Chapter 4

|| ALEKSA'S POV ||

The dead silence was unavoidable in the air. Ragner had his blazing eyes sitting on me, unblinking. I could never forget those eyes that I had seen in the darkness, the possessive urge to claim me. I shook my head to clear any inappropriate ideas.

Fucking Hell! He was my mate's brother!

Ragner didn't stop at those words. He spoke lazily, bringing his wine to his moistened lips again,

“By the Moon Goddess’s law, the Luna takes charge when the Alpha cannot. Aleksa is here to fulfill her duty—and challenging her authority means challenging the law itself. So choose your words carefully, Alphas. This council is watching.”

His words really brought embarrassment to the Alphas. They exchanged looks with each other but didn't dare to defend Ragnar. After all, everyone feared the Lycans. A sly smile graced my lips after watching their reaction. It was clear that they feared and hated Ragnar at the same time.

Alpha Logan cleared his throat to ease the tension, the Alphas hiding their displeasure with a fake smile,

“Of course, Alpha Ragnar… We—we were only joking. Please, don’t take it seriously.” Her smile tightened as his silence stretched. “I understand… you’re all family.”

I winced at the thought of having Ragnar as my brother-in-law. Yet the tempting plan kept lingering in my mind. After the conversation, the Alphas didn't continue their discussion anymore, practically to avoid me. Little did I know that I would never have a place among them.

Luna Morticia attempted to bring the chill in the atmosphere, raising her glass to clink in the air,

" Mates and Mates! Get your partner on the floor. The couple dance is about to begin."

She paused briefly to look up at me dramatically, feigning concern only to make me feel even more bitter,

“Oops… forgive me, Luna Aleksa. I didn’t realize your partner was bedridden. How unfortunate—you must feel terribly lonely.”

 Her smile sharpened. “Perhaps you should call your maid to keep you company. After all, it seems that’s the closest thing to a partner you have tonight.”

I endured the insult and only passed her a cold look. Leona comforted me, her hand gripping mine,

" My Lady! We can.. leave...if you feel.."

I cut her off sharply, grabbing another glass of mine to rest my gaze on the dancing couples,

" Nooo!! I am not becoming a laughing stock again."

Just as I began to finish the glass, an intimidating voice brought a chill to my spine,

" I hope Luna doesn't mind dancing with a stranger."

I choked on my wine, whipping my head back to find Ragnar standing right behind me. His eyes had something strange that I couldn't quite tell.

Did he recognize me? Will he hold me responsible for using him?

Leona nudged me in secret to go with Ragnar. I swallowed hard before accepting the proposal,

" Of... of course...Alpha... Alpha..Ragnar.."

All the attention fell on us as soon as we appeared on the dance floor. Slow music played in the background as I let my body flow with his steps. Ragnar smirked in my ear, whispering as his nose sniffed my hair,

" This smell feels..so familiar, Luna..Have we met before?"

I swallowed the answer down and held onto his shoulders,

" No...You...you are mistaken..."

His eyes clouded with anger as soon as the answer left my lips. Ignoring everyone's eyes, he grasped my hands in an iron clutch and dragged me to the second floor. I dared not make a sound to avoid attention. As the chilling wind from the woods welcomed my body, I felt myself pressing against the walls. His lycan growled right in my face,

" HOW DARE YOU ABANDON ME IN THE WOODS AFTER USING ME??"

I shut my eyes in fear. I had never encountered any Lycan so close. His aura was dominating my wolf, forcing her into submission. I stuttered weakly, looking up into his eyes,

" I....I...I got it wrong...I mean, you were the wrong person. I never intended to use you. I..I really apologize..."

His lips spread into a malicious smile. Standing straight, he replied with amusement,

"So… the Luna of the Hollowfangs is secretly taking male whores to satisfy herself?” Her smile turned vicious. 

“Tell me, Aleksa—how many men have you betrayed Alpha Kairos with? Or have you lost count?”?"

Anger crawled to my skin over his malicious comment. On one hand, it was justified, but my dignity was no joke. I shouted back angrily, pushing his chest off,

" Shut the fuck up!!!! All..I wanted was just...a ba...."

My words froze in the midair after I realized that I was practically spilling the tea in front of my enemy. However, something clicked in my mind. Kairos and Ragnar shared the same bloodline. The Hollowfangs would never be able to identify the true father if I carried Ragnar's baby.

I forced myself to stay calm before meeting his eyes,

 “Fine! I wronged you. I’ll kneel and beg your forgiveness if I have to. But before you condemn me, Alpha Ragnar Bleakwood, please—hear me out.” 

My voice trembled. “I have only one thing left to ask of you… Help me have a baby. I’m begging you.”

Ragnar let out a chuckle. He crossed his arms before explaining the situation that I was in at this moment,

“My dear sister-in-law, you have quite the nerve. Do you really believe you stand a chance here? The only reason you’re still standing in this room is that I allowed it. Don’t confuse my protection with your power—because the moment I withdraw it, you’ll have nowhere left to stand.”

I kept my head high even after his humiliation. I continued speaking with a smile, inching closer to him,

" I know exactly what I’m asking for, Ragnar. I want nothing from you but a child. Think of it this way—once I’m pregnant, you’re free from this contract. No mate bond. No sharing a bed. Nothing.”

Her voice cracked as she swallowed hard.

“I’m already living on the edge. If I can’t get pregnant… I’ll lose my pack, my family—everything.”

Ragnar narrowed his eyes deeply. He stole a good look at my figure before asking back,

" And??? What do I get in return?"

I inhaled a deep breath to think over the whole situation. If Ragnar cooperated with me in managing the pack, our enemies wouldn't dare to plot against us again. I placed my words carefully, looking straight into his eyes,

“Your pack needs power, Ragnar. Let me give you the means to build your empire while I carry your heir. Once the child is born, you walk away with everything.”

I stepped closer, holding his gaze. “You need what I can offer… and I need what only you can give me. So tell me, Ragnar—how long are you willing to pretend neither of us wants this bargain?”

Ragnar stared deep into my eyes in puzzlement. I could feel him contemplating everything. After a brief silence, Ragnar threw a question that left me in a daze,

" What if Kairos wakes up while you are pregnant?"

I didn't think hard over this matter. For now, I needed a baby to save my ass. Taking a deep breath, I emphasized my words again,

" I will take care of it. But... about us...Do we have a deal, Alpha Ragnar?"