001
ELIANA
"Congratulations, Luna! You're pregnant!" Doctor Kate exclaimed, her eyes shining with delight.
"I...I'm pregnant?!" I repeated, overwhelmed with joy, unable to process the incredible news.
"Oh, goddess," I whispered, my heart racing with excitement. After three long years of waiting, I finally heard the news I had been yearning to share with my mate, Alpha Gabriel.
I had been married to the powerful alpha for what felt like an eternity, and the pressure to produce an heir had been mounting. But now, I could hardly contain my joy. I was pregnant.
Gabriel's mother, the former Luna, had been dropping subtle hints about rejection if I failed to produce an heir. But I wasn't truly concerned. I knew Gabriel's love for me ran deep, and he would never abandon me, regardless of the outcome.
I had harbored a deep affection for Gabriel since my childhood days, and upon discovering he was my destined mate, my joy knew no bounds. He wasn't really bothered by my inability to produce an heir. According to him, my happiness meant everything to him. I felt like the happiest woman in the universe.
Now, with the news of her pregnancy, I felt a sense of vindication. I would provide the Moonlight Pack with the next generation's leader.
"Stay safe, protect the babies," Dr. Kate's voice echoed in my mind as I drifted into a daydream.
"Babies?" I asked, my voice laced with surprise, as Dr. Kate's words snapped me back to reality.
The doctor's smile widened. "Yes, Luna. You're expecting twins."
My eyes widened, and my heart skipped a beat. Twins! I couldn't wait to share the news with Gabriel.
As I stepped out of the hospital, I couldn't help but overhear the hushed whispers of the staff.
"...why is she always visiting the hospital, knowing the results will be negative?" a voice murmured.
"I know, right? She should just accept it. It's obvious she's barren," another voice chimed in, the tone dripping with malice.
My eyes narrowed slightly, but I didn't let the comments pierce me. Not today. Not now that I finally held the secret I had been longing to share.
With a quiet smile, I clutched the sonogram picture in my hand, the proof of my pregnancy a shield against the venomous words.
"Twins," I whispered to myself, the word sparking joy within.
The gossiping voices faded into the background as I walked away, my heart filled with a sense of vindication and happiness.
I slid into the car, my presence commanding attention.
"Home?" the chauffeur inquired.
My response was crisp and authoritative. "The Pack's headquarters."
The chauffeur's eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, catching my radiant smile. My voice, usually laced with warmth, now held an unmistakable edge – a hint of triumph.
"Right away, Luna," the chauffeur replied, a hint of curiosity creeping into his tone.
As the engine purred to life, my eyes crinkled at the corners, my joy threatening to spill over.
The chauffeur's gaze lingered on my reflection, sensing the shift in my demeanor. Good news, indeed.
The ride seemed interminable, but finally, I arrived at the imposing building. The receptionist greeted me warmly.
"Welcome, Luna."
I nodded, my excitement rendering me speechless. I hurried to the elevator, my heart racing with anticipation.
Minutes ticked by like hours as I ascended to the top floor. Stepping out, I encountered Xavier, the alpha's beta and trusted friend exiting the office.
"Luna, what brings you here?" Xavier asked, concern etching his features.
"Do I need your permission to see the alpha?" I replied, a hint of playful teasing in her voice.
Xavier's expression turned serious. "No, no, that's not what I meant. Is the alpha aware you're coming?"
My smile grew, my eyes sparkling. "Let's just say I have a surprise for him."
I approached the office door, but Xavier blocked my path. "Xavier, I hope there's no issue. I need to see the alpha," I said, my brow furrowing slightly.
Xavier hesitated, his usual composure wavering. "The alpha is... uh... busy with a meeting with... the allied pack."
My eyes narrowed. "Xavier, something's wrong. Is the alpha fine? The meeting isn't until tomorrow; Gabriel told me."
Xavier's fumbling grew more pronounced. "I, uh, I mean... Yes, the alpha is fine. It's just... a sudden... development."
My instincts flared. I sensed Xavier hiding something.
"Move aside, Xavier. I need to see the alpha now." Xavier's expression turned apologetic.
I took another step forward, Xavier partially blocking my path. Suddenly, a voice echoed from within the office, sending a shiver down her spine.
"I'll give you an heir to the pack soon," the voice purred. "Eliana's just playing games. She can't do it better than I can."
The lady's words dripped with malice, implying a claim on Gabriel and the pack's future. My instincts flared my protective instincts on high alert.
My eyes widened, my heart sinking. I could Identify that voice anywhere and anytime. That voice belonged to Vivian, my step-sister. She was also Gabriel's ex-girlfriend and a notorious schemer.
'Why did she return?' My mind swirled with different emotions, from flashbacks from the past
My heart sank as I heard those words. I gazed at the office door, my eyes burning with a mix of anger and hurt. "She's definitely not talking to my alpha, right?" I murmured, her voice cracking.
Xavier's expression turned sympathetic, his eyes filled with pity.
Just then, Gabriel's voice echoed from within the office, "I trust you, Vivian. No one does it better than you."
Vivian's laughter, exaggerated and seductive, followed, slicing through my composure. With a fierce determination, I burst into the office. The scene before her ignited my ire.
Gabriel sat on the couch, Vivian snuggled beside him, her hand possessively on his arm. The intimate posture was a dagger to my heart.
"What are you doing here Eliana?" Gabriel asked remorse abstinent from his voice
My heart shattered into a million pieces or maybe more as I gazed at Gabriel, searching for any sign of remorse or explanation. But his eyes, once filled with love and adoration, now seemed indifferent.
"What are you doing here, Vivian?" My voice trembled, despite my efforts to maintain control. I would get back to Gabriel, but for now, I had to face this witch.
Vivian's smile grew wider, her eyes flashing with triumph. "To take my rightful position as the Luna and give this pack an heir," she purred, her hand cradling her stomach in a deliberate gesture.
My eyes widened, my mind reeling. "You're... pregnant?" I stammered.
Vivian's laughter was husky. "Not yet, but soon. Gabriel and I have discussed rebuilding our family."
I felt like she'd been punched in the gut. Family? Gabriel's expression remained neutral, but his eyes flickered with guilt.
"That's impossible," I whispered, her voice trembling. "You and Gabriel... you can't..."
Vivian's eyes sparkled with malice. "Oh, but we can. And we will. The pack needs an heir, and I'm the only one who can provide it."
My vision blurred, but I refused to let tears fall. I wouldn't give her the satisfaction of seeing her break.
"You're unbelievable," I muttered, my pain and anger boiling over.
My gaze drifted to Vivian's neck, where a familiar necklace glinted. Memories flooded back – I had seen that same necklace in Gabriel's study six months ago, assuming it was a gift for my birthday but the gift never came.
Six months?!
The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. This betrayal had been ongoing for half a year.
Vivian's voice cut through my thoughts, but I couldn't respond. Tears streamed down my face, and I let out a sob.
"Gabriel, I need an explanation," I pleaded, my eyes locked on him.
His expression remained impassive, his voice detached. "There is no explanation, Ella. You heard what Vivian said."
As if the destruction of our bond, the deception, and the betrayal were mere trivialities.
My pain turned to rage. "You're just going to stand there and tell me you've been with her for six months? Behind my back?"
Gabriel's eyes flickered, but his tone remained neutral. "I'm doing what's best for the pack, Ella."