Lahat ng Kabanata ng Abandoned While Pregnant, Claimed by the Alpha: Kabanata 51 - Kabanata 60

Hebert's POVThe golden light spilled across Ashley's face, highlighting the faint fuzz on her skin in the backlight. She looked like an angel who'd accidentally stumbled into the mortal world.I couldn't take my eyes off her. On the hike up earlier, she had clung to my neck out of fear, like a terrified koala glued to me. That soft, delicate sensation still lingered on my chest, like a small flame, burning me from the inside out.I loved it when she trusted me so completely.Inside me, the wolf was going wild, pacing and growling with an almost primal joy. It wanted this moment to last forever, wanted to keep running even if my lungs gave out—as long as she stayed in my arms.But Ashley had been so scared, and I couldn't bear to keep her in that state.She turned her head and her eyes collided with mine."It's gorgeous," she said, pointing to the sea of clouds in the distance."Yeah," I replied, not bothering to look away, my gaze fixed on the strands of hair the wind had tossed out

"We're here."His voice was low, completely unreadable.The moment his words fell, I eased myself out of his arms. The solid ground of the estate beneath my feet finally steadied the dizziness I'd been battling."Thanks for taking me to see the sunrise." I tossed the words over my shoulder without looking back, my tone brisk, almost rushed. I couldn't bear to face the expression he might be wearing. Tugging the collar of my coat tighter, I sped through the neatly trimmed yard and bolted through the heavy oak doors like I was escaping something.No footsteps followed.It wasn't until I'd made it to the second floor, closed my bedroom door, and locked it that I finally let myself slide down onto the carpet, leaning against the door. My heart was hammering in my chest, though I couldn't tell if it was from the sprint or from what almost happened on that mountaintop—Hebert's almost-kiss.Every time I shut my eyes, the image of Hebert in the soft morning light took over my mind. His almost

Ashley's POVI walked over to the reading corner in the orphanage and picked up a brightly colored picture book. Its pages were filled with cute animals and simple drawings—the kind of content the kids could easily follow. I lowered myself onto the floor on the other side of the group."Hey, kids," I said softly, a smile warming my voice.A few of them turned toward me. I opened the book and began reading in a relaxed, natural tone."Once upon a time, there was a little bunny who absolutely loved carrots."I pointed at the illustrations, adding lively gestures to match the story.The kids were hooked instantly. Their eyes brightened, no longer heavy with yawns or drifting toward everything else in the room. Slowly but surely, they shuffled closer, forming a cozy little circle around me—completely absorbed in the tale.Cecilia's voice still filled the room, but her audience had almost entirely disappeared. Her voice gradually faded until it stopped altogether. She lifted her head, only

Ashley's POVI stood there, my eyes sweeping over the rows of racks overflowing with high-end designer gowns, lingering on the velvet trays where diamond necklaces sparkled almost blindingly, and eventually settling on the limited-edition handbags giving off the unmistakable scent of expensive leather. It felt like someone had taken an entire Fifth Avenue boutique and dropped it right into the middle of the Bloodmoon Pack's manor.Hebert stood amidst the sea of luxury, his hands casually tucked into the pockets of his tailored slacks. The slightly open collar of his black silk shirt revealed the sharp lines of his collarbone and just a peek of his toned chest. His gaze was fixed on me.Honestly, if this had been years ago, I'd probably be thrilled—a rich, strong, ridiculously good-looking man? That's a dream come true by most standards.But now? I felt calm, completely composed. Because I knew exactly where we stood. I wasn't his mate, and I wouldn't let myself get lost in some empty

Cecilia's POVI stared at the door, and a faint, uncontrollable smirk tugged at my lips.What a pathetic joke. That woman—some secondhand goods with Brian's pup—actually dared to dream about Hebert. She's just an OMEGA. There's no way she can bear the weight of the Bloodmoon Pack, let alone handle the pressure of standing beside Hebert.I did it on purpose, every bit of it. I wanted that foolish woman to see clearly who truly holds power in this office. I know the Bloodmoon Pack inside out, better than anyone, better than her. I know how to support a top Alpha like Hebert. I'm the one who truly deserves to be by his side.I glanced at Hebert and reached out to straighten the documents on his desk, using the moment to close the space between us."Cecilia, don't touch my stuff," Hebert's voice was calm but firm. "You know I only act close to you to put on a show for Ashley.""She feels a little pressured by how we've been around each other," Hebert added.My body instantly froze, jealou