Howls of wolves echoed through the forest surrounding Barrett Manor. As the blood moon approached its full form, the wolf howls grew louder and more intense, and the occurrences of violent clashes among the werewolves became more frequent. It was a chaotic and uncertain period.
Maggie lay on Aldrich’s bed, her heart pounding. The eerie cries of the wolves sent shivers down her spine. She looked at the powerful man in front of her, who was getting closer, intending to mark her scent once again.
Aldrich approached her, full of determination. However, the continuous howling of the wolves made his gaze shift from one of determination to seriousness. Aldrich informed Maggie that due to the deteriorating situation, the committee had decided to expedite the election process. The senior members of the committee would conduct preliminary voting, with the main election expected in a month.
“Maggie,” Aldrich’s voice was filled with urgency, “given the current circumstances, the committee has decided to hold an early election. Before the elders cast their votes, there will be a preliminary selection.”
Maggie nodded, her mind filled with questions. The uncertainty of the future hung in the air. She looked into Aldrich’s eyes, searching for answers.
“Do you think there’s a way to make the mark last longer?” she asked, her voice a mix of despair and hope. She desperately wanted to extend her connection with Aldrich to ensure it could withstand the challenges of the future.
Aldrich’s gaze remained fixed on her, his eyes flashing with an enigmatic light. When Maggie sensed the depth of his emotions, her heart skipped a beat. In that moment, she couldn’t help but think of a mate, a chance to strengthen the connection between them, an exploration of possibilities beyond their current alliance.
His voice was low, but undeniably tempting. “There are ways,” he said softly, his words laden with unspoken promises. “But they come with risks and consequences.”
Maggie’s breath quickened as curiosity surged. She was drawn to him, captivated by the mystery inherent in his every word and action. As the moon cast its pale light upon them, she felt an undeniable attraction, one that transcended the chaos surrounding them.
Her voice quivered slightly as she asked, “Aldrich, can I trust the consequences you choose?”
Aldrich moved closer, never taking his eyes off her. “Only you can decide if they are worth it, Maggie. But you must know that every choice we make comes with a price.”
In the morning, Maggie watched the security guards patrolling below and furrowed her brow.
Aldrich, who had returned from work, naturally walked over to her. “Maggie, what’s troubling you? I can help ease your worries.”
“Aldrich, you’re back,” Maggie turned to him, shifting her gaze from the window to Aldrich. “The last round of patrols passed by downstairs about ten minutes ago.”
Aldrich nodded. “Yes, the security measures at Barrett Manor have been enhanced.”
“Is the situation critical? Is it because of the elections?”
“It’s partly due to the elections, but mainly because our baby is growing too quickly. I have to be extra cautious.”
When it came to the baby, Maggie’s attention was indeed diverted. “Yes, they are growing so fast. Alisa saw my pregnancy photos and insisted on a comprehensive examination.”
“Alright, let’s go. I’ll accompany you for the checkup.”
“Thank you, Aldrich. With you by our side, the children will feel secure.”
Maggie understood that to some extent, Aldrich was indeed an extremely qualified partner and a loving father. Although they were bound together by an accident, Aldrich was excelling in this role. So, what was Aldrich like with his ex-girlfriend? Maggie forced herself to ignore this question lingering in her mind.
At the hospital, the director was waiting in the VIP room, with Alisa by his side. She had recently been promoted.
“Mr. Barrett, the prenatal testing equipment is ready,” the director said. “Let Alisa take Miss Nelson for the examination.”
Aldrich nodded, and Maggie happily approached, with Alisa quickly assisting her. “Hey, you’re already a mother, and you’re still so impatient!”
Maggie held Alisa’s arm. “Alisa, it’s so good to see you again. I feel comfortable around you.”
“Me too.”
Inside the examination room, Alisa looked with joy at Maggie’s pregnant belly. “I can’t believe it. It all feels like a dream. You’re pregnant, and with twins.”
“Yes, I seized my last chance to get pregnant. I’ll do everything to protect my babies,” Maggie sighed.
“Alisa, I’m not sure if I should tell you this, but you better know everything.”
“Alisa, no need to hesitate.”
“It’s about Max,” Alisa sighed. “He came to see me.”
“What! He dared to come see you! What does he want? If he dares to harm you, I won’t let him off.”
Alisa smiled. “Thank you for your concern. But rest assured, without your love for him, I don’t care about him anymore. He no longer has the right to be arrogant.”
“What does Max want?”
“He may be trying to find you, but you know how powerful Mr. Barrett is.”
“That’s true. I have no idea about any of this. Anything related to Max is definitely something Aldrich is handling.”
“Max is facing a serious debt crisis now. He has no economic support for basic living, let alone supporting Linda and her unborn child. He’s been pushed to the edge, which is why he asked me to talk to you, hoping you might help him.”
“That’s not possible. When he and Linda treated me the way they did, they never considered my well-being. They should face the consequences of their actions.”
“He brought this upon himself. Fortunately, you are no longer with them but with Mr. Barrett. Maggie, I’m happy for you.”
Maggie smiled. She buried the words, “Aldrich and I are just partners, not a real couple,” deep within her heart, a secret so well-kept that she didn’t even dare to reveal it to her closest sister, Alisa.
