Chapter 59
As the examination concluded, mma helped me sit up and handed a cup of water before stepping away to print the ultrasound
images.
Nathan followed her, and I heard him ask something that made me choke on my water.
“Emma… is sex safe during pregnancy for Alpha–bloodline cubs?” His scent grew suddenly richer in the room.
I coughed, a tight, awkward sound, feeling the heat instantly,surge my neck, my face flushing hot with raw embarrassment.
“Uh… well, technically, yes, Emma stammered, clearly caught off guard. “In fact, for werewolf cubs, the Alpha father’s scent and presence are beneficial.”
She quickly regained her professional composure. “I mean–yes, it’s completely safe, even recommended. It helps maintain stability
in the mind–link.”
“Thank you, Emma,” I managed to say, my cheeks burning.
Emma handed me the printed images before excusing herself, leaving Nathan and me alone in a room.
I extended one of the photos to him. “Here… a copy for you to keep. I watched him carefully tuck the image into his breast pocket.
“Alpha, may I return to my suite now?” I asked softly, eyes downcast, eager to escape the tension.
“What’s going on, Rachel? Why didn’t you tell me about this appointment?” Nathan’s voice was low and dangerous, his scent sharpening.
“I’m sorry, Alpha. Perhaps my pregnancy hormones affected my mind I tried to deflect.
“Rachel, tell me the truth.” His eyes flashed golden, commanding.
“Keeping things that upset you inside isn’t good for the cub.” His scent began warming slightly, catching me off guard.
“Look at me and tell me.” His Alpha command made resistance impossible. “Rachel, look at me. Don’t make me-
“It’s Madison,” I blurted out, my eyes flashing painfully green.
Nathan’s expression darkened immediately. “Has she been harassing you? I’ve already warned her and Raymond-
“No, she hasn’t,” I interrupted. “It’s about you. You’re marrying her… My voice trembled despite my effort to control it.
“Look, that’s Alpha business, not something a breeder should concern herself with. I have to do it,” Nathan said firmly. “It’s about protecting the pack territory and forming alliances, even though I don’t want to. It’s the Alpha King’s order.”
“Please accept my apology, Alpha. It’s not my place to question.” I lowered my head further, hating how submissive I sounded.
“Rachel, don’t be like this.” He reached out, his warm fingers brushing my cheek.
The familiar touch sent a rush of warmth through me. How could his touch still affect me when I knew what he planned?
“I am just… finally thinking of myself for once,” I admitted. “All my life, my father, my stepmother–everyone has hurt me. For once, I wanted to matter–me and my cub.”
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Chapter 59
He said, “You do matter to me Rachel.”
My eyes filled with tears. “I wish I could believe that, Alpha.”
Without waiting for his response, I rushed past him and fled down the hallway.
I barely made it back to the Moon Goddess Suite before collapsing against the closed door, sliding down to the floor as my emotions overwhelmed me. My hair fell around my face as sobs wracked my belly, my wolf howling in anguish inside me.
Nathan wouldn’t change his mind. Tyler had tried and failed.
I was still just the breeder, destined for “release” once I’d fulfilled my purpose!
Through my tears, I noticed the ultrasound picture that had fallen from my bag. Picking it up, I traced the outline of my cub with trembling fingers. Gradually, my sobs quieted,
I placed a gentle hand over my stomach, feeling a faint warmth. Strength flowed into me from that tiny connection.
“Little cub, thank you for being my strength,” I whispered. “I won’t give up. I will protect you.”
If that meant accepting Madison’s escape offer, then so be it. I would do whatever necessary to save my cub, even if it meant betraying the Alpha.
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