BOOK 1: FOREVER SCARRED (from BETRAYAL OF THE HEART series)

Chapter 9: The Announcement

Xavier stormed into his castle, his mind a storm of conflicting emotions. The events of the night weighed heavily on him, but he shoved them to the back of his mind as he entered his chambers. The sight of Hazel sleeping peacefully on his bed did little to soothe his turmoil. He didn't want to disturb her, so he silently grabbed a towel and stepped into the adjoining bathroom to shower.

The sound of water running and the slight echo of movement roused Hazel from her sleep. Her eyes fluttered open, and she noticed the soft glow of light spilling from the bathroom door. Sitting up, she rubbed her eyes, worry creeping into her features.

When Xavier emerged moments later, his hair damp and a towel wrapped around his waist, Hazel's worry turned into urgency. "Xavier," she called softly, then more loudly when he didn't respond, "where were you? You just left without saying anything! I've been waiting-"

Xavier didn't even glance at her. He grabbed a fresh shirt and pants, his movements brisk and detached. Hazel felt a pang in her chest. "Xavier!" she yelled, her voice tinged with desperation.

Still, he ignored her.

Hazel's frustration boiled over. She let out a sharp cry, clutching her stomach as she doubled over on the bed. "Ah! Alpha... it hurts," she whimpered.

His head snapped toward her, his eyes narrowing with sudden concern. In an instant, he was by her side, his hands hovering uncertainly over her. "What's wrong? Is it the baby?" he asked, his voice edged with panic.

Hazel bit her lip to hide her smirk, but tears still welled up in her eyes. "It's just... I've been feeling so emotional lately," she said softly, grabbing his hands and guiding them to her waist. "I feel so sad sometimes, and I just... I need you."

Xavier sighed, his concern shifting into a quieter resolve. He wasn't oblivious to her tactics, but he couldn't ignore the fact that she was carrying his child. "I'll take care of it," he said gruffly. "You won't have to feel this way anymore."

Hazel looked up at him with hope shining in her eyes. "What do you mean?"

"I'm going to announce it to the pack," Xavier said firmly. "They need to know that you are carrying the heir. From now on, they will respect you, and they will protect you."

Hazel's face lit up with excitement. "Really?" she asked, her voice trembling with joy. She threw her arms around his neck, pressing her cheek against his chest. "Thank you, Xavier! I've been dreaming of this moment. I want to be by your side when you tell them. Let them see how much you adore me."

Xavier stiffened slightly but nodded. "Fine. You're nearly six months along now. They'll need to see their future."

Straightening, Xavier stepped away from Hazel and mind-linked Damian.

"Damian, I need you to gather everyone at the training grounds immediately."

Damian, startled by the sudden command, replied, "Everyone, Alpha?"

"Yes. Everyone. This is not a request. Every member of the pack must attend." Xavier's tone was absolute, leaving no room for argument.

Damian hesitated but responded obediently, "Understood, Alpha. I'll ensure it's done."

The pack members, nearly 100,000 , began making their way to the training grounds. Word spread quickly, and curiosity buzzed through the air. The training field, vast enough to accommodate twice their number, began to fill with wolves and their families, all eager to hear what their Alpha King had to say.

Hazel stood beside Xavier, her hand on her still-flat stomach, her head held high. The glow of the moon illuminated the gathering crowd, casting a regal light on the couple standing at the forefront. Hazel's heart raced with excitement, knowing she would finally be recognized as the mother of Xavier's heir-the future of the pack.

As the last stragglers arrived, Xavier stepped forward, his commanding presence silencing the murmuring crowd. His deep voice echoed through the field. "I have called you here tonight because it is time for you to know the truth. Your Luna, Hazel, is carrying my child-the future Alpha King of this pack."

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd, but they quickly fell silent as Xavier's piercing gaze swept over them. Hazel stood tall, basking in the moment, her hand resting protectively over her stomach.

"You will honor her, protect her, and respect her as your Luna," Xavier continued, his voice firm and unyielding. "This is not a request. It is a command."

The pack erupted into cheers and howls, their loyalty and excitement filling the air. Hazel couldn't help but smile, tears of joy streaming down her face as she turned to Xavier. "Thank you," she whispered, gripping his arm tightly.

Xavier nodded, his expression unreadable. But deep down, even he couldn't deny the satisfaction of seeing his pack united, ready to welcome the next generation of leadership.

