Chapter 42
Rachel’s POV
“No, no. I’ll be fine. Just too much information and too many scents my wolf isn’t used to it, that’s all,” I managed a weak smile.
“I’ll take you,” Victoria insisted.
I shook my head gently. “Just point me in the right direction, I’ll be back soon.”
Gina mind–linked to Victoria, “You shouldn’t let her go alone. Her scent has changed, something’s off.”
I noticed their silent communication and smiled. “Tell her not to worry so much. I’m used to taking care of myself.”
Victoria gasped. “You can hear our mind–links?”
Gina laughed deeply. Interesting. Seems my brother’s little breeder is more valuable than she appears.”
In the bathroom, I stared at my reflection. My eyes glistened with unshed tears, my hair framing my pale face.
Hearing Gina confirm what I had already suspected about Nathan’s marriage plans, something broke deep inside me.
My heart felt like it was being torn apart by claws at the thought of him marrying someone else.
I had to admit that even if he didn’t see me as his mate… I wanted nothing more than to stay by his side. Even if I was just a breeder, only there to bear his heir.
He didn’t have to choose me as his mate or his Luna, just being near him, smelling his scent… that would be enough.
A wave of nausea hit me suddenly. Cold sweat dripped down my neck as I leaned over the toilet, emptying my stomach.
Unease swirled in my core as my wolf whimpered within me, sensing something important changing.
“Maybe I need to go back and rest…” I murmured to myself, one hand resting on my abdomen. “My wolf feels so unsettled…”
As I stepped into the hallway, Madison suddenly appeared, flanked by several females from Goldshore Pack.
“Where do you think you’re going, Ironjaw whore?” she demanded.
I really wanted to curse back when I heard her scolding me like that, but I’m just a nobody.
I kept my head down, trying to avoid conflict. “Please let me pass, Madison.”
“You dare address me by name, lowly breeder?!” Her eyes flashed dangerously. “You should call me the future Luna!”
“Please let me pass.” I tried again to move around her.
Madison blocked my path, releasing dominant pheromones. “No. You will listen to what I have to say.” She smirked coldly. “Stop hanging around my fiancé. He has me now, and we’re going to have the Moon Goddess ceremony. Any offspring I give him will be legitimate heirs, not some bastards crawling out of a slut’s womb.”
My wolf surged with primal anger. She could insult me all she want, but insulting a potentially unborn child was absolutely unacceptable.
Chapter 42
“Move aside, Madison,” I said my eyes flashing gold.
“Move aside?!” she shrieked before slapping me hard across the face. You dare command me! I am Luna!!”
Stars spun before my eyes from the force of Madison’s slap. My ears rang and I tasted the metallic tang of blood in my mouth.
I looked up at her in shock, my eyes likely flashing my wolf’s green glow, tears welling but refusing to fall.
Victoria suddenly rushed to the scene, positioning herself between us. “You dare strike Alpha’s property?! This is a direct challenge and offense to Nathan!”
“Get out of my way, Victoria,” Madison replied haughtily “I’m the future Luna of Ironjaw now. Don’t make me punish you when I become Luna.”
“Bitch, who do you think you’re talking to?!” Gina growled.
-Victoria turned to steady me as I swayed, sniffing the air around me with concern. “Are you okay? Your scent… it’s changing…”
I nodded slowly, though clearly weakened.
“Who do you think you’re talking to?!” Madison roared at Gina. “Who gives you the right to speak to me that way?!”
Gina laughed. “I’m Nathan Blackwood’s sister, you idiot. I swear to the Moon Goddess, you will never be Luna of Ironjaw. You may hold the title of fiancée temporarily–but that’s all it is, temporary. I make every day you spend in Ironjaw like hell because you dared to touch Rachel and think you could insert yourself into our lives.”
Madison backed down slightly but maintained her arrogance. “So you’re the rebellious sister? Sorry, I didn’t realize who you were… but this isn’t your business. This is between me and this breeder.”
“Shut up,” Gina’s eyes turned completely gold. “Say one more word and I’ll make you feel real pain.”
“Rachel, let us take you to Doctor,” Victoria whispered. “You need to be checked.”
I don’t know where I got the courage from, but I actually talked back to Madison. My eyes were red and my voice was choked with emotion.
I took a deep breath and straightened my posture. “It’s fine.” I stepped around Victoria and Gina to face Madison directly. “You may marry him, but remember it’s just a political alliance, not because-”
“Oh my goddess!” Madison laughed sarcastically, clapping her hands dramatically. “The breeder thinks she understands love!”
Madison’s hard slap sent me crashing onto the marble. A searing pain shot through me, dizziness swamping my senses.
Before losing consciousness, I was wondering if Nathan would blame me. If he got angry, what should do?
The cold marble chilled my skin as my vision blurred. Madison’s angry shouts faded as I slipped into a dark abyss.
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