Chapter 39 " Alpha Darius ," Elaine whispered , her voice catching in her throat . Her heart thudded faster the moment her eyes met his . She didn't understand why he had this effect on her . Every time he was near - even back when she was still in her old pack , she felt an inexplicable sense of comfort , a peace that wrapped around her like a blanket on a cold night . " Darius , Elaine , " he corrected gently , his tone carrying both warmth and firmness . " Remember ? Just Darius . He hated when she called him Alpha , as if she were putting up a wall between them , brick by brick . To him , it felt like she was keeping him at arm's length , refusing to let him any closer to the part of her he longed to reach . Elaine pressed her lips together , unsure of how to respond . " How are you feeling ? " He asked , watching her closely when she didn't answer right away . " I'm ... okay , " she murmured , her voice soft , fragile - like it might break apart at the slightest touch . Without another word , Darius sat down beside her on the bed , his presence grounding yet careful , as though he feared overwhelming her . Slowly , he reached out , brushing his fingertips along her cheek . Elaine looked up at him , her gaze searching his . His eyes were the same as she remembered in Silverblade - kind , steady , and endlessly patient . " Do you remember what happened ? " He asked quietly . Her lips trembled , but she nodded . Tears welled up in her eyes , spilling over before she could stop them . " I lost everything , Darius ," she whispered , her voice breaking into a sob . " My pack , my family ... my mate . Why am I still here ? What's left for me ? I just want to be with my pup . " Pain flared in Darius's chest at her words , but he refused to let it show . He tightened his hold on her face , tilting it so she couldn't look away . His voice was low but commanding , laced with the authority of not just an Alpha but of a man desperate for her to hear him . " Don't say that . Never say that ," he told her firmly . " Look at me , Elaine . Listen well . " She blinked through her tears , staring into his eyes , unable to ignore the intensity there . " Yes , you lost much ," he admitted , his thumb gently brushing away the wetness on her cheek . " But you've also gained . You gained a new pack - one that will never abandon you , never betray you . You gained a new family - one that will support you , stand by you no matter what . And most importantly ... you still have your pup ." Elaine's breath caught . She stared at him , her brows furrowed in confusion , searching his eyes for even the faintest hint of a lie . 1/3 < Chapter 39 More Power " What do you mean ? I still have my pup ? " Her voice was desperate , trembling with hope and fear . " I lost it , Darius . The doctor confirmed it . " A small , tender smile curved on his lips . Relief washed over him at the thought of finally being able to give her something good amidst all the darkness . " Dr. Grey believes it may not have been just one pup," Darius explained softly . " He said it's possible you were carrying twins . Your wolf ... she managed to save one ." His eyes glistened , but his voice held steady . " So don't say you want to follow your pup . Because you still have one fighting for life inside you . Don't let the sacrifice of the other be in vain . " Elaine froze , her heart pounding wildly . Her tears flowed anew , but this time they were not solely of grief . She pressed a hand against her stomach as though she could feel the tiny flicker of life within . " You need to rest , " Darius continued , his voice unwavering . " Eat well . Stay strong . Both you and your wolf need your strength to bring your pup safely into this world . Your pup is fighting with everything it has right now , Elaine . Don't let it fight alone ." Inside her mind , her wolf stirred for the first time in what felt like ages . Its ears perked , its eyes blazing with determination at the revelation . ' We still have our pup ,' the wolf whispered fiercely . ' We will not let it down .' Elaine drew in a shaky breath . She met Darius's gaze again , and this time he saw something different in her eyes - fire . Resolve . The dim flame of life rekindled . Darius's chest eased . He had feared that without the pup , there would be nothing left to pull her back from the shadows of despair . But now , with this fragile thread of hope , she had something to hold onto . Something worth fighting for . " I'll help you however you need , Elaine ," he promised , his tone gentle but firm . " Always remember - I'm here . Always . And not just me . My parents , my sister ... we're all on your side ." Elaine blinked , her brows drawing together . " What ? " He gave a small , almost sheepish smile . " Well , my parents noticed something was wrong when I went straight to the pack hospital the moment I came home . They cornered me last night , asked questions until I told them what happened . " He paused , the corners of his mouth twitching upward . " And today , my sister came here . She said she wanted to be your friend - her words , not mine . But she was disappointed when she wasn't allowed in . " Elaine tilted her head , uncertainty flickering across her features . " I gave an order , " Darius explained gently , " that no one could visit you while you were still recovering . You need peace , Elaine . Time to heal ." Her lips parted slightly , but no words came . She just stared at him , caught between disbelief , gratitude , and confusion . 2/3 < Chapter 39 More Rewards > And for the first time in days , Darius saw not just grief in her eyes - but the faintest glimmer of hope . Comments Get Bonus ( Ad ) > 888 48 H Vote