Chapter 2

I woke up in the hospital.

Adrian was by my side.

He let out a long sigh of relief, pulling me into his embrace. "Cynthia, you're finally awake."

"Why didn't you call me? You know I'd worry if something happened."

I remembered the phone call from before I passed out and silently pushed him away.

He paused, his fingertips tracing my jaw. "Still angry? Hmm? You know the pack's rules are strict. Holding you to a higher standard is for your own good, isn't it?"

The pack's rules are strict?

But did he remember the rules back when he was secretly marking me night after night?

To claim me, his sister in name only, as his mate, he'd been beaten to a bloody pulp by the former Alpha and refused to yield. When did he ever care about the pack's rules then?

I snapped out of my thoughts. Before I could speak, a doctor pushed the door open. "Luna, it's a good thing the paramedics brought you to the hospital in time. You're fine, and the pup in your belly is very healthy."

I froze.

I was pregnant?

Adrian couldn't hide his delight. "Are you saying my Luna is carrying my pup?"

The doctor smiled and congratulated him. "Yes, congratulations, Alpha. She's already two months along."Adrian leaned down to kiss the corner of my mouth, his own eyes suddenly turning red. "Cynthia, this is wonderful. We're finally having a cub."

My heart was in turmoil, and I didn't know whether I should be happy or not.

The truth was, Adrian and I had conceived cubs before.

In our first three years, I'd had two abortions for his sake.

Our relationship was a secret back then, and he had coaxed me, "Be a good girl, Cynthia. I've found the best doctor. You'll be fine, don't be afraid."

"You're still so young. Once you start to show, you won't be able to hide it. How will you face the pack then?"

His words had made me nod in agreement.

Then there was the time on the very day he announced his betrothal. After watching him leave, I went to the clinic and terminated the pregnancy on my own.

I was determined to leave him then, so I couldn't possibly keep the cub growing inside me.

Later, after we officially became mates, we tried to conceive for a long time with no success. A visit to the doctor confirmed it: my body had been damaged by the two previous abortions.

I drank countless herbal remedies. Adrian's heart ached for me, and he even suggested adopting an orphan wolf cub, but I refused.

I know myself; I am not a nurturing person. I would never be able to treat an adopted cub as my own child. After trying for what felt like an eternity, the whole Rageclaw Pack knew I couldn't conceive. The gossip was endless. But this time, I was finally pregnant.

Adrian was so happy he stepped out to call the pack elders and share the good news.

The moment he was gone, Rebecca knocked on my hospital room door.

"Cynthia, I heard you were in the hospital, so I came to see if there was anything I could do to help."

She walked right in and sat down beside me. "I was just getting my pregnancy test results, and I saw that you're pregnant with the Alpha's cub too?"

Her casual words sent a tremor of panic through my heart.

"You went to get pregnancy test results?"

"And you're pregnant with his cub *too*?"

My lips trembled as I forced the questions out.

She smiled sweetly, unfolding the report in her hand for me to see. "What a coincidence, isn't it? I'm exactly two months along, too."

"Cynthia, isn't that just the biggest coincidence? I have other tests to run, so I'll be on my way."

She got up and left. I watched her go, my nails digging so deep into my palms that they nearly drew blood.

So, they were far more "intimate" than I could have ever imagined.

With trembling hands, I pulled out my phone and sent a text to my lawyer:

"Please draft the dissolution agreement for my mate bond with the Alpha. I need it as soon as possible."