Chapter 2

The moment the words left my mouth, I felt all my strength vanish. Kaius just rolled his eyes, thinking I was bluffing, and stormed off.

I rested my one good paw on my bump. As his silhouette disappeared, a single tear tracked down my face. Baby, I’m so sorry.

I knew the aftershock was coming. I could feel a warm trickle between my legs. My pup... he wasn't going to make it.

Ethan stayed. He was desperately clawing at the stones, but one Beta wasn't enough to move the heavy slabs. He kept whispering, "Don't worry, Elena, I got you," even as his fingers started to bleed. I was moved by the warmth of a man I barely knew.

Later, I saw Kaius pass by again. He was carrying Lina in his arms, looking like he was carrying the most fragile thing in the world. She looked... fine. Barely a scratch on her. He didn't even glance toward the ruins where his mate and child were buried.

Ethan, his hands raw and bloody, stood up and blocked their path. "Alpha! Your mate is trapped in the rubble with your child! And you’re just worried about her?!"

I barely knew Ethan. He was just the kid on patrol who always called me "Luna" with a big, goofy smile. But right now, he was the only one fighting for me.

Kaius’s face went dark. "Lina’s hand is injured! Do you have any idea how important that is for a healer? It could ruin her career! Besides, she’s my mate, my pup—why do you even care?"

He looked from me to Ethan, a nasty smirk forming on his lips. "You’re awfully worked up about her, Ethan. You got a thing for my female?"

I wanted to laugh. How could he say something so disgusting while he was literally holding another woman?

Ethan was speechless, vibrating with rage. He tried to call the others to help, but Kaius shut him down.

"Ethan, you’re a new Beta. Your future is in my hands. Defy me again, and I’ll strip your rank."

Ethan didn't move.

Kaius leaned in, his voice a low threat. "You don't care about your rank? Fine. Think about your parents. They’ve worked for this pack for twenty years. You want them out on the streets?"

That hit the mark. Ethan’s face went pale. He hesitated.

Kaius nodded, satisfied. "You call her 'Luna,' but don't let her fool you. She’s not fit to lead. She’s been a bully since we were pups. She used her family status to torment the weak!"

"She locked Lina in a dark room just to make her miss her exams. She knew she was claustrophobic! She sabotaged Lina’s whole future! And then, when Lina and I had a fight, she crawled into my bed, got herself pregnant, and forced this bond on me. Now she’s faking an injury to get me to stay? She’s a manipulative b*tch. Let her sit in the dirt."

He walked away without looking back. Ethan was crying now, his voice trembling. "Elena, I’m so sorry. I’ll find a way, I swear!"

Then the ground began to shake. The aftershock.

The roar of the beasts echoed in the distance. The earth groaned, and the slabs above me shifted. A massive rock slammed down onto my midsection.

I screamed, the sound of my bones snapping echoing in my ears. Everything inside me felt crushed. Warmth spread under me—too much warmth. Breathing became a chore.

I heard Ethan screaming my name, but I couldn't answer. The world went black.