An Enemy Called Mate

ZIVA

A soft knock echoed on the door. I turned to Alpha Xander, or let me say Xander, and darted my gaze back to the door.

“Mrs. Ziva, it’s time for your appointment,” I heard a feminine voice say.

“I will be there,” I replied as I slowly moved away from the bed. I walked into the bathroom and had my bath. Dressed in a maternity top and jeans, I walked out, only to find Xander outside the bathroom.

“I thought you left,” I said, as my brows shot up in curiosity. “Why are you still here?”

Swiftly, he opened the door without answering my question, and the silence that followed was deafening. What is this now, a silent treatment?

“I stayed because I needed to accompany you to the doctor’s office.” He replied quickly.

“Hmph.”

Xander led me to the doctor’s office quietly. When we reached there, I was greeted by a nice woman.

“Hi, I’m Doctor Aurora,” she said warmly, and when I wanted to reply, she continued, “Mrs. Ziva, right?”

“Yes,” I nodded. Then, she gestured to the chair positioned across her. I sat on it and Xander sat next to me. Strangely, he was quiet, very quiet.

“Alright, Mrs. Ziva. Do you want more information about your pregnancy or shall we move ahead to prepare for delivery?”

“Uhm, no. Let’s start from the beginning. I’ve been away for a few months, and I’m very curious about a lot of things. Like how many weeks am I now?”

“Okay. You’re currently almost nine months pregnant, Mrs. Ziva,” the doctor replied with a warm smile. “You’ve got about two to three weeks left until delivery.”

“Wow, that’s amazing and fast!” I exclaimed, exhaling quickly.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes, yes, I am,” I replied, smiling widely. I calmed myself and asked, “And the pups? How are they doing?”

“Ah, your twins are thriving!” the doctor said, showing me the ultrasound images. “You’re having a boy and a girl, and they’re both healthy and growing perfectly.”

I stared at the ultrasound images as tears welled up in my eyes. My pups… I pressed my hand gently on my belly and gleamed in excitement.

“Since you’re in your third trimester, it’s essential to start preparing for delivery. Well, joining a pregnancy yoga or exercise class can help you stay active, manage pain, and connect with other expecting mothers.

We’ll discuss your options for labor and delivery, and I’ll recommend some exercises and classes to help you prepare.

As for labor, we can discuss options like natural birth, epidural, or cesarean section. We’ll also go over breathing techniques and pain management strategies.”

I was grinning from ear to ear as I listened to her attentively. “Everything sounds great,” I squealed.

“Then, your husband’s support is also crucial,” the doctor emphasized, causing me to lean back in my seat. I thought to myself, “Is he really needed? I can do everything myself.” I narrowed my eyes, clearly uninterested in listening to anything involving him.

The doctor must have noticed my expression. She turned to Xander and said to him, “Alpha Xander, you should be very involved in the process. Your physical and emotional support is needed. You can assist her with stretching and exercise routines, and listen to her concerns and feelings.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

Then, help with pups preparations, be present during labor and delivery, if desired. Help her relax and unwind with baths and meditation. Ask how she’s feeling and what she needs. Share your feelings and concerns too.

Be patient and understanding. Hormonal changes in pregnant women can cause mood swings. Be gentle and supportive during this time. Show love and affection, physical touch and intimacy if comfortable-”

“Sorry to interrupt, but can we skip that?” I questioned.

The doctor nodded, “Yes, definitely.” “We’ll go over a list of foods to avoid, like raw fish or undercooked meat, and recommend nutrient-rich foods for fetal development. And don’t worry, we’ll cover everything in detail, and then I will personally send it to Alpha Xander.”

“It’s fine, you can send it to me,” I told her.

She glanced at me, then shifted her gaze to Xander with furrowed brows.

“I’m fine with whatever she says,” Xander spoke.

She smiled, “Alright, I will send the details to you, Mrs. Ziva.”

“Great…”

“Then, I will send a copy to Alpha Xander. Is that good?”

“Honestly, there’s no need to involve him-” I started to say, but Xander cut me off, interrupting with a polite but firm, “Thank you so much, Doctor. We will leave now.”

He stood, gesturing toward the door, and I followed his cue, rising to my feet. As I led the way back to my ward, he trailed behind me like I was a baby and he was my bodyguard.

Recalling what the doctor said, I clenched my fists. Physical touch and intimacy, my foot!

As soon as we reached my ward, I told him firmly, “There is no need to follow me or get involved. Whatever the doctor says about your involvement, show love and affection. I don’t need it… and physical touch and intimacy? Don’t you dare come close to me!”

“I will be patient and understanding,” Xander exhaled. His statement sounded like sarcasm, as it played on my nerves.

“What do you mean by that?”

“I’m following the doctor’s instructions and you should too, for the pup’s safety.”

I wanted to reply, but he approached me and guided me to the couch.

“Now, get some rest,” Xander said in a soft, comforting tone. For a minute, I relaxed and let out a sigh of relief. Leaning back on the couch, he asked softly, “Now, how do you feel?”

“I don’t know… Tired? Mentally stressed? I can even feel an ache forming in my head,” I replied.

He pressed his warm hand against my forehead and was mute like he was mind-linking someone. Suddenly, the door burst open as three different doctors walked in, including Doctor Aurora.

“Alpha, we received an emergency mind link,” the doctors chorused.

“She feels tired and mentally stressed. Also, she is experiencing a severe headache,” Xander explained to the doctors, causing my jaw to drop in surprise. It was just a minor situation, and he was making a mountain out of a molehill.

Doctor Aurora approached me. She touched my wrist, forehead, and neck. Then, she turned to Xander with a smile, “These are just mere symptoms of pregnancy, Alpha Xander.”

“And the stress?” Xander asked.

“Well, hormonal fluctuations, anxiety about motherhood, and physical discomfort can contribute to mental stress during pregnancy. So, there is no need to worry.” As soon as the doctor completed her statement, Xander nodded.