Melinoe sat up slowly, her mind still reeling from Havvaris's sudden confession. She struggled to process his words, her heart pounding in her chest. She had studied psychology, and she knew how emotions could be influenced by circumstances. Meeting someone new in an unfamiliar environment, and experiencing life-threatening situations together—these things could create powerful bonds that feel like love but might not be real.
"Havvaris," she started gently, "I appreciate everything you've done for me, and I won't deny that I feel... something for you. But emotions can be complicated. What you feel for me might just be a psychological effect of meeting someone new and forming a connection in a stressful situation."
Havvaris frowned, his jaw tightening. "You think this is just some fleeting attachment?" He shook his head, his gaze intense. "I know what I feel, Melinoe. I've never felt this way before. It's not something temporary—it's real. And I don't expect you to accept it immediately, but at least give me the chance to prove it to you."
Melinoe hesitated. Deep down, she couldn't deny that Havvaris stirred something in her. She had been trying to rationalize everything, to keep herself from falling too fast, but maybe... maybe she was fighting a battle that had already been lost.
"Alright," she finally said, looking into his eyes. "I'll give you a chance."
Relief washed over Havvaris's face, and for the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to smile—genuine and unrestrained.
Before they could say anything more, Nyxpanther entered the room, his expression unreadable. His sharp golden blue eyes locked onto Melinoe then flickered toward Havvaris. He seemed like he wanted to say something, but hesitated.
Melinoe noticed the tension between the two men, but before she could ask, Nyxpanther spoke.
"There's something you need to know," he said, his voice quiet but firm. "Melinoe, you're pregnant."
The world seemed to tilt.
"What?" Her voice was barely a whisper.
Nyxpanther ran a hand through his dark hair, exhaling sharply. "With twin cubs. Mine."
Melinoe's breath caught in her throat. "But... how? We haven't... we never..."
"I don't know how it happened either," Nyxpanther admitted. "We never marked each other." His golden eyes darkened, filled with unspoken concern. "But regardless of how, I will take responsibility."
He studied her carefully, his voice softer now. "Do you want to... keep them?"
Melinoe's chest tightened. "Of course, I do," she said, tears welling in her eyes. "I could never—"
Before she could finish, Nyxpanther pulled her into a tight embrace. His warmth enveloped her, and she could feel the tension in his muscles as he held her close. "Thank you," he murmured against her hair. "I promise, you won't regret it."
A soft scoff broke the moment. "Then I'll help raise them too," Havvaris declared.
Nyxpanther turned, his eyes narrowing. "They're mine."
"I know that," Havvaris said, standing his ground. "But I love Melinoe. I want to be part of her life, and if that includes the cubs, then I'll take care of them too."
Melinoe looked between the two men, stunned by their fierce expressions. Her heart swelled, overwhelmed with emotion. She was scared and uncertain, but also deeply moved by their devotion.
Later that evening, they were invited to a grand feast. Havvaris's family had arrived—his three fathers, his mother, two older brothers, and a younger brother. They were all gathered around a long, elegant dining table, their gazes filled with warmth and excitement.
"Melinoe, dear," Havvaris's mother said kindly, "how are you feeling? We were so worried when we heard the news."
"We're truly happy to welcome you into our family," one of his fathers added. "And we're even more blessed knowing that soon, there will be new cubs among us."
Nyxpanther bristled. "The cubs are mine. And no one has marked Melinoe yet."
A brief awkward silence followed before Havvaris's mother chuckled. "Of course, dear. But we just wanted Melinoe to know she's always welcome, no matter what."
Despite everything, Melinoe smiled. The warmth of the family around her, the unwavering devotion of the two men beside her—it was overwhelming, but for the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of belonging.
As they ate, Nyxpanther and Havvaris sat on either side of her, both fiercely protective yet equally determined to be part of her life. And as Melinoe rested a hand on her stomach, she realized that, despite the chaos, she had never felt more alive.