✦✦✦
Morning After Thunder
The Queen Mansion was quiet again.
The storm had passed sometime in the night, leaving behind the smell of wet stone and jasmine from the gardens outside. Morning light bled soft and golden through the sheer curtains, painting slow-moving shadows across the sheets.
Nova lay curled against Thea's side, wrapped in a blanket, head tucked under Thea's chin. One of Thea's arms was slung around her waist, the other resting gently over the soft swell of her lower belly. They hadn't spoken much since returning. Not really. But neither had let go.
They hadn't really talked about what came next. Not after everything at Laurel's. Not after Nova had spilled her entire blood-soaked history in the span of a few hours. Not after Thea had chased her down, held her, and whispered, "You're mine. All of this—we face it together."
Nova's eyes were open.
She didn't feel human.
She didn't feel like a wolf.
She felt like a fuse sparking inside skin that didn't fit anymore—like her body was full of static and someone was holding a match.
"You're still thinking too loud," Thea murmured, voice rough with sleep. Her lips brushed the back of Nova's neck. "I can practically hear it buzzing."
Nova let out a slow breath. "Sorry."
"Don't be." Thea's voice was warm. Grounding. "You wanna talk?"
Nova hesitated. "I don't know what to say."
Thea pressed a kiss to her shoulder. "Start with the part where we're still here. Still okay."
Nova's fingers curled into the hem of the blanket. "What if it doesn't stay okay?"
"Then we fight for it."
Nova didn't lift her head. "Still trying to figure out if this is real."
"It is." Thea kissed the top of her hair. "You're in my bed. You're knocked up with our supernatural baby. You ran away, and I brought you back. You're not dreaming."
Nova exhaled a shaky breath. "I feel like the second I let myself believe it's safe, the universe is gonna yank it away."
"Then don't let go yet. I've got you."
She squeezed Nova tighter.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
Nova didn't answer.
She was still bracing for impact—like Thea would vanish if she blinked too slow.
✦✦✦
Thea stared up at the ceiling, absently tracing small circles over Nova's stomach.
She didn't feel scared. Not really. Not like Nova did.
But she felt... out of depth. Like she'd stepped into a story she hadn't read the first chapter of.
"So..." she said slowly, voice more cautious now. "How exactly do I explain this to my mom?"
Nova let out a soft groan. "You don't."
Thea laughed into her hair. "You're adorable if you think I'm not going to."
"Can we at least wait until she's on wine number two?"
"You don't know my mom. She drinks sparkling water and reads financial crime thrillers. She's impossible to rattle. Except when it comes to me."
Nova twisted to look up at her. "You think she'll hate me or kick me out?"
"No." Thea brushed a thumb over her cheek. "She might be disappointed it us not being safe. But hate you? Never."
"That's... oddly comforting."
"You should've met her when I got a tattoo. She tried to have it removed in my sleep."
Nova huffed a laugh. It was thin—but real.
Thea leaned forward and kissed her, slow and careful.
"She's gonna know anyway, babe. You're glowing. And nauseous. And... sparkly-eyed about me."
Nova blinked. "Sparkly-eyed?"
"It's very annoying." Thea smirked. "I look like I've been kidnapped by a supernatural Disney princess."
Nova rolled her eyes. "You're the worst."
"And yet..." Thea kissed her again. "You're in my bed."
"Temporarily."
"Permanently."
Nova didn't argue.
Not this time.
✦✦✦
A Few Weeks Later
Nova threw up for the third time that morning.
The toilet seat was cold against her cheek. Her hoodie was soaked with sweat, hair clinging to the back of her neck. She didn't even flinch when Thea knelt beside her and held her hair back.
"I'm fine," Nova rasped.
"You're lying," Thea said softly.
She didn't argue.
They'd both lost count of how many times it had happened this week—nausea at dawn, heartburn in the afternoon, exhaustion that knocked Nova out mid-movie. The baby, it seemed, had no interest in subtlety.
Neither did Moira.
From the hallway, her voice cut sharp and knowing.
"Is someone sick?"
Nova stiffened.
Thea groaned under her breath. "Shit."
Moira Queen appeared in the doorway a second later—flawless in pressed trousers and pearls, espresso in one hand, tablet in the other.
She took one look at the scene.
Nova on the bathroom floor. Thea in rumpled pajamas, crouched beside her, wide-eyed and guilty.
Her gaze narrowed.
"...No one's dying, right?"
"Nope," Thea said too fast.
"Because you look like you're hiding a body."
Nova whimpered and flushed the toilet.
Moira sipped her espresso. "You're pregnant."
Thea choked. "What?!"
Moira arched one elegant brow. "Don't insult me, Thea. I was pregnant twice. I know that look. I know that smell." She pointed at Nova. "And I've had that exact sweatshirt soaked in vomit."
Nova blinked.
"I haven't even taken off my hoodie."
