Kamrynn’s POV
I’ve gone over the scene in my head a dozen times, but no matter how I look at it, the whole thing feels wrong. I can’t keep it to myself any longer. After helping with a few chores, I head to Rmonica’s quarters to see if she’s back from her outing with the Alpha. I find her sitting by the window, a content smile on her face as she watches the sun dip behind the trees.
“Kamrynn!” she calls, her face lighting up as she gestures me inside. “Come, sit. I just got back from the orphanage.”
I sit beside her, noticing the brightness in her eyes. “You look happy, Rmonica. How was it?”
“Oh, it was wonderful!” she exclaims, almost bouncing in her seat. “The pups were so excited to see us. They practically mobbed the Alpha and me at the door. We spent hours playing with them, and I even let them teach me their version of hide and seek-though I think they cheated by scenting me out every time I hid!”
She chuckles, a sparkle of joy in her eyes. “There was one little boy who kept tugging on my sleeve, asking if I’d come back every week. He has the most serious little face-you’d think he was an old wolf with the way he talks! And then there was a tiny pup who couldn’t have been older than two, barely waddling, but absolutely determined to keep up with the others.”
Her laughter fills the room, light and joyful. “At one point, they all piled onto me, insisting I read to them. I was practically buried in pups, Kamrynn! There was one on each knee, one pulling at my braid, and another trying to climb onto my shoulder. I don’t know how, but they have this way of making me forget every worry in the world.”
I smile, her happiness contagious, though a part of me itches to tell her what’s weighing on my mind. My own news feels insignificant next to the joy of her day, but Rmonica must sense something in my expression.
Her eyes narrow playfully. “You’ve got that look, Kamrynn. Like something’s about to burst out of you. Out with it-what’s on your mind?”
I take a deep breath, the scene from yesterday flashing through my mind once more. “Well… there’s something I saw this morning that’s been bothering me.”
Her brow furrows in concern. “Oh? What is it?”
“Well,” I hesitate, feeling the weight of my words. “I happened to see Raelan and Eloane together earlier, after the picnic. They were… talking privately. I didn’t mean to spy, I just happened to walk into the scene but they were acting… closer than I expected.”
Her eyes widen slightly. “Close? What do you mean?”
“Raelan was being… affectionate,” I explain carefully. “He gave her something-a small bottle, I think. And then… he kissed her.”
Rmonica blinks, clearly stunned. “Kamrynn, are you certain? My cousin and Eloane?”
“Yes, I saw it myself. They were talking quietly, and he passed her the bottle before… well, it didn’t look like a casual interaction. I think they’re in a clandestine relationship.”
Rmonica’s surprise deepens, a shadow of doubt crossing her face. “This is hard to believe, Kamrynn. I’ve known Eloane for years, and she’s never hidden anything from me. And Raelan… he’s like a brother. Are you sure you didn’t misunderstand?”
I pause, choosing my words carefully. “I know what I saw, Rmonica, it couldn’t have been a misunderstanding. I wish you were there to witness it .”
She frowns, clearly uncomfortable with the idea. “No, it couldn’t possibly be. Eloane could never be in that kind of relationship with Raelan, especially when she’s pregnant. Eloane isn’t that kind of person, you have to be mistaken. It must be… something innocent, I’m sure. Eloane wouldn’t keep such a thing from me, and my cousin wouldn’t betray my trust like that.”
I nod, letting the matter rest. “OK, if you’re sure. I just thought it best to let you know.”
“Thank you, Kamrynn,” she replies, though her smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “I appreciate you telling me, but… let’s not jump to conclusions. If anything was going on, Eloane would surely come to me about it.”
The tension in her voice is clear, and I decide not to push further. After a moment, Rmonica’s expression softens, and she looks at me curiously. “But enough about that. I’ve been meaning to ask… who is the father of your child? I assume he’s your mate but is he also a rogue?”
I’m caught off guard by the question, and Calvin’s image flashes through my mind. His hatred and his cruelty, it all plays in front of my eyes again. The memory is enough to darken my mood. “Um… the father isn’t my mate,” I reply quietly, keeping my tone polite but firm. “And it’s not a subject I like to discuss.”
She nods, her gaze filled with understanding. “I see. I’m sorry, Kamrynn-I didn’t mean to intrude. I just hoped… well, that he might be someone who cared deeply for you.”
I give her a faint smile, grateful for her compassion. “Thank you, Rmonica. But yes, it’s… complicated.”
She nods, accepting my answer. Our conversation shifts to lighter topics, and we share a few stories, laughing softly, until a knock on the door interrupts us. Rmonica glances over, and Eloane steps in, carrying a tray of food and a glass of water, her expression as unreadable as ever. I notice that there’s also a bottle of pills on the tray. It must be Rmonica’s medication.
“Rmonica,” Eloane says, setting the tray down with a practiced hand. “It’s time for your dinner and your medication.”
Rmonica sighs, glancing at the clock. “Dinner already? It seems a bit early, doesn’t it? I’m not even hungry yet.”
Eloane’s expression hardens, her voice curt. “Rmonica, you know how important it is to take your medication on time. You need to stop acting like a child about it, you know you can’t live without it.” She lets out a forced chuckle, her tone laced with dark humor. “Unless, of course, you’d like a taste of what it feels like to avoid it. Would dying be preferable to you, perhaps?”
Her words send a chill down my spine, the humor too dark to be anything but unsettling. Rmonica only sighs, looking mildly irritated, but Eloane’s gaze suddenly shifts to me, her eyes narrowing.
“What are you still doing here?” she snaps, her voice laced with contempt. “The Luna has her duties to attend to. You’re done here.”
I hold my head high, refusing to let her rattle me. “The Luna hasn’t dismissed me yet.”
Eloane’s lips press into a thin line, her eyes gleaming with annoyance. She turns to Rmonica, her tone softening but still cold. “Perhaps you’d like to tell her she’s finished, Luna?”
Rmonica hesitates, glancing at me apologetically before nodding. “Thank you, Kamrynn. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I manage a small smile. “Goodnight, Luna.”
As I turn to leave, I can feel Eloane’s eyes boring into my back. I close the door quietly behind me, but an unease settles in my chest. Eloane’s biting remarks, the kiss with Raelan, the fact that she’s the only one who ever brings Rmonica her medicine and she never allows anyone else to be present when administering it- it all begins to add up, painting a picture I’m not sure I want to see.
This isn’t just my imagination. Something is definitely wrong.