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CHAPTER THREE

ANDREA'S POV 

To say my lungs nearly gave out would be an understatement. Michael's words gripped me by the lungs, choking me off every breath I had left. My hands quivered as I raised a shaky glare at him. At the both of them. Their eyes burned with nothing but rancid disgust— disgust saved, reserved and set aside just for me.

“Do you have anything to add, Luna?” The announcer's voice chimed in, startling me as I turned to face the pack members. 

I fixed a smile on my face like I always did and straightened my back against the soft cushions of the chair. “For now, I have nothing to add. The solution has already been stated. The fortification of our pack’s borders will prevent us all from the ongoing attacks against neighboring packs. As we all know, the cursed lycan king has his eyes on our pack and the best thing we can do is to fortify all borders as soon as poss—”

Just as I was about to finish, Michael's voice beamed in. “I don't think that will be necessary. As the Alpha of the Black Thorne Pack, I do not think extra fortification will be needed. I for one do not buy into the rumours spreading fear around other pack leaders. We are far too developed for some lycan king to come attack us. If he does that, that'll be his biggest mistake.”

“Biggest mistake?” 

Michael's gaze flickered to me the instant I spoke. I felt the weight of his gaze pressing down on my shoulders but ignored it. I wasn't going to let him silence me anymore— at least not when the pack's safety was at risk.

The cursed alpha had been raiding different packs lately and if the fortification I suggested wasn't put to use, we could actually get raided soon. I couldn't allow that. 

I noticed the rage gleaming in Michael's eyes but decided not to focus on it. I had a point to deliver and I would do just that. “The gates of our east region and west region borders are weaker. We have less guards over there. I suggest we—”

“How dare you go against me?” Michael spat. His words bounced off the walls, sending jolts of electricity through my ribs. I nearly choked on a breath in my haste to respond him.

“I—”

“Hold your explanation to yourself. You have no single respect for the Alpha. I've told you this a couple times before Micheal. You should kick her back to the curb,”

Madeline's voice sliced through the air swiftly, and making my jaw fall in nothing but overwhelming shock. How could she do this to me. 

“How could you do this to me, Madeline. You should be ashamed of yourself. I trusted you and you betrayed me by having an affair with my mate.”

This was the first time I was going of context in front of the pack members— ever. Over the years, I'd allowed Micheal call all the shots. Even as Luna, I did most of his responsibilities leaving him with just the task of calling the shots and bossing everyone around.

I still couldn't believe Madeline could do this to me.

Tears welled up in my eyes but I wiped at them. I couldn't have the pack members see me like that. Weak. No. I had to be strong. Akasha tried to stir up from my skin but I held her back.

Having the two of them close to her was probably making her mad. I couldn't blame her. I wanted to do the same thing but every time I thought of the consequences that would be of my actions, I held myself back even more.

Seeing that that the tension was only escalating, the announcer tried to recite the ending address when Micheal cut in. 

“I'd like to make an announcement before you all leave.”

My stomach twitched into knots. I clenched the arm rest of the Luna throne in fear as my heart raced in my chest. Could it be? 

I placed a hand over my chest to stabilize my breathing. I pinned my gaze on his back, clutching the hem of my dress and biting hard on my lower lip.

“Stand up, darling.” 

My blood ran cold. He was about to introduce her to the pack. Madison stood from her seat and paced towards me. When she got close enough, he pecked her lovingly and turned to the audience. “Madison over here is with child. She is carrying my heir.” 

The crowd all cheered joyfully. “And as for you.” He pointed a finger at me. “You will treat her with nothing but respect. Is that clear?”

I never thought this day would ever come but here I am, living my greatest nightmare.