Shadows of the pack novel Chapter 68

Aria immediately sprang into action, her Alpha instincts taking over. "Melody, we can discuss this later," she said firmly, her focus on Rebecca. "Right now, we need to get Rebecca to a safe place to deliver the pup."
Melody hesitated for a moment, torn between her anger and concern. But seeing the pain on Rebecca's face and hearing her whimper as another contraction hit, she finally nodded reluctantly. "Fine, but don't think this changes anything," she said coldly.
Aria acknowledged Melody's words with a nod before turning her attention to Rebecca. "Come on, we need to get you to the birthing den," she said gently, guiding her towards the designated area for delivering pups.
Once they reached the birthing den, Aria helped Rebecca settle down on a soft bed,"Try to relax as much as you can," she advised. "I'll get the pack healer and Sarah."
She turned to Melody who stood at the door, a blank expression on her face, "I need you to stay with her until I get back."
Melody was about to protest but Aria stopped her.
Standing taller, her Alpha vibes coming out in waves, "I'm not asking as your friend Mel. I'm telling you as your Luna."
Melody bowed her head in respect as Aria hurried out of the room.
Melody's eyes went to Rebecca whose face was contorted in pain. She let out a scream as another contraction hit her.
With a sigh, Melody walked towards the bed. She tried her best to keep her emotions in check as she held Rebecca's hands firmly. "You can do this, Rebecca," she said with a reassuring tone. "Just breathe, focus on your breaths."
Rebecca nodded, taking deep breaths to steady herself. "It hurts so much," she whimpered.
As another contraction hit, Rebecca cried out in pain. "I can't do this," she sobbed.
"Yes, you can," Melody insisted, her tone softening, " Aria and the healer will be back soon, and they'll help guide you through the process."
Rebecca's hand tightened around Melody, tears streaking down her face, "I think the pup is coming now."
Melody's eyes widened, "What?"
Melody stared at her with a mix of shock and concern as she heard Rebecca's plea. "Please," Rebecca cried out, her grip on Melody's hand tightening even more. "You have to help me deliver the pup."
Melody's mind raced, trying to remember any bits of information she might have picked up about delivering pups during her time in the pack. She had only been there for one birth all her life and had almost passed out. But now, with Rebecca in need and Aria still not back, Melody knew she had to do something.
"Becs, I have no clue what I'm about to do but I'll do my best," Melody said, trying to sound confident despite her inner turmoil. She positioned herself at Rebecca's side, offering support as she glanced around the birthing den, looking for anything that could help. "Keep focusing on your breathing."
Rebecca nodded, trying to compose herself amid the intense pain. "Okay," she managed to say, her voice strained. "I'll try."
As the next contraction hit, Melody tried to remember what the pack healer had once told her about the birthing process. She could see that the pup was indeed on its way, and they had no time to waste.
The room started to spin and could feel herself about to pass out. Her wolf growled at her in her head for her to stay focused.
"Alright, Rebecca, when the next contraction comes, I want you to push with all your might," Melody instructed, doing her best to mimic the instructions she had heard before. "I'll guide you through it."
Rebecca nodded, taking a deep breath and bracing herself. As the next contraction hit, she pushed with all her strength, and Melody encouraged her every step of the way. "You're doing great, Rebecca. Keep pushing."
Melody's heart pounded in her chest as she felt the weight of responsibility resting on her shoulders. She knew this was no easy task, but she couldn't let her fear take over. Her focus remained on supporting Rebecca and ensuring the safety of both mother and pup.
As they continued the arduous process, hurried footsteps were heard approaching the birthing den. Melody's relief was palpable as she saw Aria, Sarah, and the pack healer rush in.
"Thank the moon goddess you're back," Melody said, her voice filled with both gratitude and exhaustion.
The pack healer quickly went to Rebecca's side, taking charge of the situation. "Melody, you did well. Thank you for helping," she said, giving Melody a reassuring pat on the back before turning her attention back to the birthing process.
Melody stepped back feeling a mix of emotions as she watched them. She felt a mental pull in her head, a familiar yet distant one she hadn't heard in a really long time. She closed her eyes, a new wave of pain washing through her as Rebecca's tired voice sounded in her head, "Thank you Mel."
************
The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over the meadow where Melody and Rebecca sat side by side.
"Thank you Mel", Rebecca said as she turned to Melody who rolled her eyes in reply, "I've told you to stop that. For the hundredth time, we are best friends."
"So, tell me, Becs," Melody said, using the affectionate nickname she had given Rebecca, "What do you think your mate will be like?"
Rebecca's eyes lit up with a dreamy smile, and she let out a small sigh. "Hmm, well, I think he'll be strong and brave," she began, her voice tinged with excitement. "But also gentle and caring. Someone who can protect me when I need it, but also knows when to let me stand on my own."
Melody grinned, nudging her playfully. "Oh, you want the whole package, don't you?" she teased.
Rebecca blushed, but her smile didn't waver. "Well, maybe," she admitted. "But most importantly, I want someone who accepts me for who I am, flaws and all. Someone who loves me unconditionally."
Melody nodded in understanding. "I get it," she said. "You deserve someone who will cherish you and make you happy."
As the stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky, Melody turned to Rebecca with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You know what, Becs?" she said, a playful grin spreading across her face. "I think your mate will be the luckiest guy in the world to have you."
Rebecca blushed again, but this time her eyes sparkled with happiness. "And I think your mate will be just as lucky," she replied, reaching over to give Melody's hand a squeeze.
"We'll be best friends forever, right?" Rebecca said, her voice filled with certainty.
Melody smiled, her heart swelling with love for her best friend. "Absolutely," she said, her voice firm and sincere. "Forever and ever."
Melody opened her eyes, snapping out of the memory as Aria called her name. She looked around the room, everywhere was silent, her eyes finally landed on the still pup, "Why isn't he moving?"
*************
Antonio's mind raced with a mix of apprehension and determination. "Can you be more specific about the marked wolf and the powerful Alpha? I need to know who they are."
The Seer shook her head sadly. "I'm sorry, but I can only tell you what I'm allowed to see. The identities of the wolves are hidden from me, perhaps by some powerful force that doesn't want the information revealed."
Antonio sighed, feeling the weight of the uncertainty surrounding the prophecy. "Very well," he said, steeling himself. "Tell me more about the battle that will surround the child's birth. I need to prepare the hunters for whatever will come our way."
The Seer closed her eyes momentarily, as if reaching out to the unseen forces guiding her visions. "There will be those who seek to protect the child, believing in his potential for good. But there will also be those who fear his powers and see him as a threat to the world. The battle will be fierce, with alliances shifting and betrayals lurking in the shadows."
Antonio took a deep breath, absorbing the information. "And what of the child's destiny?"
The Seer looked pensive. "Destiny is a complex tapestry woven by choices and circumstances," she replied. "While some threads may be set, others can be influenced." Antonio nodded.
The Seer's eyes closed. "Be careful, Antonio," she cautioned. "The forces at play are vast, and a greater evil is looming on the horizon. It seeks to exploit the child's powers and use them for its own nefarious purposes."
With one last nod at The Seer, Antonio stood up and turned around to leave.
 His steps halted when The Seer spoke again, "Do not let the darkness consume your heart Antonio."
He shook his head as he exited. It was too late for that.
Nicholas, the hunter he trusted the most, was waiting for him as soon as he stepped outside.
"How did it go?"
Antonio met his eyes unwavering, "There is a wolf child to be born. We have to find the mother and kill her before that happens."