Chapter 4

SOFIA

I froze.

His words left me in shock. Did I hear right or I was only hallucinating?

I fiddled with my hands, gently raising my head to him. “I'm sorry, I don't think I heard you right sir.”

He swallowed hard, his gaze fixed on me. “If you'll be coming with me to my pack, then I want us to get married.”

The words choked me.

“I'm sorry, but why do I have to get married to you?”

I was scared. Having just gotten out of an abusive marriage that lasted for six years, getting into another wasn't what I wanted now.

What if he wasn't any different from Mike? There was no prior news about him, so there's no way I could tell.

He smiled. Gosh!! That smile.

It.. it made my heart flutter. Oh, was flutter the right word? I wasn't sure, but then.

I remained quiet, my mind racing with thoughts.

“Why do you want to get married to me?” Finally, I asked.

He moved closer until only a few inches were between us. “I am not sure if this would sound nice to you, but I'd say it anyway. I need an heir to the throne.”

My jaws dropped. Yet again, I was to be a baby making factory? Never!! I wouldn't agree to that.

I couldn't. Six traumatizing years of my life, and then another?

“Hey!!” He called minutes later. I had been quiet the entire while. I jolted back to reality, a bit startled.

“I'm sorry. I was..”

“So what's your response? Would you marry me?”

I exhaled, my eyes flickering incessantly. “I'll need to think this through properly considering that I just got out of an abusive relationship.”

He grunted. “I understand. I'll give you some time.*

Silence returned again. More fierce and intense this time.

Finally, he broke it. “We should have something to eat. I guess you must be hungry already.”

I smiled, keeping quiet. My stomach rumbled, giving me away. My face flushed with embarrassment as his gaze rested on mine.

“It's nothing to be shy about. Let's get some breakfast.” He held my hand, carefully leading me to the dining hall.

My jaws dropped in adoration. It was the most stunning dining hall I had ever set my eyes on.

My gaze rested on him, questions racing through my mind. He smiled.

“You don't need to say anything. Let's just eat.”

I swallowed my words, quickly helping myself into the seat he had pulled out for me. He was warm and tender, melting my heart in mo small way.

“Thank you.”

“You don't have to thank me.”

I blushed. His words, carefully picked. The grace and eloquence with which he uttered those words. They were breathtaking.

“I'm not sure what you would love, so I asked the chef to make some variety.”

He snapped his fingers, and in a single trail walked half a dozen maids, each bearing a tray in each of their hands.

The aroma of the food serenaded the air. Again, my stomach rumbled. No doubt, the food must be delicious..

With the entire meal set before me, I couldn't help but marvel. “Are we perhaps expecting guests?”

His brows creased. “Guests? No we aren't. Why do you ask?”

“Nothing.. nothing really. I'm just surprised there's so much food.”

Gently, his hand reached across the table, gently resting on mine. “Like I said, I wasn't sure what you would like.”

I nodded, even though I didn't understand the need for it.

“It must have been real hell for you during these six years of being Mike's wife.”

My countenance turned sour. His words seemed to have stirred up the wound in me that was quickly healing.

“It really was hell.” Tears welled in my eyes.

“I do not pray for such a life even for my enemies.”

“Yes, I understand how you feel. Thank goodness it's all over now.”

“I'm really glad.”

He nodded. In his eyes, I could see he had things to say, but hesitated quite a bit.

“When would you give an answer to my proposal? I cannot afford to let you remain in this pack knowing Mike might try to harm you.”

It suddenly snapped within me. Why hadn't I thought about it all these while?

Fear gripped me, and my hands began to shake. There was no doubt Mike might try to harm me if I remained in his pack..

Soon, the thought gained ground in me until I couldn't get it out of my mind.

“Do you now see why I want you to come with me? Leaving you here all by yourself isn't safe.”

I nodded in agreement.

“So what's your say?”

“Fine.. I'll get married to you, but I have an announcement to make. I'm sure you might not find it cool, but I have to say it anyway.”

He adjusted himself on the chair, his eyes resting on me.

He was anxious, and uneasy.

“I'm pregnant.”

I went mute, my heart pounding against my chest. His eyes: they seemed to lose their colors.

“You are?” I nodded, slowly.

“Mike's child right?” Again, I nodded.

There was silence— thick and deafening. It felt so awkward and uncomfortable.

“That's not a problem. We can wait until you deliver, then you can conceive our child or..” He halted.

“Or?” I asked, curious. He looked really hesitant to speak further, like the words were heavy.

“Nevermind…” He waved me off.

“No!! Please tell me..”

He exhaled. “We.. we can abort the child in you and leave everything about your past life.”

I was flabbergasted. Those words of his made no sense. Infact, they did irritate me.

“Never!! I can never do that.” I shook my head vehemently.

No doubt, I hated Mike who was responsible for my pregnancy, but not the child in me.

“It's fine. I'm.. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you..” He reached for my hands, but I withdrew at once.

Without warning, he drew me into him until we were only a few inches apart. I could feel his breath all over me— Hot and intense.

“What do you think?” He rested his hand on my waist and slowly leaned in. A kiss rested on my lips.

It was soft and tender at first, and then… soft moans, gasps..

Oh, good lord.