Rachel’s POV
1 stood frozen in the garden, staring at the shadow before me. My heart raced as I tried to convince myself this was merely an exhaustion–induced hallucination.
It couldn’t be real!
He couldn’t be here!
“I’m not here to hurt you, Nathan said softly, his voice sending shivers down my spine.
He raised his hands slowly, maintaining his distance, but something in his eyes–that familiar intensity–made my breath catch.
“I’m sorry, but you have the wrong person,” I managed to say, my hands instinctively cradling my swollen belly.
Nathan’s scent grew stronger–pine woods and crisp mountain air–as he stepped closer, his presence overwhelming my senses. His voice took on that commanding tone I knew all too well.
“I know it’s you, Rachel. Come with me!” Though his words were firm, his voice trembled slightly.
I remained silent, unable to speak, yet something deep within me–something primal–yearned to move toward this Alpha. My wolf recognized him even as my mind fought against it.
“Rachel… come back to me,” he pleaded, his voice revealing
a
vulnerability I’d never heard before.
Those words pulled at me like a spell. I found myself drawn toward him, my feet moving of their own accord. This had to be a dream–the Nathan I knew would never beg for anything.
“Is it really you, Nathan?” I whispered, my voice shaking.
“It’s me, Rachel…” His eyes locked onto my pregnant belly, a complex mix of emotions flickering across his face–longing, regret, hope, and something else I couldn’t quite name.
Before I could think better of it, I buried my face against his neck. His arms wrapped around me, holding me tight, and my baby kicked gently as if responding to his touch. His familiar scent enveloped me, so powerful and real.
Nathan’s fingers gently stroked my long hair, and I felt tears well up in my eyes, a confusing blend of piness and fear
washing over me.
“Rachel, I’ve missed you so much. We have a lot to talk about. The pack… needs you…” he murmured against my ear.
Wait. This wasn’t right. The Nathan in my dreams was always cold and calculating. Hè needing me. I discreetly pinched myself, wincing at the sharp pain.
My eyes widened–this wasn’t a dream!!!
never spoke of missing me or
Suddenly, the reality of my situation came crashing down. I remembered what I’d overheard that night at the castle- Nathan’s plan to kill me after our baby was born. The Alpha has no use for the mother once she delivers the heir.
1/2
Chapter 122
Fear surged through me like a tidal wave. I pushed away from him, stepping back several paces, my arms wrapping protectively around my bell
“Nathan! Why are you here? How did you find me?” I demanded anger rising in my voice.
He hushed me quickly, his eyes scanning our surroundings with predatory alertness. In two swift strides, he pulled me back into his embrace, his hand gently stroking my back as he whispered, “Someone might hear.”
“Why did you come?” I hissed. “Is it to take my baby away?”
Nathan looked at me with shock, his denial immediate and fierce. “No! Rachel, no… I would never…” His eyes shimmered with what looked like genuine sincerity.
“Then you’ve come to kill me?” My voice trembled as I asked the question, knowing full well what the Alpha of the Ironjaw
Pack did to those who defied his orders.
Nathan stepped back as if I’d physically struck him. “No, Rachel. I’ve crossed impossible barriers to find you. I know you would never harm our child. I had to find you. I had to-”
Our conversation was interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps and Carter’s light whistling.
“You need to go!” I warned urgently.
Nathan understood but didn’t move. “I need to see you again, Rachel,” he said–the first time I’d ever heard this powerful Alpha use a pleading tone.
The footsteps grew louder, accompanied by Carter’s cheerful laughter. His silhouette began to take shape in the moonlight/
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