Rejected While Pregnant with the Alpha’s Secret Heir

Golden rays of the morning sun softly pierced through the heavy curtains, painting Corin’s spacious bedroom with warm streaks of light. The room smelled of pine, comfort, and that deep, intoxicating alpha scent that always gave Erin a sense of absolute safety. She slowly opened her eyes. The very first thing she felt was the steady, soothing beat of his heart right beneath her cheek. Erin was lying on his broad chest, covered by a thick blanket, while Corin’s strong arms held her waist with a gentle, possessive care, pressing her close as if she were his greatest treasure. Corin was already awake. He lay perfectly still, afraid to disturb her sleep, just looking down at her. His dark eyes were brimming with such boundless tenderness that Erin’s chest gave a sweet, familiar ache. "Good morning, my Luna," his voice was low, laced with a slight morning huskiness that sent pleasant shivers down her spine. His massive hand slid down her back, tracing her spine with agonizing slowness. "Good morning," she whispered, shifting slightly to press a light, feather-soft kiss to his jaw. "Have you been awake long?" "Long enough to plan the next hundred years of our lives," Corin smiled softly, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. His fingers lingered on her cheek, caressing her soft skin. "I was lying here thinking that it’s time we build our own house. Just for us. Down by the river, where we walked last week. Do you remember that place?" Erin closed her eyes, melting into his touch, and nodded. "I remember. It’s beautiful there. And so peaceful." "Exactly. I want us to have a big wooden house with huge windows," Corin murmured quietly, as if sharing a sacred secret, his lips brushing against her temple. "I want a long life with you, Erin. I want our children running around the yard. I want you sitting on the porch, while I look at you and realize that this is exactly what I was born for." Tears of pure affection pricked her eyes. No one had ever loved her this fiercely. To the rest of the pack, she was just an orphan, a stray they took in, but to this massive, powerful alpha, she was his entire world. Erin reached up, framing his face with her hands, and their lips met in a long, slow, and incredibly tender kiss, full of promises that needed no vows. Suddenly, Corin pulled back just a fraction. His nostrils flared as he took a deep breath, burying his face in the crook of her neck. His hot breath scorched her sensitive skin. The alpha froze for a second, then frowned, inhaling deeply once more. "What is it?" Erin laughed softly, the stubble on his chin tickling her, and tried to pull away, but he held her firmly in place. "Your scent... it’s strange," Corin murmured, not lifting his face from her skin. His voice dropped an octave, laced with a possessive, primal edge. "Sweet. But in a different way. It’s richer. I’m drawn to you even more than yesterday. My wolf is going absolutely crazy, Erin." He nuzzled her collarbone, exhaling heavily, and pulled her hips even tighter against his. Erin let out a bright laugh, running her fingers through his thick hair. "You’re silly," she breathed affectionately, kissing the top of his head. "I’m exactly the same. It’s just your wolf being greedy." Neither of them knew that this new, intoxicating sweetness in her aroma wasn't just the mating bond playing tricks on them. Neither the alpha nor his Luna had the slightest suspicion that these were the first, subtle notes of a new life blossoming deep inside her. Corin let out a low, rumbling growl of agreement and captured her lips once more, making her forget about everything else in the world. When he finally released her from his embrace and headed to the shower, Erin leaned back against the pillows. The sun flooded the bed, warming her bare shoulders. She pressed a hand to her chest, feeling her heart beating with pure, unadulterated joy. I am the happiest wolf in the world, she thought, squinting at the bright light. I have everything. And nothing can ever destroy this. She stretched sweetly, completely unaware that right at this very moment, outside the window, breaking the morning silence, a long black car was slowly and silently crawling up the gravel driveway toward their home. The vehicle came to a halt. The door opened, and Elder Morin stepped out onto the dew-kissed grass. He raised his cold, unblinking gaze to the windows of the alpha's bedroom, and a chilling, calculating smile played on his thin lips.