5

Chapter 5

Sera

“Mommy, why did that man say those bad things to you?” Caleb asked with a soft voice.

He held my arms, clutching his little fingers tightly against mine, a gesture which melted my heart, as I brushed his curls back from his face, forcing a smile.

“People like him are just troublemakers,” I said, swallowing the lump in my throat.

“Some people speak out of hurt or hate. But don't worry, it’s not about you, okay? You did nothing wrong.” I assured him.

His eyes, those blue eyes he got from Aldric stared at me, I wonder what was on his mind.

“But... he said you were a whore. What does that mean?”

I almost choked out at his question.

I cleared my throat. “It’s nothing, honey, stuff adults say when they want to be mean.”

A breath caught in my chest. I blinked, trying to hold the tears back, but they slipped anyway but I turned my face to the side hiding it from him before wiping off.

“Mama, are you okay?” he asked.

“Yes, something just got in my eyes.”

“Does it hurt?”

“No, baby. Not anymore.”

But it did.

It burned.

I pulled him into a tight hug, burying my face in his neck to hide the shame. My heart thudded wildly, not just from the insult, but the realization, he was heard stuff he was not supposed to hear.

Hurtful, ugly things. And no matter how strong I pretended to be, I couldn't shield him from all of it. I can only try, but it’s worth giving my best.

“There are people who don’t want us here, Caleb. But we belong here, just like anyone else. One day, they’ll understand.”

Before he could ask more, a shadow fell over us. A tall, broad figure loomed over Alpha Aldric.

“Let’s go,” he said gruffly, stretching a hand to Caleb.

“There’s food waiting at the pack house.”

Caleb’s eyes lit up, and before I could stop him, he let go of my hand and reached for the Alpha’s without hesitation.

I watched them walk ahead together, Caleb chattering, Aldric nodding silently. The sight twisted something in me. Joy, maybe. Or heartbreak. He didn’t even look back. Not once. Was I just an inconvenience to him? A womb that gave him a son?

As I turned to leave, I locked eyes with Gilbert and Gina still hanging around.

“You heard the Alpha,” I said coolly.

“Touch my son again and you’ll answer to him. And Gilbert…” I tilted my head with a mocking smile.

“You know better than most how ruthless your father can be, Son.”

His jaw flexed, his eyes narrowing in disgust at me calling him son. “I’ll make you regret this, Sera.”

I smiled wider. “I want to see you try.”

***

I found Caleb later in the garden, his laughter floating on the breeze. He was chasing butterflies between the hedges, and Alpha Aldric was sitting on a stone bench, watching. No scowl, no sneer. He was smiling.

For a moment, I stayed hidden, stunned by the sight of the coldest man I’d ever known softened by fatherhood. Then Caleb spotted me.

“Mummy!” he squealed, running to my arms.

Aldric’s smile faded as his eyes locked on mine. He stood, that usual rigid power rippling off him.

“I was looking for Caleb,” I said, gathering my voice.

“He needs to rest before the banquet.”

He stepped closer, eyes unreadable. He stopped inches from me, and my breath caught.

“Make sure he eats well… wife.”

The word hit like a slap and a kiss all at once. A taunt. A reminder. I belonged to him now, at least on paper.

He turned and left, the breeze catching his cloak. Caleb grabbed my hand.

“Mummy, I like it here. Everyone’s so nice. And the kids, they want to play with me.”

“That’s great, love,” I murmured, trying to keep the smile steady.

“Let’s eat and get ready for the banquet.”

The banquet hall shimmered with gold and black, all of the pack’s colors. The scent of roasted meats and honeybread filled the air, but all I felt was the weight of every eye on me. Caleb gripped my hand, wide-eyed at the chandeliers and marble floors.

“I feel like a prince,” he whispered.

“You are,” I whispered back.

Then the room hushed. Alpha Aldric raised his hand from the dais. “Welcome, everyone. Tonight, we celebrate the union between your Alpha… and your new Luna.”

The murmurs swelled like a wave. My knees nearly gave out.

He motioned toward me. “Sera. Come.”

I froze. Was he serious?

“Don’t embarrass me. Move.” A voice in my head, cold and commanding, pointing out.

My spine stiffened. So this was what it meant, to be Luna in name, but never in heart.

I stepped onto the dance floor, walking through a sea of whispers and judging stares. Aldric took my hand, the heat of his skin sending chills down my spine. His grip was firm.

“Calm down,” he said, barely moving his lips.

His voice. Steady and low did calm me, how stupid of me, I thought to myself.

The music got louder as we danced. I felt stiff at first, then slowly, the rhythm settled in. I dared not meet his gaze. This was a show. A power play.

And I was his pawn.

As the final note played, he released me and stepped forward.

“I also have an announcement,” he said, voice hard as stone.

“There is a second heir in this pack.”

Gasps. Murmurs.

He gestured, and Caleb stepped forward.

“This is my son. James. From this day forward, he is to be acknowledged, protected, and honored as the Alpha’s blood.”

The room erupted in noise, shock, confusion, and rage. I felt the walls tilt, but I held my head high.

Aldric’s hand brushed my back. Not tender but possessive.

Caleb beamed, and I stood in the middle of my greatest war, and this was only the beginning.