Chapter 2 - Too Many Questions

Melody's POV

I walked away from Asher's office without making a sound. I didn't even know how my legs were carrying me.

I pressed a trembling hand against my abdomen but all I could hear was Veronica's voice: “Alexander said that you guys are trying to have a baby.”

And then Asher's cold response: “You heard wrong.”

Why would he lie?

Unless Veronica was telling the truth.

Is it possible that Asher would keep something like this away from me for three whole years?

I shook my head.

"No," the word escaped my lips before I could stop it.

Asher wouldn't do that.

He wouldn't.

The Asher I know is stubborn, intimidating, and sometimes impossible to reason with, but he would never deliberately lie to me about something this important.

I reached the entrance of the private corridor.

The two guards stood there, exactly where they had been when I came in.

The moment they saw me, they straightened and bowed their heads respectfully but I walked past without acknowledging either of them. I could barely focus on anything besides the voices in my mind.

I looked down at the pregnancy test still in my hand.

Was the result wrong?

Have I been so desperate for a baby that I saw what I wanted to see?

“I need to do a proper test,” I whispered to myself.

I left the Alpha's quarters and stepped into the main section of the pack house. Servants moved through the halls carrying trays of food and fresh linens. Guards passed in formation. Pack members gathered in small groups, discussing their daily duties.

The moment people noticed me, conversations became quieter. Some pack members bowed slightly, others greeted politely.

"Good morning, Luna."

"Morning, Luna."

I nodded mechanically as I passed but I noticed the lingering glances and looks of pity and also the whispers that quietened whenever I came closer.

"I heard Veronica is back."

"Do you think she's here because of Alpha Asher?”

"Of course, they were together for years before Melody.”

I tried to ignore them but wolves' sharp hearing made it impossible and mine was even sharper because I'm mated to an Alpha.

Then someone whispered again; "Veronica was supposed to become Luna. Maybe things are going back to the way they were."

Something inside my chest cracked. I clenched my jaw but kept walking. I wanted to stop and remind them that I am still their Luna, but what could I say?

I wasn't even sure about what was going on.

I hurried through the corridors, I didn't stop until the pack hospital came into view.

The familiar white stone building stood at the edge of the main compound, surrounded by tall trees and beautifully maintained gardens. The hospital always smelled faintly of herbs, antiseptic, and the healing potions the pack doctors prepared.

I pushed through the doors.

The moment I entered the reception area, every conversation stopped.

There were several pack members waiting on the benches; a young mother held her daughter's hand, an elderly wolf sat quietly with his cane beside him, two warriors with bandaged arms were talking softly near the window.

Everyone stood immediately when they saw me.

"Luna."

They bowed their heads in respect.

Despite the heaviness in my chest, a small smile appeared on my lips.

"Please, you don't have to stand," I said gently. "You should all sit."

The young mother smiled kindly and lowered her head again slightly.

"Good morning, Luna."

"Good morning," I replied warmly.

My eyes fell on the little girl beside her.

"How is she feeling?"

The mother glanced at her daughter before answering.

"Better, Luna. The doctor said her fever is finally coming down."

"That's wonderful. I'm glad to hear that," I said softly.

The little girl peeked at me from behind her mother's arm.

I smiled at her.

"Get some rest, sweetheart, okay?"

She nodded shyly.

I turned to the elderly wolf.

"And how are you, sir?"

His wrinkled face broke into a smile.

"Much better, Luna. The healers are taking good care of me."

"I'm glad. Make sure you follow everything the doctor tells you."

He chuckled softly.

"I will."

The two warriors near the window straightened when my attention shifted to them.

"Are those injuries from training?" I asked.

"Yes, Luna," one of them answered.

"Then don't rush back into training before you're fully healed."

They both nodded.

"Yes, Luna."

I gave them another smile.

"Good. Take care of yourselves."

"Thank you, Luna," the elderly wolf called softly as I walked towards the doctor's office.

The pack doctor, Dr. Ashton was seated behind his desk, examining a file when I walked in.

He rose from his chair immediately he saw me.

“Luna,” he bowed slightly.

"Is everything all right?"

I closed the door behind me.

"I need to do a pregnancy test."

*****

Two hours later, I was staring at the test results in Dr. Ashton's hands.

It was positive.

I'm really pregnant.

Then why did Veronica say Asher had undergone a fertility-binding procedure for her? And why did Asher deny that we were trying to have a baby?

What exactly is going on?

"Luna."

I looked up.

Dr. Ashton was smiling at me.

"Congratulations, Luna," he said gently. "After three years of waiting, this is wonderful news."

I nodded absentmindedly.

"Yes."

"You should make an appointment for your prenatal checkups. We will need to monitor you closely."

"Of course," I said with a tight-lipped smile.

He handed the results to me and I looked at them again.

There's only one thing I need now and there’s only one person who can give them to me.

I stood and walked towards the door.

"Luna, you should take it easy," Dr. Ashton called after me but I didn't turn around.

I was going to speak to my mate.

I need to hear the truth from Asher himself.