Chapter 2

Strapped to the infirmary cot, I was helpless as the healers secured my limbs, immobilizing me completely.

"I beg you, don't take my baby. I'll persuade the Alpha to let me keep it," I pleaded, my voice shaking with fear. But my words fell on deaf ears.

Those were the last things I uttered before the healer administered the Void Elixir into a specific vein in my hip. A chilling, searing sensation quickly spread, and within moments, I felt its ruthless effect—a thick substance leaving my body.

My pup was lost. Once more.

Following this, the healers exited the room, their gazes downcast, possibly due to remorse or embarrassment. Shortly after, Maxwell entered—in stark contrast, with his head held high. He shut the door behind him with a purposeful click.

Without a word, he approached me, bending down to steal a kiss.

I turned my face away.

"Stop being so melodramatic over a worthless, unborn pup, Evelyn," he said coldly, as if the pup wasn't his own offspring.

Then, with quick, practiced motions, he unfastened the restraints the healers had left on me.

"Once again, you've robbed me of my chance to be a mother. Can you fathom how much that hurts me?" I spoke as tears began to fall.

"Well, it's not my fault you can't produce a male pup," he responded cruelly, his glare threatening. Yet, in a twisted act of irony, he reached out to wipe the tears from my face.

"Don't fret," he murmured, his fingers trailing down my cheek. "I'll relieve you of that pain."

I flinched, desperate to escape his touch, but he pulled me back, his strength overpowering mine. "Don't be scared, my beautiful Luna," he said, his tone deceptively gentle.

I shook my head frantically, panic rising in my chest. "No... I know what you're planning. Stop. Please, Maxwell, don't do this!" I begged, my voice cracking.

But my pleas were ignored as Maxwell leaned in, sinking his teeth into my neck. His venom surged through my veins, instantly weakening me.

I lost consciousness shortly after.

For the fourth time, Maxwell exploited his ability to numb his mate's heart—my heart—suppressing my emotions and rendering me powerless against his will.

He claimed this action mended my broken heart, but numbing and suppressing emotions aren't healing! My heart remained fractured, but Maxwell's influence dulled my pain, leaving my wolf to suffer in isolation.

When I finally opened my eyes, the memories of losing my child still haunted me. Yet, due to what he had done, I managed—oddly—a faint smile.

"Alpha, I'm happy you're here," I said, my voice light and devoid of the anguish I still felt deep inside.

When he leaned in for a kiss, I welcomed it warmly this time. His gaze was dark and intense as he settled on the edge of the bed.

"Are you experiencing any emotional pain right now?" He asked.

I wanted to scream yes, but instead, I was compelled to respond, "No, Alpha."

In a gesture that was both tender and manipulative, he tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. "I'm pleased to hear that," he said softly. "But truthfully, there are other matters that still worry me."

"Such as?" I asked cautiously.

"Like how conceiving a pup and losing it could impact your health in the long term," he said, his tone smooth as he began to massage my shoulders. "And how the lack of an heir or a future Alpha could soon weaken the Folklore Pack." His hands moved to cup my face, his gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that felt as though he was trying to control my very essence. "Do you comprehend what I'm trying to convey?"

"Yes, Alpha," I replied, my voice devoid of emotion.

"Excellent," he said, his tone calm and gentle. "As the Luna, what sacrifices are you willing to make for the pack?"

"I can do anything, Alpha," I replied with a steady voice.

"Is that so?" He asked, a subtle smirk playing on his lips as he ran his fingers through my long brunette hair. Then, he produced a piece of paper, neatly folded, and a golden pen. "Can you prove it by signing this?" His tone was still calm, but I could sense the trap closing around me. He was taking advantage of my numb heart!

"Alpha, what is that document?" I asked, eyeing the paper warily.

"Since you can only bear female pups," he began, "I believe it's time to relieve you of that responsibility. Instead, we'll allow another she-wolf to do it for us."

My heart felt like it would explode from the sheer audacity of his words, but all I managed was a quiet, "What do you mean?"

He handed me the agreement and the golden pen. Then, as if to solidify his manipulation, he leaned in, kissing me softly and deeply, as if to weaken any resistance I might have. When our lips parted, his gaze bore into mine.

"As my mate and my Luna, I need you to sign this," he said, his tone gentle, but dripping with control. "It's a declaration that you're giving your consent for me to use a surrogate she-wolf to bear us a male pup."