Aria’s POV

The moment Kael carried me back through the pack house doors, my body betrayed me. The pain hit sharp and merciless, clenching my insides so violently I screamed.

“Aria!” Kael’s voice boomed through the halls, panic raw in his tone. “Healer! Now!”

I clutched his arm, gasping for air. “It’s… it’s happening. Kael, the baby—”

His eyes widened in shock, then terror. “No. Not now. You’re too weak.”

“It doesn’t matter!” I cried, my fingernails digging into his skin. “They’re coming. Kael, the pups are coming now.”

He didn’t argue again. He stormed through the corridor with me in his arms like a warrior carrying a fallen comrade...