As the examination was about to conclude, Aldrich walked in quickly, realizing that his emotions might affect Maggie. He slowed his steps, wearing a gentle smile on his face.
When by Maggie’s side, Aldrich gently stroked her burgeoning belly with his fingers, a touch that was both tender and protective. The feeling of the baby moving beneath her skin filled Maggie with overwhelming awe and wonder. She smiled, her eyes brimming with affection, and Aldrich leaned in closer, listening to the baby’s heartbeat.
The tiny, rhythmic beats filled the room, playing a beautiful symphony in their hearts. As Aldrich witnessed the miracle of life unfolding before him, his eyes sparkled with joy. He placed a hand on Maggie’s cheek, and his touch conveyed emotions that words couldn’t express.
“Our little one,” he whispered, his voice filled with excitement and reverence. “Can you believe it, Maggie? We’re going to be parents.”
As Maggie gazed into Aldrich’s eyes, her heart brimming with love. In their journey together, their bond had grown stronger, and now, as they embarked on this new chapter together, she couldn’t imagine a more perfect partner by her side.
She nodded, her eyes shimmering with tears, her voice filled with happiness and vulnerability. “I never thought I could experience a love like this,” she admitted, her voice filled with wonder. “Thank you for being with me, for loving me and our baby.”
Aldrich cradled her face with both hands, using his thumbs to wipe away the tears that rolled down her cheeks. “I’ll always be here, Maggie,” he vowed, his voice brimming with sincerity. “We will face everything together.”
Alisa, who was also present, was moved by what she saw. She playfully remarked, “Happiness is attainable without the need for tears. Maggie is so happy right now, and that’s the best thing for the babies.”
Aldrich thanked Alisa, saying, “Thank you for taking care of Maggie, Alisa.”
Alisa raised an eyebrow, saying, “Receiving the esteemed Mr. Barrett’s thanks is quite an honor. Well, Maggie’s checkups all seem fine. The babies are growing a bit quickly, but everything looks good, so don’t worry. As for the detailed test reports, we’ll send them to you this afternoon.”
Aldrich escorted Maggie out of the hospital once again, and as the car began to drive, Maggie noticed that it wasn’t heading home, confirming her earlier suspicions.
“Aldrich…” Maggie softly called him. “Just tell me, let me prepare myself.”
Aldrich was surprised by Maggie’s sensitivity, and he tried to downplay the seriousness of what was about to happen. “The recent nights haven’t been very peaceful. The Elders have called together exceptional candidates to find a solution…”
“It must be worse than this. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have disturbed me and Alisa the moment you entered the room. Although you tried to hide your emotions when you came in, you forgot that the babies would sense how you feel.”
Maggie placed Aldrich’s large hand on her belly, and the baby’s heartbeat transmitted through her palm to him. He finally dropped the façade in front of Maggie.
He began, “Yes, the situation is far from optimistic. As the Blood Moon approaches its full phase, the bloodthirsty factor within some werewolves is boiling. There have been recent internal conflicts among the werewolves, and the Elders will soon determine the candidates to stabilize the werewolf community.”
“How confident are you?” Maggie asked the heart of the matter.
“Maggie, I’m very grateful that you made the choice to become partners with me after going through difficult decisions. It greatly boosts my candidacy, and rest assured, with you by my side, I’m full of confidence.”
Maggie breathed a sigh of relief and nodded. “It’s good news for me to be able to do something for you.”
The car came to a stop in front of an elegant villa in the solemn suburbs. Aldrich led Maggie inside, and their footsteps echoed in the grand hall, creating a solemn atmosphere.
“Barrett is here,” one of the Elders turned around, looking at the approaching Aldrich and Maggie. All eyes were focused on Aldrich and Maggie, and these few steps seemed especially long for Maggie.
The Grand Elder announced, “The election is conducted fairly and transparently, without any bias. Since all the candidates are present, we shall now publicly reveal the voting results.”
As the voting results were unveiled, Aldrich and Ethan both had substantial support. It was consistently one vote for Aldrich and one vote for Ethan.
With only ten votes remaining, everyone’s breath grew tense, and Maggie instinctively clenched Aldrich’s hand. Aldrich lowered his head and gave her a reassuring smile.
Just as Maggie was starting to relax, she felt a chilling malevolence in the air. She suddenly looked up, locking eyes with Ethan.
Ethan flashed a sinister smile at Maggie and whispered, “The loser…”
He dared to be so audacious! Maggie seethed with anger at Ethan’s blatant malice.
At this moment, the vote count showed Ethan with a one-vote lead over Aldrich. The Grand Elder announced, “Second-to-last vote, in favor of Mr. Aldrich Barrett.”
Maggie’s heart raced; the votes were tied!
Maggie felt Aldrich’s grip on her hand tighten, and both of them focused on the final vote:
“Last vote, in favor of… in favor of Aldrich-”
“Hold on, wait!” Ethan’s sharp voice cut off the announcement, bringing the impending election results to an abrupt halt.
Ethan approached Aldrich and Maggie urgently, his words shocking, “Aldrich Barrett has no heir; he doesn’t deserve so many votes!”
“Liar!” Maggie couldn’t help but cry out.
Ethan cruelly declared to Maggie, “Because of you, Maggie Nelson, the child in your womb is now mine!”