Chapter 3

Freya's POV

Ella screamed so pitifully that the healer seemed as though he was facing a formidable enemy as he examined her.

Finally, after wiping his sweat, he awkwardly issued a slip that read, "Soft tissue contusion of the posterior."

Layla sneered, mockingly saying, "She screamed just now as if you were going to scoop out her uterus. Turns out the hardest working parts of her body are her mouth and butt.

"Then again, it's hard to tell the difference between those two organs on her."

I didn't respond. I stood at the door and watched as Eric carefully tended to Ella. Suddenly, I felt that what Ella said might be right.

Right now, I really did seem like a mistress.

"Eric, let Freya in. I don't blame her anymore," Ella said weakly.

Eric had also calmed down by now, and he realized how abnormal his attitude had been earlier. He hummed softly in agreement without looking up.

I walked into the ward and glanced at him.

"Freya, don't blame Eric," Ella said.

She leaned against the headboard, stroking her noticeably swollen belly. "At this point, we might as well have a proper talk."

I raised an eyebrow, asking deliberately, "Talk about what?"

Eric took my hand and finally looked up. In a rare sight, the mouth that usually only gave commands was now quivering.

"I'm sorry, Freya, my darling."

I looked at him quietly. His guilt felt so real that it was absurd.

"There were some things I didn't want to tell you so soon, but you can't hurt Ella out of jealousy anymore."

He paused and considered where to begin explaining. "You asked me before why you could only sense my emotions, yet somehow the mind link always failed… It's because from the very beginning, I gave you a temporary mark."

I let out a sarcastic laugh. "To make it convenient for you to cheat, right?"

"No!" Eric looked up with an intense gaze. "It was an exception for Ella and me! The Black Fang pack drugged us with a love potion—that's why it happened! I swear, it was only once! But somehow, she conceived from that one night."

Eric had lowered his head in guilt, so he didn't see Ella mouthing something to me with a smile.

She said it happened seven times. Seven times in one night.

Eric carefully tightened his grip on my hand. When he looked up again, his eyes were filled with regret and remorse.

"I swear, I've never thought of leaving you. You are my fated mate! The other half of my soul! But the pack needs an heir, one with… powerful genes.

"Don't worry. After the pup is born, I'll bring them home for you to raise. You can be their mother. You're so nice, so you'll understand me, right?"

He looked at me with deep affection and an expression full of expectation.

I turned my head, my gaze indifferent.

He articulated it so nicely.

He was the one who said he didn't mind me being an Omega and that he didn't care about an heir. Now, he was looking at me with such expectation, as if not accepting would make me a sinner.

How dare he be so arrogant? How dare he deceive me with such entitlement?

Why didn't he just tell me honestly? Why did he deceive me with a fake mark from the start and pretend nothing was wrong?

Ella pretended to wipe away her tears. "Freya, that night was painful for me too, but I couldn't just let him die, could I? Werewolves don't conceive easily, and besides, no she-wolf in the pack has genes better suited than mine for carrying an heir.

"Please, if you're angry, take it out on me. Don't take it out on the Alpha or the pup."

As she spoke, she cried even harder.

Eric looked moved as he watched her. He reached out as if to hold and comfort her, but then he glanced at me and ultimately withdrew his hand.

As I watched them, I felt as if I were being torn apart. Layla was roaring furiously inside me, but I just stood there numbly.

Under their expectant gazes, I forced a smile and said, "I'm not angry."

For a moment, the ward was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.

I took a deep breath and said calmly, to the point of indifference, "I can understand."

Eric was stunned. Clearly, he had expected me to cry and make a scene. He thought he would have to hold and comfort me as he had when I was upset before.

He never expected me to accept this absurd situation so calmly.

I nodded and spoke flatly, "Yeah, you're the Alpha, so you should consider the pack. You need an heir, and the pup needs excellent genes. There's nothing wrong with that."

Eric's expression was gloomy, seemingly not feeling any relief or joy at my being understanding.

I stood up and patted his shoulder. "Oh, right. Ella's belly looks quite big. If you're worried, just bring her home to take care of her. Keep a close eye on her."

I thought I was being generous enough, but why did his expression keep getting worse?

Eric took a deep breath and gripped my hand. His tone was strained as he said, "Is there anything else you want to say?"

I shook my head honestly.

Eric's expression was extremely unpleasant, as if I were the one who had betrayed him.

I added, "What I said just now was sincere. I'm tired. If there's nothing else, I'll head back first.

"Don't worry. I'll have the maid prepare a guest room and find a witch to care for her. I'll ensure your heir is born safely."

Then, without waiting for his response, I turned and left.

From behind me came the sharp sound of a cup being smashed in anger.