CHAPTER 2

SCARLET'S POV

“You overheard them, right?” Eric’s lips curled into a smile.

I bit down on my bottom lip, fighting back a scoff. Eric had been looking for a way to get on my nerves and I'm afraid he has succeeded.

I suddenly found my voice. “What do you want, Eric?”

“Oh no. Not me,” He turned around with both his hands clasped behind his back. “The pack council.”

“W - Why would they want to speak to me?” I didn't sound bold like I had intended.

“You'll know when you get there.” He started ahead of me.

I swallowed my saliva, trailing behind him with my head held high. Eric would never see me crumble. 

He and I didn't exactly see eye to eye. His younger sister, Aria, was supposed to be Kaiden's mate but Kaiden had chosen me. Ever since that happened, Eric had been after me, cooking up schemes to bring me down. And like his useless plans, the outcome would be the same — useless.

We walked through the large, ornate hall. Portraits of previous pack Alphas lined the walls, each frame adorned with the finest gold - the bright color in contrast with the brown draperies beside them.

As we approached the council hall, my heart began to beat loudly in my chest and my palms were sweaty. Why was I suddenly afraid? 

It's the first time the council had ever summoned me without Kaiden. What could they possibly want to tell me? I hope it won't be what I'm thinking.

We stopped before a large, brown door, flanked by two burly looking guards.

“Morning, gentlemen.” Eric tipped them an invincible hat and they both responded with a curt nod. 

They pushed open the double doors for us to enter. Before I walked in, they bowed their heads and I flashed them a small smile. I was not about to act weak in front of them.

I sauntered into the room, keeping a neutral look on my face as I was offered a seat.

“To whom do I owe the invitation, ladies and gentlemen?” I stared into the eyes of the 5 aged men and women staring back at me.

“We just want to inform you of the banquet we want to host on your husband's return from the war.” Alan, leader of the council and the eldest among them, said. 

I was taken aback. That wasn't what I expected to hear. Did they drag me all the way here to listen to this? 

I turned to Eric seated beside Alan. He wore the same mask he usually carried out - a poker face that made one wonder what he was thinking. 

“Luna?” Alan called out to me in a calm voice I never knew he had and I tore my gaze from Eric to his.

“That would be a splendid idea,” I managed to say. “But was it that important to have me summoned without an invitation beforehand?”

“Pardon?” 

“The leader of the pack's planning committee should be the ones telling me about this and not the council,” I threw the bait at them. “Is there something else you want to tell me?” 

Erica threw a glance at Alan and the old man cleared his throat. 

“Not at all, Your Highness,” Alan gave me a curt nod. “We all wanted you to be informed of your husband's return three days from now.”

“Thank you,” I watched him sink into his chair. “If that is all, I’ll be on my way.” 

I leapt to my feet, feeling their gaze pierce my skin. They all had something in mind. The tension in the air was palpable and so was the elephant in the room.

I walked out the door with two guards trailing behind me.

I was taken to the dinning hall where I ate breakfast with 10 maids at my beck and call. 

When I was done, I decided to kill time by doing some reading. But while I read, echoes filled my head.

“The Luna is infertile.”

“Alpha Kaiden shouldn't be with her. She doesn't even deserve him.”  

“That's true. I even heard the council wants to strip her from her Luna position.”

Why are they doing this to me? What did I ever do to any of them? Who even spread this horrendous rumor about me being infertile?

I tried to get it off my mind by reading a fairytale book.

I settled on the plush armchair, the soft cushions cradling me as I delved into the world of “The Alpha's Bride.” Casey Jordan's words danced across the page, transporting me to a realm of mystery and romance. 

The flickering candles casted a warm glow, and the rain had just begun, pattering against the windows.

Just as I reached the climax of the chapter, a gentle knock on the door broke the spell.

“Come in.” I said, not lifting my eyes as I flipped over the page.

The door creaked open and Layla entered.

“Is everything alright, Layla?” I asked, placing a bookmark in the chapter I was reading.

“Your Highness, there is something you should know.” Layla began softly, twiddling her thumbs. She always did that when she was anxious. Something was definitely wrong.

“Come,” I patted the side next to me and she joined me on the bed. “What happened, Layla?” 

Layla's eyes filled. “I wasn't supposed to be there.”

“Where?” I placed my hand on her shoulder to reassure her she could confide in me.

Layla looked at me with misty eyes. “You had forgotten your shawl in your chambers so I decided to return it to you but I couldn't find you. So I asked around for where you might be and the guards told me you would be in the Council Hall.”

She paused.

“Go on.” I coaxed her to continue with her story.

Layla sucked in a slow, shuddering breath before recounting her story. “Okay. When I arrived at the door, the guards were not there and it seemed like you had left the hall. As I turned to leave, I heard voices. People spoke in nasty, angry tones and on multiple occasions your name was mentioned.”

“Yes?” I asked, my interest piqued.

“It was the members of the Pack Council. They plan to petition Alpha Kaiden to choose a new mate who could bear him a child once he returns. They believe you're infertile.” Layla palmed her face in her hand when she was done.

My stomach dropped.

“I - I don't quite understand. A - A petition against me?” I've had my suspicions about this but never had I imagined the maids would be right.

“I heard Sir Eric's voice. Aria would be your replacement.” Layla whispered.

“Kaiden will return in less than 3 days,” I grabbed my hands. “We have to stop the council from speaking to my husband about this.” 

Layla squeezed our twinned hands. “I'll do whatever I can to help you, Your Highness.”

While we shared a hug, I felt a pair of eyes on us.