(Freya's POV)The sterile scent of disinfectant filled the hospital air, pricking at my sensitive nose as the sound of my heartbeat thundered in my ears. I sat stiffly on the chair, my fingers gripping the edge as though it could keep me from spinning out of control.Dr. Sarah Mitchell stood in front of me with a warm smile, holding a paper that could change my life."Congratulations, Luna Snow," she said, and her voice seemed to echo in the room—almost too loud compared to the drumming of my thoughts. "You’re going to have a healthy cub."I froze, my breath catching. My hands trembled as I reached out and clasped the report she handed me. "I’m pregnant?" My voice cracked, barely over a whisper."Yes, about six weeks along," Sarah confirmed gently. Her glasses gleamed under the flickering hospital lights as she studied my face. "The heartbeat is strong. This is a joyous moment for your pack..."Her voice trailed off as her smile faltered slightly. "Forgive me, Luna, but... why is
(Freya's POV)Aaron’s hand on my arm was rough as he all but pushed me into the bathroom, his movements sharp and cold. I stumbled slightly, catching myself on the edge of the sink as he stepped back and slammed the door shut. The loud *bang* echoed, making my wolf whimper within me.I stood there frozen, my breath shaky. I listened, the sound of his firm footsteps retreating growing fainter until they vanished completely. Only then did I dare to move. My hand reached up slowly, brushing away the tears that had already started to fall.The bathroom light buzzed softly, casting harsh shadows on the tiled floor. I reached into my pocket and pulled out the paper that had meant the world to me just hours ago—the hospital report. My fingers trembled as I unfolded it, the crinkled edges damp from the rain.The words blurred before my eyes: *Pregnancy Confirmed*.My wolf howled softly in my chest, but it sounded far away, like an echo I couldn’t grasp.What a fool I'd been. I had imagin
(Freya’s POV)I woke up groggy, heavy-headed, and bone-tired. The aftereffects of last night’s rain were kicking in, and I’d caught what was likely the worst cold I’d had in years.I dragged myself out of bed and shuffled over to the bathroom, barely able to hold my head up.The bathroom light gleamed on the cold tiles, making my headache worse. I opened the medicine cabinet, pulling out a bottle of cold medicine. My fingers worked robotically, unscrewing the cap.But then it hit me. The cub.My joints locked in place, the bottle frozen halfway to my lips. I stared down at the pills in my palm, a wave of panic washing over me. I was pregnant—six weeks along. I couldn’t take these. They could harm the baby.Horrified, I rushed to the sink and spat out the small amount of water and pills that had touched my tongue. My hands shook as I rinsed my mouth out, gripping the basin for balance.“What are you doing?” Aaron’s low, firm voice startled me.I spun around, nearly losing my foo
(Freya's POV)Aaron’s sharp reprimand hung heavy in the air of his office. The stares of the nearby pack members—especially Caroline’s sympathetic gaze—seared into my skin like fire. My fists clenched at my sides, desperate to keep my anger and humiliation from showing.“Why are you here if you’re sick?” Aaron barked, his voice cutting through me without mercy. “Luna or not, you have no excuse to neglect your health. How can you attend to pack matters when you can’t even attend to yourself?”The incredulous scoffs of the other wolves in the room made the blood pound in my ears. Caroline’s soft gasp reached me next, her tone effortlessly kind as she interjected. “Aaron, that’s—”“Enough, Caroline,” Aaron growled, and my shaky hand instinctively gripped the back of a chair for balance. “Freya knows better.”I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat lodge-like a stone. The pregnancy had robbed me of my focus and strength today. And now my Luna status, my title, my pride—all of it felt
(Freya's POV)"I know just the person who can help," Caroline’s voice was soft, almost too soft, as she turned to Aaron.I glanced at her from my seat in the back, barely able to lift my head. My body was heavy with exhaustion, the fever wrapping around me like a suffocating blanket.Aaron’s hands tightened on the steering wheel. His knuckles turned white against the leather. He didn’t even glance her way, though I could feel the weight of his focus pulling toward her."Who?" he asked, his tone clipped but far too interested for my liking.Her lips turned upward in a faint smile, the kind of smile that would make anyone else believe she was only thinking of my best interests."Dr. Paul Anderson," she replied smoothly. "He’s the best werewolf doctor I know. From my pack. He has treated countless cases like this and worse."Hearing the name of her pack made my stomach twist sharply. The Redwood Pack. Their territory, their people—I hated everything they represented. A stark remind
(Freya's POV)The sharp scent of antiseptic hung thick in the air of the Redwood Pack clinic, cutting through my already sensitive senses. The fever made everything feel distant, my body weak and trembling. I could barely lift my head, and even the sound of voices seemed to echo, far away and distorted.Aaron stood close, his massive frame casting a long shadow over me as I slumped against the examining table. His golden eyes locked on mine, narrowing slightly in that sharp, assessing way he always did. He took in my pale face, flushed cheeks, and trembling shoulders.A sharp scoff left his lips, cutting through the thick silence in the room. “Is this what jealousy looks like on you, Freya?” His voice was pointed, but casual at the same time, like this was some sort of joke to him. “Caroline’s return has you acting up, doesn’t it?”Bella, my wolf, growled low in the back of my mind, her hackles rising. The accusation made my chest tighten. Jealous? Of Caroline? Did he really think
