Chapter 2

The next day, I arrived at the pack's private hospital to check on the pups, only to spot two familiar figures.

Loki was carefully supporting Maya. He wore a gentle expression. It struck me that this was the emergency he'd talked about—taking her to her prenatal checkup.

My heart froze solid.

Hiding behind a stone pillar, I overheard the healer's voice. "Alpha Loki, are you sure you want to keep this pup?"

"Of course," Loki replied in a firm, resolute voice. "I must have this pup."

"But what about Luna Serafina? You mustn't forget that the Blight is spreading through the pack. The elders say that the only hope lies in Luna Serafina's bloodline. If she finds out what you're doing and decides to leave, what will you do?"

"Serafina can't bear pups or awaken her bloodline, so she's lost her value," Loki coldly cut in. "Besides, she loves me too much. Even if she finds out, she won't have the heart to leave."

So, he'd planned everything from the start, but he was dangerously wrong.

Just then, Maya walked out after finishing her examinations. She looked hurt and aggrieved as she asked, "Loki, am I making things difficult for you?

"This is all my fault. I shouldn't have told you about the pregnancy. I wanted to end it, but the healer said if I do, I'd never conceive again."

Loki patted her shoulder and gently said, "This isn't your fault. She'll accept this sooner or later."

Maya lowered her head and chokingly replied, "I know Ms. Lyall won't like me, but I'll try my best to please her. Once the pup's born, I'll move into the pack house as the housekeeper to take care of her and the pup."

Loki gave her shoulder another pat. "Things must be tough on you."

As I watched them, my chest tightened until I could barely breathe.

A few minutes later, Loki left to fetch some herbs. Once he was gone, Maya curled the corners of her lips into a cold smirk and walked toward me.

"Serafina, what are you doing, hiding behind the pillar?"

So, she'd seen me all along. I pressed my lips together and stayed silent.

"You heard everything, didn't you?" She raised an eyebrow with a provocative gleam shining in her eyes.

I turned to leave, but she blocked my path and grinned at me. "If you know what's good for you, you'll leave on your own. I'm carrying Alpha Loki's heir, while you, a barren, useless she-wolf, will just end up exiled. Wouldn't that be embarrassing?"

As her words grew harsher, I clenched my fists with nails digging deep into my palms.

"Maya, you—"

I was just about to speak when I heard hurried footsteps. Loki was back.

Maya's expression instantly shifted into one of fragile innocence. "Ms. Lyall, I know you don't like me, but please… Don't take it out on the pup…"

Her face was contorted in pain as she suddenly stumbled backward and clutched her stomach.

"Maya!" Loki blurred into motion and rushed to her side.

"What have you done to her?" He glared at me with eyes full of rage and disappointment.

Maya lay collapsed on the ground, sobbing with tears streaming down her face. "My stomach hurts so much, Loki… Our pup…

"Don't blame Serafina. She was probably just too upset…"

Loki's gaze softened with distress. "Don't be afraid. I'll take you to the healer right now."

He scooped Maya into his arms and left without looking back at all.

I watched the whole clumsy charade and couldn't even be bothered to explain.