Chapter 41
Rachel’s POV
I woke to an empty suite, the massive four–poster bed beside mine untouched. Nathan hadn’t returned all night…
My stomach churned unpleasantly as I sat up. I don’t think a person can feel unwell as frequently as I do, but then again, with everything pressing down on me as a breeder, I have no choice but to accept it.
I dressed in a simple purple sundress, hoping the fresh air of the garden might settle my churning stomach.
Victoria had mentioned meeting for breakfast in the castle’s courtyard garden, and the thought of friendly company lifted my spirits slightly.
As I brushed my copper hair, the door to the suite opened. Nathan’s cold pine scent immediately filled the space, wrapping around me like a physical touch.
My wolf stirred inside me, alert yet yearning for our Alpha’s proximity.
“Rachel.”
“Yes… Alpha?” I hesitated.
I thought…” He paused, shaking his head, his large hand giving his brow a gentle squeeze. “Nothing. I’m heading down soon–would you like me to accompany you?”
“Yes, please. I was planning to have breakfast with Victoria in the courtyard garden,” I replied, surprised by his offer.
His eyebrow rose, followed by a rare smile and nod. “Are you sure you want to go there? There are already some guests there. You could stay in the suite and avoid socializing with them.”
I gathered my courage. “If you don’t mind, I’d really like to go.”
“Fine.” His warm demeanor quickly reverted to Alpha coldness, his pine scent turning sharper.
The courtyard garden was already bustling with female werewolves engaged in morning conversations.
Honestly, I kind of wished I hadn’t come. My wolf felt uneasy with all the unfamiliar scents.
“Rachel!” Victoria called excitedly.
“Hi. I’m feeling a bit unwell this morning… I think I’m just hungry, probably because I didn’t eat much last night
“Well then, come on. Let’s get you something to eat. Goddess knows you need to keep your strength up,” Victoria said with concern.
I noticed Gina sitting beside Victoria, her striking resemblance to Nathan obvious in the daylight. “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to interrupt your breakfast.”
“Oh, don’t be silly!” Victoria laughed.
“She’s right,” Gina said. “I think we got off on the wrong foot, and I apologize for that. I thought you were some woman trying to steal my brother’s money and become his Luna for power.”
Oh- I was taken aback by her directness. “No, I would never-
with
Chapter 41
“Relax,” Gina chuckled. “Victoria explained the situation to me. Don’t worry. From what I’ve heard about what you’ve bee I’m sorry. None should be sold as property, even in our world.”
I lowered my hand. “It’s okay, I’m used to it.”
“Yeah, and that’s the problem right there. You shouldn’t be used to it.” Gina’s smile warmed. “Don’t worry, you’ve got anc now, and my brother knows better than to piss me off. His wolf may be an Alpha, but I’ve known how to handle him sinc kids.”
my spirits
g around
might
Victoria choked on her water, laughing. “Gina!” she mind–linked, her voice echoing in my head.
Gina grinned smugly. “What? It’s true.”
“Gina’s a bit rebellious, Rachel. Be careful–she’ll have you doing things you’ve never done before. Before the next full m might find yourself doing things you never thought you would,” Victoria warned playfully.
Gina ligh Gina lightly swatted Victoria’s arm, and they both laughed again. “Don’t listen to her or Tyler. I’m not that bad, I just do brothers brother’s crap. He may be Alpha of Ironjaw, but he’s still my brother.”
Madison Madison’s voice suddenly carried across the garden, deliberately loud. “Can you believe it? I’m marrying the King’s cousi Alpha of Alpha of Ironjaw Pack!”
felt my i felt my wolf perk up its ears. “Cousin? Is she talking about… Nathan?”
d–would’ictoria Victoria leaned closer, whispering, “Don’t listen to her, Rachel. She’s just showing off. Nothing’s been officially announc
te, You
Gina’s greGina’s green eyes flashed dangerously, looking ready to say something about Madison.
Victoria siictoria sighed, shaking her head. “This isn’t the place to discuss that, Gina. Walls have ears, especially in the King’s cas
Victoria loiatria lowered her voice further. “Last night at dinner, King Jason requested that Nathan marry to strengthen the allia Raymond Round of Geldshore Pack. It’s preparation for the coming war.”
“He can’t possibht possibly agree to that!” Gina’s eyes flashed gold with shock. “You know how much he hates the idea of mates: since Father.ce Father…”
2
“Even if it’s builshit, Gurilshit, Gina?” Victoria’s voice rose slightly, her scent tinged with anger. “Please. I know you can’t stand M either. Are your telfinyon telling me…”
As they argued, felta dydvielfalwave of dizziness sweep over me. My copper hair fell forward, hiding my pale face. “Victoria, cou me where the restroom is?loom is? I’m really not feeling well
Victoria’s expression shifted frshifted from irritation with Gina to concern for me, her nose twitching as she caught the change in “Oh, Goddess–dollreddo Laked to take you to see doctor?”
Chapter Commentsments
