Chapter 3
Stumbling back , my mind was consumed by that pendenlant.
From the moment I told alpha Lucian I was pregnant, he'd seemed distant, watching coolly as I poured my heart into maalpha things for our pup.
Yet that pendenlant, crafted with such care, had made me believe he cherished our baby.
Now, the illusion was shattered.
He'd never wanted our pup. All his love was for Vanessa-and he'd destroyed our baby to secure a future for hers.
The room was filled with treasures he'd scoured the world to give me, each one now a bitter reminder.
I was ready to smash them all when a maid entered, holding out a hairpin. "My lady, someone outside is asalpha to see you with this."
I recognized it instantly-the hairpin I'd lost near the church in my haste. And the visitor? Vanessa.
She sauntered in, hand resting on her belly, a smug smile on her face as she sat beside me. "You saw everything in the alley, didn't you?"
I stayed silent.
She didn't care, barreling on with glee.
"The first time with alpha Lucian was two years ago, on the fifteenth of the winter moon. Even after all this time, he's still obsessed with me."
My hand shook, knocalpha over a cup.
Two years ago, on that exact date, I'd been grieving my first miscarriage, unable to sleep from the pain. And he'd been with her.
Seeing my anguish, Vanessa leaned in, relishing it. "When you're asleep, he's with me. Once, we were right by your bed. You've never seen him lose control like that, have you?"
"They say he loves you," she sneered.
"But I think you're the most pathetic. Did you know? He promised only my pup will inherit his title. That's why he slipped you that abortion wolfsbane-laced with enough saffron to make sure you'll never conceive again."
Her words tore open every wound. I clenched my fists, cutting her off.
"What do you want?"
She tossed my hairpin to the floor, grinding it under her heel.
"You're just his old toy. Why should my pup call you mother? alpha Lucian's marrying me in six days. With how much he adores me, you'll be out of the picture soon enough. If you've got any pride, step aside and give me the title of lady."
I sank back in my chair, a bitter smile twisting my lips.
"Fine. The title's yours."
And alpha Lucian? You can have him too.
After Vanessa left, a downpour started.
I stood in the rain, lost in a daze, until alpha Lucian rushed to my side, holding an umbrella. Only then did I look up, numb.
His eyes were full of guilt and anguish as he pulled me close.
"Luna, I'm so sorry I broke my promise. Punish me however you want, but don't torture yourself like this. You know seeing you hurt kills me a thousand times over."
He ordered someone to shield me with an umbrella, then dropped to his knees in the rain. "If you're mad, I'll kneel until you're not."
The rain soaked him as much as me, his face pale, lips turning blue from the cold, but he didn't budge. It was like he'd stay there forever unless I gave in.
I stared at him for a long time, then shook my head faintly.
"I'm not mad. I just didn't expect the rain."
He stood, wrapping me in his arms, his gaze heavy. "In a few days, I'll take you back to the church," he said softly, then hesitated before adding,
"Quorven pack's been hit by famine. The alpha just summoned me about it. I have to head out for relief efforts-won't be back for six days."
I nodded calmly, playing the dutiful mate, and told the servants to pack his bags. Then I pulled a small box from my pocket and handed it to him.
"What's this?" he asked, reaching to open it.
I stopped his hand. "Sweetheart, it's a good-luck charm I got from the church for you. Don't open it until you're back from Quorven pack, or it won't work."
His eyes lit up, a flash of guilt crossing his face as he tucked the box close to his chest. "A gift from my Luna? I'll treasure it. Wait for me at home."
At the door, he paused, turning back. "About a pup... we can adopt one later. Make things whole."
I didn't answer, just watched his retreating figure.
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