Unforeseen Entanglements

Chapter 134: Chapter 134

"We need to go." I announced.

"No." Christian’s voice was flat, final. "You’re not going."

My head snapped up. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me." He pocketed his phone, his jaw set in that stubborn way that meant he thought the discussion was over. "You’re staying here where it’s safe."

"Christian—"

"You’re pregnant, Sophie." His voice dropped lower, almost a growl. "You’re carrying our child. I’m not letting you walk into a political situation with Alexander Sterling when we just found out."

I took a breath, trying to stay calm. "It says mandatory attendance for all Lunas. If I don’t show up, it makes us look weak."

"I don’t care how it looks."

"Well, I do." My voice came out sharper than I intended. "I’m the Luna. I have responsibilities. And hiding at home because I’m pregnant is exactly what Alexander wants—to make me look incompetent."

Christian’s eyes flashed. "Your health is more important than politics."

"I’m pregnant, not dying." I crossed my arms. "Diana said I’m healthy. I can handle one council meeting."

"Diana said you need to avoid stress."

"Then maybe you should stop stressing me out by trying to lock me in the house like I’m made of glass!"

Our voices had risen enough that a pack member walking past gave us a curious look. We both stopped, realizing we were having a full argument in the middle of the hallway like idiots. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com

Christian ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in every line of his body. "Can we not do this here?"

I nodded and followed him to a quieter corner near the library. Once we were alone, he turned to face me, his expression less angry and more scared.

"I’m terrified, Sophie." His voice cracked slightly. "We just found out we’re having a baby, and now you want to walk into a room full of Alphas and political games tomorrow. What if something happens? What if the stress—"

"I’m scared too." I touched his arm, making him look at me. "But I can’t hide every time something scary happens. That’s not who I am, and it’s not what Shadow Ridge needs from their Luna."

He was quiet for a moment, jaw working. "What if you feel sick? What if—"

"Then we leave." I stepped closer. "I promise, if I feel unwell or overwhelmed, I’ll tell you immediately and we’ll go. But Christian, I need to be there. You know I’m right."

He looked at me for a long moment, conflict clear in his eyes. Finally, he exhaled slowly. "I stay close to you the entire time. You sit whenever possible. And the second you feel off, we’re gone."

"Deal."

"I mean it, Sophie. One sign of trouble—"

"I’ll tell you." I squeezed his arm. "I promise."

He pulled me against his chest, holding me tight. "I hate this."

"I know."

We stood there for a minute, just breathing together. Then Christian pulled back, his expression shifting to something more business-like.

"We need to tell Marcus and Diana. They should know before tomorrow."

My stomach flipped nervously. "Yeah. You’re right."

We found Marcus and Diana in the strategy room, surrounded by papers and notes about Council procedures. Marcus looked up as we entered, and his expression immediately shifted to concern.

Christian’s hand tightened on mine slightly. "Then you both know we have a situation."

"The Council meeting." Marcus’s expression darkened. "Alexander moving it to tomorrow is clearly a power play. He’s trying to throw us off balance."

"Well, it’s working." I moved to sit in one of the chairs, suddenly exhausted. "We have less than twenty-four hours to prepare instead of a week."

Diana immediately came over, her healer mode activating. "How are you feeling? Any nausea? Dizziness?"

"Just tired." I waved off her concern. "I’m fine."

"You’re not going." Marcus said it like it was obvious. "To the council meeting. You’re staying here."

"Not you too." I groaned. "I already had this fight with Christian. I’m going."

Marcus looked at Christian. "You’re letting her go? In her condition?"

"Letting her?" Christian’s eyebrow rose. "Have you met Sophie? She doesn’t need my permission to do anything."

"But the stress—"

"I’ll be fine." I cut him off. "I’m pregnant, not fragile. Women have been doing things while pregnant since the beginning of time."

Diana sat down across from me. "Sophie’s right. Medically, she’s cleared to travel and attend the meeting. But—" She held up a hand when I started to smile. "You need to be smart about it. No unnecessary stress. Sit whenever possible. Stay hydrated. And tell someone immediately if you feel unwell."

"See?" I looked at Marcus. "Diana says I’m good."

"Diana says you need to be careful," Marcus corrected. "There’s a difference."

"I’ll be careful." I was getting tired of saying it. "I promise, I’m not trying to be reckless. But I’m Luna. I have to be there."

Christian moved to stand behind my chair, his hands on my shoulders. "She’s going. But we’re taking precautions."

"What kind of precautions?" Marcus’s tactical mind was clearly working.

"Diana travels with us," Christian listed. "Sophie sits whenever possible. We leave immediately if she feels ill. And I stay within arm’s reach the entire time."

"I’m coming too," Marcus said immediately. "Beta should be there anyway for support."

Diana nodded. "I’ll prepare a medical kit—nausea medication, snacks, and water. Everything you might need."

"Thank you." I looked at each of them, grateful for their support even if they were being overprotective. "Really. I know you’re all worried, but this is important."

Marcus pulled up a chair. "Then let’s make sure we’re as prepared as possible. Walk me through Council protocol again."

We spent the next hour going over everything. Council procedures, voting processes, and potential challenges Alexander might raise. My brain felt stuffed with information, and exhaustion was creeping up on me, but I forced myself to stay focused.

Diana discreetly slid a plate of crackers and a water bottle toward me. I smiled gratefully and ate while Marcus and Christian discussed voting blocs and alliance possibilities.

"The Northern Territories will likely side with us," Marcus was saying. "They respect Sophie’s sanctuary work. But the Eastern packs are unpredictable."

"What about the Western alliance?" I asked around with a mouthful of cracker.

"Neutral, probably." Christian’s hand found my shoulder, thumb rubbing absent circles. "They don’t like Sterling, but they’re cautious about supporting cross-species bonds."

"So basically, it could go either way." I rubbed my eyes. "Great."

"Not necessarily." Diana pulled up something on her tablet. "If we can get the Northern and Southern packs to commit publicly, the others might follow. Werewolves respect strength and solidarity."

"Sophie’s sanctuary work gives us credibility," Marcus added. "Especially with the packs who lost members to Sterling’s culling. They’ll remember that Sophie protected their people."

I thought about all the refugees who’d found safety at the sanctuary. "You think they’ll speak up?"

"If asked." Marcus nodded. "We should coordinate with our allies before the meeting. Make sure everyone’s on the same page."

"Also—" Diana looked at me carefully. "How do you want to handle the pregnancy news? With the pack, I mean."

I hadn’t even thought about that. "Oh. Um. I don’t know."

"We should tell them soon," Christian said. "Before they figure it out through pack bonds or rumors. But maybe after the council meeting?"