Chapter 5

Tessa

“What?” Eva shrieked.

“Yes, it is wonderful,” the healer said, misinterpreting Eva's response. “Right now he can distinguish light and dark, I estimate his full vision could return within a few days!”

Annette and Eva stared at the healer in horror, but the healer only saw surprise. Arthur pasted on a smile.

“Wonderful news,” he said. “Now leave us so we can discuss how to celebrate.”

The healer bowed and left.

The news sent Arthur, Annette, and Eva into a panic. If Leo could see, he would be able to see the differences between Eva and myself. He wouldn't be fooled by their plans.

“We'll have to dismiss the healers,” Eva declared.

She explained that Annette should insist on having healers from her original pack come to tend to Eva's pregnancy. Leo would agree because he wouldn't want to upset Eva.

Eva suggested announcing her pregnancy immediately. Annette said that a celebratory banquet would be the perfect time. She declared that the cooks could have the feast ready that night.

Eva added that she would take the pup the moment it was born, so that her scent would be on it. She'd give it to Leo and then he'd do whatever she asked. I protested, but Eva and Annette only scoffed. They told me I couldn't care for a baby anyway. Annette offered to give me my mother back, in return for the pup.

I wanted my mother back more than anything. But to give up my own baby hurt deeply.

It wasn't like they were giving me a choice, though.

“And don't even think about escaping,” Eva added. “Or you'll never see her again.”

I nodded, defeated.

“Now come on. We don't have much time, so you'll have to help me get ready.”

“And for the love of the moon don't let Alpha Leo see you!” Annette ordered.

I stumbled behind Eva to her rooms to help her prepare for the banquet. I did her hair and makeup, like I had done for years. I was basically her personal stylist. Which was fine. I actually enjoyed doing make up when I wasn't trying to hide the signs of a beating.

Blending her eye shadow to the perfect shade reminded me of the marks I hid on my neck. I blushed, but Eva wasn't paying any attention to me. Eva never noticed me unless she wanted something.

I shuddered as I helped Eva into her dress. I knew she hated me. It was literally written on my face. I just hadn't realized how little our father cared.

“Don't just stand there.” Eva snarled when I was done, “We still need you to serve at tonight's banquet.”

“I thought I was supposed to hide,” I protested.

“No one's gonna be looking at a servant when I'm announcing the upcoming birth of Leo's heir,” Eva said.

She was right about that. Most people ignored me anyway. I was just a half-blood servant.

I hurried to the kitchen. One of the cooks shoved a tray into my hands and ordered me into the banquet hall. The smell turned my stomach and made it growl at the same time. How could I be hungry and nauseated at the same time?

I rushed around as the banquet hall filled with wolves from both packs. The mood was jubilant. Leo and Eva's marriage was being celebrated as a new start for everyone.

The news about Leo's vision had spread. His pack mates kept tossing food towards him and cheering when he caught something. Eva scowled and flinched even though he never let a single morsel touch her.

Then Alpha Arthur decided it was time for Eva's announcement.

He pulled the happy couple to their feet. Eva immediately smiled and clasped both of Leo's hands.

“Alpha Leo,” Eva said, bringing Leo's hands to her belly. “You're going to be a father.”

Leo stared into her eyes for several moments. Then a huge smile bloomed across his face. He swept Eva up into a tight hug.

“Our packs are truly blessed by your joining,” Alpha Arthur said. “First your sight is restored, and now you will have an heir!”

Leo smiled and waved several of his wolves forward. He whispered to them and they vanished. A few moments later they returned with chests packed with gold and jewels. They laid them at Eva's feet. Leo took one particularly elegant necklace from the pile and fastened it around her neck.

“Gifts,” Leo declared, “to honor my mate, the mother of my heir!”

I felt a burn of envy. Not for the treasures. I was used to seeing Tessa showered with gifts while I got nothing.

No, it was the smile on Leo's face. I wished he'd look at me like that. I was the one he'd been with that night. I was the one carrying his pup.

And I could never tell the truth.

I fled as everyone cheered. I couldn't stand watching Leo fawn over Eva another second.

When I reached the door, a guest caught my arm.

“Hey, there,” he slurred. The smell of alcohol on his breath made me dizzy. “Where you goin'?”

“I...” I tried to tug my arm free. “I have work to do, sir.”

The guest leaned closer. “No one's working, we're celebrating!”

“I'm sorry, sir, I can't,” I tried to tug my arm free.

“Why not?”

“I can't, sir, please,” I begged.

He grabbed my wrist and shoved a cup into my hand.

“Drink up,” the guest demanded.

He twisted my wrist, trying to force the cup up to my mouth. I squirmed and turned my head. I couldn't drink. It would hurt Leo's baby!

Our struggle moved us out into the hallway.

“Oh, I get it,” the guest said, leering, “You want someplace private.”

“What? No!” I shouted.

“Stop teasing,” the guest tugged me towards an empty room.

“No!” I struggled out of his grip.

I turned and ran without looking and crashed face first into a warm, solid chest. Gentle hands steadied me. I looked up into Leo's furious face.

“What's going on here?” Leo demanded.

“I was just celebrating, Alpha Leo,” the guest stammered.

“She said no,” Leo growled. The sound vibrated through my chest. “Get out of my sight!”

The guest fled. I shivered as I stared up at Leo.

Why was Leo here? Had he heard the commotion? I shrank back. He must've been mad that I ruined his celebration.

Eva rushed through the door, and dragged me out of Leo's grip.

“I'm so sorry,” she said, “This is just one of our maids. She should have known better than to make a scene.”

Eva's glare turned my stomach. She was going to make me pay for interrupting her night.

“Hm.” Leo stared down at me.

I shrank back and lowered my eyes to the ground. If he realized the truth, recognized me as the woman he'd been with on his wedding night, Eva would kill my mother. And probably me, too.

Instinctively, I curled my hand over my belly. If I died, the pup died too.

Leo stepped closer. I felt him looming over me.

“Why do you smell like me?” Leo demanded.