Chapter 63
Rachel’s POV
Hearing a distant rumble of thunder, I looked out the window. Darkouds loomed on the horizon, threatening a storm that would soon hit Emerald City.
Madison and David, Raymond’s Beta, stood in my Moon Goddess Suite, discussing my escape as casually as if planning a dinner
menu.
I couldn’t believe I was considering this, but what choice did have? My days were numbered once my cub was born.
“David,” the tall man introduced himself with a curt nod, his amberves assessing me carefully.
“Call me Rachel,” I replied, unconsciously placing a protective hand over my still–flat stomach. I feel uneasy around these strangers yet desperate for a way out.
“I’ll do it,” I told Madison, my voice stronger than I expected. “The sooner the better.”
Madison’s perfectly shaped eyebrows rose slightly. “It will be rather rushed…”
“Please…” I begged.
After discovering Nathan’s plan to “release” me after childbirth, survival instinct had overcome any remaining loyalty.
Madison turned to David, silently questioning. He nodded once, his eyes showing determination.
David said, “You can leave here tonight!”
“What? Are you sure?” I asked, stunned.
Madison smiled, a calculated gesture that didn’t reach her eyes. “Yes. If you want to leave tonight, it will happen. Honestly, the sooner the better‘ works for me too.”
“Do you want my help or not?” Madison snapped when I hesitated. You said you wanted out, and tonight offers the perfect opportunity. Everyone will be at the engagement dinner, and the coming storm will provide cover for your escape.”
I nodded, surprised that the mention of Nathan’s engagement celebration didn’t hurt more than it did.
But I was becoming accustomed to this heartbreak, wearing it like a familiar cloak.
David paced the room as he outlined the plan, his movements precise and controlled. “The engagement party begins at 7:00 tonight. Most warriors will be assigned to ensure guest safety. There’s a ladies restroom across from the dining hall with a window facing the garden. I’ll be waiting outside that window at 7:45.”
His eyes glinted with alertness. “Be punctual. Otherwise, we’ll both be caught by the Alpha’s trackers.”
“Where do we go afterward?” I asked, gently rubbing my stomach, feeling the faint mind–link with my unborn cub–a connection that grew stronger each day.
“We’ll head to a cabin outside, David explained. “From there, we can disguise you and move toward the harbor.”
My mind raced with practical concerns. “How far is the cabin? What should I bring?”
“About two hours running in wolf form, David answered patiently. Don’t bring much. We’ll provide everything you need.”
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Chapter 63
The reality of what I was planning sank In. This wasn’t just running way—this was betraying an Alpha. The thought made my mouth go dry..
“But
they discover I’m gon, they’ll send trackers after me,” I worried aloud. “Nathan isn’t an Alpha who gives up easily.”
Madison’s cold smile chilled me. “Not if they believe you’re dead.”
I gasped, horrified. But Nathan… How could I?
After they left, I sat alone, staring out at the gathering storm. I’d never done anything this bold before–never risked or defied an Alpha’s orders. My past life had been built on obedience and survival through submission.
But this wasn’t just about me anymore. This was about my cub–making sure I lived to protect my child.
I needed to be brave, just this once.
The door burst open without warning, and Nathan’s pine scent instantly filled the room–cold, powerful, overwhelming. My wolf immediately respondet, trying to move toward our Alpha despite my mental resistance.
“Rachel!” Nathan’s voice was urgent, his eyes flashing dangerously gold. “I heard Madison was-”
“Madison meant no harm,” I interrupted softly, lowering my head in a submissive posture.
Nathan’s expression shifted, concern replacing anger. “Is everything alright?”
His scent warmed slightly, no longer winter–cold but more like a forest in early spring.
I managed a bitter smile. “Yes, the cub is fine. I’m just emotional, lost in my thoughts.”
“Why are you here, Nathan?” I asked quietly, letting my hair fall forward to hide my expression. Each time he appeared, my resolve weakened. I touched my abdomen reflexively.
“I just had a feeling I should check on you,” he admitted.
Hearing his concern for our baby made my heart ache, knowing I had to leave him soon.
“The baby is fine,” I repeated, assuming that was his only concern.
“It’s not the kid-” Nathan began, then stopped himself. He reached into his pocket. “I have something for you.”
He opened a small box, revealing a teardrop pendant of moonstone that caught the light in mysterious ways.
My breath caught–it was beautiful.
“It’s too beautiful, too precious for someone like me…” I whispered, my voice soft as a feather.
“Don’t move,” he commanded, his voice carrying that Alpha power that made resistance impossible.
He stepped behind me, fastening the necklace around my throat. The pendant rested against my skin, cool and heavy with significance.
“Keep it for me,” he murmured against my ear, his breath warm against my skin, sending shivers down my spine.
I’ll come back tonight. Wait for me, will you?” His eyes briefly flashed gold.
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Chapter 63
The request made my heart stlitter painfully.
“You know that’s impossible. Tonight is your engagement announcement to Madison. For the alliance, you must maintain
appearances.”
Nathan growled low in his throat. “I do what I want, Rachel. You should know that by now.”
His Alpha aura filled the room, pressing against me like a physical weight.
One last chance, I thought desperately. One last chance to see if there’s any hope.
“Then kiss me, I pleaded. ‘One last time. My eyes flashed emerald green with emotion.
He captured my lips with startling gentleness, scents mingling. My heart ached with bittersweet joy.
I memorized everything–the pressure of his lips, the warmth of his hands, the intoxicating pine scent that I would never experience again after tonight.
When we broke apart, I struggled to catch my breath, to find my courage.
“I can’t wait to have this cub, Nathan,” I said tentatively.
“Maybe…” I continued, heart pounding, “maybe after the cub is born, I won’t need to be… released. I know you’ll never want me that way, but perhaps I could stay and help raise the child.” My voice was filled with desperate hope.
Nathan’s face remained impassive, his gray eyes unreadable. My heart cracked as his silence gave me my answer.
“I’ll see you tonight,” he finally said, touching the moonstone pendant at my throat before turning away.
After the door closed behind him, I collapsed onto the bed, tears streaming down my face. But my maternal instinct burned even
stronger.
I fingered the beautiful necklace–a parting gift he didn’t know he was giving.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered to no one and everyone.
My decision was made. Tonight at 7:45, I would be at that bathroom window.
For you, I’ll find the courage. Little one.
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