CHAPTER 3

It’s been weeks since I’ve been sold to Hawthorne and just few days left to turn twenty. To top the icing on the cake, I had just recently discovered that I was pregnant for him! I couldn’t bring myself to tell him, not just yet but I was hoping I could do so, tonight.

I clutched the tray of food in my hand, my legs shaking as I approached the dining table. Alpha Hawthorne seemed engrossed in a newspaper, unaware of my gaze. Along with Margret, three other maids also brought trays of steaming hot turkey. I stole a glance at him, feeling uneasy. I almost turned to leave, but his command halted me in my tracks.

“Wait behind, Aurora,” he said firmly.

Taking a deep breath, surprisingly not anxious, I turned around to face him. The other maids, including Margret, were dismissed. He walked towards me, standing close, and lifted my chin to look into his emotionless eyes. They were cold and distant.

“Go get dressed. I want you to be a presentable Luna,” he muttered, surprising me with his request. He let go of my chin, and my stomach knotted in response.

“Yes… my Lord,” I replied, unintentionally upsetting him.

He frowned, his lips quivering, and he gripped my chin again, this time more roughly. His frown deepened as he spoke with authority.

“Tonight, you refer to me by my name,” he commanded. I nodded, and as soon as he released me, I rushed to my room to get dressed.

Curiosity got the best of me, and I asked the three maids waiting in my room, “What are you doing here?”

“Lord Hawthorne instructed us before dinner to make sure you are dressed in it,” one of them replied, pointing at a light blue gown folded neatly on my bed.

 I nodded and headed for the bathroom, soon getting dressed in the gown and applying light makeup. I wondered if this was all a test from Hawthorne and if I had somehow already passed, ready to become his Luna.

The maids led the way, and I followed closely behind them. Outside, I saw Hawthorne standing with three people, while four cars were parked neatly. When he saw me, he signaled me to come closer. As I stood before him, I felt the piercing gazes of his guests on my exposed skin.

“My lady,” a deep masculine voice spoke behind me. I turned to see Ryan, Hawthorne's beta, with a smile on his face. He took my hand and kissed it, looking pleased. I glanced at Hawthorne, surprised to find him indifferent to his beta’s gesture.

I withdrew my hand and gave a slight smile. The remaining two, apparently bodyguards, nodded in greeting. Hawthorne suggested going inside, and his gaze softened with concern as he looked at me.

“Aurora, are you alright?” he asked gently.

I stared at him for a moment, my voice almost a whisper as I replied, “I’m alright.”

I couldn’t believe it was all an act, just to deceive his beta into thinking we had something when we didn’t. Hawthorne took my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

“Alright then, let’s go in,” he said, leading the way with a hint of an affectionate act that I knew wasn’t real.

I nodded and soon, we walked back into the house, arms interlocked together. He led me toward the set table, with his beta following right behind us. He pulled out a seat for me and my jaw ticked as I took it.

“So, what brings you here, Ryan?“ He asked as soon as we sat down and I couldn’t help but get curious.

Ryan gave a slight smile. “The council wants to know when you will rule. They questioned your incompetence.“ He replied with much difficulty and I stole a glance at Hawthorne.

I would never had believed it, if I was told that there were people who did not fear the Alpha himself. He was not merciful, according to the stories I heard. His eyes were emotionless, as he listened to his beta talk.

“I need names.“ He ordered and I could feel my heart racing, for no reason. I had never seen this side of him before and it was terrifying.

“I’m sorry but I don’t have names. I don’t know who said what but your subjects, my lord…”

“What about them?“ Hawthorne inquired and Ryan swallowed, perhaps taking mental calculations on what he should say and how he should say it.

I subconsciously placed a hand on Hawthorne’s fist and he stared at me. He felt uncomfortable by my action and I knew. I slowly withdrew my hand while he took a deep breath.

“We will talk later but for now, let’s eat.“ He said and I sighed in relief. Soon, we began to feast but I could barely eat my food.

The thought of Hawthorne trying to use me, was sickening. He truly didn’t care about me at all. I could see Margret staring at me pitifully. She didn’t seem to support Hawthorne’s actions but she wouldn’t stand against him either, no one would ever dare to.

“You’ve barely touched your food.” Hawthorne spoke with a displeased look on his face while I stared at my food.

“I’m filled.“ I replied him while forcing a smile. My heart felt heavy as I stood up. I was done with all of this. “Excuse me.“ I said to them and headed for the stairs.

***

I walked into my room, tears slipping from my eyes as I buried my face into the pillow. How foolish of me to have assumed that perhaps, he was beginning to love me or he had found out that I was with child, his child. I sat down, wiping away the streaks of tears on my face.

Someone badged into the room. It was Hawthorne and from his facial expression, I knew he was more than annoyed with me. He stood at the door, not moving at all with his eyes lingering on me.

I stared at him, my heart racing to the roof. Soon he walked toward me and in no time, he towered above me. He crouched, roughly grabbing my chin. His eyes, observed my face and I could feel the beads of sweats breaking out.

“Why did you refuse to eat?“ He questioned and I swallowed.

I didn’t feel it was necessary to reply him though as I had nothing to say. Instead, I closed my eyes shut, expecting a pain splitting slap on my cheek. However, I felt his hold on my chin tighten a little bit more.

“Aurora.“ He called and I slowly opened my eyes as I winced in pains.

“I was filled.“ I replied him as tears slipped from my eyes. I guess he didn’t buy my excuse because his hold got even tighter. “I’m…I’m pregnant.“

He stilled. He stared at his hand on my chin and let go. Standing up, he walked toward the door and with his back turned to me, he stopped.

“When?”

“Three days ago.”

He nodded and walked out of the door while I buried my head into my palm and began to sob.