Chapter 21
Rachel’s POV
I woke up while my body was aching in places I never knew could hurt. As consciousness fully returned, fragments of the previous night flashed through my mind–taking Emma’s pills, Nathan arriving at the Luna Suite, the completion of my “breeding task–my first time.
This hadn’t been a dreamt
I raised my hand to shield my eyes from the morning light, wincing every muscle protested the movement. My skin bore faint marks–evidence that I was no longer a virgin.
He really marked me…
I covered my face with my hands, tears sliding down my cheeks without permission. I wasn’t even sure why I was crying.
Was it grief for my lost innocence? The physical discomfort? Or was it shame that, under the influence of those pills, I had felt something complicated toward Alpha Nathan?
I remembered his touch, the burn of his lips against my skin, and caught myself wondering if he had felt something in that moment
- 100.
Immediately, I shook my head at the ridiculous thought. To that cold Alpha, I was nothing but a breeder, just a task to complete. Everything I’d experienced last night was just the effect of the drugs and my own imagination.
How could that cold–blooded Alpha possibly have any genuine feelings for me?
“Rachel, remember you’re here for one purpose, nothing more! I scented myself.
1 hugged my arms around my body, trying to sort through my thoughts. I had completed the first part of our agreement. Now I just needed to wait for the results.
Was I pregnant?
My fingers unconsciously drifted to my abdomen, and a small smile crept across my face. Though the thought terrified me, on some level, I hoped I was,
Despite my earlier fear of the whole process, I now found myself… almost looking forward to it.
A gentle knock on the door interrupted my thoughts, making me inwardly groan.
“Rachel?” Victoria’s voice came through the door, and when my eyes met her concerned gaze, I couldn’t help but relax slightly.
Victoria hurried to the bedside, extending her warm arms to pull me into a comforting embrace.
“It’s okay, cry if you need to. Her calm voice offered a small measure of relief, and eventually, the tears subsided.
“I did it,” I whispered, looking up ther
“I know you did, and I’m proud of you. This is the first step to completing your task.”
Task!
I knew Victoria was only trying to comfort me, that she meant no harm. But hearing what I’d lost referred to as a “task” still stung.
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Chapter 21
That part of me should have gone to a true mate, the one the Moon Goddess intended for met
Not as a bargaining chip to pay off my father’s debt.
“It’s okay, you don’t have to be strong,” Victoria said, gently rubbing hry back.
I shook my head, wiping away tenes. “I don’t even know why I’m crying. It’s stupid.”
How could i explain? Tell Victoria 1 wasn’t crying because Nathan had taken my virginity, but because under the drugs influence, i had enjoyed it–wanted it–and even now still craved him?
“Rachel, it’s really okay. You don’t need to act strong…
1 replied, “I’m really okay. It wasn’t as
asn’t as terrible | Imiglited, Alpha than… he… he was gentle with me last night…”
My voice grew so quiet I wasn’t sure Victoria heard me. God, my face was heating up again.
That’s… good to hear, I think? Victoria sat up straighter, confusion and shock evident on her face.
“Is something wrong?” I worried I had offended her.
“No, not at all,”
all,” Victoria explained with a laugh. “It’s just that Nathan is like a brother to me… so hearing about him… in that way is
a little strange.”
I couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped me.
Seeing my improved mood, Victoria’s expression brightened. “Want to do something fun today?” she asked, standing up. “We could go to the music room? Or watch a movie…”
“Can’t we go to the castle courtyard market like usual?” Meeting the friends I’d made there would help take my mind off things.
turn hesitant.
I noticed Victoria’s expression ti
“Well…
“What is it? Am I not allowed to go anymore?”
Victoria sighed, then gently shook her head. “I’m sorry. Nathan wants you to stay within the castle walls, so he always knows where
you are.”
My smile froze instantly.
Victoria
ia quickly explained, “He doesn’t mean anything bad by it. It’s for your safety…”
“It’s fine,” I forced my expression to show understanding. “I get it
e can’t find other things to do in the castle, Victoria said hopefully, and I knew she was just trying to cheer
“That doesn’t mean we
me up.
In fact, deep down, Lfelt a secret thrill.
Helt
Nathan wants me to stay close. He wants to protect me…
Although I knew he was doing this to protect a potential heir that might already be growing inside me, I still felt a warmth at his show of concern.
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“It’s okay, Victoria. I’m actually really tired,” I replied. “I think I should just stay in bed and rest.”
“Are you tire?” Victoria asked.
I nodded. “Yes, I’m sure, I just need to rest a hit, and then eat something, and I’ll be fine.” My body was still exhausted and sore from last night’s experience.
Victoria nodded, then turned toward the door. “111 have someone bring up some food soon. Rest well, Rachel
The weeks that followed passed in a strange blur, Each day, I woke expecting Nathan to return, perhaps to check on me, to see if his “task” had been successful.
But he never came. Not once.
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