73 Chapter 73 Overheard Revelations
Elena’s POV
“Thanks for everything today. I really appreciate it.” I said to Gage as we prepared to
leave.
“Don’t mention it.” He replied with a warm smile.
I stepped outside with Damien, settling beside him on the wraparound porch. The endless stretch of forest before us created a canopy of green that seemed to go on
forever.
“There’s something so calming about this place.” I murmured, breathing in the crisp
air.
“I suppose it is. Was it different where you lived before?” Damien asked, his voice carrying genuine curiosity.
“We had this old trailer deep in the woods. It should have been peaceful, but it never really was. The patrol routes always seemed to avoid our area completely. Whenever trouble came looking for someone, they always ended up at our doorstep. We were sitting ducks out there.” The memories made my chest tighten.
Damien’s expression darkened with disbelief.
“How in the world did you survive living like that?” His voice carried a mix of anger and
concern.
“Honestly, I have no idea. Pure dumb luck, I guess.” I shrugged, trying to downplay the fear that had been my constant companion for so long.
“I think you’re selling yourself short. But enough of that. We need to go.” He stood up, brushing off his jeans.
“Go where exactly?” I asked, confusion creeping into my voice.
“To the medical center. You need a proper prenatal checkup.” His tone brooked no
argument.
“Are you serious?” My heart skipped a beat.
“Completely serious. You haven’t seen a medical professional since you discovered you were pregnant. That changes today.” He extended his hand to help me up.
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73 Chapter 73 Overheard Revelations
The drive to the medical facility felt surreal. I hadn’t expected Damien to be so concerned about my health, but his thoughtfulness warmed something inside me that had been cold for too long.
The doctor was already prepared for our arrival. After changing into the standard examination gown, I found myself lying on the examination table, my nerves getting the better of me.
The physician conducted several routine tests before wheeling over the ultrasound equipment. When the image appeared on the monitor, my breath caught in my throat.
“Everything looks good from what I can see here. The development appears right on track with the timeline you provided. So the biological father would be your former partner?” The doctor’s clinical tone couldn’t hide his gentle concern.
“Yes, but he’s completely out of the picture now.” The words came out more bitter than I intended.
“That’s unfortunate, but not uncommon. We’d like to believe we’ve progressed beyond some of the more primitive behaviors, but not everyone has evolved past their baser instincts.” His understanding nod made me feel less alone in my situation.
“You’re telling me.” I couldn’t help but agree.
Back at the packhouse, I headed toward the kitchen to grab some coffee before tackling the mountain of schoolwork waiting upstairs. The quiet murmur of voices drifted from the office, and I wouldn’t have paid it any attention if I hadn’t caught the sound of my own name being mentioned.
My footsteps slowed as I reached the base of the staircase. The office door sat partially open, and I could clearly make out Damien’s and Gage’s voices in heated discussion.
“You can’t keep this from Elena forever.” Gage’s voice carried a note of frustration.
“I’m not even certain what this is yet.” Damien’s response sounded strained.
“Stop lying to yourself. You know exactly what this is.” Gage shot back.
“The pregnancy is interfering with everything. Her scent, her hormones, it’s all mixed
- up. I can’t be completely sure.” Damien’s voice held a note of desperation.
“But you’ll know for certain after she gives birth?” Gage pressed.
“Most likely.”
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73 Chapter 73 Overheard Revelations
“This is complete garbage, Damien. You already know the truth right now.” Gage’s anger was becoming more evident.
“I have suspicions. Strong ones. But I need to be absolutely certain.” Damien admitted reluctantly.
“You’re second chance mates. The only reason you didn’t recognize it immediately was because she was still bonded to Marcus when you first met. Now she’s free. Your original mate chose someone else over you and decided to stay with them. This is your opportunity to find real happiness with Elena, regardless of whose child she’s carrying.” Gage’s words hit like a thunderbolt.
“The baby’s parentage doesn’t matter to me. I’d love and raise that child as if it were my own blood. You know that about me.” Damien’s voice softened with sincerity,
“Then be honest with her.” Gage’s tone turned demanding.
“Just drop it, Gage.” Damien’s voice carried a warning edge as footsteps approached
the door.
The office door swung open abruptly, and Damien stepped into the hallway. His entire body went rigid when his eyes met mine where I stood frozen on the bottom step, my coffee mug trembling slightly in my hands.
The silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken truths and the weight of what I’d just overheard. My mind raced to process Gage’s words about second chance mates, about Damien’s feelings, about the possibility that everything I thought I knew about my situation was wrong.
Damien’s face cycled through several emotions, shock, guilt, and something that looked almost like relief. Behind him, Gage appeared in the doorway, taking in the scene with knowing eyes.
My heart hammered against my ribs as I tried to find words, any words, to break the tension that threatened to suffocate us all. The revelation that Damien might be my second chance mate changed everything, and I wasn’t sure if I was ready for what that might mean.
