PREGNANT WITH ENEMY ALPHA’s BABY

CHAPTER ONE: AURORA Jerome and I held hands as we walked side by side. His warm brown eyes melted away my worries, and his hand, rough from years of hunting and protecting our territory, brushed against mine in a comforting gesture. My best friend, Ivy danced jovially behind us while bringing us into a conversation. The two of them were the only people I loved so much, Jerome had been my rock since childhood, his fierce protectiveness a constant source of comfort and Ivy, my best friend since we were pups, had stood by my side through thick and thin. As we made our way through the forest heading towards the mating ground, the setting sun casting a golden glow over the landscape, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment settle over me like a warm blanket. The familiar sights and sounds of our territory surrounded us, Jerome's deep voice broke the peaceful silence, drawing my attention back to the present moment. “I can’t wait for you to be my Luna.” He whispered as he spoke of our future together, his words filled with hope and anticipation as he painted a picture of a life intertwined with mine. My heart swelled with love and gratitude for the man beside me. Jerome had been there for me since I was ten and found out my parents were killed by our enemy pack. Jerome and I started dating when I was 15. And ever since then, he promised that I would be his Luna when he became pack alpha. As we approached the clearing where our pack gathered for important ceremonies, Ivy stepped forward, her eyes sparkled with mischief as she linked her arm through Jerome's, her smile bright and infectious as she whispered something into his ear. Jerome chuckled in response, his features softening as he pulled her closer, and a pang of jealousy fluttered in my chest. But I quickly pushed the feeling aside, chiding myself for my irrational thoughts. As we approached the gathering place, a sense of excitement and anticipation pulsed through the air. Female pack members flitted around me when they noticed I was here, their smiles warm and encouraging as they fussed over my appearance, adjusting my dress and smoothing down stray strands of hair with gentle hands. It was obvious at this point. Their actions spoke volumes, their supportive gestures a silent acknowledgment of the fact that I was to become Jerome’s mate and the pack’s Luna soon. Ivy stood by my side, her smile was bright and infectious, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she whispered words of encouragement in my ear. Despite the pang of jealousy that tugged at my heart, I knew that Ivy's support was genuine, her friendship was a precious gift that I cherished above all else. I opened my mouth to speak but then Jerome shut me up by covering my mouth with his. Butterflies swarm in my stomach, I couldn't think anymore. “Stop...” I pushed him away slightly, smiling. “Everyone can see us.” “I don't care. I can't wait to fully claim you, Aurora. Since last night, I can't stop thinking about that.” “Really?”. I giggle feeling lovesick. “Were you able to shift yesterday?.” Ivy spoke loudly interrupting us. I shook my head, reminded of the worst discovery yesterday evening. My wolf was scared to come out (meaning she hadn’t found an alpha to protect which meant Jerome wasn't my mate) “I'm sorry, Jerome,” I muttered to him. He shook his head, causing his baby back curls to fly all over his face. He took the two sides of my chin to lift my eyes to him. “I don't care, Aurora, I told you, it doesn't matter. I will still make you my Luna, once I'm declared Alpha.” I believed him. I have always trusted him right from childhood, we were each other's go-to allies and told ourselves literally everything. He had never hurt me. Jerome soon stepped back and headed towards the hall. After I gathered my courage to step back into the hall, it was to a loud cheer from the crowd happy as Alpha Jedi handed over the mantle of leadership to his son. “Do you think Jerome is going to choose you as his mate? Do you think he has a choice?.” Ivy said behind me. If I had paid more attention, I could have noticed the scorn behind those words. But no, I was too busy staring at Jerome blindly in love. I was very happy. He just became pack alpha. I was truly happy for him until Jerome suddenly started sniffing the air earnestly. He stepped away from his father and moved down the stage walking towards me. The smile on my face widened but then it froze when Jerome stopped standing in front of Ivy. “Mate,” He said and claimed her there and then. My heart broke into a thousand pieces. I was dumbstruck as I watched my boyfriend claimed my best friend. For a second, I felt the world standstill and, my little fantasy crashing right before my eyes, everything instantly lost meaning to me. I staggered back with my hand to my chest, not believing what was happening. Jerome promised never to leave me. He promised he was going to choose me. He said he was going to be by my side no matter what. I didn't care about the title, all I wanted was to be with him. What is he doing? Hot tears streamed down my cheeks, my lips quivered and I felt my heart being shredded to pieces. I wanted to say some words, call out to him, but I couldn't even hear my own voice. I felt I lost my voice. Everything seems meaningless at that point. I started hyperventilating as he boldly kissed her, not even sparing me a glance. I wanted to go to him, beg him to stop, tell him it was just the bond tricking him, but then when he broke away from the kiss, he lifted her hand and said, “She's the one. My one true Luna.” And the crowd broke into a joyful cheer forgetting I was ever the first choice. How could he do this to me? What am I going to do? My life was finished if this was truly happening. I looked from side to side and everyone was happy. I looked back and they were back on the stage, Ivy’s eyes on me glinting with victory and sneer. She knew. She was happy, she won. I couldn't bear it, I chose rather to die than stay here for the rest of my life watching the love of my life with my own best friend. At that point, I knew I couldn't stay here anymore. This place was not for me. I won't survive it here anymore. And I did the only thing I could, I turned and ran. . TBC