Chapter 2
The next morning, Gianni accompanied me to the pack’s healer for my prenatal check-up. As a Beta, he was expected to be present, but his attentiveness felt more like a performance than genuine concern. The healer, a kindly old Omega, smiled at him as she finished the examination. “Your mate is very attentive, Gamma Maxine. It’s rare to see such dedication.”
Gianni took my hand, his grip warm but calculated. His dark eyes softened, and he said, “This pup is a blessing from the Moon Goddess. I’ll do everything to ensure their safety.”
I forced a smile, masking the bitterness that churned inside me. My wolf stirred uneasily, a faint growl echoing in my mind, but I pushed her down. I couldn’t afford to show weakness, not here, not now.
As we left the healer’s chamber, we ran into Kailani. She was dressed in a flowing summer dress, her belly swollen and proud. Her smug smile made my stomach twist. She’d orchestrated this entire charade, and now she was basking in it.
“Hey, sis,” she said, her voice dripping with false sweetness. “When’s your due date?” She reached out to touch my belly, but I slapped her hand away, my eyes narrowing.
“Don’t,” I said coldly.
Her face darkened, but before she could retort, I clutched my stomach and let out a small gasp. “My stomach… it hurts…”
Gianni was at my side in an instant, his voice laced with concern. “Maxine, are you okay? Should we go back to the healer?”
I shook my head, avoiding his gaze. “No, I just need to use the restroom.”
He hesitated, his eyes flickering to Kailani, but I waved him off. “Wait here.”
As I walked away, I glanced over my shoulder and saw him hurrying to Kailani’s side. I followed at a distance, staying out of sight as he comforted her with a soft, patient tone.
“You’re overthinking,” he said, his voice soothing. “I’m just thinking about the pup. She’s carrying it, after all.”
Kailani pouted, her lower lip trembling in a way that was almost convincing. “You’re defending her? She was so rude to me. Do you still care about her?”
Gianni sighed, pulling a small, elegant jewelry box from his pocket. He opened it to reveal a delicate bracelet, which he slipped onto her wrist. “Here’s the bracelet you wanted. I got it for you.”
Her face lit up with satisfaction, and she leaned into him, her voice teasing. “You’re spoiling me. Any more stock tips for me?”
I turned away, my jaw clenched. Gianni was using everything—my status, my resources—to appease her. My wolf growled again, louder this time, but I silenced her. I had a plan, and I couldn’t let emotions derail it.
I pulled out my phone and dialed Xyla, my voice low but steady. “Everything’s set for tomorrow?”
“Yes, Gamma Maxine,” she replied. “The surgery is scheduled. I’ll make sure Gianni is distracted.”
Behind me, Gianni’s footsteps halted. “Tomorrow?” he asked, his tone tinged with suspicion. “What’s happening tomorrow?”
I turned to face him, my expression calm. “I’ve scheduled a family portrait session. I thought it would be nice to have something to remember this time.”
His face flickered with unease, and he hesitated. “I… I have a pack meeting tomorrow. Maybe we should reschedule?”
I smiled, my tone light and understanding. “It’s fine, Beta Gianni. Work is important. I can go alone.”
He relaxed, his smile returning as he reached out to touch my cheek. “You’re so understanding. What would I do without you?”
I forced another smile, my mind already elsewhere. Tomorrow, everything would change. And Gianni would have no idea what was coming.
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