A Warrior's Second Chance (Faye and Alexander) novel Chapter 188

FAYE

Helen had insisted we go into the bedroom for some privacy. Once we were seated, I shifted nervously in my seat as Helen’s gaze pinned me…intense. “Faye,” she said softly, “tell me exactly how you’ve been feeling. Every little thing.”

I hesitated, unsure how to start. Words seemed inadequate, but I forced them out. “It’s… like something’s missing. I can’t feel… myself. My wolf… she’s gone. I try to reach her, but it’s like grasping at smoke. Everything feels hollow. I don’t know how best to explain it.”

Helen’s eyes softened, but they were searching too, as if trying to see into the depths of me. I shifted again under her scrutiny, feeling awkward, exposed. But I knew she only wanted to help. Her hands moved lightly to my palms, reading them gently, and I found myself watching her face, trying to read her expressions for answers…but there was nothing to glean.

Then she leaned closer, reaching slowly, her hand moving toward me. I flinched automatically.

Helen noticed immediately and smiled warmly. “Sorry, dear. May I?” Her voice was gentle, soothing.

I blinked, a little awkward, and nodded. “Yes.”

”

Her hand settled lightly on my belly for a moment. It sent a strange warmth through me, unlike anything I’d felt before. I blinked at her, confused, and she smiled again, radiant.” There’s… another life inside you,” she whispered, almost to herself, as if savoring the realization.

I froze. Life… another life. My heartbeat hammered against my ribs, and for a moment, I couldn’t speak. “Wait… life?” I finally managed, my voice trembling.

Helen’s eyes sparkled, filled with a joy so bold it almost overwhelmed me. “Yes, Faye. A child is growing inside you. You’re… pregnant.”

Pregnant. The word hit me like a wave I hadn’t been prepared for. My mind scrambled, racing through a thousand possibilities at once. My lips parted in shock, and I could barely process the rush of emotions…fear, disbelief, awe, and, beneath it all, a strange, bubbling happiness. I swallowed hard, staring down at my own belly.

“I… I’m… carrying a child?” I repeated, my voice barely audible, shaky.

Helen’s smile widened, and her hands stayed on mine, grounding me. “Yes, a beautiful, strong

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Chapter 188

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I watched Helen glow like she was on top of the world. The way her eyes sparkled, the way her smile radiated warmth…it was clear how much this meant to her. She’d wanted Alexander to have an heir soon anyway, and now, here it was, tangible, undeniable. She probably wanted a grandchild, and I could feel her joy seep into the room like sunlight.

But even as I absorbed her happiness, a nagging thought twisted in my chest. What would Alexander’s reaction be? I had no idea how he would take the news. I’d never pictured him as someone eager for a child, and a brief memory flashed in my mind…the way he had reacted weeks ago when his mother had mentioned producing an heir. He’d claimed he was upset only because Helen had dragged me into the conversation, that it wasn’t about wanting a child or not. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe it had been more than that.

Instinctively, I placed a hand on my belly, as if trying to anchor myself to this new reality, to feel it, to make it real. A life was growing inside me, and I wanted…needed…to connect with it, to understand what it meant. But there was still that flutter of uncertainty.

Helen noticed my quietness and tilted her head. “What’s the matter, dear?” she asked softly.

I smiled nervously, trying to hide the swirl of panic and anticipation coiling inside me. “It’s… just a lot to take in, I admitted.

Helen’s eyes softened, and she reached for my hand, her grip reassuring. “I understand, Faye,” she said warmly. “It’s natural to feel this way. There’s a mixture of excitement, fear, and responsibility-it can be overwhelming.”

Her words calmed me slightly, and I held her hand tighter, drawing strength from her calm presence. “Helen,” I said quietly, almost pleading, “I want to be the one to tell Alexander. After I do the test, I want to break the news to him myself. Please.”

She studied me for a moment, her eyes searching mine, and then her smile returned. “Of course, dear. I understand completely. This is your moment to share, your choice. I’ll respect that.”