CHAPTER 4
1181 Words
Veracity
Mia's POV
With my hand on my belly when the baby kicks, I murmur quietly while cleaning the bakery counter. Even though I can still hear the rogue wolf's roar from last night, I ignore it and concentrate on the aroma of freshly baked bread. The town is silent and the door is bolted, yet I still feel uneasy, as if someone is watching me. I look out the window and see only my reflection, my green eyes sleepy, my wavy hair dishevelled. When I hear a scuffle outside, my heart races like claws on stone, even though I convince myself I'm safe.
I grab a rolling pin as I freeze as the door rattles. With blood on his knuckles and a torn shirt, Lucas charges in. "Come back, Mia!" he yells, his blue eyes ablaze. Glass shatters everywhere as a massive wolf bursts through the window before I can scream at him. Lucas moves, his black wolf tackling the rogue as I scream and drop the rolling pin. I scurry behind the counter, gasping for air as they roll over the floor, toppling tables. Lucas is stronger than the rogue, so he pins it down until it whimpers and runs out the broken window.
With his scar standing out against his pale face, Lucas pulls back, panting. He approaches me and declares, "You're not safe here." I pull away, trembling hands, fear and rage mingling.
"You have no right to dictate to me what I should do!" With a sharp voice, I snap. Lucas, you abandoned me, and now wolves are after me? Who are you? The realization that he is not human makes my heart race. The wolf's howl, my dream, and my baby's kicks feel more powerful, as if they are aware of something I am not.
Lucas appears to be in pain, then his eyes soften. "Mia, I'm a werewolf. Additionally, you are my mate—the person I was destined to be with. I laugh, resentful and afraid, as his words hit me like a punch.
"Your partner? You abandoned me in the hut by myself! With my hand on my stomach, I shout. "You didn't care and this baby is yours!" I detest tears, and they hurt my eyes. Despite my want to be strong, I'm afraid of him, the wolves, and the weird emotions I'm experiencing.
Lucas approaches me with his hands raised like if I were a terrified animal. "I went out to keep you safe. I couldn't take the chance of my pack becoming weak from a human partner. I don't care that his voice breaks. I'm tired of his justifications.
I gesture to the door and say, "Get out." "You and your secrets are unnecessary to me." His gaze lingers on my stomach before he nods and walks away, the shattered glass crunching beneath his feet. With shaking hands, I shut the door and collapse on the floor, embracing myself. What's going on with me? Why am I feeling so weird?
Lucas's Pov
No rogue's claws can penetrate as deeply as Mia's words. The night air feels cool on my skin as I stand outside the bakery, and I can still smell her scent—fear and vanilla. Even if my wolf howls and begs to return, I make myself move on. I left her to deal with rogues by herself, even though she is my partner and is expecting my child. I'm a fool, and now I've put her in danger. She was the target of the rogue's attack, with its eyes fixed on her abdomen. Something is pursuing our child.
With my boots heavy on the wooded walk, I make my way to the pack's den. Ethan is cleaning a gash on his arm from patrol while he waits, his dark eyes alert. He throws me a handkerchief to clean the blood from my hands and asks, "Another rogue?" With my teeth clenched, I assent and tell him about Mia—her wrath, her pregnancy, and the rogue's attention to her.
"Isn't she your partner?" Ethan says, no longer grinning. Lucas, you must tell her everything. It's not safe for her out there. The pack's rules weigh on me, even if I know he's correct. Especially with rogues around, a human mate could cause us to part ways.
The pack gathers in the torchlit cave as I call a meeting. I stand erect and declare, "Rogues are targeting the town." "We keep them at bay, we triple patrol." While the elders nod, a few speak with wary eyes. I sense their scepticism, but I don't bring up Mia. I'm their alpha, but I'm falling because I can't decide between her and duty.
Ethan is by the fire when I get there. "Observe her," I say softly. "Keep her in your line of sight, but don't let her see you." With a solemn expression, he nods and leaves. My wolf detests it, but I trust him; I should be the sole one to keep her safe. Mia's green eyes, so hurt and ferocious, are on my mind as I pace. I have to be honest with her, but how?
I return to town the following day, but I stay out of sight. Mia is serving customers at the bakery while wearing a fake smile. Through our weak mate bond, my wolf is able to sense her anxiety and whines. I remain hidden, keeping an eye out for outlaws. There are no traces, according to Ethan, but the air seems strange, as if a storm is approaching. When I consider our hybrid child, I question why the rogues desire it. It's more than just territory, in my opinion.
In search of answers, I sneak inside the library. Lila, Mia's friend, is there, sorting books with her glasses slipping and her red hair glowing in the lights. Although she doesn't know me, I've seen her with Mia and am always intrigued. "Need help?" she offers in a kind yet acerbic tone. In search of hints regarding hybrids, I murmur about local history and pick up a book on Silverwood folklore.
The pages discuss mates, werewolves, and uncommon human-wolf hybrids. People who want control seek them out because they are strong and dangerous. Our baby is a target, which breaks my heart. With trembling hands, I close the book and give Lila my gratitude. Her eyes narrow as if she's aware of something as she watches me go.
That evening, I'm once more in the alley, hiding close to the bakery. With her palm on her stomach and her apron covered in flour, Mia is closing up. My wolf hurts to hold her, and she appears powerful despite her weariness. Then I hear it—too purposeful, a gentle rustle. A shadow that is too large to be human sweeps across the roof, catching my attention. With red eyes instead of yellow, it's something worse than a rogue. My wolf roars, ready to shift, as it watches Mia, but before I can do anything, it l
eaps and disappears into the darkness.
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