Yet the thought of letting him face peril alone was unbearable.
I couldnât divulge this secret.
At least, not now.
âDebra, why hesitate?â Ivy caught on to what I was thinking and wasnât pleased.
âYou should tell Caleb about the baby soon.
Iâm sure heâd be thrilled about a new addition!â
After a deep breath, I replied, âNo, Ivy, youâre not seeing the whole picture.
â My gaze lingered on Caleb, a mix of affection and sorrow in my eyes.
âHeâd send me away for our safety.
I canât let him confront the danger without me.
â
Ivy didnât ponder it like I did.
She just wanted to be upfront with Caleb instead of hiding anything.
So, she argued loudly, âWhatâs the issue? If he objects, stand your ground.
What can he do? Partners should be open with each other!â
âItâs not that straightforward,â I countered, a heavy sigh escaping me.
âThe timing complicates everything.
This baby could become a vulnerability for both of us.
Revealing this to Caleb might restrict his actions.
Moreover, if Gale learns of this pregnancy, sheâll surely exploit it, potentially using our child to threaten Caleb, placing us at a strategic disadvantage.
â
After I pointed it out, Ivy finally got it.
She lowered her head, showing a hint of sadness.
Exhaling deeply, I then faced Caleb, who was visibly concerned.
Noticing my reluctance yet sensing my discomfort, he asked cautiously, âWhy not seek medical attention?â
I lied, âA bit of rest should suffice; a hospital visit isnât necessary.
â
I knew that my justification might raise his suspicions, but I hoped it would be enough to dissuade him.
To further ease his worries, I said, âItâs likely just a repercussion of using my witch power too extensively, similar to when I aided Dylan.
You witnessed that yourself.
â
I tried to sound convincing and said, âSuch aftereffects can linger and donât resolve quickly.
We should prioritize our trip.
A hospital visit could lead to a recommended period of rest, which would delay us and potentially reveal my witch identity.
â
âButâ¦â
Caleb was about to speak further, but I interrupted, âLetâs head back to the Thorn Edge Pack now.
I can rest properly once we arrive.
Our presence is urgently needed there; we canât afford delays.
â
Seeing my resolve and the logic in my argument, Caleb ceased his protests.
With a remorseful expression, he committed, âIâm sorry youâre going through this.
Please inform me if you feel unwell along the way.
You mustnât overexert yourself.
â
âOf course, Iâll let you know,â I assured him, nodding earnestly.
With that, we resumed our journey, uninterrupted.
As Caleb focused on the road ahead, sitting beside him, I quietly caressed my stomach.
Things were pretty dire for Caleb and me right now.
With this unexpected baby on the way, I was at a loss what to do.