The Lost Queen

Chapter Twenty Four

Daya's P.O.V.

Kaden and I walked out of the infirmary with Malik, James, Chloe, and Destiny by our sides. My mind was still reeling, my body torn between disbelief and fierce protectiveness. A new life was growing inside of me. Amidst all the war and chaos, something so pure, so innocent, was now a part of me.

As we walked, my hand instinctively moved to my stomach. I had been fighting my entire life. I was ready for war, for bloodshed, for protecting my pack with everything in me. But this? This was different. This was a life that depended on me in a way nothing ever had before.

Kaden's arm tightened around me as he studied my expression. "You okay?" His voice was low. with concern, love, maybe even fear mirroring my own.

I took a deep breath and forced the emotions down. Now wasn't the time for fear. Now was the time for strength.

"Yes," I nodded. "But we need to tell everyone."

Kaden glanced at the others around us—Malik, James, Chloe, and Destiny—who all gave small nods of encouragement. They knew this wasn't just an announcement; it was a shift in our reality.

Together, we made our way down the hall toward the dining room, where the rest of the pack had already gathered for dinner. The scent of grilled steak filled the air, the room lively with conversation, but as soon as we stepped in, the energy shifted. Eyes turned to us, sensing something significant was about to happen.

At the center of the long table sat my parents. My mother, ever composed, maintained her usual poised demeanor, but I caught the flicker of worry in her eyes as she held a babbling Aiden close. My father, the ever-watchful protector, straightened slightly, as if bracing himself.

Thomas and Bella sat among others their age, but the moment I entered, their attention immediately perked up, their gazes locking onto me.

I took a deep breath, my fingers tightening around Kaden's. I could do this.

"Hey, everyone," I called out, my voice strong and unwavering. "I have something to share."

The room fell into complete silence. Every pair of eyes—wolves who had fought alongside me, my family, my closest friends—watched me intently.

I lifted my chin, standing taller despite the nervousness twisting in my stomach, and offered a small smile. "I'm pregnant."

For a moment, silence stretched across the room as my words settled over everyone. Then—an eruption. Cheers, gasps, and murmurs of excitement spread like wildfire, the weight of the announcement rippling through the pack.

My mother let out a sharp breath, her arms tightening around Aiden as fresh tears welled in her eyes. "Another grandbaby," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion as she reached for me with her free hand. "Oh, my love."

Her words hit me deep, a warmth spreading through my chest as she pulled me in. Aiden, still perched on her hip, clapped his little hands excitedly, his bright eyes darting between us. "Baby!" he babbled, grinning.

Oh, goddess, they are going to make me start crying. I could already feel the emotions bubbling up, threatening to spill over.

My father, ever the protector, blinked in surprise before letting out a deep breath. His expression shifted into something resolute, yet soft, as he stepped toward me. Without hesitation, he pulled me into a firm embrace, his strength keeping me together. The love radiating from my parents nearly shattered me—this was what I had always longed for, what I had quietly wished for my whole life.