Chapter 5

Raven’s POV

My world spiraled uncontrollably right in front of me. Everything stopped almost immediately. Jolts of energy coming from inside me.

“This… can’t be,” I muttered under my breath, slowly stepping out of the bathroom with shaky legs,each step filled with exhaustion and sadness.

I kept thinking about the possibility of it being Everest’s. Not even a chance. He had just brought me to the pack, just when I had begun finding home again. My hands clutched my stomach gently,my chest drumming.

Having River Kane’s baby in Everest’s house. That’s not possible. What should I do?

“My lady,I have been outside waiting for you! I was so worried.

The Alpha asked me to inquire what you’ll be having for lunch.”. Belinda's voice brought me back from my reverie.

Food? That’s the least of my problems. I didn't say a word.

“My lady…I'm concerned…you don't look well to me. Can I report back to the alpha?”.

“It’s fine.” I looked away. “I’m not hungry. If I need something, I’ll call you.”

Her eyes scanned me as though “no” wasn’t the response she had expected. “My lady, you haven’t had anything since you arrived.”

“Belinda, I’m fine.” I heaved a deep sigh, my insides still growling, not just for food but for something else.

Forcing myself to maintain my composure “You can leave now.” I blurted out.

I was about to turn when another knock sounded at the door. My heart shuddered again.

“Who’s there?”

“It’s me,” a husky voice responded.

Belinda hurried to the door, conversing with the knocker before shutting it. A soft smile spread across her lips, rousing my interest.

“My lady, the Alpha has requested your presence in his chambers now.”

My heart sank into my stomach. It raced and thumped fiercely. Why is he calling me? Is it possible that he knows? Oh my goodness!

“My lady!” She snapped her fingers in front of my face.

“Yes?”

“Did you hear me the first time? The Alpha has—”

“I heard you,” I interrupted her before she could repeat the words. They had unsettled me enough the first time. I wasn’t sure I could handle hearing them again.

“Legs”. I swallowed the lumps in my throat as I headed to the door.

Her eyes bulged as though I was doing the wrong thing.

“What?”

“My lady,” she began, bowing slightly. “Sorry if I may sound off, but you can’t go to his chambers… like this.” She gestured at my clothes.

“What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?” I protested with furrowed brows.

“Nothing… just… you’ll be going to the Alpha’s chambers. That’s a sacred place in this packhouse.” She glanced at the wall clock. “And at this time, the council would be convening.”

My throat dried again at the mention of the council. The last time I stood before a council, I was being framed for theft. This can’t all be happening now.

“What do you suggest I wear?”

A smirk flashed across her face. “Just go freshen up quickly while I prepare something for you.”

Following her instructions without delay, I took my bath using the fragrances provided. When I stepped out, Belinda had laid a shiny blue gown on the bed.

“This will look so good on you, my lady.”

She dressed me quickly, and she was right. My curves were accentuated, with the shiny fabric doing justice to my body. Belinda quickly styled my hair, applied light makeup, and turned me in front of the mirror.

“What do you think, my lady?”

“I… love it!” I smiled sheepishly at the perfect figure the dress gave me. My confidence rose a little. “Can we go now?”

“Yes, my lady.” She bowed slightly and pulled the door open for me to step out.

Guards lined up behind us, while some walked ahead, leading me to the Alpha’s chambers. The closer we got, the more my confidence began to dwindle. I lost it completely when the large wooden doors to his chambers swung open. The overwhelming aura of the place left me flustered again.

Golden tiles decorated the floor, while portraits and golden statues adorned the walls. It looked much brighter and more welcoming than my former packhouse.

Advancing, I spotted the council members seated in long golden chairs arranged in a circle. Everest sat on a taller, more elevated chair, decorated with wolf heads and golden designs. His name was boldly written above it. Stern-looking guards surrounded him.

As soon as our eyes locked, his face beamed with a warm smile. My heart began racing again. Uncertainty and suspense ate away at me slowly.

“My beautiful Raven. Come to me!” he announced with a wide smile.

My body immediately obeyed the order. I followed the path ahead and stood beside him. He lifted his right hand, giving me the cue to place mine in it.

“So, I’m glad to announce to this entire council… that I’ve found my mate and Luna!”

My face paled, and a warm sensation rose in my throat. Even though I wasn’t pregnant, I needed some time to make that decision. Yet, judging by his authority and the way he ran the pack, he alone made the decisions.

“Smile, my love,” he whispered in my ear,his hot breath brushing against my ear lobe.

My face forced a plastic smile. It was the best I could do.

All eight council members rose to their feet.

“All hail the Luna!”

Just like that, everyone bowed, leaving only Everest and me standing with our heads held high. They soon lifted their heads, smiling at one another and celebrating with handshakes and hugs.

One of them stepped forward. “We are so excited to have you here, my lady.” He bowed. “We salute you for your ability to break our Alpha’s defenses and get him to believe in having a mate.”

Everest chuckled. “I guess I just needed to find my mate, and that’s all.”

“We agree, my lord. And we are happy that at last, our kingdom will bloom and your reign will last forever through your heir. May the Luna be blessed with children!”

They echoed, “May the Luna be blessed with children!”

My heart ached, my palms grew jittery, and my mind raced as I watched his face beam with a warm smile. His expression lit up the room as he leaned toward me and planted a kiss on my lips.

“Since everyone wants little angels, I guess we have to get to work, then.”

His sarcasm didn’t force a smile from me. Instead, it felt as though ice-cold water had been poured over me, freezing me to the spot.

How do I explain to him or his council that their Luna is already carrying a child that belongs to another Alpha?

My fingers trembled as Everest tightened his hold on my hand.

Then, a council member spoke again.

“Your Majesty, before we proceed with the Luna’s blessings, there is one important matter we must address.”

My blood ran cold.

What if they already knew?