Chapter 1

Hazel’s POV

I had been pregnant for a few months.

Months of carrying Blaine’s child. Months of doctor’s appointments, sleepless nights and being so terribly alone.

I adjusted in the passenger seat as the WolfCare pack hospital came into view. The car slowed and my maid Mrs. Hale, let out a quiet sigh.

“He should be here.” she muttered, mostly to herself. "The Alpha should be here with you."

I said nothing. I didn’t have the energy to argue, not when she was right. Blaine should have been here. A good mate and a good father would have dropped everything else to be here with his pregnant wife.

I sighed and reached out to Mae my wolf for comfort. But all she did was whine inside of me. I knew I was all alone in this.

The car stopped and I stepped out, smoothing a hand over my stomach. It wasn’t much yet, just a slight swell, but I felt it in every part of me. The heaviness of this life growing inside me. The pain of knowing I was going through it alone.

My phone rang, yanking me from my thoughts. I fumbled for it in my bag and pulled it out. It was Luna Astra. Blaine’s mother and my mother-in-law.

I answered quickly. “Luna Astra, good afternoon.”

“Hazel, dear,” she greeted warmly. “How are you feeling?”

I smiled despite the war going on in my head. Even though Blaine was an absent husband, his family was kind to me. “I’m doing well, Luna. Just heading in for my monthly check-up.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” She paused. “I told Blaine to be with you today. I sent him the hospital's address and everything, so you should expect him."

My smile was more genuine this time. Of course, she had told Blaine to come. If there was one person who could control Blaine, it was his mother.

Still, I didn’t trust him. But I trusted her.

“If you told him to come, then I’m sure he will,” I lied, gripping the phone tighter. "I'll be expecting him."

“He should at least call,” she made a tut-tut sound. “If he doesn’t, let me know.”

I almost laughed. As if Blaine would care that his mother was watching him.

“Thank you, Luna,” I said instead. “For trying.”

“Just take care of my grandchild,” she murmured. “I’ll speak with you later.”

The line went dead. I sighed and shoved the phone back into my bag. Mrs. Hale stepped out of the car and tossed me a look. “I’ll find a place to park. Stay right here.”

I nodded, barely listening to her. My fingers itched to call Blaine. I wanted to demand he show up, to beg if necessary. Pregnancy was too scary for me to handle all on my own.

I bit my lip in hesitation, then dialed his number. It rang, and rang, and rang. No answer.

I tried reaching him again, this time through the mind-link we shared as mates.

Blaine, are you coming?

All I heard was silence. I could feel our mate bond thrumming in my chest, so I knew Blaine was somewhere nearby. Why wasn't he here, then?

I blinked back the sting of tears behind my eyes. I just needed him to be here. Just once.

I pressed my hand against my stomach. “Daddy’s coming,” I whispered, trying to believe it.

Suddenly, a sharp car honk from behind made me flinch. I turned to look, but it was almost too late. A car was speeding toward me, headlights flashing. My breath got stuck in my chest. My feet locked in place.

No, not my baby!

Out of nowhere, a strong arm yanked me backward just as the car screeched past. My back hit a solid chest, and a deep voice murmured, “Hey, be careful!"

I gasped and looked around with wide, horrified eyes. One minute, I was in the middle of the parking lot, about to be hit by a car. The next minute, I was standing somewhere to the left. My hands clutched the stranger’s arms instinctively as I tried to regain my balance.

“You almost got yourself killed!" The stranger yelled at me. "Goodness! Try to be careful!"

I looked up in surprise. He was tall, towering over me with broad shoulders and a lean and powerful build. Dark, tightly curled hair, neatly styled. Even darker skin with honey undertones—I was sure he was biracial. Sharp jawline. Strange hazel eyes so intense and piercing that they made my stomach do somersaults.

My wolf Mae immediately perked her nose inside me. He's handsome, she purred. I snapped at her to keep it down.

He also looked oddly familiar. I didn’t know why, but something about him felt known.

My eyes dropped to the badge clipped to his shirt. His surname was Whyte. The name even increased the familiarity in my head, but I couldn’t grasp it.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

I snapped out of my daze and quickly nodded. “Yes. I... I wasn’t paying attention.”

“You should.” He talked to me like he was scolding a child. “Especially now.” His eyes darted to my stomach. I ignored the way his gaze made my heart sing.

“Thank you,” I murmured. He dipped his head in acknowledgment and stepped back. I turned and hurried into the hospital, shaking off the strange pull in my chest.

Who was that man?