Chapter 1: Betrayer

“What do you mean you're pregnant?”

The room had turned incredibly silent on that note. So much so that a pin could be heard hitting the ground if possible.

Pregnant?

The choice of word used had completely numbed me from even considering to speak.Not that anyone else in my place would speak so gallantly with the current update.

“That's exactly it.” Valerie clarified. Then she turned, intentionally reaching to lock eyes with me.

And there it was.

That little glint of resentment I hadn't have believed she had towards me; painted right across her whole expression.

“As you both heard; I, am carrying the next royal heir.”

With so much force as possible, I tried to keep myself composed and steady. While Mathew stood there expressionless and completely silent, I struggled to even catch my next breath.

All it took was one hour, and a single word to completely ruin life for me. If I had known this was how the day would end for me, would I have still ushered her in with as much love as I did earlier? knowing she was about to ruin me?

~~~

Few hours earlier

(Before the announcement.)

I stood at the mouth of the balcony door, seeming to observe the distance, but when in truth; I had no specific focus. That morning had felt rather dull compared to others.

Matthew wasn't back yet.

The thought caused fear to roll up my skin. We had broken Into an argument yesterday evening. While he had been seemingly overwhelmed as the alpha, by everything that had been happening, I on the other hand felt that same miserable state of being the subject of that trouble.

My reign as Luna stirred frustration for myself as I wasn't quite the choice the people of the pack would have liked to be governed under. And they had finally brought the issue to the pack elders after a long series of subtle and direct attacks at me.

“Why do you make it seem like it's my fault?” My voice echoed in my head, as I slowly replayed the scenes from last night's argument.

“I didn't say it was.” Mathew didn't look at me.

In that moment, I felt so conflicted.

“I just, I just sometimes wished things could be normal with you.”

Letting out a heavy breaths, I turned away from the window to avoid diving further into my thoughts. Nothing had ever been normal with me, or by living around me. I thought he would have gotten the message by now.

But could I really blame him?

Not only did I have this very ugly birthmark on my left collarbone; that people were particular disgusted by, I was also a wolf less female, with no proper origin as to where I came from.

So, I guess nothing of that sort could be described as normal.

Suddenly, the sound of the door creaking open immediately made me spurn around in expectation. It's like I could feel my life slowly siping back in at the sight of Mathew. Despite the whole high shoulders, calm face and vague expression of his, I could see underneath everything; that be was completely drained.

I stood up from where I was sitting, but didn't approach him. I didn't know if I had the right to.

“Matthew…” his name danced softly on my tongue like it always has since the moment I learnt it.

He matched slowly towards me. No expression. No words. I didn't know if the right thing would be to plunge ahead or remain in my spot.

“Mathew, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have…”

He suddenly embraced me in a tight hug, leaving all that I had to say slowly disappear. He held me. Tightly. Like I was the only thing that mattered.

“You are the only thing that matters.” He suddenly said, emphasizing on it as he had obviously heared my thoughts loudly.

He had his nose at the nook of my neck, as he deeply inhaled the scent of my skin like he was trying to calm himself down.

“I'm sorry.”

I felt tears glistering underneath my eyes and I immediately wrapped my hands around my husband, pulling in to the hug.

“I shouldn't have spoken to you the way I did.” He caressed my hair softly, until he finally pulled away to stare at my face.

The tears had already began falling down my cheeks unconsciously. I knew how much of a problem I was for him and I hated it. He loved his pack, more than most alpha did. But he loved me even more. And that created a clash for him.

“Hey, it's alright.” His thumb gently wiped away the falling tears. “We're alright.”

I found warmth in those deep golden eyes of his. It was like a fire slowly burned underneath them, and the heat warmed me up.

“I love you.” The words left my lips like a subtle reminder. I didn't know the reason why I felt that way. Was it just because we were fated mates? Or just a natural reaction to his warmness?

Mathew smiled brightly at me, little specks of light finally glistering back in his eyes and he pulled me in for another hug.

I didn't know what the reason was. But one thing I knew; was that every heartbeat of mine was for the sake of Mathew’s existence.

The day had gone by rather quickly into noon. Mathew had barely been able to have breakfast before he was called out for another meeting with some of the pack heads.

Deep down, I knew whatever was going to be discussed wouldn't be anything favourable to me. But regardless, Mathew tried to ease my mind before he left.

Having nothing to do, I strolled the gardens around our Estate, while I let myself sink into one of the things I loved the most.

Poetry.

Some maids passed by, bowing at my presence before leaving me with some criticism glances I paid no heed to.

It was a constant with my existence.

While walking deeper in, my eyes suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure walking through the estate gates. My eyes brightened as I noticed who it was.

“Valerie!” I called at her. Excitement rushing through me.

Valerie stopped the moment she heard me. I rushed towards where she was as I hadn't seen her in months now. Valerie on the other hand suddenly turned, looking bright and beautiful as she always did.

But that wasn't what caught my attention.

She passed me a small smile as her hand remained on her baby bump.