A place to stay

“The hybrid king?" I asked, and he nodded.

I gulped and stared at the woman who smiled before speaking, "No need to get scared. We are part vampire, part wolf, so we won't hurt you," she assured, while I heaved a deep breath and relaxed on the bed.

Silence filled the whole room as I closed my eyes and pondered in thoughts. I was finally pregnant, and I didn't have a clue about it. The news of this baby could have been a good one, if I was still with Alpha Ethan. I knew how much he needed an heir. I could remember his words in my head as he constantly told me to give him an heir and that he would set me free.

Every night and day, I would pray, asking the moon goddess to bless me with a child, but it never happened. It's as if she never heard my prayers.

I remembered days when Alpha Ethan would pour out his frustrations on me, using sex as a means to vent his frustrations, demanding that I get pregnant. And now that I'm actually pregnant, everything is no longer the same.

With a soft sigh, I opened my eyes, and a tear dropped on my cheek, but I quickly wiped it off. I didn't want these strangers to see me so weak.

"I want to have a word with her," Lord Adrian told the three ladies in the room, and they bowed their heads before leaving, leaving me alone in the room with Lord Adrian.

Silence filled the room as I waited for him to speak, which he did after a moment.

"You can stay here," he announced, while I stared at him with stunned eyes. "My people will let you stay, but I have to tell them that you are a distant cousin of mine whose husband was killed in a war," he explained, while I remained quiet.

"This is a town for hybrids, and werewolves are allowed to visit, but they are not allowed to stay in our midst. But if I tell them that you are my distant cousin, then you can stay here," he explained, while I stared at him with a questioning look, wondering why he was doing this, why would he want to say such lies to his people for a woman he met a few hours ago.

"I... I don't know what to say," I stammered, trying to process everything. "Why would you do this for me? We've only just met, and I'm a complete stranger to you."

Lord Adrian's expression softened as he stared at me with pity. "I understand that this may seem unusual to you, but as a king, I have a responsibility to protect those who are in need. Even though I don't know you, I feel you've been through a difficult situation, and I believe everyone deserves a chance at a fresh start."

He paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts. "Moreover, I can't ignore the fact that you're carrying a child. It's a precious life, and it deserves to be nurtured in a safe and supportive environment. If you're willing, I would like to provide that for you."

With a questioning look, I stared at him, wondering if he was really sincere with his words or had other ulterior motives.

"I'm married," he announced, as if reading my thoughts. With a gulp, I looked away and collected my thoughts before asking, "But won't your people find out eventually? What if they discover the truth?" I voiced my worries, worried about the consequences that could arise from deceiving his people.

Lord Adrian sighed, his gaze filled with determination. "I won't deny that there is a risk involved. But I assure you, I have enough influence and respect among my people to ensure your safety.

"The war story is just a temporary measure to keep you protected. In time, we can find a more suitable solution."

He continued, his voice firm but gentle. "Understand that I'm not doing this out of any ulterior motives, rather I’m doing it out of pity for your unborn child." He explained while I placed my hands on my stomach.

"You don’t have to stay here for long, you can leave whenever you are mentally okay to leave." He added and went silent, waiting for me to speak.

"What is your decision?" I asked Nora, and she remained silent, leaving the decision-making to me.

With curiosity, I held the gaze of Lord Adrian and asked, "I can leave whenever I want to?" I asked, and he nodded, "That’s right." He assured me, and I took a deep breath.

"My child, what will become of my child if I stay here?" I asked with fear and panic, "Nothing will happen to your child, your child will be right here with you." He said, and I heaved a deep breath and closed my eyes.

One year ago, I had big dreams that I would meet my mate and have a happy life with him, and as if the goddess wanted to inflict pain on me, she gave me a mate who couldn’t recognize me, a mate who sees me as a wagered toy and whore.

Slowly, I opened my eyes and took a deep breath, gathering my emotions together.

I decided to gather my emotions and make sure I became strong, so that no one could hurt me again. The past few months have been filled with pain, betrayal, and a constant reminder of my worthlessness. But now, as I held my hand protectively over my growing belly, I knew I had to be strong for the sake of my child.

With a determined look in my eyes, I met Lord Adrian's gaze. "I accept your help," I said firmly. "But know this, Lord Adrian, I will not be a burden to you or your people. I will work hard to provide for myself and my child. I refuse to be treated as anything less than an equal."

Lord Adrian nodded, a flicker of respect crossing his features. "I admire your strength and determination," he replied. "I assure you, you will be treated with the utmost respect here. And if there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask."

I flashed him a grateful smile before saying, "Thank you, Lord Adrian. I will make sure you don't regret this." I promised and he nodded and remained silent for a moment before speaking. "Don’t answer any questions from anyone; I will always do the talking." He said, and I nodded.

"I’ll let you rest, a maid will bring you food and clothes." He spoke and I nodded and watched him leave.

As he left the room, I slowly left the bed and stood before the open window. Inhaling deeply, I stared at the town, glancing at the glory of the town. I knew the steps I was about to take were drastic, but it was worth taking them.

With a heavy sigh, I placed my hand on my stomach, and a smile appeared on my face. I knew that how I conceived this child wasn’t nice, but this child is mine, and I'm going to love him or her.