Clara

Delilah put her arm around my shoulder as she helped me walk into Damon’s hospital room. As soon as I saw him, my breath hitched. His entire body was covered in bandages, especially his head. I winced, remembering how Sebastian had stomped on it. Delilah guided me to the bed, and I groaned slightly as I sat down before reaching out to touch his face.

“My love, I miss you,” I murmured, tears streaming down my cheeks. I leaned closer and kissed his lips, unconcerned that my tears mingled with the kiss.

“You have to wake up soon, okay? Our children need you, I need you. I don’t think I can do this without you,” I whispered, my breath shaky. “If you can hear me, just know that I miss you and I’m waiting for you to wake up. Please wake up soon, I’m begging you,” I murmured softly, gently caressing his face—the only part of his body not covered in bandages.

“We should go back,” Delilah said. “Everyone will be furious if they find out I brought you here when you should be resting.” I sighed, reluctant to leave Damon’s side.

“Can’t I have my bed moved in here? There’s plenty of space,” I suggested. She sighed.

“I don’t think that’s possible…”

“I don’t want to be away from him, Delilah. He needs me, and I need him,” I insisted. She was silent for a moment before wrapping her arms around me.

“Yes, I know, and I wouldn’t dream of separating you two, but this ward isn’t suitable for you. The doctors can’t bring all their equipment in here. Plus, I know you’ll barely sleep a wink watching Damon for any movement.” I sighed; she was right.

“I want to be the first person he sees when he wakes up,” I whispered. She nodded.

“I bet you will. We need to go back, Clara.” I sighed, leaned in, and kissed him again.

“I’ll visit you every day. I promise,” I murmured against his lips. And I kept my promise.

Despite their protests, I went to Damon’s room every day, hoping he would wake up, but he didn’t. Three months passed, and I could barely stand. I was in constant pain and bled excessively. I couldn’t visit Damon daily, but whenever the pain subsided, I went to see him, ignoring the doctor’s warnings.

“Things aren’t looking good, Mrs. Donovan. Your due date is in a few weeks, and if you continue like this, you’ll bleed to death. Please reconsider,” the doctor said, his words repetitive.

Since the constant pain began, the doctor and everyone else had pleaded with me to terminate the pregnancy, but I refused. I was going to deliver my babies.

“I want to see Damon. Is he showing any signs of waking up?” I asked, abruptly changing the subject.

He stared at me, then glanced at the others in the room before sighing and shaking his head. The Alpha King, Luca, and Dimitri had returned to the pack to handle affairs. There was much to do, so they rarely visited. I knew they were using it as an excuse to avoid the situation, and I didn’t blame them. My uncle had also returned to his people but visited as often as possible, sometimes bringing others from his community, who were slowly warming up to us, which I appreciated. Delilah and Damon’s mother remained by my side. Damon’s mother, having been pregnant before, knew how to help, while Delilah offered moral support. They juggled caring for me and Damon. Each day, different pack members came to pray with Damon and me. My room overflowed with flowers and notes.

“There are no signs, Mrs. Donovan. His brain waves haven’t activated yet, but trust me, you’ll be the first to know if he reacts. You should prioritize yourself; you’re in a very dangerous situation…”

“I’m keeping my babies. I’ve come this far and I’m still alive, aren’t I?” I challenged. He sighed.

“You’re losing more and more blood every day. If you give birth, you’ll bleed to death,” the doctor stated firmly. I frowned, but before I could respond, Luca entered.

“The witches have agreed to help during your pregnancy. They can temporarily stop the bleeding and lessen the pain,” Luca announced, and a surge of hope filled my heart.

“They agreed? I thought they didn’t want to be involved with wolves anymore?” Delilah asked, approaching him.

“Yes, but I made them an offer they couldn’t refuse, and now they’re ready to help,” he said, smiling.

“What did you offer them?” Delilah asked, suspicion clear in her voice.

“That’s a story for another day, sweetheart,” he murmured, kissing her to calm her down as she was about to argue. My heart ached. I missed Damon terribly.

“If the witches help, she has a better chance of survival, right?” Damon’s mother asked, turning to the doctor, who sighed.

“I don’t know how the witches’ magic works, but if they say they can help, we have no choice but to trust them…”

Before he finished, a sharp pain shot through me, and a scream escaped my lips.

“Clara!” Damon’s mother cried, grabbing my hand and trying to restrain me as I thrashed. This pain was unlike anything I’d ever felt—unbearable.

“Oh, Goddess!” Damon’s mother exclaimed in horror. I was in too much pain to ask what was wrong. Had something happened to my babies? “You might want to call those witches now. Mrs. Donovan’s water just broke!”