(Freya's POV)Caroline’s smile was as perfect as ever, but I caught the briefest flicker of something in her eyes when I spoke out. Maybe surprise, maybe irritation. It was so fast, I almost thought I imagined it. Almost.Before the awkward silence could stretch further, Dr. Anderson cleared his throat loudly. The sharp sound broke the lingering tension in the room. His professional demeanor returned as though he hadn’t noticed the clash.“Luna Freya,” he said firmly, glancing at me, though I saw his gaze stray toward Caroline more than once. “Your fever is still dangerously high. I'll prescribe wolf healing herbs. They’re specialized treatments for cases like yours. You’ll need to start taking them immediately.”I didn’t respond, just nodded weakly. I didn’t trust myself to speak. My eyes darted to Caroline, who gave her trademark warm smile, though her posture straightened, like she was ready to take charge.Dr. Anderson nodded at Caroline. “Perhaps, Miss Caroline, you could enc
(Freya's POV)I froze the moment I saw Aaron leaning against the doorframe, his golden eyes glued to the empty cup in my hand. His sharp gaze flicked between me and the sink where the healing herbs swirled away, leaving nothing but the faint scent of the bitter remedy. My chest tightened, every nerve in my body shrieking with tension.Raising the empty bowl slightly, I forced my voice steady. “Didn’t you see everything?”Aaron’s jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing. His posture radiated an icy control that only made his presence more suffocating. “You poured it out.” His words weren’t a question.“I already told you I wouldn’t drink it,” I replied, meeting his glare head-on. My fingers gripped the bowl tighter, tension building with every second his eyes stayed on me.His wolf, Logan, stirred behind his gaze, his golden eyes flashing faintly. “That’s not the point,” Aaron said coldly, stepping into the bathroom. The small space felt cramped with the weight of his Alpha dominance. “Why
(Freya's POV)I stepped out of the Northern Ridge Pack headquarters, frustration still simmering inside me. My conversation with Caroline had left me with more questions than answers, and Aaron's sudden refusal to sever our mate bond made absolutely no sense.My phone buzzed in my purse. I pulled it out, surprised to see Marcus Cross's name on the screen."Hello, Marcus," I answered, trying to keep my voice neutral despite my turbulent emotions."Hello, Little Snow," his warm voice replied. "I see you're at the pack headquarters. Just leaving?"I froze mid-step, glancing around the parking lot. "How did you know I'm here?"A soft chuckle came through the phone. "Look to your right, near the oak tree."Following his directions, I spotted a familiar black SUV parked a short distance away. Marcus stood beside it, phone in hand, waving at me.I ended the call and walked toward him, my wolf Bella curious but cautious within me. "This is unexpected," I said as I approached. "Why are
(Third-person's POV)The tension in Aaron's Alpha office was palpable as the two she-wolves faced each other. Caroline stood with her chin raised slightly, her posture radiating confidence despite the bandage still visible on her forehead. Freya remained seated on the leather couch, her violet eyes calm and observant."If I remember correctly, you two were supposed to sever your mate bond after Elder Katherine's surgery, weren't you?" Caroline asked, her voice dripping with contempt. Her lips curved into a mocking smile as she continued, "It's been so long since Elder Katherine's surgery, why aren't you severed yet?"She paced a few steps closer, her designer heels clicking against the hardwood floor. "Freya, could it be that you're coveting the position of Luna of the Northern Ridge Pack and want to break our agreement by not severing the mate bond?"Unable to find Aaron, Caroline had clearly decided to taunt Freya instead. If Caroline hadn't helped her family keep their ancestral
(Freya's POV)I paced back and forth in Aaron's Alpha office, my heels clicking against the hardwood floor. The sunlight streamed through the large windows, illuminating the space that carried his scent everywhere."I know you're avoiding me, Aaron," I said firmly into the phone. "We had an agreement."His silence on the other end only fueled my frustration."We agreed to sever our mate bond after your grandmother's surgery," I continued, trying to keep my voice steady. "Then you changed it to after her recovery. She's better now, so what's your excuse this time?"I heard him exhale sharply through the phone."I'm busy with pack business, Freya. This isn't the right time."I stopped pacing and gripped the phone tighter. "Not the right time? When will it be the right time? Next week? Next month? Next year?"My wolf Bella stirred inside me, sensing my rising emotions. I placed a protective hand over my abdomen where our unborn cub grew, hidden from Aaron's knowledge."I don't un
