Chapter 279

NATALIE’S POV The pain started as a terrible cramp, but then it deepened into something hollow. It felt like something was ripping me apart from the inside. I clutched my stomach with both hands, rocking forward as tears fell down my face. “No… no, please…” My voice cracked. I whispered it again, again, as if saying it enough times would make it true. “The baby’s fine… my baby’s fine.” But inside me, my wolf howled. She made a sound of mourning. Her cry vibrated through me until I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think. Right then, I could only feel the grief in my chest. I shook my head violently, refusing to believe it. I pressed harder against my belly, as if I could protect the tiny life slipping away. “No. Don’t leave me. Please…” And then his words echoed in front of me. “Your baby is dying,” Memphis said with a twisted grin. His voice was filled with venom and evil joy. I screamed loud. My tears blurred everything. My knees nearly buckled. “STOP!” I cried out. “Please, just stop!” He