Moon of Misfortunes

38

I step into the shower, hoping the water cascading around me will wash away the relentless tide of thoughts. The idea of telling Rubio about the pregnancy makes me physically ill. What's the point of getting his hopes up? I'll just lose it anyway, I think bitterly. I try to scrub away my worries along with the day's grime, but they cling stubbornly to me.

Finishing my shower quickly, I step out and look at myself in the misty mirror. I take my towel off, gripping it tightly. Using the ends of the towel, I wipe away a large streak of steam from the mirror before dropping the towel on the vanity edge. Hesitantly, I turn to the side. My stomach is starting to protrude; I am starting to show.

I frown instantly, rubbing my stomach for a moment. I need to hide this, I think, causing my wolf to stir uneasily. I bring my fingertips to my forehead, roughly rubbing the skin to fight off a headache. Turning back to face the mirror, I sigh heavily. My eyes trail to the nightgown draped over the sink. I tug it on quickly, anxious to hide myself.

Stepping out of the bathroom, I see Rubio lying on the bed, reading a book. He catches sight of me and smiles warmly, closing the book and setting it on the end table. I manage a smile back, though my mind is still swirling with unease. He rolls onto his side and holds the blankets open, inviting me to get into bed.

I slide in beside him, feeling the comforting warmth of his body next to mine. He wraps an arm around me, pulling me close. 

"You look tired," he says softly, brushing a strand of hair away from my face.

"I am," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper. 

The exhaustion is not just physical but emotional, the weight of my secret pressing down on me. My eyes lock onto the doors of the closet. It feels as if the doors look back, haunting me. Rubio's hand trails up to my stomach, causing me to jump instantly. I roll around to face him, desperate to get away from his wandering hand. 

Rubio smiles down at me, seemingly unbothered by my movement. He gently kisses my forehead, his touch soothing. His hands caresses my lower back. I close my eyes as I nestle against him. His steady breathing and the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest create a comforting lullaby. Despite the turmoil in my mind, I feel a semblance of peace in his arms.

As I drift off to sleep, the ultrasound picture hidden away in the closet flashes in my mind. The uncertainty and fear of the future loom large, but for now, I allow myself to be held, to feel the safety and love that Rubio offers.  

Morning light filters into the room, gently nudging me awake. I inhale deeply, savoring the fresh air, and stretch slightly. Turning my head, I see Rubio sitting up against the headboard, engrossed in his book. His bare chest almost glows in the morning light, the blankets crumbled around the bend of his hips, with one knee propped up casually.

"Good morning, handsome," I say, smiling up at him. "I didn't know I would get a show when I woke up."

He looks up from his book and grins, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "Good morning, beautiful," he replies, his voice a warm rumble. Still holding his book, he leans down to kiss me, his spare hand cupping my neck. His thumb gently pushes my lower jaw, deepening the kiss. I hear the soft thud of his book being set aside as he shifts in the bed, rolling over onto me. 

The weight of his body is a comforting pressure, grounding me. I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. His lips move from mine to trail down my neck, leaving a path of warmth in their wake. I close my eyes, losing myself in the sensation of his touch, the world outside our little cocoon momentarily forgotten.

"You're irresistible, you know that?" he murmurs against my skin, his breath hot and tantalizing. 

"Says the man on top of me," I roll my eyes at him. Eventually, he pulls back slightly, his eyes searching mine.