Chapter 2

The next morning, Dominic accompanied me to the pack healers.

His devoted and thoughtful care of me had the elderly healer commenting, "The Alpha clearly adores you greatly. The pup's vital signs are strong, and with how active it is, it's definitely going to be a powerful heir for the pack."

Dominic clutched my hand tightly as he uttered emotionally, "The pup is a blessing from the Moon Goddess, so of course, I'll guard it with my life."

Upon exiting the treatment room, we ran into Vivian. She was dressed in an expensive silk dress, her abdomen deliberately stuffed so it bulged out in a mimicry of pregnancy.

She had gotten "pregnant" at the same time I had.

As it turned out, it had all been planned from the start, and she was just waiting for the moment I gave birth.

When Vivian noticed us, a hint of greed flashed through her eyes. She approached us, her hand reaching out to touch my abdomen, as though the pup inside was already hers.

"Don't touch me!"

I abruptly raised my hand and smacked hers away. The crisp sound echoed particularly loudly in the corridor.

For a moment, Vivian was stunned, but then her expression darkened. "What was that for? I was just concerned for you!"

I immediately clutched my abdomen and furrowed my brow, pretending as though I was in pain.

"Your scent… That cheap chemical perfume smell is irritating my wolf."

Vivian choked on her words as her face flushed scarlet. As an Omega, she indeed had a habit of using excessive amounts of perfume to conceal her weak scent.

When Dominic heard what I said, his face fell. Grabbing my arm to support me, he asked, "Should we go back and let the healer take another look?"

Even though his words were meant for me, I could see how his gaze drifted to Vivian in an attempt to silently comfort her.

I had to lower my eyes to conceal the scornful look in them.

"I'll just head to the restroom for a bit to recover."

With that, I turned to go to the restroom. After the door swung shut behind me, I peered through the crack to observe what was happening outside.

As I expected, I had barely left when Dominic was stepping closer to Vivian.

Holding my breath, I pricked up my ears and focused on their conversation.

"Have you genuinely fallen for Aurora?" Vivian asked huffily, her tone thick with dissatisfaction. "You didn't even help me earlier when she hit me in public! Do you know how exhausted I am, having to stuff my belly every day just to go along with this act of yours?"

Dominic sighed and lowered his voice to coo at her, "Just endure it for a while longer, okay? I'm also doing this for the pup. Right now, she's nothing but a vessel to me. Once the pup is born, you'll have a pup that has Alpha blood running through its veins. It'll be all yours."

Then, he fished out a velvet box from his pocket and opened it, revealing a glimmering moonstone bracelet. Moonstones had the ability to calm an Omega down, so they were worth a fortune.

"I know you've always wanted this, so I had someone buy it from the royal capital."

Gone was Vivian's earlier dismay as she gleefully put on the bracelet, a wide smile splitting her face.

From my position in the darkness of the restroom, I watched this all happen and found the entire situation utterly ridiculous.

He was using the money I had earned to please another she-wolf. Not just that, but he was even offering up my flesh and blood to her.

Taking out my phone, I made a call. "It's me, Aurora. I'll be heading to your treatment center on time the day after tomorrow!"

After hanging up, I exited the restroom just as Dominic hurried back to me.

"The day after tomorrow?" It seemed he had overheard something, as there was a curious look in his eyes. "Where are you going?"

I met his gaze and smiled gently. "I made an appointment with a photographer. I want to take some photos to commemorate my pregnancy."

Something flickered in Dominic's eyes, and there was a minute change in his expression. "The day after tomorrow, huh? Ah… The Werewolf Council wants to have a meeting then, so I probably can't go with you."

I nodded in understanding. "That's alright. The pack's matters are more important. I'll just go by myself."

He visibly breathed a sigh of relief before stroking my head. "Aurora, you're always so understanding."

Yes, I was indeed very understanding, and that was precisely how they managed to play me for a fool all this time.