"I always wanted a child," I whispered to myself as I parked the car in front of my house. "And now that I'm pregnant, the father is a werewolf." I sighed, trying to shake off the anxiety that gripped me.
As I stepped out of the car and headed toward my front door, two men approached me.
"Hey, miss, is this your car?" one of them asked, his tone sharp.
I frowned. "Is there a problem?"
"Bet your ass there's a problem," the other man snarled. "You owe us some money. Do you know Michael Baxter?"
My heart sank. "Is this about his car? Because I was just borrowing it—"
"Shut up!" the first man barked, cutting me off.
I tried to reason with them. "Mike knows that—"
"Shut up," he repeated. "Is this his car?"
"Yes, why?" I asked, my voice trembling.
"You and Mr. Baxter owe us $200,000 on a past due loan."
"I don't know what you're talking about. I paid all his debts, and I have nothing to do with him anymore," I said firmly, stepping back, hoping to end the conversation.
Before I could move further, one of them grabbed me, pinning me against the wall. "We don't care about that," he hissed. "We just want our f*****g money, bitch."
"I don't have $200,000," I gasped, trying to push him away.
"Then you'll just have to find another way to pay," the other man said menacingly. "Don't worry, we're more flexible and gentle with women."
Before I could react, he kicked me in the stomach. I doubled over, clutching my belly. "My baby, please stop! I'm pregnant!"
"We don't care," he sneered, dragging me by my hair. The other man raised his hand to hit me again.
Suddenly, a blur of movement caught my eye. Before I could register what was happening, a strong hand grabbed the man from behind. He turned, only to face Dominic, who had appeared out of nowhere.
Dominic’s eyes burned with fury as he shifted into his wolf form, his powerful jaws clamping down on one of the men. The other tried to run, but Dominic was too fast. In seconds, both men were lying lifeless on the ground.
Dominic shifted back, rushing to me. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice full of concern.
I tried to answer, but the pain was too much. The world around me blurred, and I collapsed into his arms, fainting.
Dominic caught me before I hit the ground, gently cradling me. Without hesitation, he lifted me and carried me away.
I blinked, the soft glow of the morning sun filtering through luxurious drapes. My head felt heavy, but the silken sheets beneath me were a stark contrast to the cold pavement I last remembered. As I sat up, trying to piece together what had happened, the door creaked open.
Dominic entered, carrying a tray with breakfast. His presence was overwhelming, his piercing eyes locking onto mine as he approached.
"Would you like breakfast?" he asked, setting the tray on the nightstand.
"Where am I?" I croaked, my voice still groggy.
"I brought you back to my place," he replied, pulling a chair close to the bed and sitting down. "To keep you safe from your associates."
"My associates?" I echoed, confusion wrinkling my brow.
"Is that who you're running around with? Loan sharks?" His tone was sharp, bordering on accusatory.
"I have never seen them before in my life," I shot back, frustration creeping into my voice.
"So, strangers are chasing you down for money?" His brow arched, skepticism lacing his words. "You know, if I would've known that you were this hard up, I'm surprised you didn't just take me up on my offer."
"Your offer to buy my child?" I retorted, the bitterness in my voice unmistakable.
Dominic sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Look, that might have been a bit too aggressive."
"A bit?" I shot back, narrowing my eyes at him. "You were incredibly aggressive and rude. Take me home now."
He leaned forward, his eyes softening, but his tone remained firm. "Ella, we need to come to an agreement about my cub."
I clenched my jaw, refusing to back down. "It's not your cub, Dominic. It's my baby."
He inhaled deeply, his gaze never leaving mine. "You know, I didn't choose this either, okay? But we are here, and you are carrying my pup."
I shook my head, my heart pounding in my chest. "I'm carrying a baby, not a pup. This child is human, just like me."
Dominic's expression darkened, but he kept his voice steady. "That child is part wolf, Ella. Whether you like it or not, he's my heir, and I have a responsibility to him."
"You don't get to dictate my life because of some werewolf hierarchy," I snapped. "This is my child, and I won't let you take him away from me."
Dominic stood, towering over me, his presence almost suffocating. "I'm not trying to take him away. but I will appreciate it,if you let me protect you.if you could at least let me keep you safe.
I crossed my arms, still defiant. "I need new clothes."
Dominic nodded, his voice softer now. "There are fresh clothes in the closet. They're for you." He glanced at the tray of food on the bedside table. "You can meet me in the dining room when you're ready, but I'll leave the breakfast for you and the pup." He paused, his gaze briefly meeting mine. "I'm sorry, Ella." With that, he turned and left the room, closing the door gently behind him.
I sat on the bed, letting out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. My eyes caught a piece of paper folded neatly on the nightstand. I reached for it and unfolded it, reading the simple message: Eat this in your room to be safe. I don't know what humans like.
I looked up at the dining table in my room and saw the tray of food, the aroma wafting towards me. Despite everything, a small smile tugged at the corners of my lips. "He's actually kind of caring," I murmured to myself.
Curiosity got the better of me, and I walked over to the closet. As I opened the doors, I was met with an array of new, fancy bags and clothes, each piece more beautiful than the last. It was overwhelming, but it also showed a side of Dominic I hadn't seen before—a side that cared, even if he had a rough way of showing it. He also has good taste, a werewolf dad isn't that bad.
Dominic's POV
I paced in my study, My Beta, Hugo, standing nearby, my face tense with concern. "Now, you're going to keep things a secret," I instructed, my voice low and authoritative. "No one can find out she's human. My pup will be born safely, regardless of the election."
Hugo nodded but hesitated. "But Alpha, if your enemies find out, they will—"
"Who's getting killed?" Ella's voice interrupted from behind me and Hugo.
Both of us turned swiftly, our eyes meeting hers. Ella stood in the doorway, her arms crossed, her eyes narrowed in suspicion.
"No one," I said quickly, my tone softening. "As long as you sign this contract and pretend to be my Luna."
Ella stepped further into the room, her confusion evident. "What contract? And what's Luna? What are you talking about?"
Hugo glanced at me, then spoke up, his tone more explanatory. "Sir, maybe you should explain to her... in human terms."
I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "For your safety, you not only have to pretend to be a werewolf, but you also have to pretend to be my wife." My eyes locked onto hers, waiting for her reaction.