Seven Miscarriages For My Mate

For ten years, I've been bound to Julian Frost, my heart tethered to a wolf who promised me forever. Seven times, I've lost a pup, each miscarriage carving a deeper wound. This time, though, I'm carrying again, and Julian's adamant I stay away from the healer's den. Too many folks, too much chaos, he says-someone might bump into me, risk the pup. To keep me safe, he even pulled strings to bring a healer from Belmor Town right to our doorstep.

I trusted him. I always did.

Until I saw him, clear as day, slipping out of the birthing ward with my sister, Chloe Hartman, who's been missing for three years. His arm was gentle around her, protective, like she was the fragile one. My heart stuttered, my world tilting as I watched Chloe cradle a sleeping pup, her eyes glistening with tears as she looked up at Julian.

"Julian," she whispered, voice thick, "our first pup is finally here. All those times Sophia lost hers. it wasn't for nothing."

Her words hit like a blade. "You hid me all these years, kept me under her nose so I could bring this pup into the world. It must've cost you so much."

"I've got no right to raise this pup," she went on, choking up. "I just want to stay close, even if it's as a servant, just to watch him grow."

Julian's face was stone, his silence heavy before he spoke. "You've been in the shadows too long, Chloe, not even able to feel the sun on your face. I'm sorry for that."

"Sophia's my only true mate," he said, his voice firm. "I gave her status, a place by my side. Letting her lose those pups was the price for you to bear our firstborn. He'll inherit everything I have."

Firstborn? The word froze me, tears spilling like a broken dam. All those pups I lost. they weren't accidents. They were sacrifices for their pup. Chloe's disappearance? A lie. Julian didn't send her away-he hid her, sheltered her, so they could carry on in secret.

"Chloe!"

My parents' voices snapped me out of my haze. They stepped down from a rugged pack jeep, their eyes brimming with concern-not for me, but for her. They wrapped her in their arms like she was the one who'd been shattered.

"You've been through so much," Mom said, her voice soft as she studied Chloe's pale face. "Birthing a pup is like dancing with death. Come home, sweetheart. Dad's already got a trustworthy nanny lined up for you."

Chloe's eyes shimmered with gratitude. "I thought you'd disowned me," she murmured, voice breaking. "I've been so unworthy."

Mom's voice cracked. "You're not my blood, Chloe, but I raised you. No parent holds a grudge forever. Seeing you suffer cuts me deeper than you know. Be a good mother now, no more recklessness."

Chloe nodded, but hesitated before climbing into the jeep. "Can I really come home? Sophia will be furious. Maybe I should