Chapter 4

Lillian’s POV. 

Beeping machines. Alcohol. It all came crashing down on me like a deja vu as the reality hit me. I was in the hospital. But how did I get here? My eyelids fluttered open as sunlight streamed into the room through filtered glasses that casted soft, golden hues on my face. 

I sat up calmly as memories began coming back, flooding my head. I was ambushed by bandits. Blood. So much blood. A cut. My…baby! My hands shot to my belly and I caressed it softly. Is my baby still alive?! And someone had saved me—a white wolf. 

Then the scent hit me. Tobacco, spices and citrus. Someone’s in here with me.

“You’re awake.” A deep rumble hit me, amusement hinting in his tone.

 It wasn’t a question, it was a statement. One laced with concern and a certain command. 

The air suddenly felt stiffening—his overbearing presence and aura sent all the hairs on my neck standing, chills running down my spine. 

I looked up to see a man clad in a navy tailored suit, piercing eyes staring at me calmly like a pool of molten gold. Neatly combed ashen hair shone like gunmetal glinting in the sun. 

“Who are you?” I rasped. “How did I get here?” Was he the one who saved me?

“Don’t worry, your baby’s okay,” he said assuredly, then I realized I was still gripping my belly. “I’m Dorian Valehart. Alpha of—” 

“Fangshade Pack.” I completed, inhaling sharply as my fingers trembled against the sheets. 

If I was truly in here with Dorian Valehart, then my life was in far worse danger than last night. The Infamous White Wolf. Only two people ever saw his face—The associates and The Vassals. 

Being the latter meant death. And I certainly wasn’t an associate. Some said he was as terrifying as the Night, others said he was breathtakingly handsome, skin and bones made of nobility and sin. 

He gave me a small knowing smile that made me want to run away. I felt terrified by his response as he stood up, height towering as he moved closer to me while I watched his precise movements, eyes fiery yet so cold, and almost empty.  

“Why was the Luna of Moonstone Pack wandering around the borders, so late in the night?” 

His question was direct, eyes boring into mine intently. 

I felt my mouth go dry as I thought of what to say, looking everywhere but him. Dull ache shot through my body as I tried to adjust myself. 

“Should I call Aaron, your mate? Surely he could do something,” Dorian offered and I gasped instantly, shaking my head frantically. 

Not like he’d answer the phone. “Don’t. He doesn’t care. Aaron… He-he divorced me. He ended everything.” I found myself saying as tears stung my eyes. I felt myself reliving the experience. 

“Goddess, he even took Veilrend to show me how serious he was about it.” I laughed bitterly amidst tears. 

The wound, fresh and gaping in my heart, began to ache again. And Arya’s mourning had reeled in again, turning me into a shattered mess. 

“I don’t want to go back to Aaron. I just…” my voice broke into a choke as tears continued to roll down my cheeks. “…I just want to move on. It’s all over now. Everything.”

Dorian did nothing but watch me, hands balled into a fist with white knuckles as he stared at me hardly, yet I could feel the rage underneath his still expression. 

Dorian touched my shoulder and all my worries seemed to dissipate into the atmosphere. It felt like a soothing balm upon a tear, warmth and life flooding my body instantly. 

“Anything I can do to help, Lillian,” he said, his deep voice holding a tinge of sympathy and comfort in it. “And know that the pain will pass. Even that fades in time.”

His touch lingered, my head buried in my palm as I wept in sorrow. 

Suddenly, he took it away, once again balled into a fist before pocketing as he turned to walk away. It felt foreign without the hardness and warmth of his palm against my skin, like he’d held me for forever. 

“I spoke to the Healer. You’ll be yourself with a little rest, and so would your baby,” Dorian stated, “Take as much time as you need, I’ll see to it that you’re taken care of, for as long as you stay in Fangshade. I’ll be back to check on you, but I’ve got to be somewhere else.” 

Dorian turned around to leave as he shuffled out of the ward. Suddenly, it felt like I could breathe properly again. I let myself slip into the bed back as I closed my eyes, slowly rubbing my tummy as I thought of what next I’d do with my life. I’d never thought a day like this would come. A day when Aaron would divorce me or make me feel so worthless. 

I wonder if he’s happy. Going on with his day like I never existed. Like I was simply a fling. 

The Healer appeared with a gentle smile and after a few questions and administering bitter elixirs, she went her way while some nurses fed me nutritional supplements. 

After sleeping a while, I made an attempt to walk out of the bed, then towards the window. 

Fangshade wasn’t bad. At what seemed like the top floor of the hospital, I was able to get a better view of Fangshade Pack. It was…successful. Far more successful than Moonstone Pack. 

Suddenly, I could understand the hatred Aaron harbored for him—Dorian. They’re rivals, trying to dominate the country by their influence and legitimacy. I felt impressed by how Dorian could manage a pack this big without snapping under the weight. 

My thoughts were interrupted by a certain deep voice I’d managed to get familiar with. 

“Enjoying the view?” I turned to see Dorian, dressed casually. 

A white button down shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His Slightly opened collars reveal a hint of his tan chest and collarbone while black slacks hung on his waist. Even without a suit, he looked no less than regal. 

“I believe you are,” he added with a slight smile as he took a seat on the chair.

He knows I’m checking him out. I was surprised to see that he had such humor in him despite his uptightness. 

“How do you feel now, Lillian?” I didn’t miss the way my name rolled off his tongue, and the things it did to me. 

“Well, certainly good enough to enjoy the view,” I replied with a half smile. 

He nodded calmly as his eyes flicked up to meet mine. 

“So, have you decided your next course of action? You’re welcome in Fangshade for as long as you like, if you’re willing to stay.”

My brows furrowed with confusion. I thought his charity ended at bringing me from the brink of death. 

As if hearing my thoughts, he spoke up, “Being my rival’s mate—pardon me, ex-mate—doesn’t make you less of a person. I owe you every help I can give to get you back on your feet.”

I was stunned by his response. It felt so strange, I assumed he’d send me back to Moonstone Pack. He felt so humane. 

“Thank you, Alpha Dorian Valehart,” I curtsied, then turned away to hide my tears, staring into the view once more. 

“I’d like to get away from him. Completely. By erasing Lillian Moonstone from the earth. Help me with that, and I will help you destroy him.” Determined, I turned back around to face him. “Can you do that for me, Alpha Dorian?”

For the first time in a really long while, I felt safe again as Dorian walked out of the door to do as he said. My baby would be safe again— we’d never have to suffer hardship. 

Aaron Moonstone, begin to dig your grave. I will ruin you and enjoy doing it.