Margie stood in the crowd, her heart heavy as she watched Xavier stand tall and announce Hazel's pregnancy to the entire pack. His words pierced her like a blade, the cheers and howls of the pack only amplifying the pain. Just hours ago, she had thought that their bond-their mating-might change something, but now, it was clear she was nothing to him.

Tears brimmed in her eyes, and she quickly wiped them away, not wanting to draw attention to herself. But her sadness didn't go unnoticed. Felipe, standing beside her, caught the pained expression on her face. His sharp eyes missed nothing.

"Margie," he said softly, leaning closer so only she could hear, "what's wrong?"

She shook her head, unable to speak. The lump in her throat made it impossible. Felipe frowned, his jaw tightening as he looked toward Xavier and Hazel on the stage. Understanding dawned on him, and his chest filled with anger-not for the Alpha King, but for the pain he was causing Margie.

"Come on," Felipe said, gently grabbing her arm. "Let's get out of here."

Margie hesitated. "But... the announcement-"

"You don't need to be here for this," Felipe cut in firmly. His voice softened as he added, "Go get dressed. We're going out."

The tenderness in his voice was her undoing. Margie nodded, grateful for the escape. She hurried back to her apartment, her mind spinning as she tried to push away the image of Xavier's cold expression and Hazel's glowing pride.

Meanwhile, Paris watched from the crowd, her eyes glued to Felipe as he led Margie away. Her hands balled into fists at her sides, her nails digging into her palms. The pain in her chest was unbearable, but it wasn't just jealousy-it was fear. Fear that she was losing him.

Felipe was her world. Her mate. The bond between them was supposed to be unbreakable, but now, it felt as though it was hanging by a thread. She had embarrassed Margie earlier, hoping to drive her away, but instead, it seemed to have drawn Felipe closer to her.

Paris clenched her jaw, her wolf growling restlessly within her. She needed to do something, and fast. But this time, she couldn't act recklessly. She couldn't afford to push Felipe further away.

"I'll make this right," Paris whispered to herself, her mind already racing with plans. Whatever it took, she would fix things. She would win Felipe back-even if it meant doing something drastic.

Felipe waited patiently outside Margie's apartment, his arms crossed as he leaned against the wall. When she emerged, dressed in simple but comfortable clothes, he gave her a small, reassuring smile.

"Ready?" he asked.

Margie nodded, her voice still shaky. "Where are we going?"

"You'll see," Felipe replied, his tone light as he gestured for her to follow him.

They walked in silence for a while, the cool night air wrapping around them. Felipe led her to the edge of the pack's territory, where a small clearing overlooked the forest. The stars above were bright, the moon casting a soft glow over the scene.

"This is my favorite spot," Felipe said, sitting down on a large rock and motioning for Margie to join him. "Whenever things get... complicated, I come here to think."

Margie hesitated but eventually sat beside him, the peaceful atmosphere easing some of the tension in her chest.

"I noticed you were upset back there," Felipe said gently. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Margie shook her head, her gaze fixed on the stars. "It's nothing. I just... I didn't expect things to be like this."

Felipe's brows furrowed. "Margie, you don't have to hide how you feel. Not from me."

She sighed, finally turning to look at him. "It's just... Xavier. He-" Her voice broke, and she quickly looked away, ashamed of her vulnerability. "He doesn't care about me."

Felipe reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Then he's a fool," he said firmly. "You're worth more than someone who doesn't see your value."

His words brought fresh tears to Margie's eyes, but this time, they weren't entirely of sadness. She gave him a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, Felipe."

Felipe's gaze lingered on her for a moment, his expression softening. "You deserve to be happy, Margie. And I'll do whatever I can to make sure you are."

Margie felt her heart flutter at his sincerity, and for the first time that night, she allowed herself to hope that maybe-just maybe-things would get better.

She placed her head on his shoulders, and took a deep breath. Felipe was overjoyed because he knew that she trusts and cares for him wholeheartedly, his thoughts went to the kiss they shared and he was content.

After it got dark Felipe took Margie to her apartment to rest, it was like she was his princess and commander, he felt happy always with her. He kissed her goodnight and decided to head to his cabin.

Margie felt guilty that she was having something with a mated wolf but the thought of Xavier having someone who ain't his mate made her think otherwise.