Chapter 60
Rachel’s POV
I woke with a start, disoriented to find myself on the cool marble floor of the Moon Goddess Suite.
The ultrasound picture of my baby–my little cub–was still clutched against my chest. I didn’t remember falling asleep, but pregnancy had been draining my energy lately, making me need more rest than usual.
I pushed myself up from the floor, my body aching from the uncomfortable position I’d maintained for who knows how long.
I stretched, trying to work out the kinks in my muscles, and ran my fingers through my tangled copper hair.
“It’s okay,” I whispered, placing a protective hand over my still–flat stomach.
I wandered out of the bedroom, noticing the main suite was dimly lit with just a few candles flickering. The scent of roasted meat hit me immediately–Zoe must have brought dinner while I was asleep.
My stomach growled in response, reminding me I hadn’t eaten since before the ultrasound appointment.
As I moved toward the food, another scent caught my attention–a familiar amber aroma tinged with… alcohol?
“Rachel…”
I nearly jumped at Tyler’s voice. He was sitting on the sofa in the shadows, his amber scent mixing with guilt and whiskey.
“Tyler–what are you doing here?” I asked.
I glanced around, but there was no sign of Nathan’s pine scent.
“Zoe came to me earlier because you weren’t responding to her knocking. She was worried.” He shifted uncomfortably. “I decided to wait until you woke up.”
“Oh, thank you. I’m fine. Don’t worry.” I replied cautiously.
This was the first time we’d been alone since I’d discovered his knowledge of Nathan’s plan to “release” me.
“I smell alcohol on you,” I observed.
Tyler nodded slightly. “Just a few sips. I have border patrols to check later tonight.”
The powerful Beta of Ironjaw Pack, looking so defeated, made an unusual sight. His eyes were filled with sadness as he looked up at
- me.
“I’m sorry, Rachel,” he said, his amber scent souring with remorse.
Seriously? Tyler said this to me?
I realized he’d come specifically to apologize.
“Why, Tyler?” I asked and moved to sit across from him.
Before he could answer, I sighed. “You don’t need to answer. Of course you couldn’t. You’re his Beta, and going against your Alpha’s orders isn’t an option.*
1/2
Chapter 60
‘I’ve been trying to change his mind, Rachel. Even at the risk of defying him, Tyler said earnestly. “I’ve been trying to get him to acknowledge his feelings in to ponse to you. I hoped that with time he would realize it, and you’d never have to know about the ‘release‘ plan at all.”
Tyler, I’m nothing special to him,” I said, my voice flat despite my wolf howling in protest inside me. ‘I’m just a breeder, as you can see. Besides, I understand reality now.”
‘I’m sorry, Rachel, but I’m his Beta. Betraying his trust would mean breaking my oath to my Alpha. By the Moon Goddess, that’s the greatest taboo for a Beta.”
“Tyler, I appreciate that you tried to change Nathan’s mind. Really. What’s done is done. He’s made his choice,” I said with forced calmness, though my heart ached.
Tyler leaned forward, his eyes pleading. “I want to explain something to you, if you’ll give me the chance. I want to explain why Nathan became the Alpha he is now. Maybe then you won’t give up on him, and you can help change his mind.”
My stomach growled pudly, reminding me of my hunger. “Do you mind if I eat?”
“Please, go ahead. I only need ten minutes, I promise.”
“Go on then,” I said, pulling the plate of roasted meat closer and taking a bite. “My cub is hungry,” I added, resting my hand on my stomach.
Tyler took a deep breath. “Nathan wasn’t always the cold Alpha you know now. When he was a pup… he watched his father being killed right in front of him. It wasn’t until his wolf matured that he realized his mother was behind his father’s death, all so she could be with another Alpha.”
I nearly choked on my food. “She betrayed their mate bond? That’s unthinkable for a werewolf.”
“Yes, she did. Because the other Alpha promised her more power. As Nathan grew up, his stepfather subjected him to extreme abuse. Not just him–his beta, his warriors… everyone. I’ve always thought it was the Moon Goddess’s blessing that he survived.”
