Alpha Levi froze, his warm breath fanning my neck, then let out a low laugh. "She's just a young she-wolf joking around, Nat. Why freak out? She's just an intern."
Despite Violet flaunting herself, he kept defending her.
My frustration spiked. I shoved him away again.
His expression turned icy. "Are you trying to piss me off? Still throwing a fit?"
"Luna Nadia, I thought staying home would have made you smarter," he sneered. "Guess I was wrong."
Before I could retort, he lifted me onto the bathroom counter, wedging himself between my legs. "Do I need to remind you of your mate duties?"
That night, there was no affection. Just raw anger in his actions.
The next morning, I woke up burning up.
By afternoon, I could barely stand and dragged myself to the hospital.
Levi called while I was hooked to an IV.
When he heard where I was, he said he'd come get me.
After the IV, I walked out to see his car.
As I headed for the passenger seat, Violet popped up, munching on snacks.
"Hey, Nadia! I'm meeting a friend. Alpha Levi's giving me a ride."
Exhaustion washed over me.
I didn't even have the energy to argue.
I climbed into the backseat and closed my eyes, pretending to sleep.
Even knowing I was sick, Levi dropped Violet at the mall first. As she hopped out, she waved cheerfully at me. I stared back coldly and rolled up the window.
In the car, Levi snapped, "She's just a newbie. Stop acting jealous. It's embarrassing."
I stayed silent, eyes shut. The IV didn't help; my fever lingered.
Later, his tone softened a bit. "Still feeling crappy?" I ignored him, and he didn't push.
At home, he helped me out of the car. "Was I too rough last night?" he said, his voice gentler. "Sorry, Luna Nadia. I'll be more careful."
I mumbled about being tired and went to bed.
The next day, I had the nanny take Logan to school.
I only started feeling better in the afternoon.
That evening, I went to pick up Logan from kindergarten, but the teacher said a she-wolf had already taken him. Levi had approved it.
Panic set in.
I called Levi, hands shaking. He didn't answer.
Just as I was about to call the cops, he picked up.
In the background, I heard a loud birthday song and glasses clinking. "It's a friend's birthday," Levi shouted over the noise. "Brought Logan along for the party."
I exploded. "Why didn't you tell me? Do you know how worried-"
Logan's voice cut in. "Mommy, Violet's here!" Then the line went dead.
I stood alone on the street, feeling colder than ever.
Late at night, I was on the couch when I heard laughter at the door. Logan ran to me, holding a fancy cake box. "Mommy! Violet's cake was awesome! She taught me to decorate!"
The sweet smell of strawberry frosting mixed with Violet's strong perfume hit me. I felt sick and rushed to the bathroom, gagging.
Levi followed.
"You okay?" He handed me a towel, then asked casually, "Luna Nadia, when was your last heat cycle?"
I looked up sharply. He leaned in, excited. "Could you be pregnant?"
His eager expression stung, making my eyes water. He'd always wanted another pup.
That night, I couldn't sleep. The next morning, I took a pregnancy test. Two bold red lines stared back.
I was pregnant.
