CHAPTER SEVEN

ARIA’s POV…

“I’ll wash them.” My voice was faint and even though I’d known better than to expect any more from Raymond, I was still disappointed.

My heart sank as I raised my head toward Raymond, feeling suffocated by his favoritism towards Ashley. He didn’t seem to bat an eyelid and I clenched my fists as I forced the sourness rising in my throat back down. This wasn’t the time for nausea or any pregnancy related symptoms.

“Expecting a parade? Get going.” Ashley nudged with her head as she rolled her eyes.

I let out an exhale as I grabbed the box, pushing it with all my might towards the laundry room. As I did, I heard her scowl, her voice lower than usual.

“The maids should know their place, don’t you think?” She grumbled. Her voice held so much contempt and she didn’t even bother to disguise it.

I ignored her as I went straight to the laundry room, getting straight to work. As I did my work, I couldn’t help but be reminded of Raymond’s words.

Ashley is the future Luna of this pack and as such, her orders and requests are to be followed and attended to.

Those words would live with me for a very long time.

“Stupid Raymond.” I muttered to myself as I squeezed the clothes, carefully spreading them on the rack to dry. “How can’t he see through whatever she’s doing?” I rolled my eyes as I bent to pick another top, but just then, a knot formed in my stomach, a sharp pain following as the pain traveled through my body.

I gasped as without any warning, vomit came out of my mouth, into the drainage system—luckily. I staggered as my vision started to become blurry. I stretched my hand, hoping to find something I could hold on to but there was nothing but air.

My knees weakening was the last I recalled before I was suddenly enveloped with darkness.

“You’re awake.” I heard a cold voice say as I slowly opened my eyes to find myself in my room, Raymond’s unique figure beside my bed.

As usual, he was expressionless, his eyes only scanned my body every now and then and that was when it dawned on me that I’d passed out.

“My goodness!” I exclaimed as I sat up on the bed, his gaze still unsettled. Had he found out about my pregnancy? Was that why he was staring at me the way he currently was? I gulped as my hands reached for the sheets, squeezing them as I fought the urge to bring my hand to my stomach.

“Wh—what are you doing here? I know it’s not because you care. You’ve made it very clear you don’t.” I asked. I didn’t know why I was saying all of that, but anything to distract myself from the possibility he’d found out about our baby.

“You passed out.” He said without any emotions. “Doctor Eric examined you and now, we’re waiting for the results.” He didn’t even bat an eye lid as he spoke. Was he even a werewolf?

“He— Doctor Eric hasn’t said anything yet, right?” My anxiety was getting the best of me and if they didn’t know the truth yet, they were going to find out.

“And if he has?” My heart clenched as I felt bile rise in my throat at the thought of what Raymond would do if he found out I was with child. His child. He’d made it clear he didn’t want any children with me.

“Nothing.” I cleared my throat as I tried to avoid eye contact with him. Goodness, why was it so hot in here now? “I just wanted to know.” Half truth, half lie.

His eyes remained on me, like he was probing and scrutinizing me and I felt the hairs on my skin stand, especially as my wolf started to jump within me.

“I’m here now.” Eric rushed in with medical files and I heaved a sigh of relief. About goddamn time.

His gaze traveled between Raymond and myself and I shook my head slowly, in an attempt to plead with him not to let out the truth of my pregnancy.

“Sorry it took some time.” He didn’t show any signs as to whether he’d heed to my pleas.

“What’s wrong? She hasn’t been doing too well lately.” Raymond asked Eric, his tone a tad bit softer than usual. If I didn’t know better, I’d have thought he was actually concerned.

“Umm.” Eric paused as he looked at me, hesitation evident in his eyes before he regained his confidence and turned to Raymond.

“Luna Aria just fainted from anemia and gastroenteritis, nothing serious. She just needs to rest a little more.” I heaved a sigh of relief at his words.

I turned to Raymond who had a frown carved on his brow. “Luna Aria? How many times do I need to remind you to not forget her status.” The last word felt like a slap to the face, but I didn’t care.

“I’m sorry, Alpha Raymond. I’ll pay more attention to that in the future.” Eric apologized and Raymond’s face relaxed slightly.

“Anemia, huh?” Raymond commented, seemingly unconvinced. “She’s been throwing up lately, paying more attention to her stomach and now, she’s even passing out. Are those even symptoms of anemia and gastroenteritis?” He paused as he turned to me, our eyes locked.

“Isn’t she— pregnant?”