Chapter 4

I swiftly turned my eyes away from Lady Olivia, compelling myself to raise my head proudly.

Surely I was mistaken. It seemed inconceivable. Why would a princess consent to be someone's surrogate? The notion was preposterous!

Seven days passed since that incident, and I did my utmost to steer clear of her. However, today, destiny had other ideas. As I strolled through the courtyard, seeking peace in the fresh air, Lady Olivia approached me.

"Evelyn," she called, her voice melodious.

I rotated to face her, remaining silent.

Her veiled face inclined slightly, but her intense ocean blue eyes were fixed on me. "The Alpha will soon implant his seed in me to bear your heir, and yet..." she paused, her gaze probing, "...I've not heard even a simple word of appreciation from you."

My heart constricted, but I maintained my composure.

"Aren't you thankful," she persisted, her tone now tinged with arrogance, "that someone is finally stepping in to fulfill your duty?" She was boasting.

Her words were cutting, and it felt like mockery. I could sense her smirking behind the bejeweled mask.

But I merely glowered at her, forcing an artificial smile. "That's your role. Why should I thank you for something you're compensated to do?"

I moved to leave, but she grasped my arm. "Oh, my mistake," she said with a laugh. "I nearly forgot the Alpha is paying me for this. Can you fault me, though? With all the attention he's giving me, it feels more like I'm his Luna than just a surrogate."

Her words were like a knife aimed at my dignity, but I refused to display any vulnerability. Instead, I kept my cool demeanor.

"You're correct," I answered, meeting her gaze directly. "And I, too, question why he's going to such lengths for you." I stepped nearer, ensuring she felt intimidated. "Honestly, I can't help but wonder if Maxwell truly was unaware of the she-wolf's identity behind that opulent mask."

Her body stiffened, and she recoiled when my fingers lightly brushed the edge of her mask. She instinctively retreated, her assurance faltering.

"What are you implying, Luna?" She said, her voice rising defensively. "Of course, the Alpha doesn't know my identity. Why would he? Perhaps he's just investing so much effort because I'm crucial to securing the pack's future. To perpetuate his bloodline. I'm certain he's simply... grateful and relieved." Her denial was swift.

I smirked. "If you say so, Lady Olivia."

I intended to depart, but my wolf surged within me, urging me to act. Her instinct became mine, and before I could restrain myself, I reached out and tore the mask from her face.

It all transpired in a moment—precisely when Maxwell entered the scene.

I stood motionless as I gazed at her now-exposed face.

There she was. Lady Sophia Hamilton.

The mask slipped from my quivering fingers, clattering to the ground. "I knew it," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "It was truly you."

"What in the world are you doing, Evelyn?!" Maxwell shouted, rushing forward. He positioned himself between us as if shielding Sophia from me. Without hesitation, he retrieved the mask from the ground and gently replaced it on her face.

I turned to him, my vision clouded by the heat of unshed tears. My voice cracked as I asked, "All this time... were you aware? Did you know it was her?"

Maxwell met my gaze, his expression unreadable, but his subtle nod was answer enough.

The confirmation devastated me, leaving me breathless. This is utter betrayal!

"Why must it be her, Maxwell?" I cried, my voice breaking. "Of all the she-wolves, why would you select your first love as our surrogate?"

He remained silent, his jaw clenched, avoiding my gaze.

I moved closer, my tears flowing freely. "Are you attempting to conceal an affair through surrogacy? I demand an explanation, Maxwell!"

But before he could respond, chaos erupted.

Out of nowhere, two black, feral rogues pounced on us, their growls echoing through the courtyard. It happened so rapidly—I barely had time to react before sharp fangs sank into my shoulder. I screamed in agony.

In my peripheral vision, I saw the other rogue clamp its jaws onto Sophia. She shrieked, blood staining her elegant gown.

"Maxwell, help me!" I begged, my voice desperate.

"Alpha, I need your aid!" Sophia cried out simultaneously.

Both of us were at the mercy of the feral rogues, but Maxwell could only rescue one from them.

Now I wonder who would be more important to him—his Luna, or the surrogate?