Annie's POV:
Jasper pulled me along at a fast pace through the crowd.
The whispers behind us felt like needles in my back.
"Is the Beta really marrying that wolfless woman?"
"No way... I thought he was pursuing the Silver Moon princess?"
"She's pregnant? Is that true?"
I didn't catch every word, but each syllable burned like a brand. Jasper's hand stayed locked around mine the entire time, his stride quick and sure, as if he'd already decided exactly where he was taking me.
"Jasper—" I finally found my voice. It came out raw.
"Don't be afraid." He didn't turn around. Just said those two words, low and quiet.
He'd just announced to hundreds of people that I was his mate, carrying his child. From this moment on, my name was tied to his across the entire pack. Elena wouldn't let it g