Moira didn't miss a beat. "Then it's future knowledge. Congrats, you two. I'll set up a doctor's appointment and cancel my lunch with the mayor."
She turned on her heel and walked away like she'd just discussed a weather change.
Nova groaned into her hands. "This is my nightmare."
Thea smirked and rubbed her back. "Told you she'd find out."
"She's terrifying."
"Welcome to the family."
Nova paused—then let out a slow breath. "Thea... she already knew."
Thea blinked. "What?"
"Your mom. Moira. When she and your stepdad came to Beacon Hills? When they offered to bring me here... she already knew about the supernatural. About me." Nova's voice dropped to a whisper. "She and my mom were good friends, so my mom must have told her at some point before she died."
Thea sat back slightly, eyes narrowing. "Wait—seriously? My mom knew you were a werewolf this whole time?"
"Yeah." Nova gave a small, tight smile. "And she still opened her house. Still looked me in the eye. Still invited me into your life."
"Wait, hold on," Thea said slowly, brushing her fingers over Nova's knuckles. "How would my mom even know about you? Or the supernatural at all?"
Nova shifted under the covers, eyes flicking to the rain-specked window.
"Because she knew my mom. Talia Hale."
Thea froze. "They were friends?"
"More than that." Nova's voice turned quiet. "My mom trusted her. Said Moira was one of the only humans she'd ever met who didn't flinch at the truth. Before the fire... they met a few times."
Thea blinked. "You're telling me my mother was involved in the supernatural?"
"Not openly," Nova said. "But she listened. And when she found out I survived the fire... when she found out who I was...after Derek called her" She exhaled. "She offered me a safe place. No questions. No conditions. Just... sanctuary."
A long silence passed.
Then Thea frowned.
"She never told me any of this."
Nova nodded. "Because she doesn't know I told you and probably to protect you."
"Oh."
Thea fell back against the pillows, eyes wide, processing. "Well, shit."
"Yeah."
"So... now she knows we're pregnant and you're a werewolf. How exactlydo we tell her we're keeping the baby and I'm also kind of into the idea of eventually being bitten?"
Nova froze mid-shift under the blankets.
Her head turned slowly. "Wait," she said, staring at Thea. "You're serious?"
Thea gave her a casual look, like she hadn't just dropped a life-altering bomb. "What? I said eventually. I'm not in a rush."
Nova sat up slightly, brow furrowed, heartbeat spiking again.
"You want to be a werewolf?"
Thea shrugged, unapologetic. "I don't hate the idea."
"Thea..."
"Look, I've lived through kidnappings, murder attempts, my brother disappearing, and half the world thinking I'm a spoiled charity case. Strength isn't something I'm afraid of. And if you and this baby are going to live in a world with claws and war stories and things that want to hunt you down... maybe I want to be strong enough to fight too."
Nova stared at her—half in awe, half in sheer panic.
"You're insane."
"You keep saying that like it's news."
Nova blinked, a breath catching in her throat. "You don't know what it's like. How it feels. Your body doesn't belong to you the same way anymore. It's wild. Loud. It hurts. To be hunted. To being hated for being something you have no control over, for simply existing."
Thea leaned in slowly, brushing her fingers along Nova's cheek. "So does being in love with you. But I'm still here."
Nova let out a breath, sharp and uneven.
"You're not doing this for me, are you?"
"No," Thea said gently. "I'm doing it for me. But you're the reason I get to want it and so is our little one."
Nova blinked hard and looked away, because looking at Thea right now felt like looking into the sun. Her chest ached in a way that was soft and sharp all at once.
"Okay," she said quietly. "But not without talking about it. Not without knowing the risk. Not without understanding what you'd lose."
Thea smirked. "Deal. We'll have a PowerPoint night. Pack biology and supernatural consequences. Maybe snacks."
Nova rolled her eyes, but she was smiling now. "You're such a nerd."
"And you're stuck with me."
"We're so screwed."
"At least we're screwed together."
Nova didn't argue.
Not this time.
✦✦✦
Appointments and Admissions
Starling City – Private Women's Clinic
Moira Queen didn't ask.
She scheduled the appointment, called the driver, and announced it over breakfast like it was a board meeting.
"You have an ultrasound at eleven. I'll be coming with you. Don't argue."
Nova had nearly dropped her fork.
Thea had blinked once. Then nodded.
And now, the Queen town car was gliding through wet streets, tinted windows keeping them hidden from the world.
Nova sat pressed tight against Thea's side, her face pale, her hands tucked inside the sleeves of Thea's old hoodie. Her forehead rested against Thea's shoulder like she was trying to vanish into it. She hadn't said a word since they left the house, eyes fixed out the window like she was trying to memorize the city in case she had to run again.
Thea wasn't letting her go anywhere.
Acrossfrom them, Moira Queen sat composed in her tailored gray coat, purse perched onher lap, tablet in hand—but not being used. She watched them both with thatunreadable socialite expression that made Thea want to either yell or hideunder a blanket
She hadn't said much since the ride started.
