Chapter 1

Layla’s POV

“Congratulations, Delta Layla. You’re pregnant,” the doctor says with a smile. But then her expression shifts, and her tone becomes deathly cautious. "However, there seems to be no father on record for the child. If this baby is deemed illegitimate..."

I know exactly why she’s asking.This kingdom has always been cruel toward illegitimate children. They aren’t allowed to exist. If one is found, the child and the mother are exiled and forced to turn rogue.

“No, my baby is not illegitimate,” I clarify immediately. “It’s just… the father’s identity is sensitive. We will return to register it in due time.”

No one knows that my child belongs to the Alpha King—to Alexander. No one even knows that I am more than just his Delta; I am his secret wife.

The kingdom relies on the Alpha’s union with a fated mate to stay powerful. Yet, we were not. But after years of working together and admiring one another, Alexander and I fell in love anyway.

Throughout our five years of secret marriage, Alexander has been steadfast and loyal. I, in turn, have dedicated myself to the pack as his Chief Delta. By performing my duties with unwavering commitment, I’ve earned the respect and recognition of our people. Alexander means so much more to me than just my Alpha King; he is my husband, and the pack is my life.

Now, our situation has reached a turning point: I am carrying his child. An heir for the pack is no small matter. For the sake of our baby, I believe Alexander will finally find the courage to make our relationship public. He would never let our child become a sacrifice to a fearful system.

I smile up at the woman and stand, my hand instinctively brushing over my stomach. “Doctor, there won't be any need for such worries. My husband simply doesn't know the news yet—I’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to surprise him.”

“I understand. I won’t say anything until you’ve told your husband,” she says. “All your information will be added to the system, and I’ll contact you soon with more information about your next appointment.”

With a few more pieces of paperwork, I leave the hospital and pull my phone out. I need to tell Alexander the good news, so I dial his number as I stand near the hospital’s entrance.

It rings, and rings, and rings… with no response.

I try again, but Alexander doesn’t answer the phone this time either. I stare at the device for a moment, wondering what he’s doing while also remembering that lately, alexander hasn’t been answering calls or replying to messages.

I brushed it off as him being busy, since he is Alpha King. Maybe he’s patrolling the border in person.

Deciding to head toward Alexander’s usual patrol area, but movement to my left catches my attention. Instantly, my heart flutters in a rare sense of excitement at the sight of him. My husband.

His dark hair falls in his handsome face a bit. He’s crouching, giving me a glorious view of his muscular back and broad shoulders. Even kneeling on the ground doesn’t hide his exceptional body and height.

As always, he’s completely breathtaking.

But then I notice the beautiful, frail girl in Alexander’s arms—a girl I’ve never seen before. The fluttery feeling in my chest sinks to my stomach as I observe them. The girl is young, but I can’t figure out who she is.

She’s wrapped in Alexander’s protective arms, but his attention isn’t fully on her. No, he’s focused on the doctors and subordinates in front of him.

“Incompetent!” Alexander shouts, glaring at the men. “You should not have delayed her treatment! Get a new doctor!”

I step forward without meaning to and have to force myself to stop. I don’t know the situation, but I can’t stop my heart from sinking. Alexander never makes physical contact with women in public, let alone lose his composure like this. He is the epitome of cool and calm, needing to show that he’s a levelheaded leader…

But this is different.

My eyes fall to the girl again. Who is she? Is there some sort of misunderstanding or…

The new doctor rushes over, her movements frantic under the Alpha’s pressure, but she doesn’t move fast enough. Alexander pushes the doctor away and begins to bandage the girl himself. And that’s not the only thing.

Alexander’s hands shake as he wraps the bandage around the girl’s arm.

Is this the same man who never faulters? Is this the same cold and steady Alpha I married?

“You’re awake,” Alexander says, pulling my eyes back to the girl again. The sigh of relief that falls from Alexander is so heavy in the air I find myself stepping back.

The girl lifts her head, her gaze dazed as she looks up at him.

“How are you feeling?” Alexanders asks the girl. His tone is gentle, making my heart ache. Has he ever spoken that gently to me? I can’t remember.

I watch as the girl’s eyes widen with admiration and she whispers, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

My mind races to come up with an idea of who she is. A junior? A relative? Is he just being a good Alpha King and taking care of her?

I don’t know because that wouldn’t explain the nerves or intense care he’s offering to her.

Before I can stop myself, I move forward.

“Alpha Alexander,” I find myself speaking. He looks up, but his eyes don’t linger long before they fall to the girl again. “Who is this girl?”

Alexander doesn’t respond. He merely continues to look at the girl, and I feel as if I’ve interrupted something important. Did I? I stand there, watching with confusion, as Alexander brushes a stray piece of hair back from the girl’s face.

While Alexander won’t look at me, the girl doesn’t have the same problem. Her pretty eyes find mine as she speaks, “Is this the Luna?”

Her question gives me hope that Alexander will finally admit we’re married, but his next words drown any hope I could have had.

“No,” Alexander says firmly. “Layla is my Delta. I have no Luna.”

My heart plummets to my gut, sinking like a stone in water as disappointment fills me. I shouldn’t have expected anything else. Our marriage has been secret for so long. It’s only natural that he wouldn’t admit my identity in public, but it still hurts.

“Oh, good,” the girl says. She looks up at me again with a smile and says, “It’s nice to meet you, Delta Layla. I’m Alexander’s fated mate.”

My mind goes blank just as sharp pain rips through my abdomen.