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1134 Words
VALERIA
"Are you sure? Really sure?" My voice trembled as I spoke, my heart pounding so hard I thought it might burst. Happiness flooded through me, warm and overwhelming.
"Absolutely certain, Luna. You're pregnant."
"Then why can't I smell it? Or the father's scent?" I asked, worry creeping into my voice.
"It might still be too early. Give it a few more days—the pheromones should become noticeable soon."
I nodded, tears blurring my vision.
I was the Luna of the Autumn Forest Pack. Three years ago, I’d married Dorian, my Alpha—the man I loved fiercely, even if fate hadn’t destined us to be mates. I’d given everything to be the perfect Luna, his unwavering support.
But our marriage had always carried the weight of one unspoken shadow: an heir.
I hadn’t been able to conceive, and admittedly, Dorian and I had grown… distant. His duties as Alpha kept him busy, stressed. I understood.
"Please… don’t tell anyone in the pack yet. I want to surprise my husband."
"Don’t worry, Luna. My lips are sealed." She grinned. "Congratulations!"
I smiled back, giddy with excitement.
Though I hadn’t been born into this pack—though I was once an outsider taken in after my parents’ death—I’d never felt rejected or looked down upon. That was why I devoted myself completely to my role as Luna. I was grateful for this life. Grateful for Dorian.
"Whoa, what’s with all the food? Throwing a party?"
"Hands off!" I swatted away the greedy fingers of my best friend, Sophia, as she peeked into the kitchen.
"But—oh my Moon, is that puff pastry?!" She plopped onto a stool, eyes wide.
I laughed. "Okay, fine, I might’ve gone overboard with the cooking. But I’m just… so happy. I want everything to be perfect."
"All of Alpha’s favorite dishes, huh?" She smirked.
"It’s our anniversary," I said, turning back to the caramel simmering on the stove. "I wanted to make it special. A quiet, romantic dinner."
Silence.
I glanced back at her. "What?"
"Nothing, nothing! It’s just… I heard Alpha had some urgent business today. He didn’t tell you?"
I frowned. Dorian rarely explained his work in detail—he said it was to keep me from worrying.
"No, but he’ll be back. He knows today’s important." My voice was firm, unwavering in my trust.
Sophia gave me a strange look.
Lately, I hadn’t been able to read her as well as usual, but she’d been the first in the pack to reach out to me, to stand by my side. I cherished her.
"Soph… there’s something I want to tell you. But… not yet. Tomorrow." I bit my lip, dying to share the news but needing Dorian to be the first to know.
"Wait, what? You can’t just say that and leave me hanging!" She leaned forward, full gossip-mode activated, munching on a stolen cookie.
"Nope. Tomorrow. You’ll be the first to know—after him."
"Ugh, fine. Keep your secrets." She fake-pouted, then hopped up. "Happy anniversary. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do." With a wink, she slipped back out the way she came.
I checked the clock. Still time.
Slipping off my apron, I headed upstairs to bathe and change.
Everything has to be perfect tonight, celebrating with my beloved mate.
I sank deeper into the couch, my eyes darting to the clock for what felt like the thousandth time. Midnight had come and gone—still no Dorian.
The feast I'd prepared sat untouched on the dining table, the once-steaming dishes now cold. With a sigh, I stood to reheat them, my silk crimson dress whispering against my thighs as I moved.
Just as I reached the kitchen, the front door clicked open.
His scent hit me first—that familiar musk with an unfamiliar edge that made my nose twitch and my stomach clench. I hurried to smooth my dress, checking my reflection in the hallway mirror. My jet-black hair was swept into a high ponytail, my dark blue eyes lined with just enough makeup to highlight their depth.
I turned to greet my magnificent Alpha as he strode in.
"Long day, my love? You must be exhausted." I reached for his coat, but he brushed past me, clutching a folder of documents—probably pack business. When I leaned in for a kiss, he stiffened.
"I'm filthy from the road. Don't dirty yourself." His honey-gold eyes flickered over me, as breathtaking as ever yet somehow... hollow. I'd always loved that cold edge to him—part of his nature since inheriting the Alpha role too young after his father's death.
But something was off.
His usually perfect golden hair was damp, tousled. And that scent—not just sweat, but... soap? Fresh, floral. Why would he shower before coming home?
"I'll just warm up dinner. You must be starving—"
"Not hungry." His voice cut through the room. "Valeria, we need to talk."
My fingers curled around the folded pregnancy report hidden in my dress pocket as I followed him to the living room, dread pooling in my stomach.
His gaze landed on the elaborate dinner spread. "Planning a party?"
The casual question stabbed deeper than any blade. "Dorian... I know the pack's kept you busy. But surely you haven't forgotten?" My voice wavered as I perched on the couch. "It's our third anniversary."
Instead of joining me, he took the armchair opposite—putting literal distance between us. Dorian had never been overly affectionate, but tonight? Ice ran through his veins.
"Of course I remember." His smile didn't reach his eyes. "I've been waiting years for this anniversary."
The odd phrasing made my spine stiffen. Now. I had to tell him now.
"Wait—before you say anything..." I rushed to pull out the medical report, my hands trembling. "I have news that changes everything."
He unfolded the paper with deliberate slowness. The silence stretched as he read, my heartbeat loud enough to drown out reason.
"I'm pregnant," I blurted when I couldn't take it anymore. Tears spilled over as I moved toward him. "We're going to have a pup—an heir for the pack! The Moon Goddess has blessed us with—"
"Are you certain?" His voice was lethally calm. "Or is this just another trick to chain me to you?"
The words froze me mid-step.
"Dorian...?"
Terrified by the sudden attack, I tried to flee.
I tried to transform back into wolf form, fleeing into the forest, away from what was happening, away from this rampaging alpha wolf, its blood-red eyes filled with pure hatred, but I couldn't escape.
"Ahhh! Let me go! Dorian, what are you doing?! What are you doing?! Ahhhh! Help! Help!" He lunged at me, and I screamed.
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