13

Eliana

I closed my eyes as he left the room. I was hurt, and I just wanted to forget about this whole thing and move on, but his lie made me hate him more.

How could he lie that he wasn't the one who came into the room that day to reject me? I wasn't blind, and I definitely wasn't deaf. I had seen him walk into my room, and he had told me to leave their pack.

I laid on the bed. I couldn't help but think about the night I spent with Cade. I remembered everything vividly like it was today — his touch, his kisses, the way he made love to me like I was the only woman worth loving in the world.

But what did I get the next morning? Rejection.

I was rejected the next morning and told to leave. I felt used, I felt betrayed, and I hated Cade so much.

A sharp pain shot through my head, making me grab it in time. I looked at the nightstand and saw the pain relief pills Ace had brought with my breakfast earlier this morning. I took it and popped two into my mouth, wincing as I tasted its bitterness.

“Ugh, not so good.” I said as I drank water.

The pills might send the pain in my head away, but they couldn't do anything to my heart. I was in pain. I placed my hand on my belly, feeling that sense of peace wash over me. At least I had something that wouldn't betray me.

“Hello, little one.” I whispered, my voice barely above a whisper. “I am scared right now. But I believe I should be strong for you. I need to raise you well, protect you, and love you. I don't know what the future holds, but I know I will do everything to make sure I give you a good life, not just a good life; I'd give you a great life.”

But then I had never been a mother. And I wasn't sure how I'd pull through with this. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I thought of different things. Will I be a good mother to my baby? Will I be able to give this child, whether male or female, the life that he or she deserves? How was I going to raise a child that isn't werewolf?

I cannot go back to the werewolf world. I don't want my baby to be the weird one out of different children. I wanted my child to grow up in a place where he is loved and cherished by both parents — only that in my case, my child might end up with fathers instead of just one.

I felt a movement in my belly, and I smiled. My baby is growing. "Grow, little one," I said, my voice filled with wonder.

"I will make sure I give you the life you deserve. I will love you, and I will adore you.”

My pain began to subside, and I placed my head on the pillow. Maybe it wouldn't be that bad after all; maybe I could pull through, and maybe I will be fine.

When I slept that night, I dreamt about a little white wolf; it was so beautiful that I had a peaceful sleep.

***

The next day, I was woken by the continuous knocking on the door, and I reluctantly went to open the door. I haven't left the door open since I came here. Not that it was enough security, but at least I was okay with that.

I found two women at the door who were smiling softly at me. “Good morning. The triplets requested you join them at breakfast.” One of them who had her hair in a bun said.

The other one extended a box towards me and said, “They also wanted you to wear this.”

I took the dress. What were those three up to? They rejected me; now they were looking for ways to win my heart?

“Thank you.” I told the maids. “Tell them I'll join them soon.”

“Okay.” They said in reunion and left.

Once alone in the room, I placed the dress on the bed and looked at it. It was a gown that reached the knew and had intricate designs on every part of it.

I sighed and began to get ready. After I was done, I went to the dining room and was met with a table full of food. Rhett, Cade, and Ace were sitting around the table, their eyes fixed on me like I was a clown wanting to amuse them.

“Good morning.” I said as I took my seat. I felt like an outsider, a fragile guest in their grand palace.

We began to eat, and we said nothing. I don't even want anyone to talk to me. I just wanted to be left alone and eat in silence, then I'd go back to my room.

But after a while, Rhett decided to break the silence. His voice was warm and genuine as he talked to me. “Eliana, I must say you look stunning in that dress.”

I looked at him for a while before responding. “Thank you, Rhett.”

And that was all. The next conversation was just simply awkward. It was a little bit of “pass me the salt” and “can I have more sauce?” It was filled with forced smiles and interest. At that point, I knew I had to tell them what I had thought about last night.

"I wanted to talk to you all about my plans," I began, my voice firm. "I have decided to stay here until I give birth and then find a permanent home for my child and me outside the palace. That way, my baby will have a good life.”

Cade's eyes narrowed as he heard that, his mouth opening to object, but Ace placed a hand on his arm, silencing him. I saw them but I didn't care.

"I want my baby to have a normal life," I continued, still maintaining my steady voice. "Away from the drama and rules of the palace. I want my baby to grow up with a sense of freedom and choice, not by sticking to the acceptance and rejection of a mate.”

No one said anything after I was done. They spoke with their eyes, and it was with unease. I knew they wouldn't agree with me having a baby out of the pack, but I don't care. I want my baby to have a completely normal life.

Ace spoke up first. “Eliana, whatever you agree on is what we are going to agree on too.”

“Ace!” Cade finally spoke up, but that was all he could say. Ace's hand stopped him from talking.

“We agree with your decision, Eliana.” Rhett said.

“Thank you.” I said, and we continued eating.

After breakfast, I decided to take a walk. I was tired, and I just wanted to relieve myself of my worries.

I started the walk from the large garden, and I checked a few flowers I took interest in. The palace has beautiful plants I could get my hands on later. I was walking out on the balcony when Rhett saw me and came to meet me.

“Hi, Eliana.” He greeted me, but I said nothing. He didn't take offence; he continued. "Is there anything I can do to help you?"

I hesitated, unsure if I should trust him. I do like his nature; it was just his brother, Cade, that made me hate all three of them. And maybe I could use a little help from Rhett. He could help me with my investigation.

"Actually, there is something," I said quietly. "I had an investigator looking into my mother's death. I need to get the information from him, but I don't know how to contact him because he is in the Darkmoon pack. He has been unresponsive for a while.”

Rhett's expression turned serious. "That's simple. I can help with that.”

I nodded, knowing things would be easier now. "And Rhett, keep this between. Don't even tell Ace or Cade, no one at all.”

"I promise. I'll take care of it; just trust me.”

Yeah, right, I'd trust you. I thought. “Thank you.”

“You're welcome, Eliana.” He said before disappearing into the castle.

That was easy. Time to go back to my room.

I turned to head back to my room. I was walking in the hallway when I sensed something behind me. I spun around, but the hallway was empty. The windows only revealed the beautiful garden and the distant chirping of birds.

“Hello? Anyone there?” I got no response, but I stood still, waiting to see if anyone would pop out.

After a few moments, I continued to walk. Maybe it was just pregnancy hormones. But then I quickened my pace and went straight to my room.