Chapter 55
He guided me away from the ofers. “Why do you keep disregarding my instructions? It’s not safe for you or our child.”
“But I didn’t,” I argued softly. The warriors immediately reported my whereabouts to you. I haven’t left the castle. We’re in the courtyard, right in the center of the castle grounds. There are guards everywhere, and I have Victoria and Gina with me. I paused. “I’m sorry if I worried you.”
“It’s still too dangerous. The King’s enemies are everywhere.”
I looked up at him, gathering my courage. “I would be very happy if you could spend the day exploring with me here, but… I know you’re too busy.”
To my shock, Nathan’s expression softened. “Just this once.” He paused, looking at the grape with distaste. “No, too sweet. I prefer heartier food.”
My heart leaped. “I have to get more of those amazing apples. Emma says fruit is good for the baby. Can I get six?”
“Six itas,” he agreed. “Remember, your health is our child’s health.”
As he watched me select the apples, his scent warmed noticeably. “You shouldn’t carry anything, no matter how light. Your body is nurturing an Alpha’s heir.” He took the basket from me. “What else would you like to see?”
couldn’t believe this was happening. Nathan, the fearsome Alpha of Ironjaw Pack, was actually shopping with me!
Unfortunately, the market experience with Nathan wasn’t quite what I’d imagined.
The once–lively vendors grew silent as we passed, bowing their heads in respect. The joy seemed to drain from the marketplace.
“I know you’re busy with the border situation,” I said after an uncomfortable silence. “I don’t want to keep you from your war preparations.”
“I have time until my dinner meeting with Raymond,” he replied, his eyes now back to their normal gray.
“That’s not true,” Gina interjected boldly. “Tyler told me you have a meeting with King Jason too.”
Nathan’s jaw tightened. “Gina, that’s none of your concern. Remember your place.”
“Actually, I’m feeling a little tired,” I said quickly, stroking my stomach. “Maybe going back to my suite would be better.
“I’ll take you back,” Nathan immediately offered.
༤
I turned to Victoria and Gina. “I’ll see you both at dinner. Enjoy the market, and maybe bring me back something interesting?”
Victoria winked. “Don’t worry, we will. I’ll bring you some special herbal tea, good for pregnancy.”
As Nathan led me away, I caught the knowing glance that passed between Victoria and
Gina.
I wasn’t sure if I should be grateful or embarrassed by their obvious matchmaking efforts.
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We walked back to the castle in silence, Nathan’s pene scent now more protective than aggressive. His eyes constantly scanned our surroundings, alert for any potential threat.
“I feel bad about abandoning Victoria and Gina,” I said softly, trying to break the silence.
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Chapter 55
“They’ll be fine,” he replied ciptly. “No wolf would dare offend my slejer or my fleta’s kin.”
I nodded, envying how Victoria and Gina could enjoy life so freely, without the shadow of “release hanging over them.
They didn’t have to worry about being separated from the ones they loved.
When we reached the Luna Suite, I expected Nathan to leave me at the door. Instead, he followed me inside.
“Thank you for escorting me back to my suite,” I said quietly, keeping my eyes lowered.
“Our suite,” he corrected.
I watched in surprise as Nathan used the mind–link. “Tyler, bring the border defense plans to the Luna Suite.
He was staying? My heart skipped a beat.
“So… the grapes were too sweet for you,” I said, trying to sound casual. “What about the special apple? Emma says they’re good for pregnant women.”
Nathan’s eyes fixed on the half–eaten apple in my hand. “That is pretty good. Give me,” he said, pointing to it–the very one I’d already bitten into.
My breath caught in my throat. Among werewolves, sharing food this way was an intimate gesture usually reserved for mates. With trembling hands, I held the apple out to him.
As he bit into it, exactly where my teeth had been, our eyes locked. The room seemed to heat up by ten degrees.
Suddenly, I remembered the truth I’d overheard–that after I gave birth, I would be “released.” The warmth drained from me, and my smile faded.
“What’s wrong? Your scent just changed,” Nathan asked, his enhanced senses picking up my emotional shift.
“Nothing, just tired. Probably the pregnancy,” I lied, forcing a smile.
A knock at the door saved me from further explanation. Tyler stood there, documents in hand. “Alpha, I’ve brought the border
defense plans.”
“If you don’t mind, I’m going to change clothes. Rest a bit,” I said hurriedly, retreating to the bedroom.
Only when the door closed behind me did I allow the tears to fall.
How cruel that my wolf should want the very man who planned my death, that I should crave a future I could never have.
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