Chapter 2

Pregnant

The endless whispering in the hallway was a result of what just happened back at the reception party. Everyone was talking about it.

I was still in a huge shock. How could this happen, just shortly after I exchanged vows with the man I love?

“Please sit down, mate.” It was him. The man who showed up and ruined my party.

We were both locked up in one of the rooms in the building. I dragged him in here, to avoid the numerous eyes that were pinned on us back at the party

But that's barely gonna fix the damage his appearance caused. Right now, the whole pack and beyond would be talking about what just happened.

My wedding would be the juiciest gist and not in a good way. The thought of that was driving me insane.

“Do not call me that. I'm not your mate.” I warned stiffly. It doesn't matter if the moon goddess attached some innate attraction between us, I still wouldn't acknowledge him as my mate.

Right now, I could only see him as the man trying to ruin my life. My happily ever after with Ryder!

“I'm sorry if I offended you…”

“Yes, you did. You wanna know how? I'll tell you.” I snapped, feeling very angry and raging.

He seemed slightly hurt by my harsh tone but that wasn't any bit of my concern. He deserved it for ruining my perfect day.

“How dare you show up today? I waited for you for twenty-two years! And today, right after exchanging my vows with the man I love, you decide to show up?!”

“I'm…I'm sorry,” he stood, trying to placate me by holding my arms. But I pushed back, evading his touch.

“Don't touch me. You haven't earned that right, mister.” I didn't know his name. I didn't wanna know. I was too angry to even look at him. But all I knew was that he wasn't a member of our Pack.

“I've waited for you too. I've searched all over…”

“You should have searched harder!” I snapped, and tears made their way down my eyes. “Finding me now is just unfair. You're trying to ruin my life. That's not fair!”

“I'm sorry. I…” he stopped as the door opened and Ryder walked in. He was every bit pissed and had looks that could kill.

“Get out. I need to talk to my wife. Alone.” He said with a poisonous tone.

The man bowed and left. He seemed level-headed, and nice too. If only…

“Reject him,” Ryder hissed, pulling me to himself. His breathing was labored. His eyes were glistening with tears. “I can't lose you, Celine. Not after everything we've been through…”

“But, Ryder…”

“I know I'm being selfish. I know. But I'd rather be selfish than be a loser who watched the only woman he'd ever love walk right out of his life.”

“What if…what if rejecting him harms my wolf?”

“It won't. Our love is strong enough to take care of your wolf. Our love will keep your wolf strong. I promise. But please, don't leave me. I'll die if you do.” He hugged me passionately and I hugged me back.

There, I knew just what decision to make. Ryder was the love of my life. I would never trade him for a random man, who claimed to be my mate.

When Ryder left the room, the man returned. Taking a deep breath, I did what I had to do.

“I reject this bond. I can never be your mate…” I had no regrets saying those words. Ryder was worth the sacrifice.

THREE MONTHS LATER

The Pack doctor had a grim look on his face as he skimmed my test result. It made my heart pound, wondering if my situation was critical.

“Doctor, what does it say?” I asked with a hint of fear in my voice. His silence unnerved me even more.

“Well, uh…” he shook his head. “I'm sorry to tell you this, Luna, but…”

My heart dropped. He's sorry? Does that mean it's bad?

“...but you're not gonna have much freedom anymore because you're carrying the future Alpha of the Pack!” He squealed, guffawing and throwing his head back on the chair.

I was dumbfounded for a few seconds. Then his words sank and my heart got very giddy.

“Wait. I'm pregnant?!”

“Two months pregnant, yeah.” He nodded with a broad smile. “Congratulations, Luna. You'll make a great mother.”

I laughed heartily and tears of joy welled up my eyes. “Thank you so much. But aren't you too old to play such childish tricks? You almost gave me a heart attack.”

“I'm sorry,” he chuckled.

“It's fine. So what do I do?”

“For now, eat well. Rest well. Don't overwork yourself. Your pub is healthy. We have to keep it that way.”

“And you're sure I'm gonna have a son?”

“Nah. It's not certain yet. But we should stay positive, don't you think?”

“Yes. Yes, you're right. Thanks again.” I waved at him as I stood and left his office.

“Where to, Luna?” The chauffeur asked as I got into the car.

“To the Alpha's company.” To Ryder. I needed to tell him about the baby. About our baby.

I thought of calling him to tell him of my plans to visit, but the thought of surprising him made me change my mind.

Minutes later, we got to the company. I knew my way around the sparse building. So minutes later, I was walking the hallway that led to Ryder's office.

My heart was leaping with excitement as I got closer. Hitch, his Beta, was standing outside the door.

His eyes widened when he saw me and he hurried over to me.

“I'm sorry, Luna. But you can't go inside.”

“Huh? What do you mean?” I glanced at Ryder's locked door, wondering why I was being banned from going in. It's never happened before.

“He's…he's in an important meeting. And he strictly ordered not to be disturbed.”

“I'm his Luna. Surely, my presence won't be considered a disturbance. So please, get out of my way.”

He didn't budge. It made me even more uncomfortable.

“Are you disobeying me, Hitch?” I asked sternly, staring into his eyes. He cowered, bowing.

“Never. I'm sorry. Go right in.”

I pushed the door open and hurried inside. Ryder was on the table and talking to someone who was sitting on his swivel chair.

He was laughing so loud and the other voice was whispering things. I couldn't see who it was. His frame was covering the person. But this was an improper position for a serious meeting to be carried out.

“Ryder,” I called softly, hating just how badly my heart was pounding.

He turned and gasped. Quickly he stood and went around the table to get closer to me. But I wasn't looking at him.

I was looking at the woman, impeccably dressed, with smokeyeye makeup and a daring stare, who was sitting on his official seat like she had every right to. I never got to sit there when I came to visit.

So how could she?

“Celine. What are you doing here?” Ryder's words were rushed and had stutters.

I forced a smile, regardless of the strain in my heart. “Visiting you.”

“Well, you should have called…”

“I'm sorry.” Again, I glanced at the woman. She was standing now, and heading towards us.

“Who is she?” I asked, feeling very bothered by her presence.

“She's…” Ryder broke off as the woman linked her arm with his.