Chapter 2

I thought I was finally free. However, reality was far more brutal than I had imagined.

I walked out of the villa gates, but before I could even get into my car, two warriors blocked my path.

"Luna, you can't leave right now. The Alpha has ordered you to return."

My heart sank. "Why?"

The warrior's voice carried no emotion. "He needs your blood."

"No, let me go!"

I struggled desperately, not for myself but for the little angel in my belly who had not yet taken form.

A sharp pain shot through my abdomen at that moment, as if the pup was warning me to stay away from danger.

I did not understand why the Moon Goddess had granted us a mate bond. I had given him my body, offered my loyalty, and even tied my future to his pack. Was it still not enough?

I did not even dare ask him what he truly thought of me deep down.

An obedient mate? A useful Luna? Perhaps a toy he could discard at any time?

Carrying the fear that my pregnancy might be discovered, I was dragged into the basement. They pressed me into a chair and bound my hands and feet with cold chains.

I looked up and saw Xavier standing in front of me with his arms crossed, as though examining prey that could not escape.

"Why did you bring me back?" I asked through gritted teeth. "To drain my blood? When did you become a vampire?"

He replied coolly, "Stop pretending. This is the mess you caused. Lily is bleeding nonstop and needs a transfusion. Just help her out."

I let out a bitter laugh. "To you, I'm just a free blood bag wearing the Luna title."

"Stop being dramatic," he said with growing impatience. "You always put yourself in the victim's position, but this is what you owe Lily!"

"What do I owe her? An Alpha mate?"

"Watch your words!" His hand suddenly gripped my chin, his touch cold and precise.

"What if I don't?" My eyes glistened with tears. "You're already taking my blood. What else do I have to fear? Will you take my life next?"

"You're still alive, aren't you? That's mercy enough."

I shouted hoarsely, "I already moved out of the main bedroom, and I lost my moonstone brooch. I never had any malicious intention toward that she-wolf. Now, I'm asking for your mercy. Let me go!"

Speaking those words, I felt a sorrow that sank deep into my bones.

His Omega mistress was enjoying private care in the Alpha estate, while I, the legitimate Luna, was chained in the basement.

I would not tell him the secret that I was also carrying his pup. He did not deserve to know.

Even if he learned of this pup's existence, it would only give him another pawn to exploit. Therefore, I would lock this secret tightly in my heart.

"Answer me, Xavier. Either let me go, or reject me. Don't act like a coward."

Xavier turned around, his back facing me. "You think I'll do what you want?"

A sharp pain shot through me. The needle pierced deep into my chest, the pain burning like flames as it drilled straight toward my heart.

They did not draw blood from my arm because they said "heart blood" worked better. So this was my reward for seven years of loving Xavier.

Everything I had given him was repaid with the agony of a needle stabbing into my chest.

Through my tears, I said, "When I first recognized you as my fated mate, I should've turned and run instead of joyfully throwing myself into your arms!"

"Then why didn't you?" Xavier sneered. "The truth is, you belong to me for life!"

I could not respond anymore. My strength was being drained away along with my blood through the needle.

I did not know how long they drew blood, only that it continued until my body convulsed and my vision went black.

Finally, the healer interjected, "Alpha, that's already 600 milliliters. Should we continue? The Luna's energy feedback is somewhat abnormal. If we keep going, something might happen..."

I thought it was all over. However, from the room above came the sound of Lily deliberately crying out in pain.

"Continue." Xavier glanced at me, a flicker of reluctance crossing his eyes before it quickly vanished.

I looked at him in disbelief. "For your mistress, you want me to die here?"

"You won't die," he said coldly. "I know your body better than you do. You can take it."

I let out a bitter laugh as tears blurred the world. I could take it, but the pup in my belly could not!

"Xavier, if you don't stop, I swear you'll regret this..."

Xavier remained unmoved, his actions giving me his answer. He believed he was always right.

Just then, Lily cried out even louder from the room upstairs.

Xavier immediately rushed out the door. I did not need to guess who he was going to.

Meanwhile, I was left in the basement, watching the blood bag fill with crimson as the numbers slowly climbed.

Each drop that left me was not just blood, but also the nights we once shared, the loneliness I endured waiting for him, and the humiliation I had shielded him from.

The needle pierced down again.

My consciousness gradually blurred. Before I sank completely into darkness, I only managed to say one thing to the pup in my belly.

"I'm sorry… I'm sorry I couldn't protect you."

...

When I opened my eyes again, I was lying on a cold hospital bed. The healer, Dr. Riley Johnson, stood beside me, his eyes red-rimmed.

"Luna, your vital signs are normal now. You're recovering faster than I expected."

I tried to sit up, my hand instinctively pressing against my stomach. It was flat.

My heart was instantly shrouded in boundless terror.

Dr. Johnson lowered his head, his voice trembling. "I'm very sorry. When the Alpha ordered more blood to be drawn, the pup couldn't be saved."

"No, no…"

My wolf screamed inside me. I stumbled toward the door, consumed by rage.

"Xavier! You killed my pup! I'm going to tear you to pieces!"

He was not there. No comfort, no explanation.

Perhaps at this moment, he was holding Lily's hand, making her promises in a low voice.

Dr. Johnson steadied me, his eyes filled with helpless guilt. "Please, Luna, rest first."

"Rest?" I pushed him away and collapsed to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably.

Every time I closed my eyes, all I could think of was my lost pup. How could I rest?

"I had no way to resist the Alpha's orders," Dr. Johnson said, his voice tinged with regret, though it was not enough to undo anything. "If there's anything I can do to help you, I'll do it without hesitation."

Gradually, my tears turned into dry, ragged breaths. I had begged enough. I had cried enough.

The pain in my heart had transformed into the flames of vengeance. I would reduce everything they cherished to ashes!

I looked up at Dr. Johnson and said coldly, "Prepare my discharge papers and copies of all my medical records. I need them."