Carrying The Alpha's Baby

ChapterFive

"Madam," Mirabel began, her voice trembling with emotion as she addressed Valenthia, "I assure you that this is Rajah's child. He's the only man I've been with in years. I don't even know how it happened. I was never attracted to anyone since my last relationship. I'm always in my studio, and I don't even have friends —well aside from Ruth— but other than that, zilch. I would never have come this far if it weren't for him. I'm risking my life and my friend's by coming to complete strangers in a place I never thought I'd see," she poured her heart out, her words echoing in the room.

Valenthia, skilled at reading people, felt a sense of certainty wash over her as she listened to Mirabel's impassioned plea. It was clear to her that this was no joke. Her only task now was to convince her son that a new heir was on the way. The mechanics of how it happened were a discovery for another day. With a soft smile, Valenthia reached out and brushed her hand across Mirabel's cheek, her touch filled with compassion. Mirabel leaned into the gesture, feeling a wave of relief wash over her.

"Be calm, my child. Everything is going to be okay," Valenthia assured her, her voice gentle yet firm.

"Thank you, ma'am," Mirabel replied, allowing a tear to roll down her cheek.

At that moment, Rajah, who had actually never left, emerged from the corridor and into the study where they sat. He looked between his mother and Mirabel, confusion evident in his expression as he tried to piece together what was happening.

"What's going on?" Rajah asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Valenthia motioned for him to take a seat, her eyes never leaving Mirabel's face. She knew that this conversation would change everything, and she needed her son to be prepared for what was to come.

"Rajah, my son," Valenthia began, her tone measured and composed, "there is something you need to know. Mirabel here has come to us with some rather surprising news."

Rajah's brow furrowed in confusion as he turned his attention to Mirabel, waiting for her to speak. Mirabel took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before she spoke.

"Rajah," she began, her voice steady despite the turmoil raging inside her, "I'm pregnant. And according to Dominique," she gestured to the sweet old lady who had been a silent witness to their conversation, "it's with a werewolf baby."

Rajah's eyes widened in shock, his mind struggling to process the enormity of Mirabel's revelation. Werewolf babies were unheard of, a mere myth in the world he had grown up in. But as he looked into Mirabel's eyes, he saw the truth reflected in their depths. This was no joke. This was real.

"How is that even possible?" Rajah asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Valenthia placed a comforting hand on her son's shoulder, her expression grave yet reassuring. "That is a question for another day, my son. For now, we must focus on what lies ahead. You are going to be a father, and we must prepare for the arrival of this child."

"That cannot be my child, Mother, and you know why," Rajah's voice dripped with aggression, his words a sharp contrast to the tension that hung in the air. Valenthia's heart sank at her son's tone, a pang of disappointment flickering across her features before she composed herself. She knew Rajah's temper well, but she also knew the importance of handling the situation delicately.

Without missing a beat, Rajah shifted in his seat, his demeanor suddenly calm as if realizing he had overstepped with his mother. "I'm sorry, Mother, but this is outrageous. She's obviously lying," he insisted, his voice now tempered but still firm in its conviction.

Valenthia sighed inwardly, her mind racing as she tried to navigate the storm brewing between her son and Mirabel. She knew she had to diffuse the situation before it escalated further. "I know she's telling the truth. Come with me," she said, her voice gentle yet firm as she motioned for Rajah to follow her out of the room.

As they stepped into the hallway, Mirabel's attention was immediately drawn to the woman who had just entered. Rachel was a force to be reckoned with, her presence commanding and her features striking. With the way she carried herself, it was evident she never took no for an answer and would not hesitate to confront any man. Her hair, a fiery shade of red, framed her face in a striking contrast against her porcelain skin.

"So, it's true?" Rachel's voice shook with a mix of curiosity and concern, her eyes fixed on Mirabel as if searching for answers.

"Rachel, welcome home. This is Mirabel, she will be with us for a while. Please come with us," Valenthia interjected, attempting to shield Mirabel from any stress, knowing what Rachel was capable of. Mirabel offered a tentative smile as Rachel stood by the door, her gaze piercing as if she could see right through her.

"Does she know what we are?" Rachel's question hung in the air, its implications sending a shiver down Mirabel's spine.

"OUT NOW!" Valenthia's voice echoed through the room, her tone laced with anger as she pointed Rachel out of the room.

An awkward silence filled the space as they finally left, leaving Mirabel feeling more confused than ever. Her smile faded, replaced by a sense of unease as she pondered Rachel's question. What did they mean by "what we are"? Could they be cannibals or part of some sort of cult, she wondered, her mind swirling with worry and uncertainty.