Chapter 3

Rowan's territory was indeed remote and desolate, but it was nothing like I'd imagined. Word had spread that Rowan and I were coming, because many beastmen crowded the roadside holding gifts they wanted to present to us.

They all looked well-fed and healthy, their eyes bright. Even the little ones and elderly were plump and rosy-cheeked.

Since the apocalypse began, all the clans had struggled to survive. Food was barely enough to get by, and many older beastmen had starved to death. Those who survived were skin and bones. However, everything was completely different here.

Though Rowan's residence wasn't large, it was exquisite and had everything we needed. Seeing my surprised expression, Rowan raised an eyebrow and chuckled, then had a maid bring me a jewelry box.

The mahogany box was filled with sparkling jewelry and gems.

"I'm no saint, but I won't let my wife suffer alongside me." He looked at me with clear, sincere eyes, tilting his chin up slightly. "No need to look so moved."

"It's fine. It's just... Rowan..."

"What?"

"Could you maybe go easier on me next time?"

This place was far from the Wolf King's palace, but news of Briar and Damien reached us every month. There were always stories of treasures he'd bought her, how he'd personally fastened her cloak, or how our parents had cooked her favorite dishes.

I ignored it all. The latest news was that she was pregnant. The doctor said it was a son, and the Wolf King was thrilled.

I sat in my chair and gently touched my own belly. Rowan treated me well, but the Ice Wolf pack had always valued sons over daughters. If I gave birth to a daughter, would he become like Damien?

Would he despise me, abandon me, or even kill me to marry someone new?

The thought made me shiver, and I secretly packed a small bag. It would be okay. I could survive on my own with my daughter.

"What are you doing?" Rowan had appeared behind me without warning, his gaze dark as he stared at the bag in my hands. "Planning to run?"

In that instant, I felt like prey being stalked by a predator, pinned in place by his stare. My lips trembled slightly as I quickly shook my head in denial. But he rose from his wheelchair and threw me onto the bed.

"Then, I haven't been doing my job as a husband."

I cried out in shock, staring at his legs. "Y-You can stand?"

"That's not what you should be worried about right now." He smirked and leaned over me.

"Rowan, don't." I grabbed his hand and pleaded softly, but he persisted, tearing at my clothes.

Tears of frustration fell one by one onto his hands. He paused and let go of me, sitting on the bed, looking confused. "Do you want to leave me that badly? Am I truly that awful?"

I froze, my eyelashes trembling. "Rowan, I'm pregnant."

He froze.

I lowered my head and continued, "It's a girl. I know your pack has never liked daughters, so please let me—"

Before I could finish, he swept me up in his arms. Rowan seemed to have gone crazy with happiness as he spun me around the room.

The spinning made me dizzy and annoyed, so I smacked him hard on the shoulder. He winced and stopped, staring at me without blinking.

"Hey, listen to me properly. I said I'm carrying a daughter."

"So what if it's a daughter? Wait, you're not cheating on me, are you?"

I clapped my hand over his mouth. "Don't be ridiculous! I was afraid you wouldn't want a daughter."

"I'll love any offspring you give me," he said.