Chapter 3

Amelia’s POV

I glared at Ronan.  Did he actually think I was  just sitting around making soup? I was the pack Luna. I was busy from sunrise to sunset with pack obligations.

  

“So you’re not going to make soup?” Sarah batted her eyelashes. She rubbed her belly. “That’s a shame.”

Ronan coughed. “Actually,” he said. He smiled awkwardly. “I’ve made a mistake. Now that I think about it, it isn’t Amelia who makes the soup. It’s the maid, Claire.”

“Then have the maid make the soup,” Sarah shrugged.

“Go back to the packhouse, Amelia. Tell Clarie to prepare some soup for Sarah. We still have a couple prenatal tests. We’ll be home shortly.”

Seriously? Was he for real?

“What? No.” My voice was firm. I wasn’t an errand-girl. My shoulder throbbed. The stitches pulled when I tried to adjust my arm. The doctor told me I needed to rest. I should be at home in bed.

“What do you mean ‘no’?” Ronan’s brows furrowed.

“I mean,” I quipped. “If you want soup, then tell Claire yourself.”

Ronan let out a long, frustrated sigh. “You have an obligation as Luna to care for Sarah,” he challenged. “Now that you know she’s pregnant with the heir to the pack, I expect you to look after her.”

“And if I refuse?” I snapped back.  

Ronan scoffed. “You wouldn’t dare.” His tone was haughty. “Need I remind you that you came to this pack as a low-ranking Omega? I made you Luna. Without that title, you have nothing. You took an oath when we married. To put the pack’s interests above your own. Do as I say, Amelia. Go home. Have Claire prepare the soup. That’s an order.”

My hands clenched into fists. I wasn’t an Omega. But he didn’t know that. He was using our wedding vows against me? My position as Luna? What about his vows? To honor me and cherish me? To love me and respect me?

Did his vows mean nothing?

I was furious. But there was no point in arguing. Ronan was obstinate. So, with one final glare, I turned on my heel and marched away.

“Oh, and Amelia?” Ronan called after me. “One more thing. Have the maids prepare the largest guest room in the East wing. Sarah is moving into the packhouse.”

I stiffened.

Moving in? To the packhouse? Sarah was going to…live with us? It was a blow straight to my chest.

‘Don’t let her move in,’ my wolf growled. My wolf was furious. ‘Tell him no!’

I told my wolf I had no choice. The decision had already been made. Ronan was the Alpha. Sarah was carrying his baby. Arguing wouldn’t do anything.

“Fine,” I hissed through a clenched jaw.

Then I stormed off and went back to the packhouse.

Once I was safely alone in my own bedroom, I broke down. The tears streamed down my cheeks. I was deeply hurt by Ronan’s betrayal. Sitting on my bed, I clutched tissues in my hands and sobbed.

Sarah’s swollen belly flashed through my mind. Why was the Moon Goddess blessing her with a baby and not me? It wasn’t fair. I was Luna. I was supposed to carry the heir to the pack.

And now she was going to live with us? Here? In the packhouse? 

My maid, Claire, appeared in my doorway. She took one look at my tear-stained face and rushed towards me.

“Oh, Luna Amelia. What’s wrong?”

Claire had never seen me cry before. I always maintained a tough front. As Luna, the pack looked up to me. In their eyes, I was the epitome of strength and grace. Even when I felt like crying, I swallowed it down.

So Clarie was shocked when she saw my red, puffy eyes.

Embarrassed that Claire was seeing me like this, I quickly dabbed at my eyes with the tissues.

“You can tell me, Luna. It’s okay. I’m here.” Claire took my hand in hers.

I was grateful for her concern. She wasn’t just a maid. She was a friend to me. I felt safe confiding in her. So I let the words spill from my mouth.

“Ronan betrayed me,” I said. “He got Sarah pregnant. And now she’s carrying the heir to the pack. She’s moving in with us. He told me I have to look after her.”

“What?” Claire’s eyes grew wide. Anger flickered in her eyes. “That’s preposterous. How could Alpha do this to you! You’ve been a loyal, devoted Luna.” Claire was furious. I appreciated her support.

“I have,” I agreed. “But…” My voice trailed off.

“Go on,” Claire prodded sympathetically.

“Ronan’s right about one thing. I can’t conceive.”

“That’s not true…” Claire started. But I cut her off.

“It’s been three years, Claire. I’m not pregnant. I can’t give the pack an heir.” Sniffling, I wrung my hands on my lap. “Ronan thinks I’m barren. Maybe he’s right.”

“Nonsense.” Claire shook her head firmly. “You’re not barren. And even if you were, that would never justify the Alpha’s actions. What he did was unforgivable.”

“I need you to prepare the guest room. The largest one in the East Wing. Sarah is moving in.” I lowered my gaze, unable to meet her eyes. Saying those words aloud made the pain feel even more real.

Claire gently lifted my chin until I had no choice but to look at her.

“Look at me, Luna,” Our eyes met. Her expression was firm. “You are strong. You have a fire in you. It burns hot and bright. Don’t let this…unfortunate situation…diminish your flame. Yes?”

She was so kind. So supportive. I smiled weakly at her.

“Yes,” I nodded.

Claire stood up with a smile. “This pack has one Luna and one Luna only. And that’s you.”

“Thank you,” I said. “Really. I feel a lot better now.”

She gave me a quick nod then she scurried out of the room.

There was truth in her words. I was strong. I was a good Luna. But even still, I couldn’t ignore the nagging feeling deep in my gut.

Sarah was going to replace me.