Chapter 10: Struck

Alpha Andrew strode through the study like a confined predator. The darkness of the night outside reflected the chaos in his thoughts. Victor Harris's audacious entrance into his office was more than just a workplace irritation. It represented a challenge, a risk to his supremacy as the Alpha of his pack and the leader of Blackwood Enterprises. The wolf inside him awakened, anxious and snarling for a conclusion. 

The tension coursed through him, enhancing his senses. He could still perceive Victor’s patronizing tone and visualize the self-satisfied smile fixed on his face as he bragged about possessing secrets Andrew had yet to discover. If Victor believed he could weaken him, he was wrong. However, the man's blatant audacity unsettled Andrew, making him wonder if this was beyond mere posturing. 

The aroma of rosemary and grilled meat filled the air, echoing to Andrew the unspoiled meal awaiting him on the table. Still, his wolf growled in annoyance; eating was the least of his concerns. 

Vivian's gentle steps made their way across the gleaming wooden floor, distracting him from his spiraling thoughts. She stood in the doorway, her figure glowing in the soft light of the room. Her silk robe flowed softly with her steps, her hair encircling her face. Her fragrance soothing yet authoritative, pierced through his stress like a healing ointment. 

“Andrew,” she called softly, her tone conveying a level of worry that only a friend could show. "What is happening?" "You’ve been uneasy since your return, and your dinner is getting cold." 

Andrew ceased his pacing, his golden eyes locking with hers. For a brief moment, he paused, contemplating whether to share his feelings. However, hiding things from his partner had never seemed appropriate. She was his mate, his partner. 

“It’s Victor,” he finally remarked, his tone deep and rough. "He visited my office today, creating issues." 

Vivian angled her head, her eyebrows knitting together a bit. “Is it Victor Harris?” "What is it that he want now?" 

Andrew breathed out, smoothing his hand over his dense hair. “I summoned Cecilia to my office earlier.” I aimed to confront her regarding the press leaks because I was fairly certain she was responsible for it, I believe that she was seeking revenge on me. Before I could extract any information from her, Victor stormed in as if he owned the place. 

Vivian's demeanor soured upon hearing Cecilia's name. “Do you believe Victor is somehow connected to this?” 

Andrew rested against the corner of the desk, his stance rigid. “He didn’t confess to anything outright, but the way he communicated… It felt like he knows something I’m unaware of." He boastingly spoke of his forthcoming action, and it didn’t seem like hollow talk.”

Vivian folded her arms, walking back and forth in front of him like a wolf inspecting her domain. “Andrew, pay attention to what I'm saying.” Victor enjoys sticking out his chest and behaving as if he's important. He’s likely just pretending. "You’re overestimating him." 

Andrew emitted a low growl, the noise vibrating in his chest. "You missed the expression in his eyes, Vivian." It wasn't merely hot air. “He's organizing something.” 

Vivian halted and turned to him, her stare unwavering. "Victor is merely exploiting the circumstances." He’s attempting to irritate you, and it’s succeeding. However, the actual problem in this situation is Cecilia. We're both aware that she can do something like this. “If someone shared information with the media, it’s her.” 

Andrew's wolf growled when Cecilia was mentioned. His intuition suggested that Vivian was correct, yet the recollection of Victor’s grin lingered stubbornly. 

“Victor did mention something,” Andrew conceded after a pause, his tone careful. " That Cecilia's… expecting a baby." 

Vivian tensed, her lips compressing. “Do you believe him?” 

“I’m not sure,” Andrew replied, rubbing his hand across his face. "I didn’t push him on it." It doesn’t matter anymore. We'redivorced. "I hadn't found it necessary to inform you until this moment." 

Vivian's jaws tightened, yet she chose not to pursue it further. Rather, she inhaled deeply, attempting to alleviate the strain that had enveloped them. 

"Don’t allow them to control you, Andrew." Victor and Cecilia serve as distractions. You should concentrate on the pack and Blackwood Enterprises. Ronan brought up an investor previously, an individual keen on collaborating with us. "That's where you should direct your energy." 

Andrew’s wolf reacted at the suggestion of an ally, the idea of enhancing their territory’s future enticing. “Ronan always discovers a method,” he murmured, a slight grin appearing on his face. 

Vivian responded to his smile, but it soon disappeared as she grimaced, her hand resting on her belly. 

Andrew's senses heightened immediately. The distress of his woman pierced him like a razor-sharp knife. "What’s the issue?" 

Vivian gestured with her hand, seeking to minimize the situation of the moment. "It's nothing major, just some minor discomfort." "It started this morning." 

Andrew stood up straight, his gaze sharpening. "Is it this morning?" "And you didn't consider to inform me?" 

“I didn’t want to bother you,” she confessed, although her voice faltered a bit. 

Before Andrew had a chance to reply, a sudden gasp slipped from her mouth, and she grasped her abdomen firmly. The wolf within him snarled, his protective instincts surfacing fiercely. 

"Vivian!" he shouted, hurrying to her side. 

She leaned closer to him, her breaths light. "It seems as if... something weighty... resembling a fluid," she faltered, her voice shaking. 

Andrew's heart raced, and his thoughts were frantic. “Please don’t let it be what I’m thinking,” he whispered quietly, putting an arm around her waist to support her. 

Vivian's startled, wide eyes locked onto his, and in that instant, the Alpha within him experienced profound helplessness. The connection between them throbbed with intensity, her suffering penetrating his deepest being. 

“Stay by my side,” he ordered, his tone strong yet laced with worry. 

Vivian affirmed with a nod, clutching his arm tightly as another surge of pain coursed through her. The wolf inside Andrew cried out, eager to shield his partner from whatever was occurring. 

As he led her to the couch, his thoughts spun with options. Was it his pup? The idea surged through him. If there was an issue with their unborn baby… 

“Vivian,” he gently spoke, kneeling before her. "Just tell me how you are feeling,dear." “Ensure nothing is omitted.” 

Her breaths were shallow and quick as she struggled to regain her composure. "It began with mild cramps earlier today… but now… it's more intense." "And that sensation..." She stopped speaking, her eyes brimming with fear. “Andrew, what if there’s an issue with the baby?” 

Andrew's jaw clenched, his wolf growling at the slightest hint of danger to their pup. “Don’t have that mindset.” "We will resolve this." 

Vivian gasped once more, this time grasping his hand firmly. “Andrew… this pain is getting too intense to handle.” 

The words struck him like a bolt of lightning. For a brief instant, he halted, his thoughts attempting to understand the consequences. Then, his instincts activated, the Alpha within him assuming command. 

"We have to take you to the pack's healer," he said, lifting her into his arms with ease.