Chapter 5

Bella's POV

"You're pregnant, Luna. From what I can see, it seems you're carrying the future heir!" She said beaming with happiness. 

"No!" I chanted over and over again, trying to make sense of it. How can I be pregnant? Ever since I got here, I never had sex with Alpha Max, except that day when… Could it be as a result of that only night?

"Shit!” I cursed inside me. How could I have let this happen? What am I going to tell Alpha Max? And the contract? Is it going to get terminated now?

My heart began to thump loudly in my chest as I began to panic internally. Images of the last condition of the contract concerning pregnancy flashed in my mind and beads of sweat began to form on my forehead.

"Luna, you look pale and sweaty. Are you alright? If you are truly with a child, you need to take your health seriously.” the cook commented, worried. 

Not wanting her to add to my problems, I decided to make her think I'm sick instead. "I think I have a cold, that's why I'm pale and sweaty. To avoid falling ill, I'll speak to the pack doctor. I appreciate your concern but you may leave now." I said, motioning to the door, and with a nod she turned around and walked out. 

Immediately she left, I locked the door and panicked more. I paced back and forth in the room, biting my fingers and trying to think of a solution.

Am I pregnant? Because of that one night? What am I going to do? If Alpha Max finds out I'm pregnant, he'll kick me out without a dime and I need the money to raise the child. What if he asks me to abort it?

"No, no, no. I can't abort my child. This child is the only family I have. I won't abort!” I said to myself firmly.

"Since the incident happened before we signed the contract, will he pardon me and give half of the stipulated money to me instead? Half was better than none…" I thought to myself, thinking of every scenario.

"But would he agree?" Was the question that lingered in my mind.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. There was no avoiding it. I had to tell Alpha Max about the situation one way or another. As much as the thought of facing the consequences scared me, I couldn't hide the truth forever, since I'd be here till Jessica woke up. I owed it to my unborn child to fight for their future, no matter the outcome.

Gathering my courage, I took a deep breath, went out of the room, and walked to his office, located in the wing of the pack house I never visited ever since I arrived. When I arrived at the grand doors of his office, I took a deep breath and knocked. But there was no reply.

I knocked again and a familiar deep voice came from within, "Just a moment." A few minutes later, he asked me to come in, and I opened the door slowly and stepped inside, feeling a knot forming in my stomach. 

Alpha Max was sitting behind his desk, engrossed in some paperwork. He looked up when he saw me, and shock colored his whole face. "Bella? This is a first. What brings you to my office and what can I do for you?" he asked, gesturing for me to take a seat.

"Good morning, Alpha Max. I need to speak with you." I said, playing with my fingers as a distraction.

"About?” he asked, focused on his work.

"I would like to negotiate."

"What is it?” he asked, still flipping through his documents.

Just as I was about to speak, the door opened with a creak. I turned around and he looked up, wanting to see who barged in without a knock.

"Apologies Alpha, but I bring good news. She's awake!” he said, smiling from ear to ear.

Alpha Max stood up immediately, dropping all the documents he was working on. "Are you sure?” he asked, eager for a positive answer.

"Yes Alpha, she is. Let's go to her, she's calling your name." He said and for the first time in my life, I saw Alpha Max genuinely smile and run, while the man followed behind him.

I sat there stunned, watching as Alpha Max hurriedly left the room. My heart sank as I realized that my chance to discuss with him had been put on hold, but for who? Who is the person calling him that is more important than his work?

Immediately, pieces of the puzzle fit in and I smiled in relief and joy. "Jessica is awake!”

Although I couldn't believe it myself, for Alpha Max to run out like that, I knew it was true.

"This is perfect! Jessica is awake and this means I can leave soon without having to tell him anything…" I mumbled happily to myself then closed my eyes for a quick prayer. "Thank you Moon Goddess. Thank you, Jessica."

Excited, I jumped up from my seat, my heart, and walked out of the door to Jessica's room wanting to see her for myself.

As I approached the room where Jessica was staying, my steps slowed, and my excitement turned into nervousness. I knew Jessica was Alpha Max's lover, and although I was happy for her recovery as it meant my freedom, a part of me couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy.

Whether I hated him or not cannot change the fact that he's my mate and seeing him happy for someone else hurt me more than I could ever imagine. Lost in thoughts, I didn't know when I stepped into the room and stared at the hugging couple for who knows how long.

"My love, who's she?” the weak voice of a woman asked, breaking me from my thoughts.

Immediately, Alpha Max turned around and as his gaze landed on me, it felt like the air in the room was unbreathable, making the whole room feel suffocating, and I instantly regretted my decision of following him.