Pregnant?

Kieran's POV:

I woke up suddenly, drenched in sweat. My heart pounded wildly in my chest, as if it had been racing for hours, even though I just closed my eyes moments ago. 

Before I could even begin to process what just happened, the door to my chamber swung open. 

A guard entered, his face pale and breathless. “Delta Micah returned from the errand you sent him a few days ago.” The guard panted heavily, barely able to catch his breath. “And he found someone near the borders.”

I swung my legs off the bed. "Does he suspect it's a spy?” My voice was groggy, but sharp.

“No, Alpha. She’s injured. Likely trying to flee from the BloodMoon Pack after they were attacked by rogues last night.”

I rose from the bed. "It’s a woman?" I growled, my anger rising. "Has it been confirmed if she's from the BloodMoon Pack or ours?"

The guard hesitated, a little unsure. "Not yet, but she doesn’t have our Pack’s tattoo, and she doesn’t have the Blood Moon's either.”

That was strange. “That’s odd.” I muttered under my breath.

"Delta Micah thought the same." The guard continued.

I frowned, my thoughts already whirling. “Well, make sure she is tortured until she speaks.”

The guard shifted nervously. “Um... about that..."

I narrowed my eyes. “What?”

“It’s... it’s a girl.” He reminded me, his voice faltering.

“And so what?” I asked. “Protecting my territory is what matters most. I’ll interrogate her myself.”

"Where is she?" I demanded, my impatience growing.

"In a guest room, Alpha."

“Take me there.” I ordered. I followed the guard down the hallway.

When we reached the guest room, I saw Micah and our Pack’s healer standing at the edge of the bed where she lais unconscious—or perhaps asleep, I couldn’t tell. I didn’t care either way.

I didn’t know why, but there was something about her that intrigued me. "Wake her up.” I demanded.

The healer turned to me, his expression filled with hesitation. "I’m sorry, Alpha King Kieran, but she is badly injured."

I glared at him, my patience running thin. "Make sure she is sent to me when she wakes up.” I said, my tone leaving no room for argument.

As I left the room, I thought to myself. ‘There is something unsettling about this whole situation. A strange woman, injured in my territory? It didn’t sit right with me. I need to know what brought her here.”

The day passed by quite fast, but my mind kept drifting back to her. I had things to do—meetings, discussions with my Pack’s elders, decisions that needed to be made—but I couldn’t focus on anything. My thoughts were consumed with her.

Later that evening, I made my way to the Meeting Hall where several Pack, Elders, Councilmen and my Beta were present. 

The atmosphere was tense, but the murmurs of the elders and council members ceased when they saw me. 

Their eyes followed me, waiting for my direction.

The strange girl moved to the center of the room. I could see the way her eyes darted around, her hands trembling slightly by her sides. 

She was brought here for questioning, but there was something about her that made me feel pity.

I motioned for the council members to take their seats, my eyes never leaving her as she walked to the center of the room. The elders took their places, and my Beta stood beside me.

I began. "We need to know why you were on our borders. You understand the situation, don’t you? We’ve had rogues in the area, and now, you’re here—unmarked, without any sign of allegiance to our Pack or the Blood Moon Pack. We cannot risk harboring spies."

She swallowed hard, her breath catching in her throat. The fear in her eyes was clear. "I am not a spy." She replied quietly.

The Pack elders exchanged glances. I could see the doubt flickering in their eyes, the thought about whether to trust her or not. 

I gestured for her to continue. "Then tell us why you were there. Why did you come to our borders?"

She nodded, before she replied. "I was born into the Blood Moon Pack." She started. "My mother died moments after giving birth to me. And my father... he blamed me for her death. Much later, he remarried when I was five.” She paused for a moment, then continued. "I was cast aside. My father’s new wife was a cruel woman and my step sister treated me like a servant in my own house. Even the Pack saw me as nothing more than an omega. I was used, humiliated, and cast aside as if I didn’t matter. And my mate, he claimed me only to reject me later in front of everyone and chose my step sister. I had nothing left and I couldn’t stay there anymore. So I left."

I could hear the pain in her voice, even as she tried to hold it together. The elders expression's were hard to read, but I knew deep down in my heart that she had spoken the truth.

"And you think this is the reason we should let you stay here?" One of the council members, a man I recognized from the lower ranks of the Council, spoke up. "How do we know this isn’t some kind of ploy, some backstory to disguise your true intentions? You could be a spy, using sympathy to gain our trust."

"But still…” One of the elders spoke up. "What if she’s useful? If she’s truly from the Blood Moon Pack, she might know the layout of their territory well. We could use someone with that knowledge if things ever come to a head with them. It might be a good move to keep her here."

Another elder nodded. "I agree. It might be risky, but it’s an opportunity we can’t overlook. If they come for us, we’ll be better prepared."

“That's utter nonsense.” Another councilman argued. “She is obviously a spy. Let's save ourselves the future problems and just kill her.”

I slammed my fist down on the table, silencing the room instantly. "Enough," I growled. "We don’t have time for petty arguments. "I’ve made my decision," I said firmly. 

With that, I turned to the guards. "Take her to her room." The guards moved to do as instructed.

"I’ve had enough of this meeting," I said suddenly. We’re adjourned." I could feel the eyes on me as I turned to leave, but I didn’t look back. 

Instead of heading to my room, I found myself walking toward the guest room. When I opened the door, I found her sitting on the edge of the bed.

She looked up at me as I entered.

“What's your name?” I asked, stepping closer.

“Althea.”

What a beautiful name!

“You’ll stay here.” I revealed.

Her eyes widened in surprise, as if she didn't expect to hear that. “Stay?” She repeated.

I nodded. “You’re welcome here. You have a place in my Pack. No one will treat you like that again. You’ll get the respect you deserve.”

“And about being unmarked?” She began, her voice barely a whisper. “I never had my Pack's tattoo branded on me. My father never thought I was worth it.”

I smiled faintly, though there was little joy in it. “Would you like to become a member of the BlackThorn Pack? To be marked, officially?”

Her eyes widened, and tears started to fill them. She nodded, wiping her face with the back of her hand.

The next day, she moved into a room next to mine. It was part of her new role—as my personal maid. However, that night, she passed out while preparing my meal.

I took her straight to the clinic, where the healer examined her. After a few minutes of silence, he looked up at me, his face filled with confusion.

“What's wrong?” I questioned, genuinely concerned.

“She’s pregnant, Alpha. She’s carrying a child.”

My heart stopped.