chapter 6: the alpha's burden

I sat beside Julian at the long table, my hands folded in my lap. Across from us, five council members watched with expressions that ranged from concern to disdain.

"Alpha Julian," Councilman Reeves began, his voice measured. "We've heard troubling rumors. Whispers that the Luna has been unable to conceive despite years of treatment."

Julian's jaw tightened. "Those whispers are private matters."

"Private matters become public concerns when they affect the pack's future," Councilwoman Harlow said. "The Alpha bloodline must continue. If you cannot produce an heir, the council must consider... alternatives."

I felt every word like a blade,Alternatives. They meant replacing me. They meant finding someone who could give Julian what I couldn't. Margaret sat at the far end of the table, her expression cold. She didn't speak or try to do anything to defend me,she just  simply watched.

"I am aware of my responsibilities," Julian said, his voice tight. "And I am handling them."

The council exchanged glances. Then Reeves leaned forward. "We need proof, Alpha. Not promises. Proof."

The meeting ended without resolution. But the damage was done.

That evening, I walked past Julian's study and heard voices. I stopped,the door was slightly ajar, and through the crack, I could see Julian standing by the window, his back to Lena, who sat in the leather chair with her hand on her belly.

"I never wanted to hurt her," Julian said. His voice was low, tired. "But I need this child, I  need an heir."

Lena was quiet for a moment. Then she asked, "Do you still love her?"

The silence stretched. I pressed my hand against the wall to steady myself.

"I don't know," Julian finally said. "But I can't stop thinking about her. Even now. Even with you."

My heart cracked open. He still wanted me. And I still wanted him. And it didn't matter, because he had already chosen someone else. I walked away before they could hear my footsteps.

Later that night, I found Julian in the kitchen. He was standing by the counter, a glass of whiskey in his hand, staring at nothing. He didn't hear me come in not until I was standing in front of him.

"Is it true?" I asked. My voice was steady and Cold.

He looked at me, his eyes guarded. "Is what true?"

"That you're going to send me away once the child is born."

The silence was enough answere. But he spoke anyway. "It's for the best, Elara. You'll be taken care of. A cottage in a remote territory. A monthly pension. You won't lack anything."

I felt something inside me snap. Not my heart that had already broken. Something deeper,Something that had been holding me together for three years.

"I hope you're happy, Julian," I said, my voice quiet and devastating. "I hope this is all worth it."

He flinched for a moment, I saw something in his eyes,guilt. But it was gone im no time.

"Elara…”

"Don't." I held up my hand. "Don't say my name like it means something. Don't pretend you care,You've made your choice. Now live with it."

I turned and walked away.That night, I sat alone in my small guest room, my hand pressed to my belly. The baby was still there, Still growing. He wants to send me away, I thought. But I have a secret he doesn't know about and when the time comes, I'll make him pay.