THE ALPHA'S REJECTED BRIDE

Chapter 4.Courage

Elena’s POV

I paced back and forth, thinking of my next step. Caroline had spent the night in my room, her eyes glued on me, all night trying to figure out my next plan.

“What can I do?” she asked.

“A full proof plan. One on how to permanently neutralize the bond between two mates without it feeling like it will kill me. And how to hide a newborn from a madman.” I placed my hands on my belly, my mind racing. “A place to hide for the next few months.”

The western cave crossed my mind. That was a place my child and I could stay for a while. No one ever goes there.

“Elena, how do you intend not to be noticed by him if he comes searching?”

“I will wait only for a few months before heading to the cave.”

“And how do you intend to hide the pregnancy?”

I was aware of the risks. But if this baby became public knowledge, it wouldn’t end well.

She agreed, giving me a tight hug before letting go. “I will ask around and bring in some books for you.”

For the next few days, she brought books on the mate bond and told me everything she could find on mate neutralization—which honestly wasn’t much. It seemed it couldn’t be completely broken.

That evening, a warm cloak was brought so I could go and take a look at the western cave. My belly seemed to be growing at a strange pace.

I avoided Igor completely, and just as I thought, he still didn’t care. I made sure to be seen often around the pack to reduce suspicion. Other than that, he never once looked for me.

I kept my plans secret and remained the same old omega to the rest of the pack. No one seemed to care or even notice me, which was exactly what I wanted.

The forest was dark again. The sky was starless and moonless. During this period, even deep vision couldn’t see.

I walked into the cave, looking around, going deeper where the cries of a newborn wouldn’t be heard. Indeed, this was going to be my perfect hideout when the time was right.

All I needed were supplies and money to sustain us. Joy filled my heart at the hope of survival for my little one.

Igor’s POV

For the past few days, my wolf had been silent. The mate bond felt… like it was a thousand miles away.

My wolf pushed forward, wanting an audience, but I wasn’t in the mood for one. This feeling—I didn’t like it.

I headed to the omega room. I would continue what I had started on the last full moon, and I wouldn’t stop until I was convinced she was with child—my cure.

The room was empty. The bed was made, everything in place, but she was nowhere to be seen.

I found Luca, her Alpha. “Where is the omega?” I tried to keep my voice calm.

“Send out a search party and bring her to me without a scratch.”

After hours, still nothing.

Abel came back. “Alpha, she’s in the garden at the west wing.”

I was shocked. I had thought she escaped. What I felt then was relief—that she wasn’t out there all by herself. Or was it because I needed her?

“She is only an omega,” I said to my wolf, who seemed ready to claw me from the inside out.

Just then, my door slammed open.

Elena stood in the doorway, looking different. “Alpha Igor, we need to talk.”

I sat down, a smile tugging at my lips.

“Do you want to come in?”