Episode 05
1138 Words
Serenya’s Pov
I whispered, "I'm pregnant, Grandpa," to answer the question he had asked me earlier.
Eldric Draxion leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing a little. "I already knew. You gave it away by how much perfume you wore. He stopped, and his voice got softer. "Don't worry about Kaelen finding out. He won't find out. Not until I want people to know about my great-grandchild. Even though I'm retired, people still listen to me more than him.
His words were like a weight on me. I knew it was wrong to keep this truth from Kaelen. It was not good for either him or my pup. But the choice he made for me was even worse.
"Come to the kitchen," Grandpa said, changing the subject. "I want my favorite dessert tonight."
We worked next to each other without talking. We sat down to dinner half an hour later, with the food steaming between us.
I finally asked, "Why are you helping me instead of your grandson?"
He looked at me closely. "Because I'm looking out for the mother of my great-grandchild." The first few months are crucial. It would break you to see him with her, and stress could take the pup away. I won't let that happen.
His words made it hard for me to swallow. I made myself eat a small amount of food, not for me, but for the life inside me.
Grandpa said firmly, "In return, I want every update on my grandchild."
"I promise," I said softly.
He nodded slowly. "Good. I have something for you. A bracelet for a witch. It hides the pup’s heartbeat and smell. Your grandmother wore it to protect the heir while I was at war.
My eyes got bigger.
"But it makes the pup grow more slowly," he said. "You can't wear it too much."
I clung to every word like it was a lifeline.
I washed the dishes after dinner. Grandpa went to a wooden box and took out the bracelet. He put it in my hand. He stopped me when I was about to leave to look for a hotel.
"Stay here tonight."
The words scared me. This had never happened before and It wouldn't again. I quietly nodded, feeling the weight of the moment.
Later, I sat in the small room where Grandma Soleil's clothes were still folded like she had just worn them. I felt jealous in my chest. She had been lucky. He picked it. She cherished it unconditionally. My parents had even chosen their partners.
Why not me?
Before I knew it, sleep had taken me under.
Grandpa made me eat every bite of breakfast and drink fresh juice the next morning. I did what they said, even though my chest hurt.
Elara Wynne burst through the door, dragging my bags behind her. "You couldn't even tell me?" "You kept the truth from me?"
I bit my lip in frustration. She was right to be mad.
I didn't want people to hate Kaelen because of me. The pack would not blame Kaelen if they believed that he also wanted to end the relationship. Everyone liked me. They thought I was Luna. He was the first. He was considered the brain and the heart of the group.
I only wanted peace.
I got ready, and we went to the hospital together.
Elara said, "I don't understand why Alpha is so interested in whether or not you're pregnant." "Anyone can tell you don’t have smell."
Her words hurt, but I didn't say anything. I hated lying to her, but if Kaelen used his Alpha command on her, she would have to tell the truth. I couldn't take the chance.
She said, "Luna or not, we are friends." "Have you made up your mind about where you will live?"
"I am getting a penthouse from the alimony," I said, which was half a lie.
Her eyes lit up. That jerk. Is it possible that he believes money can resolve every issue? Get rid of it. Do it in front of him. Then get what you want, not what he gives you.
I let her talk even though she was enraged. Kaelen had been Elara's friend since she was a child. They had practiced together. It felt wrong to hear her curse him, but I couldn't protect him either.
Three doctors at the hospital took my blood and sent samples to three different labs. Kaelen wanted to be certain. No errors. He had seen the scent. He had seen that I had turned down the wine.
He thought.
I asked Grandpa to protect me. If not, Kaelen would lock me in the packhouse. And I would never leave without my pup.
Elara and I sat in a café later, waiting for the results. I stirred my coffee. "Did you bring all of my papers?"
"Yes." They were in your bag.
"Good. The first thing I do is change my name. Back to my real one."
She blinked but didn't say anything.
I said, "I also need you to look into Seraphiel Draemir's past," lowering my voice. "There's something off about her."
I told her what I had seen in the bathroom. The bruises. The expression on Seraphiel's face was heartbreaking.
"Could she have hurt herself?" Elara said.
I said, "No," quickly. "Someone hurt her."
"What do you want me to do?"
"Ask the Werewolf Queen for permission." Take the CCTV out of the ball. Around the bathroom, in particular. Check the time at 10:30. Check to see if anyone else went in before me or left after.
Elara nodded, but her face was frowning. "I'll look into it."
"You serve as his deputy." Did Kaelen tell you about her?
"No. And we both know what it is. He was afraid I would tell you.
"Then stay close to him." Keep an eye on her. I don't know what she wants, but if she hurts him, she will have everything.
Kaelen didn't have any brothers or heirs. If something happened, Luna would be responsible for the pack.
Elara looked at me like I had grown a new head. "Are you still thinking about him?"
"Habits don't break easily," I said softly, forcing a smile that didn't reach my eyes.
"Then work harder." You don't need to care about him. Pay attention to yourself. Go on. Many Alphas would worship you.
I almost laughed at what she said. Not quite. But the sound stayed in my throat.
For the next hour, she asked me to move on, find someone else, and not waste my heart on Kaelen. I stared at the swirl of my coffee while she talked.
Then I heard his voice in my head.
"Serenya."
I stopped. His voice still makes my stomach turn.
"Come to my office." Right now. It's important.
- Writer
