Chapter 6

Hazel

It's been a week since we intruded into the walls of midnight pack. But instead of being treated like refugees, I and my mother were receiving the Royal treatment. Alpha Conner seemed serious all the time, but in actuality he was a kind man, and treated us as though we were expected guests.

I walked out of the hospital ward where my mother was receiving treatment. She was doing better than she was prior to our escape from Nightfall pack, and I was more than grateful to the nurses for their help.

Stepping into the garden, I settled on one of the bench and relaxed myself. Running away was the best idea after all. I wouldn't be this free, this happy if I hadn't escaped that curse personified marriage. My hands came down to my belly and softly I caressed my belly. His baby was growing in me, was it really good running away?

"Stop it." I stopped myself from furthering my unhealthy thoughts. It wouldn't do me any good to regret my actions now. The deed was done, and there was no going back. I might be with his child, but there was no way I was letting my baby grow up with a father that harsh. It wasn't happening.

Alpha Conner was the exact opposite of Alexander. Unlike my mate, he was kind, gentle and lovable too.

"Lovable?" My wolf questioned jokingly.

My cheeks flushed red with embarrassment and I proceeded to defend myself frantically.

"It's not like that or anything! It's just that....it's just that he's been very good to me and mother. You know how much I've yearned to be treated like a person and not a toy." I was hurt by my own words. And the memories that came afterwards were far from pleasing.

Half of my life was lived in pain and agony. From my hateful stepfather to my Mate, Alpha Alexander, they've only caused me pain. Only seen me as a tool for exploitation, I was sold because I was a burden, and my marriage has only been torture and nothing more. This was the first time I felt like human again, Alpha Conner has rekindled the flame of humanity in me.

"I understand..." My wolf concurred. I was keeping her away from her mate, but even at that she didn't seem to oppose my actions. She knew exactly what I felt inside, and she was backing me up even though it might cost her. Losing one's mate was no small deal, it was really surprising at how cool she was with everything.

Standing from the garden seats, I headed into the main building. It was a habit of mine to always tour around the place ever since we arrived. It had been a week yet I wasn't accustomed to the place. It was a huge mansion definitely I needed time to get used to everywhere. Although I was getting pretty used to the surroundings and all, I still didn't have the map of the place behind my palms.

"Are you sure we should enter here? Isn't it supposed to be the Alpha's domain?" My wolf inquired. She was right, we were right before the very room where the Alpha had welcomed us at first. It was one of the few places I was yet to explore, and my curiosity seemed to always get the better of me.

'The Alpha was always busy, surely he wouldn't be at his chambers during this busy hour of the day.' I convinced myself as I took hold of the exotic doorknob. Slowly I twisted it anticlockwise to unlock the door before I walked in.

"Someone's forgotten to Knock?" I froze in my tracks, Alpha Conner, he was here, but where?! My pupils swept around the place in search of him until they fell on his figure. It was ironical, he was seated right in front of me, yet I had a hard time locating him.

I turned around to beat a retreat, but was stopped midway.

"Come in." His deep voice washed me in waves as I turned around to meet him casually seated behind a desk I never realised was in the room the first time.

His bigger figure blocked away most of the sunlight that came in through the window behind him. Although most of his facials were hidden behind a shadow, I could tell he had a mocking smile on his face.

"Forgive my misconducts." I apologized with a hung head.

"It's alright..." He paused before standing from his seat. Two steps forward and he paused once more. ".....Did you want something?"

He was nowhere near me, but I could feel his warmth sweeping over my skin, and it made me go weak at the knees. Now that his face was out of the shadows, I could finally see the smile on his face. It wasn't mocking, it was heartwarming and I felt drawn to it.

His hand ran over the files on his desk before he turned towards me once more. His dark chocolate gaze met my blue one and I turned my face away like a child.

"I was exploring the mansion. Don't want to get lost again." I confessed with a blush he probably couldn't see.

"Would you like a drink?" He offered.

I shook my head and tightened my grip on my skirt.

"No thank you." I added after my gesture.

"Are you sure you don't want to say something to me?" I raised my head only to discover he was much closer now. His warm breath fell on my face and had the skin under them burn in desire. He had this look in his eyes, one of disappointment or sadness, or maybe both.

"U.. unfortunately not." I replied shakily.

"You're pregnant Hazel, aren't you?" His question had me taking two steps backwards from him even though I desperately wanted to be closer to him.

"Y..Yes I am." I affirmed with a thrown face. After mustering up another batch of courage, I looked up to him once more to see him smiling.

"I figured as much. You shouldn't be moving around too much with your pregnancy. Have the maids assist you if you must." He relayed before returning to his seat. "I have much to do, if you'll please excuse me."

I didn't want to feel like he was being dismissive, but he certainly was. With a forced smile and a bow, I made my way out of the room. I realised that something had changed with him. Was it because of my pregnancy? Was he jealous? Now I was scared. What if he hates me now? Will I become a tool once more?