The Beast's Possession

**Jonathan

pov**

The walk back from the woods to the house was calm and uneventful, a complete opposite to the mess that was going on in my mind.

The conversation I overheard between Aife and Kala last night haunted me. Aife's determination to help Bane, no matter the risks, was a problem I couldn't ignore.

She didn't seem to grasp the danger, or maybe she did, and that's what terrified me.

I knew her well enough to know that once her mind was made up, stopping her would be like trying to halt a flood. I had to stay a step ahead, or this would end badly for everyone involved.

When I walked into the house, the scent of tea and honey greeted me. Muffled voices, light and relaxed, pulled me to the kitchen. As I stepped into the room, the conversation stopped abruptly, and three pairs of eyes turned to me. Aife, Kala, and Zion were seated around the kitchen table, their cups of tea half-finished. Aife smiled at me, but there was something guarded in her expression, like she was trying to hide something from me. Kala's gaze darted to Zion before settling on her cup. Zion tried to act like nothing was out of ordinary, but I'd known him long enough to recognize the faint twitch in his jaw that gave him away. Maybe they were thinking they could fool me, but being who I was for so many years, my main responsibility was to always watch people, not talk. And watching, yeah, that I was good at. "Morning," I greeted them as I leaned against the doorway. "You all look cozy."

"We're just catching up," Aife said, her smile not quite reaching her eyes.

"Right," I replied, letting the silence stretch a bit too long, enough to make them uncomfortable. Whatever they were plotting, they weren't about to let me in on it. Fine. I'd have to work around that.

Pushing off the doorway, I clapped my hands together. "Actually, Aife, I was thinking - how about we take a trip into town today? You haven't had a proper check-up since we left the pack, and it's about time you saw a doctor." Aife blinked, clearly taken aback. "Now?"

"No time like the present," I said, flashing her a grin. "You'll finally get to see your baby on a scan. Doesn't that sound exciting?"

Kala frowned. "Shouldn't I go with her? I'm pregnant too, you know."

"You've already been to the doctor plenty of times back in the pack. Aife hasn't had that chance yet. Besides, I'll be with her. She's in good hands."

Aife hesitated and glanced at Kala. It was clear she wasn't entirely convinced, but the promise of seeing her baby for the first time seemed to convince her. "Alright. Let me get my coat."

"Great," I said, relief washing over me. This would keep her distracted for a while, at least. **§§§**

The drive to the nearest werewolf-ruled town was quiet at first. Aife stared out the window, her fingers drumming lightly against her thigh. I could tell she was thinking, she always got that distant look when her mind was working overtime. "Why isn't Kala coming with us?" She asked, suddenly turning in her seat to face me.

I was expecting the question and already had my answer prepared. "Like I said, she's been to the doctor plenty of times. You haven't. It's important you get checked out, especially now. We need to make sure everything's fine with the baby." Aife studied me for a moment. "You're being very insistent about this."

"Because it's important," I replied, keeping my tone light. "And hey, you'll get to see your baby for the first time. Isn't that worth it?"

Her expression softened at my words and a faint smile spread across her lips as she whispered, "yes."

**§§§**

The doctor's office was small but clean, tucked away in a quiet part of town. Aife seemed nervous as we walked in, not a hint of her usual excitement in view.

When the doctor finally called her name, I stayed in the waiting room, giving her privacy. I paced the room, my thoughts all over the place. This distraction was working for now, but how long could I keep it up? How long before her need to help Bane completely clouded her sense of caution?

When Aife left the doctor's office, she looked more at ease, her cheeks flushed slightly pink. "The baby's healthy," she whispered, her voice laced with wonder and what I could describe only as true love. "I tried to find out the gender, but the doctor said the baby's being shy. Hiding it from us."

I chuckled. "Sounds like you've got a stubborn one."

She laughed, and for a bit, the tension between us disappeared. But, of course, I knew it wouldn't last.

**§§§**

The drive back was quiet again, but this time, when Aife broke the silence, she didn't sound as accusatory anymore. "Kala told me about Bane," she whispered and looked out the window.

I gripped the steering wheel a little tighter. "Did she now?"

"She said he's struggling. That the pack is falling apart. Jonathan, we have to do something. We can't just leave him like this."

I let out a heavy breath, keeping my gaze glued on the road. "Aife, you need to think about what's best for you and your baby right now. Going back is too dangerous."

"But he's my mate,” she said, her voice breaking with emotion. "I can't abandon him."

"He's not himself. You don't know what he's capable of right now. And it's not just your life on the line anymore. You've got someone else to think about."

She fell silent as her gaze dropped to her lap.

I hated being a dick to her, hated being the person who rubbed all the worst possible scenarios in her face, but it had to be done. "Are you willing to risk the life of your baby just to see someone who could harm you both?" Aife flinched, and I instantly regretted the harsh words, but at least, I managed to get to her. She didn't try to argue anymore and instead, just sat in silence, eyes focusing on her hands in her lap.noveldrama

When we finally pulled up to the house, she got out without a word, heading straight inside. I stayed behind for a moment to gather myself. I must have looked like a desperate man - my forehead rested against the steering wheel, eyes closed, taking in deep breaths like I was out of air.

I hated myself for what I had said, but I couldn't afford not to. If I hadn't reminded her about the risks, she could do something stupid like sneak out of the house in the middle of the night and take off Goddess knew where. Let's hope this worked.