I stared blankly at the moonstone pendant clutched in my trembling hand. It had flared again–its glow a telltale sign. Positive.
The enchanted pendant was the most reliable way for unmated she–wolves to detect pregnancy. The magic pulsed steadily now, synchronized with the tiny heartbeat forming inside me.
I was pregnant. My breath caught in my throat, and my heart thudded in my chest, erratic and panicked. My claws itched to extend, to tear something–anything–because this wasn’t supposed to happen. This wasn’t part of the deal.
My mind flashed back to that night. The full moon run. The celebration after Killian returned from the eastern border skirmish. We’d been victorious. The pack feasted and drank under the stars. Killian and I… we’d lost ourselves in the moment, in each other.
We had crossed a line. One we never spoke of again.I placed a hand on my abdomen. There was a life inside me–Killian’s pup.
Could I tell him? Would he believe it wasn’t some manipulative attempt to bind him to me? Our engagement was a political tool. A temporary arrangement built on strategy and vengeance, not love.
If I told him, would he cast me aside? Reject me? Demand the pup be taken care of… permanently?
A shudder ran down my spine at the thought. No. Never. I’d already lost a pup before–Ethan. I wouldn’t survive losing another. This child, this tiny spark of life, would have a chance. With or without Killian.
I sat in the healer’s hut for what felt like hours, the pendant clutched in my fist, before I finally stood and left. The cold mountain air nipped at my skin, but I barely felt it. My feet moved on instinct, leading me back to Killian’s den.
would tell him tonight. He deserved to know. But I would also make it clear–he didn’t owe me anything. If he wished, I would raise the pup alone. Quietly. Without scandal.
By the time I reached the Alpha’s home, the moon was high. I ate some leftover stew, trying to calm the twisting in my gut. But as the minutes passed, unease began to gnaw at me.
Killian was never this late. My fingers tapped against the wooden table. I tried to mind–link him, out there was no response. My wolf paced inside me, ears flattened in concern.
Finally, unable to sit still, I reached for the wolfstone to track him magically. But just as I did, the ront door swung open.
Relief flooded me–then vanished.Killian stepped in, but he wasn’t alone.
A she–wolf leaned heavily against him, her hood falling to reveal tangled raven hair and skin pale as snow. Her scent hit me like a wave–illness, magic, and something else. Familiar.
She clung to him, his arm wrapped around her as if shielding her from the world. Their heads bent close as they murmured softly.
They didn’t even notice me.I froze. The pendant in my hand dimmed, concealed behind my back.
“hapter Twenty
4:42 am
My breath lodged in my throat.
Killian never brought other females home. Not once since our engagement began. And yet now…
Jealousy slithered in, sharp and unwelcome. My wolf growled softly, confused by the ache in our
chest.
“Killian?” I whispered.
His head snapped up. For a heartbeat, his eyes lit up at the sight of me–warm and soft. Then he blinked and seemed to remember the woman beside him.
‘This is Lira,” he said, adjusting his hold on her. “She’s… an old friend. From the Obsidian Claws.”
My stomach tightened.
Lira looked at me and offered a weak smile. Her voice trembled with fatigue. “Killian insisted. I didn’t want to impose.”
‘She’s sick,” Killian added, stepping forward. “Her wolf’s been corrupted by dark magic. She came seeking help, but the healers won’t admit her without pack permission. I told her she could stay here for a few nights. Just until she stabilizes.”
He said it so plainly, as though it was nothing. As though it didn’t feel like a dagger to my ribs.
forced a smile. “Of course. It’s fine.”
Even though it wasn’t. But this wasn’t my house. Not really. I was a guest here, just like Lira. Killian searched my face for something I couldn’t give, then nodded. “I’ll get her settled in.”
nodded numbly as he led Lira toward the guest chambers. Once they were gone, I collapsed onto the bench near the hearth. My fingers uncurled slowly around the pendant, still glowing
aintly.
Maybe… now wasn’t the time.
‘Luna,” Killian’s voice rumbled behind me, low and hesitant.
jolted slightly, quickly closing my palm over the pendant. I turned to face him, eyes downcast.
‘I thought you were with Lira,” I said, voice neutral.
‘She’s with a sentry now,” he replied. “I wanted to speak to you.”
didn’t answer. My heart thundered.
Killian stepped closer. “I’m sorry, Lunara.”
blinked, finally meeting his eyes.
‘For what?”
‘For not asking you first,” he murmured. “For bringing her here without warning. I should’ve alked to you.”
shook my head with a strained smile. “It’s your territory. Your home.”
His jaw clenched. “Our home, Lunara.”
froze.
Killian exhaled hard, frustration flickering in his gaze. “I’ll find another place for her to stay. I won’t have you uncomfortable in your own den.”
Chapter Twenty
4:42 am
He turned, already stepping away.
“Killian-”
“It’s done,” he cut in. “I’ll handle it.”
I watched him go, stunned by the weight of his words. He was doing this–for me. My hand curled protectively over my stomach.
Not tonight. But I would tell him.
Soon.
