Esme's POV The moment of truth is finally here. I had a nightmare last night and I've been having a bad feeling all morning. My stomach is twisting in knots as I walk into the throne room. Ethan's seated on his throne, going through some documents. He raises his head as soon as he hears my footsteps. "Esme, is there a problem?" He asked, noticing the worried look on my face. Where do I even begin? Why is he acting like everything is fine? Like today won't determine the rest of my life? "You know why I'm here, Ethan. What is your decision?" I asked directly, choosing to hit the nail on the head. My anxiety only increases by the minute. "My decision? About what? What are you referring to?" "Today marks my one year period with you and this brings our bet to an end so what is the outcome? Did I succeed in winning your heart? Have you fallen in love with me or have I failed completely?" I asked and he looked away, seemingly agitated. I had never seen him with such an expression. He'
Ethan's POV Alexei kept rambling on about Alpha Cullin's proposal but I found myself continuously distracted. "Excuse me, Alpha but are you even listening?" He questioned and I finally turned my attention over to him. "We should discuss this later, I'm not in the right state of mind to talk about this right now." I answered and he nodded, taking a bow. "As you wish, Alpha." He responded and just then, the doors to the room threw open and Rachel stormed in. "Ethan, I'm sorry to interrupt your meeting but we have to talk right now." She said in a stern voice. She had never done this before. She always called me Alpha in the presence of everyone else but only called me by my name in private and she had never once raised her voice to me but rather than get angry about this, I felt nervous. Probably because I know exactly what this is about. The others in the room stared at her wide eyed but I gave the order and all of them left immediately, leaving Rachel and I alone in the room.
Esme's POV We've been on the road for a while and I'm starting to feel tired. I can't help but feel strange, like something bad is about to happen. Is it because I'm leaving? Or is this normal with pregnancy? "How far have we gone?" I asked the head warrior. "We've just crossed the border so we're completely out of Moon Blood territory. Where would you like to go?" He asked back. "What are my options? Which Packs are close by and friendly?" "There's only three Packs that are close and they're the Lamia Pack, Ash River Pack and Lock Heart Pack. They're all small Packs with no issues." He stated. "In your opinion, which would be better to live in?" I questioned. "You want my opinion?" He asked, surprised. "Yes, you live in the Moon Blood Pack and they're your neighbors so I thought you'd know them well. I'm sorry if I'm bothering you by asking." I quickly apologized. "No, not at all. I'm just not used to people asking me about my opinion. I think the Lamia Pack would be best. Th
Esme's POV "You're not lying, are you? This isn't a prank, right? It isn't a dream?" I asked, tears gathering in my eyes. "It's not, it's all real. I'll say it as many times as you want me to. I love you Esme and I never want to let you go." He said, his voice displaying his sincerity. "But why so suddenly? Why are you realizing this only now? Did you have to put me through all this first? Did I have to face death one more time before you finally accepted it?" I asked, tears rolling down my cheeks. "I'm so sorry, Esme. I'm really an idiot, I didn't realize sooner because I chose to turn a blind eye to it. I thought letting myself love and expressing that love would be a weakness but now I know better. You're my greatest strength and I'll do anything to keep you by my side. I never wanted to hurt you or put you in harm's way, I was just so scared." He said. "Scared of what? That I would betray you? That I would sell all your secrets to your enemies? Do you really think so little o
Esme's POV "Esme." I heard him call my name and take my hand in his so I opened my eyes. "Is what you're saying true?" He asked and I nodded. I mean who would even joke about something like that? He took a deep breath and in a split second, pulled me towards him and carried me in his arms bridal style, spinning me around. "Ethan, please stop. I'm starting to feel dizzy." I pleaded as I began to feel dizzy and nauseated. He stopped and put me down, gently helping me sit on the bed while I tried to recover. "I'm sorry I overreacted, I'm just so happy to hear the news." He apologized and I looked at him in surprise. "Really? You're not mad?" I asked, bewildered. "What would make you even think that? Of course I'm not angry." He corrected me. "Well, you've never really talked about having children and things are still a little strained between us so I was afraid….." I tried to explain but he stopped me by placing a hand over my mouth. "Listen to me Esme, you've just given me th
Esme's POVEthan returned with the doctor and she officially congratulated us both on the pregnancy. Ethan asked if the baby was healthy and the doctor assured us that everything was fine. She told Ethan to take really good care of me as this is my first pregnancy and it might be hard for me, especially due to the stress I had undergone lately.She also gave a list of foods I should eat, some exercises and things not to do during my pregnancy. She said she would come to give me a check up every week and I should call on her instantly if I experience any bleeding or discomfort. Ethan and I thanked her and she left.Preparations for our ceremony have been going on and not too surprisingly, Rachel is the most excited.Ethan has been with me every step of the way and everything has been going smoothly but deep down, I'm afraid that something might go wrong. I don't want to jinx my own happiness by thinking negatively but I can't seem to dismiss the feeling that a bigger storm is coming in
Ethan's POVWords can't express how happy I am today. When I saw her walking towards me, beautifully dressed and looking like an angel, my heart fluttered.I could sense a warm feeling growing in my chest and my heartbeat was accelerating. It felt amazing, reminding me that I am indeed alive. The past few years of my life, I wasn't living, I was merely surviving. I kept pushing on with the thought that if I conquered more Packs, became the most powerful Alpha in existence, it would somehow make up for all I had lost.But then she came along and despite all the opposition, turned me over to the light and made me realize what I was missing.I didn't need more blood and more power, I only needed love, a shoulder to fall on when I grew exhausted of having to carry all the responsibilities and bottle up all my pain. Accepting my feelings for her felt like a huge burden had been lifted from my heart. And though I'll never forget all the things that have happened to me in the Past, I've le
Esme's POV I found myself in utter disbelief. "Get away from me, you vile woman!" Ethan suddenly screamed and pushed me off of him when I tried to kiss him. Did I do something wrong? "Ethan, is something wrong? Are you OK?" I asked, worried as I tried to get closer to him again. He tried to stand up but he fell back on the bed and when I rushed towards him, he yelled at me. "Stay away from me, you witch." The words sounded like a puzzle, even though I knew what they meant. What is going on? Did something happen to him? He looks like he's in pain but he won't even let me get close to him and he keeps calling me names. Did I accidently do something to cause him to be in this state? But I followed the book exactly. I had read a book that had talked about maintaining a healthy sexual relationship and that's when I came across the topic of a man's erogenous spots. I couldn't help but wonder how Ethan would react if I pleasured him so I decided to give it a try but I didn't mean for