The breeder arrives

The morning after Kael told me about the elders’ decision, I woke up hoping it had all been a nightmare.

I lay still, listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing beside me. One of his arms was draped over my waist, warm and familiar, as though nothing had changed.

For a fleeting moment, I allowed myself to believe it hadn’t.

Then the memories came rushing back.

A breeder.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and carefully slipped out of bed without waking him.

The packhouse was unusually quiet as I made my way to the kitchen. Usually, the cooks greeted me with cheerful smiles, but this morning, they exchanged uneasy glances before bowing their heads.

They knew? Of course they already did.

News traveled through a pack faster than wildfire.

“Good morning, Luna,” one of the maids greeted softly.

I forced a smile. “Good morning.”

No one dared mention what was coming, and for that, I was grateful.

I wasn’t ready to hear the pity in their voices.

************

By noon, the entire packhouse was bustling.

Fresh flowers were arranged in the entrance hall, and Servants hurried through the corridors carrying clean linens.

One of the guest chambers was being redecorated.

I stood at the top of the staircase, watching them prepare a room for the woman who would carry my mate’s child.

My fingers tightened around the wooden railing until my knuckles turned white.

“I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”

Kael’s voice made me turn.

He climbed the stairs two at a time before stopping in front of me.

His eyes searched mine with concern.

“You haven’t eaten.”

“I wasn’t hungry.” I said immediately.

“Since when did you start skipping meals?” He raised a brow.

“I just wasn’t hungry.” I swallowed a lump in my throat.

A shadow crossed his face. Without a word, he reached for my hands.

“They’re cold.”

“I’m fine.” I cracked them loudly.

“You don’t have to pretend with me.” He said, and those words nearly broke me.

“I don’t know how to do this, Kael.” I confessed.

His expression softened. “Neither do I, but here we are.”

He lifted my hands to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss against my fingers. “I hate that you’re hurting.”

“If you really care for my feelings, then you wouldn’t bring her here.” I choked on a sob.

Silence settled between us.

His jaw clenched. “If there were another way…”

“There is.” I looked straight into his eyes. “Choose me to bear your pups instead, not some stranger.”

Pain flashed across his face. “I am choosing you.”

A bitter laugh escaped me. “It doesn’t feel that way.”

He pulled me into his embrace before I could step away.

“You are my mate and you are my Luna. No one can take your place.”

I wanted desperately to believe him.

So I closed my eyes and rested my forehead against his chest.

“I don’t want to lose you.” I whispered.

“You won’t.” His answer came without hesitation. “I promise.”

Promises were easy to make, but keeping them was another matter.

*********

Just before sunset, the guards announced that the breeder had arrived.

My heart sank.

I stood beside Kael in the entrance hall as the heavy doors opened.

A young woman stepped inside. She couldn’t have been more than twenty.

Golden curls framed a delicate face, and her pale blue dress hung loosely over her slender figure.

She looked around nervously before lowering her gaze.

“So this is the Alpha’s breeder,” one of the elders murmured.

She immediately dropped into a respectful curtsy.

“My name is Lily.” Her voice was barely above a whisper. “It’s an honor to serve Moonridge Pack.”

Then she turned to me, and her eyes met mine for the first time.

There was something unreadable in them. It disappeared so quickly I wondered if I’d imagined it.

She bowed even lower.

“Luna, I know this must be difficult for you. I never wanted to cause you pain, I only wish to fulfill my duty.”

Every word was perfectly chosen, and every gesture perfectly respectful.

The nerve of her to think she could talk to me.

Anyone watching would think she was the gentlest wolf alive.

“It’s nice to meet you,” I replied politely.

Because regardless of how shattered I felt…I was still Luna and a Luna did not break in front of her pack.

Kael rested a reassuring hand against the small of my back.

“Her room has been prepared.” One of the servants stepped forward. “I’ll show Miss Lily to her chamber.”

Lily turned and nodded gratefully to Kael.

“Thank you Alpha for having me. I promise you wouldn’t have to bother about me not conceiving, because I am not barren.”

It felt like a knife had stabbed me. Was she making fun of me? And why was Kael smiling back at her like she hadn’t just insulted his Luna indirectly.

“I am not barren.” I said to her as a matter of factedly. “That was such an insensitive thing to say.”

“Sorry my Luna, I never meant for it to come out that way. I’m only looking out for the pack.” She said sweetly, that I began to blame myself for talking without thinking.

“You do not look out for the pack, that’s the job of the Alpha and I.” I frowned.

“That’s okay for today.” Kael chipped in. “ Lead her to her room.” He said to the servant.

Before following the servant, she looked back at me.

“I hope… someday… you’ll forgive me.” She said innocently.

I couldn’t answer.

I didn’t know whether she needed forgiveness…Or whether I would one day need it from myself for agreeing to all of this.

As I watched her disappear down the corridor, my wolf stirred uneasily.

She had smiled at me. It was brief, and almost impossible to notice.

But it hadn’t reached her eyes.

And for reasons I couldn’t explain….That frightened me more than the elders ever had.