Thea's arm tightened around Nova's shoulders.
Nova hadn't said anything.
Thea broke the silence first.
"We're keeping it."
Moira raised an eyebrow. Not disapproving—just... analytical.
Moira looked up slowly. "I figured you were."
"Iwanted you to hear me say it. I want you to know it's not a mistake," Thea'svoice was firmer than she expected. "Notbecause I want your blessing. But because I want you to understand... I'm serious. I wasn't pressured. I wasn't scared. We talked about it. And we decided—this baby? It's part of our story. And I'm not running from that."
Nova shifted slightly, still silent but listening.
Moira's expression didn't flicker.
"You've made your choice," she said, voice neutral. "What I care about now is making sure you both stay healthy—and out of the tabloids."
Nova's voice came out small. "Are we... really going public?"
"Eventually, yes." Moira's eyes were sharp. "But not yet. I've made arrangements. Private clinic. No media. No names on the building."
Nova nodded faintly.
Thea's arm wrapped tighter around her.
"She's scared," Thea said quietly. "But she's here. She's strong. And for the record—"
She looked straight at her mother.
"I've been better since she came here."
Moira's brows lifted slightly. "Better how?"
"Beforeshe came to live with us, I was barely functional. You know how I was before. Clubs,pills, vodka for breakfast. Breaking things just to feel something. Youknow." Thea took a breath, herjaw clenched "Nova didn't fix me. But she gave me something to protect. Something real. And I don't want to go back. Ihaven't touched a drop since she showed up."
Moira's gaze finally softened. Just slightly. "I know."
Thea exhaled, leaned her head against Nova's temple.
"She's not the problem, Mom. She's the reason I'm still here."
Moira said nothing for a moment. Then, "You've been... calmer."
Thea nodded. "Because she's home now."
Nova blinked fast.
Her fingers curled tighter around Thea's arm.
Moira returned to her tablet.
But her expression had softened—just barely.
The car rolled toward the clinic.
The storm might have passed outside.
But the real one was still ahead.
✦✦✦
Waiting Rooms and Wolf Hearts
Starling City – Private Women's Clinic
✦✦✦
POV: Thea
The walls were too white.
Too soft.
Everything about the waiting room screamed wealth. Cream upholstery. Soft music. Subtle diffuser scenting the air like lavender and safety.
It felt fake.
Thea sat beside Nova on a plush couch that looked like it cost more than her old drug habit. Her arm was around Nova's shoulders, fingers rubbing light circles just above her hoodie's seam.
Moira had disappeared into a hallway with the receptionist, talking logistics and security like it was just another boardroom deal.
Nova hadn't said a word since they walked in.
She was practically curled into Thea's side, body taut like a bowstring.
Thea leaned in.
"You okay?"
Nova didn't answer.
She just looked down at her lap.
Thea's jaw tightened.
She's terrified.
Not just of the appointment. Of everything.
Of the heartbeat on the screen. Of her blood being analyzed. Of someone seeing too much.
Thea reached for her hand, lacing their fingers together.
"We're doing this together," she whispered. "I'm not going anywhere."
Still no answer.
But Nova's fingers squeezed hers back.
And that was enough.
For now.
✦✦✦
POV: Nova
Her skin felt wrong.
Too tight.
Like she was wearing someone else's body.
She kept her eyes on the floor, the neutral carpet blurring beneath her gaze.
There was a framed print across from her—"Peace begins with understanding." But all she could feel was panic.
The scent of antiseptic was hidden under lavender, but her wolf nose still caught it. Still smelled metal. Bleach. Ink. Blood.
Her stomach churned.
Not from the pregnancy.
From the memories.
Needles.
Hospitals.
Burn units.
White lights and white sheets and people in masks saying she shouldn't have survived.
She wasn't supposed to be alive.
And now she was carrying life?
Her fingers curled tighter into Thea's hoodie.
I don't belong here.
She thought about running again.
Just bolting.
Out the door, down the street, into the trees where the wolf could breathe.
But Thea was here.
And Moira was still somewhere in the building.
Nova let out a slow, shaky breath.
Nova shifted uncomfortably, still curled into Thea's side.
"Your mom hasn't said anything," she whispered. "Even though she knows. About me. About all of it."
Thea's arm tightened around her. "She's giving you space."
"Or waiting to see if I break."
Thea shook her head. "No. She wouldn't do that. Not to me. Not to you."
Nova didn't look convinced.
"She's known about the supernatural for years. She was friends with my mom, and still... she hasn't said one word."
"She will," Thea murmured. "But not until you're ready. And you're not alone in this, okay? We're keeping this baby. That's not a question."
Nova bit her lip. "It just feels like everyone's waiting for me to earn the right to stay."
"You already did, and you told me because you wanted to."
Nova nodded.
"Because I needed to. Because we can do this if you didn't know the truth."
Thea turned her head and kissed her temple.