Adoption Discussion

Rain's P.O.V.

After Taking a bite of my food and tasting the bitterness, I pushed the plate away. I knew something was wrong with it, but Zion took a whiff and was on high alert, as were the others, after feeling his tension. Christian and Eithan took a whiff of my plate, and suddenly, guards were rushing in along with the doctor. I linked them quickly, asking them not to alert the children. I didn't want them to be worried about me after finally being reunited with them again. They had way too much to worry about on their little brains, and I wouldn't be adding to that if I didn't have to.

The doctor understood and verbally suggested I get a sonogram since I hadn't gotten one when we arrived. I agreed, and Zion helped me from my seat and led me out of the dining room. The doctor led us to a room where an omega had just finished setting up his equipment. He dismissed her quickly so we could openly discuss what had just happened. He explained that it was an attempt to poison me using Water Hemlock and described the symptoms before performing the sonogram and taking blood so he could be positive that I didn't ingest enough to cause damage to me or the pups.

Doctor Mikka told us of his connection with Doctor Jameson, and we talked for a few minutes before he told us he would have the results back within an hour. Zion told him we would be resting in our room for a bit. He led me back to our room and opened our door to find everyone in our room in a panic while waiting for us. My eyes fell on Jess, holding a plate of food for me while crying.

"Are you okay? How are the twins? I should have checked the food before you ate it. I'm so sorry. It's all my fault." She rambles through her tears, and my heart breaks for her. It wasn't her fault at all. I smelt it and knew something was off about the smell, but I figured it was just because I was pregnant.

"I'm fine, Jess. Doctor Mikka took some blood, and we will have the results soon, but he says the twins are doing well. It's not your fault. I should have been more vigilant. I knew people were out to get me on behalf of Douglas and Max." I say as I lay my hand on her arm to calm and reassure her.

"I'm sorry this happened in our pack, my Queen," Morgan says, looking on the verge of tears. I hate that I caused so much worry. I was at a loss for words and could only shake my head sadly.

"None of this is any of our faults. We all thought Leana was the only one still working for Max. Now, we know to be more vigilant. How are the pups? We didn't want to scare them." Zion says, picking up on my sadness. I send him a thankful look. I then walked the ladies over to our bed so I could get comfortable and eat. I look at Jess as she hands me the plate.

"Don't worry. I made it myself with the help of Mia and Morgan." She says, clearly understanding my look.

"Thank you all. I didn't mean to cause any problems." I say, and they all shake their heads. Morgan looked like she wanted to say something, but all our attention got pulled from our conversation when we heard Eithan and Zion talking.

"We found the omegas responsible for preparing the meals, though they deny trying to harm the Queen or your unborn pups," Eithan explains, and I feel a chill run down my spine as the realization hits me of how close it was. "We have them locked up in the basement since the pack doesn't have proper cells yet. The young pups are completely oblivious to what occurred. The older ones, however, did pick up on the situation but are unaware of the specifics."

"Good. I told Doctor Mikka we would rest for a bit after Rain eats. We'll let them sit for a bit and see if they're ready to talk then." He says. I'm relieved the young pups weren't alerted by everything, though the older ones were, and that makes me feel guilty. I feel Morgan place her hand over mine, and I look up at her.

"Everything is fine. The kids are safe and happy. It wasn't your fault, and the one responsible will be held accountable, my Queen." She says as she smiles at me.

"Thank you both, not just for reassuring me but also for protecting me during the ambush while I dealt with Max," I say to her and Mia. "I haven't been able to tell either of you that before now, but I appreciate it so much."

"Nonsense. You are our Queen, and I consider you family. I may be in a different pack now, but I will always protect you." Mia says as she takes my other hand. I look over to Morgan, and she nods in agreement. I realize I'm going to miss Mia and even Morgan, though I've only known her for two days.

"After you and Eithan settle in, I want to be invited to your Alpha and Luna initiation ceremony," I tell Morgan.

"You will be the first to receive the invitation." She says with a laugh. "I also have something to ask of you, but I don't want to say it out loud."

"Feel free to ask anything." I link her with a smile.

"Wow, you really can link anyone." She replies with a giggle.

"I can. I'm not sure about the range, though. What was your question?" I ask.

"I would like to adopt two of the children from the orphanage. I took one look at them and instantly had a connection to them, but I'm not sure how Eithan is going to react." She says, and I smile. I understand how she feels.

"I saw you looking at Eligha and Chelsea. They are brother and sister, born a year apart. If I remember correctly, their parents died about five years ago when they were only three and four. That would make them eight and nine now." I tell her, and she nods.

"As you probably know, I had a miscarriage about a year after Eithan and I met and haven't been able to get pregnant since. I long for a child but have been too scared to ask Eithan about adopting one or two." She says, and I can feel the sadness flowing through her.

"I could get Zion to talk to him about it. I'm sure if he knows how much you want to adopt them, he will be all for giving you anything your heart desires." I say, and her face lights up.

"Would you do that for me?" She asks, and I nod.

"Absolutely. I'll talk to Zion about it. I'm sure he'll help. He saw the way you looked at the pups earlier as well." I tell her, and she blushes.

"Thank you so much, my Queen." She says. Zion and the guys finish their conversation and walk over to join us.

"What are you ladies discussing?" Zion asks as he sits on the other side of the bed.

"The pups," I answer before linking Zion to explain Morgans's request. He lets out a laugh.

"Eithan asked me for the same favor. He wants to adopt Eligha and Chelsea." He responds.

"She does, too. But she's nervous Eithan would say no. I guess that's not the case. How should we go about starting the conversation?" I ask him.

"Maybe bring up Jess and Orian adopting Joshy?" He answers, and I nod. That sounds like a good idea to me. I turn to look at Jess and Orian and smile. They will be wonderful parents.

"So, have y'all told Joshy about the adoption?" I ask them.

"Told him last night. He was so excited, especially when we told him about getting his own room and seeing Odett again." Jess says with excitement as Orian pulls her into his chest, looking just as excited.

"That's great!" Zion says. I can honestly say we're truly happy for them all.

"Have y'all ever thought about adoption?" I ask Eithan and Morgan. They look at each other, both smiling from ear to ear. I know they both want to adopt the siblings, so I figured I would give them a little push in that direction. I quickly link Morgan, telling her to answer honestly and trust me.

"Actually, I would like to adopt." She says nervously. Eithan puts his hand around her waist and pulls her close to him.

"I was thinking the same thing." He tells her while looking into her eyes. Her eyes go wide as she jumps up and down in his arms.

"Really? You mean it?" She squeals as he lets out a laugh.

"Of course, my love. You would be a great mother, and why not give a child a loving home and happy family." He says. "Do you have an idea of who you want to adopt?"

"I do. I actually have two..." She says before she is interrupted by one of the guards bursting into the room covered in dirt and mud. We all turn to look at him as Zion and Eithan are on their feet.

"Alpha, my King. There's a problem in the basement." He says quickly, as I feel panic pouring out of him and crashing into me. What now?