(Caroline's POV)Father's expression grew increasingly grave as we continued our conversation in his private den. The firelight cast deep shadows across his face, making him look older and more concerned than I'd seen him in years."This won't work, Caroline," he said, leaning forward in his leather chair. "From what you're telling me, I'm deeply worried about your situation with Aaron."I could see the calculation behind his eyes. As Alpha of the Redwood Pack, my father rarely showed vulnerability, but now his concern was evident."What do you mean it won't work?" I asked defensively.He sighed heavily. "I had assumed you and Aaron were already a sure thing—that you were just waiting for him to sever his mate bond with Freya. But now you tell me you haven't even established a physical connection?"His words stung because they highlighted my own fears."If Aaron truly desired you," Father continued, "how could he have spent years in your company without making any advances towar
(Freya's POV)After saying goodbye to Grace Hunter, I headed directly to the wolf medical facility. My mind was still replaying our conversation, particularly my declaration about keeping my cub and severing the mate bond with Aaron. Saying those words aloud had solidified my resolve.The medical facility corridors were quiet as I made my way to Elder Katherine's room. I paused outside her door, adjusting my cardigan and taking a deep breath before entering with a warm smile."Look who's here," Sarah Steel announced, turning from her position beside the bed. "We were just talking about you, Freya."Elder Katherine's eyes brightened when she saw me. Despite her recent surgery, the elderly she-wolf looked remarkably improved, her complexion rosier than before."My dear," Elder Katherine extended a slightly trembling hand toward me. "Come sit by me."I moved to her side, gently taking her hand in mine. "How are you feeling today, Elder Katherine?""Much better," she replied, pattin
(Freya's POV)I stared at Grace Hunter, completely caught off guard by her direct question about my pregnancy. Her eyes held a mixture of challenge and vulnerability as she awaited my answer. The café suddenly felt too warm, too confined."How did you..." I began, then stopped myself. Of course she knew. She'd been at that same specialty clinic with her mother.Grace leaned forward, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Luna Snow, I may not have known you before, but I've heard rumors. The Alpha in your life has others besides you. Can you even manage your own affairs?"The words hit me like a physical blow. My wolf Bella growled defensively within me, protective of both our dignity and our unborn cub."You're suggesting I have no right to advise you because my own mate bond is problematic," I stated flatly, meeting her gaze.Grace's expression shifted instantly, the boldness fading as quickly as it had appeared. Her shoulders slumped, and regret flashed across her face."I'm sorry,
(Grace's POV)Mother's grip on my arm tightened, her manicured nails digging into my skin. I winced but didn't pull away. Her eyes narrowed dangerously."Not going to see him?" she hissed, disbelief evident in her tone. "Do you think I was born yesterday, Grace? The last time you said that, I found you in that Delta's apartment!"I felt heat rising to my cheeks at the memory. Mother had tracked my scent across half the pack territory, bursting into Caleb's small apartment while we were together. The humiliation of that day still burned fresh in my mind."Mom, please," I pleaded, conscious of other wolves passing by us at the medical facility entrance. "It's not like that this time."She released my arm but kept her penetrating gaze fixed on me. "Then what exactly is it like? Where are you going in such a rush?"I hesitated. Telling her I was meeting Luna Snow would only raise more questions—questions I wasn't prepared to answer. But lying again would only deepen her distrust."I
(Aaron's POV)Mother's accusatory tone rang through the phone, making me wince. I could almost see her expression—eyebrows raised, lips pursed in that way that always made me confess as a young wolf pup."I don't know what you're talking about," I replied, keeping my voice even.I nearly blurted out that Freya and I were planning to sever our mate bond, but caught myself just in time. Mother had always been skilled at extracting information from me. When I was younger, she'd catch me off guard with rapid questions until I revealed whatever mischief I'd been involved in."Aaron Steel," she said, emphasizing my surname the way she always did when displeased. "I've known you since before you could shift. Don't think you can hide things from me."I drummed my fingers against the polished surface of my desk. Though she might still be the same perceptive mother, I was no longer the same easily manipulated pup."Look, Freya and I have had some minor conflicts recently," I said carefully
(Margaret's POV)I kept my pleasant smile firmly in place while inwardly seething at the sight of Freya Snow. If I hadn't encountered her at that small wolf medical facility weeks ago, I wouldn't be so cautious now. But that chance meeting had given me dangerous knowledge—knowledge I couldn't freely use without exposing my own family's vulnerabilities.My eyes narrowed as I assessed the Northern Ridge Pack's Luna. She looked healthier today, her cheeks carrying more color than when I'd spotted her at that specialized fertility clinic. Was she still pregnant with the Steel heir, or had she gone through with the termination?The Hunter family name carries significant weight in our pack. For generations, we've maintained our prestige through careful alliances and strategic matings. My daughter Grace deserved the most advantageous match possible—and who better than Aaron Steel, the Alpha King himself?"Margaret?" Sarah's voice broke through my thoughts. "You seem distracted.""Not at