine to bear alone.

It was a few days later. Not much had changed. Things were about the same.

I wasn't in the same place. I was in a different one. It used to be a source of tranquility, but now, not anymore. My life had changed drastically. It would never be the same again.

I pressed my forehead against the cool bathroom tile, trying to steady my breathing after another bout of morning sickness. The tile felt colder than usual somehow.

The sound of running water would hopefully mask any noise from the meeting room next door, where Fendwyr was interrogating someone about the necklace's whereabouts. He was obsessed with it. I wanted to know the truth too, but I didn't think I'd ever do the things he'd been doing.

"Tell me again," Fendwyr's voice carried through the wall, deadly calm in a way that made my skin crawl, "about the dealer's new contact."

A whimper. Then: "I swear, I only heard rumors—"

A crash, followed by a cry of pain. I flinched, one hand moving to my stomach as though something was going to hurt my baby. Six weeks along, according to the doctor, and already this child was changing how I viewed everything—especially its father's darker nature.