Chapter 5

I walked back into the bedroom, needing something clean. That need overrode my hesitation. I stepped into the bathroom and washed my face. After drying it, I returned to the bedroom, my eyes settling on the large walk-in closet.

Hesitantly, I walked toward it. Pulling open the top drawer of Rick's dresser, I found one of his oversized white T-shirts. The moment I held it, his scent enveloped me, earthy pine mixed with something uniquely him. It was intoxicating and delicious.

Without wasting another moment, I slipped it on. The fabric hung loosely around me, nearly swallowing my frame. The shirt reached just above my knees, and I didn't bother looking for anything else. I tied my hair into a high bun and was about to leave the room when a soft knock came at the door.

Before I could respond, it opened. The omega, Lily, entered with a tray of food, and Rick followed behind her.

"I brought food up," Rick said, his voice calm. "I thought you might not want to come down to the dining table."

"Thank you," I said quietly, feeling both grateful and awkward. "I'm sorry for opening your closet. I just... I needed something clean to wear."

Rick's eyes softened, and he offered a small smile. "It's okay. You look good in my T-shirt. I'll get you some clothes later."

He took the tray of food from Lily and dismissed her with a nod. She gave a respectful bow and left the room. Rick walked to the bed, set down one of the trays, and held the other out to me.

"Here, have some soup," he said, his tone gentle.

I hesitated, staring at the tray. Could I trust him? What if he was trying to poison me? My mind raced with doubts, but before I could dwell on them further, my stomach growled loudly, betraying my hunger.

Rick chuckled, a sound that was surprisingly pleasant, and I found myself staring at him. Embarrassed, I quickly looked away, ashamed of the attraction I felt toward him.

"Please eat, Bella," he urged softly, his voice coaxing.

Even my wolf, Mira, nudged me toward the food, her presence within me unusually insistent. With a quiet sigh, I took the spoon and scooped up some of the soup.

The flavor burst in my mouth, rich and savory, more intense than I had expected. Surprised, I took another spoonful, then another. But suddenly, my stomach rebelled.

Alarmed, I dropped the spoon and clasped both hands over my mouth as nausea surged through me. I rushed to the bathroom just in time to empty the contents of my stomach into the toilet.

Leaning over the porcelain bowl, breathless and trembling, I tried to make sense of what had just happened. Then, a voice echoed in my mind, Mira's voice, clear and certain.

"Bella, you're Pregnant."

I stared at the bathroom tiles, still reeling from what my wolf had just told me. Pregnant. The word echoed in my mind, and shock rippled through me. How could this be?

Before I could fully process it, a voice broke through my daze. "Are you okay?"

I almost jumped out of my skin. Rick was standing at the bathroom door, his expression unreadable.

"I'm fine," I mumbled, nodding quickly.

Rick's eyes narrowed, and then he growled low, dangerous sound that sent a shiver down my spine. "It must be the food," he muttered, his tone sharp with anger.

I could see it in his face, the fury building, the protectiveness simmering just beneath the surface. He was already jumping to conclusions, assuming someone had poisoned me. I knew better, but before I could stop him, he turned as if ready to storm out of the room and confront the servants.

"Rick, stop!" I said quickly, my voice firm despite the lingering nausea.

He froze, his gaze snapping back to mine. Confusion clouded his sharp features. "Then what was it?" he demanded, his voice edged with frustration and concern.

I hesitated, my heart pounding. This was the moment, the truth would change everything, and I wasn't sure how he would react. But I couldn't keep it from him any longer.

Taking a deep breath, I reached out and grabbed his hand, holding him in place. His skin was warm, grounding me as I searched for the words. Finally, I looked into his eyes and blurted out, "I only vomited because... because I'm pregnant."