The cold sensing crystal pressed against my swollen belly. I couldn't stop trembling.
Kael held my hand tightly, his thumb smoothing the furrow between my brows.
"The patient needs to rest lying down. Bloodline results will be ready in forty-eight hours."
Maybe the tension had exhausted me—I actually fell asleep.
When I woke, Kael was gone.
The main corridor was crowded with wolves of all ranks. I braced one hand against my belly and took the back passage down.
At the landing between floors, I caught his scent before I saw him.
Kael had his arms around a she-wolf younger than me, her Omega scent cloying and sweet.
"What are you doing at the healer-den? There are so many sicknesses spreading through the lower dens."
He pulled out a scent-mask, his face creased with concern, and fitted it over her delicate features.
"I was worried about the pup. When do the bloodline results come out?"
She pressed her body against his chest, her fingers curling into his tunic.
"Don't worry. I've got everything arranged—the results will show what we need. You'll get to be a mother, just like you wanted."
"Now you—it's freezing. Go back to your den before you make me worry."