Chapter 6

Elara's POV 

I walked away from them without another glance, my head held high despite the turmoil swirling in my chest. My steps were steady, but beneath my skin, anger burned, hot and unforgiving.

Damain!!! 

That insufferable bastard! Look at the humiliation he had subjected me to. 

Kael? Kael of all people dare talk to me in such a condescending manner. Well it wasn't his fault though. If I take back everything that Damain has taken from me, Kael and Lyra would definitely be the first people I'd settle scores with.

As I moved through the corridors, I felt the Pack's eyes on me. Low doubtful and suspicious whispers drifted through air.

"This takeover happened so fast," someone muttered.

"I don't trust it," another chipped in. "Elena was supposed to lead after her father. How did Damain take control so suddenly?"

"Isn't that how it works since he's her mate?"

"Maybe. But still... something doesn't feel right."

I kept my expression neutral, but every word made me feel a surge of happiness. Good. The pack was questioning Damain's rule. A smirk tugged on my lips. I'm curious how he will deal with this doubts?

"Elara."

I turned to find three of the highest ranking elders approaching me. Elder Gregor, the oldest and most knowledgeable amongst them, stood at the center flanked by Elder Marlow and Elder Selene. 

These Elders were deeply loyal to my father, and I could perceive that they won't be pleased with Damain's rule. And without their approval, he was going to have a difficult time ruling the Pack. The Elders gazes were unreadable, but I could sense their worry.

"Walk with us," Elder Gregor said, his voice calm yet firm.

I nodded, falling into step behind them. We moved in silence towards the grand hall .

The grand hall was dimly lit, the air heavy with the burden of expectations. The Elders sat in a semicircle before me, their expression still masked with concern and suspicions. I met their gazes, my trembling hands tapping my lap to mask the tension from their presence.

"Elara," Elder Gregor spoke first, his voice slow, deliberate. "We received word that your father's condition has worsened in the past weeks. Is this true."

I nodded solemnly. "Yes. My father's health is declining due to the difficult situation my family has been in. And I'd like to clear the air that my father would never do any of those things he was accused of. You all know how my father had been nothing but an admirable leader."

Murmurs spread among them, their eyes flicking between one another. "Of course, we know your father is a good leader," Elder Marlow said. In that moment, I heaved a sigh of relief. At least there were still people who trusted my father as much as I do.

Then Elder Marlow continued, frowning. "But why is Damain suddenly taking over? You father had ruled this pack for decades, and his will had always been strong. Why him? And not you? At least, you know the pack better than Damain did."

I inhaled deeply, keeping my face composed. I couldn't reveal Damain's schemes yet. Not until I have the leverage to challenge him. So instead, I forced a soft, bittersweet smile.

"My father's health has made it difficult for him to continue. Damain only stepped in as a reasonable son in law. It was the logical decision."

The elders exchanged glances, their silence speaking volumes. They weren't entirely convinced but then for now, just like me they couldn't challenge Damain without a proof.

Damain strode in, his presence commanding, his sharp gaze locking onto mine like a predator eyeing it's prey. His appearance was dishealved like he had hurriedly gotten dressed, and his jaw tensed from the storm brewing inside him. He was angry. He was insecure. Good.

I smiled. Not out of warmth, but out of challenge.

"Alpha," Elder Gregor greeted, though I didn't miss the way his eyes narrowed slightly. "We were just discussing the transition of power."

Damian forced a smile. "I hope my Luna has not burdened you with unnecessary worries," he said smoothly, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Oh, not all," I replied sweetly, tilting my head. "I was simply sharing concerns about my father's condition. Can't I do that, my love?"

For a moment, there was total silence between us. Damain then chuckled, stepping closer and placing a possessive hand on my waist, the warmth of his touch searing through the fabric of my dress. "Of course. My Luna has always been thoughtful."

The meeting continued with hollow conversations, but the moment the elders dismissed themselves, Damain wasted no time.

He turned to me, his grip tightening around my waist. "What are you planning Elara," his voice was low and dangerous. "What the hell did you talk to the elders about?"

Damain won't believe. Nothing I say would make him believe that I was truly talking about my father's health, so there was no need trying. I met his gaze, a slow, taunting smirk playing on my lips. "Why? Are you scared?"

His hand pulled me closer, my breasts pressing against his chest wall, and again my body reacted and I hated it. "Don't play games with me, Elara," he warned, his breath warm against my flushed skin. "Otherwise, I won't hesitate to teach you a lesson you won't forget."

Before I could bite back a retort, a sudden wave of nausea crashed over me. My stomach twisted violently, my head throbbed with pain and the room became blurry. My hand involuntarily flew to my mouth as bile rose in my throat.

"Shit —" I quickly turned on my heel and ran, barely making it to the restroom at the corner of the hall before spilling vomit into the sink. Cold beads of sweat clung to my as I gripped the proclein, breathing heavily. 

The pregnancy symptoms. Oh, moon goddess!

When I finally steadied myself and returned, Damain was still there, arms crossed, watching me with an expression I couldn't quite place. His sharp eyes scanned my face, then drifted lower to my stomach and back to my face.

His next words sent a cold shiver down my spine 

"Are you pregnant?