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Imogene's POV

‘I’m pregnant? How can I be pregnant?’ I whispered to myself, staring at my reflection in the bathroom’s mirror while subconsciously rubbing my tummy.

Two minutes later, I reluctantly walked out of the bathroom back into the room and jumped up in fright at the sight that I met. Seated on my bed was a fair lady too familiar to be a stranger and the last person I wanted to set my eyes on.

“Where the hell have you been all morning?” The lady's companion scowled.

I inhaled slowly. “I felt nauseous so I went to the hospital for a check-up.” I said, truthfully.

He frowned slightly and rose to his feet. “Mom awaits you downstairs, she wants to have dinner with you.” 

“Luna Celine?” I asked, horrified.

He snickered and stared at me. “Do you know another mother of mine?” 

I shook my head and he looked at the lady passionately. “Come Arizona. Mom would be pleased to see you.”

Arizona shook her head. “No Orion, she wants to have dinner with the Luna of the pack, not me.”

I despised her pretense act of humility but I kept mute and watched the two display their affection, shamelessly in my presence. Though the room was Orion’s and mine, she came in as she wanted and I dared not complain.

“You're more than welcome, Arizona.” Orion assured her.

I watched as my husband held her affectionately and led her out of the room. Two years of marriage with him had taught me better than to complain about anything.

Ten minutes later, I went to the dining room and met my mother-in-law already seated. I muttered a greeting which she snorted a response to before I had my seat.

I sat opposite her while Orion sat beside Arizona, dishing out the food for her and picking out the peas since she was allergic to them.

“Have you been doing well, Mom?” I asked Luna Celine.

She scoffed and ignored my question.

“It's an honor to be visited by you, Luna Celine. I thought I wouldn't be invited to eat with you but Orion said you insisted that I should.” Arizona uttered.

Luna Celine chuckled amusedly. “Don't be silly, you're family.” 

I wore an indifferent look and continued eating, I had bigger fish to fry, Luna Celine had always favored Arizona so it wasn't my first rodeo.

“You'll be here for the event tomorrow won't you?” Luna Celine asked Arizona.

Arizona looked flustered. “Oh, I don't think it's in my place to do that, it's for alphas and Lunas only.” 

“Who says you aren't one?” Luna Celine countered and threw me a dirty look.

“You will accompany me to officially welcome the guests.” Orion declared and I chuckled softly. 

It was obviously my job, my honor to welcome the Lunas and alphas since I'm the Luna of the pack and he was intentionally taking it away from me knowing fully well what it symbolizes.

“Is there a problem, Imogene?” Luna Celine asked and I shook my head, not bothering to look at her, she scoffed loudly.

“Since she will be doing my job, is there anything I can do?” I asked, sarcastically.

“All you ever do is eat and bear no fruits in this house, you can as well take care of the food, you can't be barren and still be useless at everything else.” Luna Celine spat viciously.

“Mom! It isn't her fault she's unable to bear a child, maybe the goddess is angry.” Arizona piped in.

I tut and shook my head slightly. If only she knew. For two years I've been ridiculed by her and tagged a barren. I simply stopped eating and stood up. “Excuse me, I'm full.” I announced.

“Imogene!” Orion barked and I turned around to face him.

“I know, Alpha Orion. I'll stay out of your way and sight, sticking to what I am to do, I can't be totally useless, can I?” I replied, sarcastically and walked away and as I did I could hear his mother and Arizona hurl insults at me.

That night, I bawled my eyes out, unsure of what to do with my present situation. I had been planning to file for a divorce but now, things are complicated. How can I have a child without a father?

The next morning, I supervised the maids in making the dishes and stayed completely out of sight, just like I always have. I had no interest in mingling with the Lunas in the first place, they were mainly snobbish, proud and full of themselves.

The first time we had such a gathering, Arizona intentionally mentioned my background and they mocked me for it. Orion didn't defend me, rather he publicly chastised me for being too obvious and not classy.

Later in the day, I reluctantly got ready and showed up on the orders of Orion because I am by law, his wife and Luna though Arizona obviously took my place in everything. Barely five minutes after I stood in my corner, observing what was happening did Luna Celine walk up to me, red-faced.

“Luna Celine, is everything-”

Crash.

She angrily pushed me away and I crashed into a waiter carrying a tray of wine, spilling it all over my clothes which attracted attention.

“You petty little thief!” She thundered.

I was embarrassed and confused at the same time. Before I could speak, she shoved a necklace to my face.

“Why the hell is my necklace with you? I've been searching for it for weeks and you claim you haven't seen it!” She barked.

Orion and Arizona walked up to us and Orion seemed more worried about his mother which was very natural.

“Mom, what happened?” 

Luna Celine hissed angrily. “This lowlife you call a wife, stole my necklace, Orion! The necklace your father gifted me before he died! She knew how important it was to me and yet she stole it!” She accused me.

Orion threw me a dirty look.

“I swear I don't know what she's talking about..” I swore.

“Did you steal it or not? How could you be so shameless? My husband was the only one who saw the daughter of a maid fit enough for my son's Luna. He fought for you and loved you until he died and you dare steal his last gift to me?” Luna Celine roared.

I was flabbergasted, sure I had seen the necklace before but I didn't steal it.

“Why would you do such a thing, Imogene? Few weeks back I knew you were complaining of being in need of money but I never expected you to stop this low.” Arizona insulted me.

I scoffed and turned to face Luna Celine, an attempt to touch her was thwarted as she slapped my hands away, there were whisperings from the crowd, reminders of the ugly past that has haunted me severally.

“Orion.” I called out softly, my eyes begging for a chance to speak.

“How dare you? He loved you like a daughter and you do this to his wife?” Orion accused.

I shook my head. “I swear that I didn't do-”

Pah! The slap came, blinding me and a tear slid down my face. It stung real bad and I looked up to see Orion breathing heavily and with a scowl on his face.

The hatred and disgust in his eyes pained me more than the stung on my cheeks.