Aria’s POV
Several months had passed since the incident with the missing pregnant women. The mood in the pack was nothing but stiff air and silence now.
I had lied to Alpha Logan, telling him I was seven months pregnant when I was, in fact, nine months along. The lie had given me some breathing room, but I remained confined to the pack house, unable to leave or see the outside world.
This morning, I sat in the dining hall, eating breakfast alone. The room was quiet, save for the faint clinking of my spoon against the bowl. Alpha Logan had been a rare sight these days, which was a relief. The less he saw of me, the better. It gave me the freedom to enact my plans in secret, away from his prying eyes.
At least, Doctor Farkas continued to help me hide the true nature of my pregnancy. I still wondered how Alpha Logan would react if he found out. It was something I was not ready to wrap my head around or comprehend.
I sighed and pushed my breakfast away. Thinking about these things had made me completely lose my appetite. Just then, Erinne entered the dining hall, carrying a tray with a glass of water on it.
“Good morning, Lady Aria,” she greeted softly, her eyes downcast.
“Good morning, Erinne,” I replied. “How are you feeling today?”
She placed the tray on the table and straightened up. “I’m well, thank you. Here is the water you asked for. Do you need anything else?”
“No, this is fine,” I replied, forcing a smile for her. “Thank you.”
Erinne had changed so much. Gone was the haughty, condescending woman who used to belittle me at every turn. Now she was more reserved, almost fearful. It was a strange turn of events that still confused me.
As Erinne left the room, I glanced dolefully at the stack of letters beside me, all from Alpha Denderick. The very last letter I had sent him was a bold move, telling him to leave me alone. I had been terrified it would provoke his anger, but instead, it seemed to have had the opposite effect. His replies came even more frequently, filled with so much desperation.
I picked up one of the letters from Denderick. I hadn’t read this one yet. With a deep breath, I unfolded the paper and began to read.
“Aria, you must understand that I am not the monster they paint me to be. I would never harm those women. My only concern is you and our child. Logan is dangerous, and you are in great peril under his roof. I am coming for you. Hold on a little longer.”
I couldn’t help but wonder how far he was willing to go to have his child back. Was killing those innocent women not enough for him?
I couldn’t stand sitting in the mansion and thinking anymore. I pushed my chair backward and stood to my feet. Perhaps a stroll through the pack would do me good.
I walked to the entrance, but I was stopped suddenly by a guard, who shoved a staff in my face.
“You cannot go out, Lady Aria.” He said stiffly. “Alpha Logan’s orders.”
“I need some fresh air,” I pleaded. “I promise I won’t go far.”
The guard shook his head, his expression stoic. “I’m sorry, Luna. Alpha Logan’s orders are clear. You are not to leave the house.”
“Please,” I tried again, my voice trembling. “I just need a few minutes outside. I feel like I’m suffocating in here. Just the garden, please. You can send some guards to follow me if you’re scared that I’ll escape.”
The guard remained unmoved. “My orders are strict, Luna. You must stay inside.”
Desperation clawed at me. “Can’t you make an exception? Just this once?”
He sighed, looking almost sympathetic. “I’m truly sorry, but I cannot disobey Alpha Logan.”
Suddenly, I heard a booming voice behind me, making my heart skip a beat. “What’s going on here?” Alpha Logan’s voice was cold and sharp, cutting through the air like a blade.
I turned to see him approaching us, his eyes narrowed and filled with suspicion. His presence was overpowering, and a chill ran down my spine.
Before I could utter a word, the guard spoke up. “Alpha, Lady Aria wanted to go out, and I stopped her as per your orders.”
Logan’s eyes flicked to the guard, then back to me, his expression darkening. He took a menacing step forward, towering over me. “Why did you want to leave, Aria?”
I felt a lump form in my throat, fear gripping me. I struggled to find my voice. “I… I just needed some fresh air. I thought a short walk would do me good.”
He sneered in my face. “Fresh air? A short walk?” His voice was filled with sarcasm. “Do you think this is some kind of joke?”
“No, I-” I started, but he cut me off.
“You think you can just waltz out of here whenever you please?” His tone was brutal, his eyes filled with a dangerous fire. “Do you have any idea what’s at stake?”
“I’m sorry,” I stammered, taking a step back. “I didn’t mean any harm. I just… I can’t breathe in here. I feel trapped.”
Logan’s face twisted with anger. “Trapped?” He spat the word like it was poison. “You don’t know the meaning of the word. You’re safe here, protected. Outside, you’re vulnerable, a target.”
“I know, but-” I tried to explain.
Suddenly his hand shot out, grabbing my neck in a vice-like grip.
“No buts, Aria.” His voice was low and dangerous. “You will stay inside where I can keep an eye on you. I will not have you putting my child at risk because of some foolish need for fresh air.”
His grip tightened, and I winced in pain. “You’re hurting me.”
Logan’s eyes flashed, but he didn’t release his hold. “Good. Maybe now you’ll understand how serious this is.”
Tears welled up in my eyes as I struggled to hold back my sobs. “Please, Logan. I just needed a moment.”
However, he didn’t let go of me. His grip tightened, until my head started swimming. And suddenly, I felt an intense gush of water from between my legs.
My water had broken.