5#05

5

At that moment, the assembled group became aware of my presence. They hastily bowed in reverence and moved away from Jeanette, showing their respect.

I acknowledged their gesture before turning to Jeanette, who reluctantly lowered her head. "My Luna," she uttered with a frown.

Ordinarily, I should have demanded her immediate punishment, but I had other plans in mind for her.

"I hear you've found your mate," I remarked. She straightened up, facing me with a smug expression.

Then I noticed her fuller figure and caught a particular scent. My eyebrows knitted together as I stepped back. "Are you expecting?"

Jeanette's eyes widened briefly before narrowing with pleasure. "Indeed, my Luna," she confirmed, "I'm with child."

I was taken aback. This seemed improbable. Was it too soon, or had the affair begun earlier than I'd realized?

"Who is the father?" I asked, almost to myself.

Jeanette's smile suggested she knew something I didn't. "You'll discover soon enough, my Luna."

Just then, Ragnulf burst out of the house, apparently searching for something. When he spotted us, his eyes grew wide with shock, then narrowed in anger as they focused on Jeanette.

"Why are you here?!" he snarled at her. "Don't you realize how disrespectful your presence is?"

Jeanette suddenly appeared contrite and on the verge of tears. "My apologies, Alpha," she said, bowing. Ragnulf then turned to me.

"Don't apologize to me. Apologize to my Luna."

Jeanette frowned as she faced me. "I'm sorry, Luna," she said, bowing again.

I didn't bother responding. I simply walked past them into the house.

"My love, where did you go?" Ragnulf followed me inside.

"I felt like going out, so I took a trip."

"Where to?"

I stopped and faced Ragnulf. "Why this sudden interest in my whereabouts? You've never asked before."

He laughed nervously, scratching his head. "That's because you rarely go anywhere, my love. I'm just trying to make conversation."

"I visited an old friend," I stated, heading towards the stairs.

"Male or female?"

I paused on the steps and turned, frowning. "Does it matter? Are you suspicious of something?"

His eyes were cold for a moment before warming with a quick smile. "What? No. You're my beloved Luna, and I know you'd never betray me. I was just teasing. Let's go upstairs."

Later that night, while Ragnulf was showering, my locket burned against my chest.

As I touched it, I began hearing voices. It wasn't until I recognized Jeanette's that I realized I was eavesdropping on a mindlink to Ragnulf.

"I didn't appreciate how you yelled at me today. It's clear you don't respect me, even though I'm carrying your child."

"I apologize, my dear," Ragnulf replied.

I sighed deeply, climbing into bed, suddenly feeling drained and weary.

Shortly after, Ragnulf emerged from the shower, his muscular, sparsely tattooed body wrapped in a towel.

Once, the sight of his well-built physique would have aroused me. Now, I felt repulsed just looking at him.

"Aren't you going to respond?" Ragnulf continued as he entered the closet.

"No," Jeanette replied. "I'm upset with you and don't want to talk."

Ragnulf sighed. "Alright, how can I make it up to you?"

"I'm not sure. Surprise me."

"As you wish, my lady," Ragnulf replied. When he reappeared, he was fully dressed in a shirt and trousers.

"Where are you off to?" I asked as he was about to leave.

He turned, seeming unsure of what to say. "Pack business. I need to check on someone injured in the rogue attack."

"Oh, interesting," I said flatly as I got out of bed. "I'll come with you."

"No!" he exclaimed, too sharply. Then he softened his tone. "I don't want to burden you."

"But it's my duty as Luna to look after these individuals."

"I know, love, but it's late and the injury isn't severe, okay?"

I just stood there, staring at him. "Fine," I answered with a shrug.

"I'll be back soon, alright." He approached me, and when he tried to kiss me, I turned my face so his lips landed on my cheek.

He sighed audibly. "I'll make it up to you, okay?" he said, and after he left, I broke down in tears.

After drying my tears, I retrieved a matching locket from my drawer - identical to the one I'd given Ragnulf.

I settled into bed and unclasped the locket.

Unknown to Ragnulf, his pendant had been enchanted to show his actions through my locket. Simply opening it allowed me to observe and listen to his activities.

I watched as he rode to an Inn, purchased some chicken wings, and then headed upstairs to knock on a room door.

Jeanette's voice called out, "Who's there?" and upon hearing Ragnulf's reply, she stated she didn't wish to see him.

"I've brought chicken wings, prepared just how you prefer."

The sound of her footsteps echoed across the room, and as she opened the door, she wore only an unbuttoned shirt, exposing her nude form.

"You've just made me incredibly aroused," she said in an exaggerated, doll-like tone, causing Ragnulf to laugh before kissing her and caressing her chest.

"I've longed for you," he murmured, using his foot to close the door as he gently guided her into the room.

"Oh please! Given how you shouted at me earlier, it's clear you care about that infertile tramp in your house."

I gasped in shock, my hand flying to my mouth.

Me? An infertile tramp?

I thought my heart couldn't break further. I believed I'd seen and heard it all, but this revelation stung like a blow to the chest.

The pain intensified when I heard Ragnulf chuckle at her words.

"Come on, I had to put on an act, okay?" He snickered as he suckled her nipple.

"For how much longer?"

"Not much longer," he answered, planting kisses on her chest. "Soon, I'll introduce you to everyone as my mate."

"Excellent. I'm eager to become Luna."