The Alpha's Luna, A Destiny Divided

Chapter 22

Callum's POV

We'd been on the move for three days, pushing deeper into unclaimed territory. The pack was exhausted, tensions running high as we searched for a safe place to regroup.

I called for a halt as we reached a sheltered valley, the dense forest providing some cover. "We'll rest here," I announced, watching as relief washed over tired faces.

As the pack began setting up camp, Rafe approached, his expression grim. "Alpha, we need to talk."

I nodded, following him to a secluded spot away from prying ears. "What is it?"

Rafe's voice was low, urgent. "The pack is scared, Callum. The Northern Alliance turning on us, Luna's... condition. There's talk of splitting up, of seeking asylum with other packs."

I felt my wolf rise, angry at the thought of our pack fracturing. But I couldn't entirely blame them. We'd asked so much of them already.

"And the spy?" I asked, dreading the answer.

Rafe shook his head. "Nothing concrete yet. But the suspicion is eating away at everyone. No one knows who to trust."

I ran a hand through my hair, frustration and worry warring within me. "Keep your ears open. We need to root out this traitor before-"

A commotion from the center of camp cut me off. Luna's voice, raised in pain or fear, sent me racing back.

I found her surrounded by concerned pack members, her eyes glowing that eerie silver. Mira was at her side, trying to calm her.

"Luna," I said softly, approaching slowly. "What's wrong?"

Her eyes found mine, fear and something else – shame? – clear in their depths. "I... I felt it again. The power. It's getting stronger, Callum. I don't know how much longer I can control it."

I pulled her into my arms, feeling her tremble against me. "We'll figure this out," I murmured, wishing I felt as confident as I sounded. "Mira, the herbs from Alpha Lydia – could they help?"

Mira nodded, already reaching for her supplies. "They might stabilize her, at least temporarily. But Callum..." she hesitated, glancing around at the watching pack. "We need to talk. Privately."

I didn't like the tone of her voice, but I nodded. "Rafe, get everyone settled. Double the patrols. I don't want any surprises."

As Rafe moved to carry out my orders, I helped Luna to our tent, Mira following close behind.

Once inside, Mira's professional demeanor slipped, revealing genuine concern. "Alpha, Luna... there's something you need to know."

Luna's hand found mine, squeezing tightly. "What is it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mira took a deep breath. "The power surges, they're not just random. They're... protective. Luna, you're pregnant."

The world seemed to tilt on its axis. Pregnant. In the midst of all this chaos, this danger... we'd created a new life.

Luna's grip on my hand tightened, her eyes wide with a mixture of joy and terror. "But... the ritual's power. Will it hurt the baby?"

Mira's hesitation was answer enough. "I don't know," she admitted. "This is unprecedented. The herbs might help stabilize you both, but... we're in uncharted territory."

As the implications sank in, I felt a resolve harden within me. This changed everything. The spy, Marcus, the fracturing pack... I had to fix it all. Had to make the world safe for Luna and our child.

"No one can know," I said, my voice low and intense. "Not yet. It's too dangerous."

Both women nodded, understanding the risk. But as I met Luna's gaze, I saw a flicker of doubt. Of fear.

What wasn't she telling me?

## Luna's POV

Pregnant. The word echoed in my mind, a beacon of hope in the darkness that had been closing in. But with that hope came a terror unlike anything I'd ever known.

As Callum discussed security measures with Mira, my hand drifted to my stomach. A child. Our child. Growing within me even as the ritual's power threatened to tear me apart.

I should tell them, I thought. Tell them about the dreams. The whispers. The growing certainty that this power wasn't just chaotic energy, but something... sentient. Something that wanted.

But as I opened my mouth to speak, doubt held me back. They were already so worried. And if I told them about the voice in my dreams, the one that sounded so much like Marcus... would they think I was losing my mind?

"Luna?" Callum's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts. "Are you okay?"

I forced a smile, hating the deception. "Just... processing. It's a lot to take in."

He nodded, pulling me close. "We'll get through this. I promise."

As night fell and the camp quieted, I lay awake, listening to Callum's steady breathing beside me. My hand rested on my stomach, reaching out with senses I didn't fully understand to the tiny life growing there.

*"She doesn't understand,"* a voice whispered in the back of my mind. *"The power isn't a curse. It's a gift. For you. For the child."*

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to block out the voice. It wasn't real. It couldn't be.

*"You can't run from destiny, Luna,"* the voice continued, sounding so much like Marcus it made my skin crawl. *"Embrace the power. Use it. Or watch everything you love burn."*

A sob caught in my throat, and I felt Callum stir beside me. "Luna?" he murmured, still half-asleep. "What's wrong?"

I turned into him, burying my face in his chest. "Nothing," I lied, hating myself for it. "Just a bad dream."

As he held me, whispering reassurances, I made a silent vow. I would find a way to control this power. To protect our child, our pack, our future.

No matter the cost.