chapter 6

Chapter 6

I felt my body go numb as if my veins were filled with ice. *Pregnant?* My sister, pregnant... carrying Mack's baby? It seemed too good to be true. Perhaps I had misunderstood. Perhaps my thoughts were deceiving me.

However, I was aware of the truth deep inside. I heard it. Every word.

The pain struck me with the force of a blow to the stomach, leaving me breathless. What possible reasons could have led them to do this? What could have driven *him* to do such a thing?

I couldn't remain in that spot anymore. The burden of what I had heard was overwhelming. I spun around and clumsily made my way back to my room, feeling my heart beating rapidly in my chest. My mind was filled with swirling questions, each one more painful than the previous one. What is the reason? How could Mack betray me in such a way? And with Ophelia, of all individuals?

I fell onto my bed and buried my face in the pillow, feeling as if the walls of my room were closing in on me. Tears clouded my sight, yet I resisted the urge to weep. Not at this moment. I required answers immediately. Responses that only *he* could provide me with.

The weather was so perfect that we decided to have a picnic in the park.

The following day, I woke up feeling determined and refreshed. I could not allow the betrayal to linger without being addressed. I had to face him, despite the pain it caused. I felt my heart pounding as I headed to Mack's office, going over every detail of their conversation in my mind repeatedly.

I didn't bother knocking when I got to the door. I forced it to open and rushed in. Mack sat at his desk, surrounded by older individuals, talking about topics I presumed to be related to Alpha issues. All of them glanced at me, surprised by my abrupt arrival.

Mack started with "Azalea," his voice showing a blend of puzzlement and worry. "What's happening?”

I stared angrily at him, feeling my heart racing in my chest. "We must have a conversation." Presently.

An elder coughed to get attention. "Maybe we should allow the Alpha and his partner some alone time."

Mack lifted his hand, gesturing for them to remain. "No, this will be quick."

His contemptuous manner escalated my rage. "I don't care how long it takes," I snapped angrily, my voice shaking. I inadvertently listened to your discussion last evening. You and Ophelia.

Briefly, his expression wavered as a hint of guilt passed over his face. However, he regained his composure swiftly, speaking in a calm voice. "Azalea, it's not as you imagine—"

"Isn't that my opinion?" I interrupted him, my voice getting louder. "Mack, she's expecting a baby!" "And you are the dad!"

Mack rose to his feet and approached me with his hands raised in a calming manner. "Pay attention to me, Azalea." "It's convoluted."

"Is it complex?" I chuckled bitterly. "You have been intentionally ignoring me for several weeks." You will not label me, will not designate me as your Luna. And now I discover that you've been... been with *her*? "Is that my very own sister?"

I noticed a softening in his eyes and briefly thought I detected a hint of regret. However, he let out a sigh while running his hand through his hair. "I am now in charge as the leader." I have duties that are beyond your comprehension.

What are your duties? Is that the term you're using at the moment? I spoke with a heavy dose of sarcasm in my voice. "Do you honestly believe that justifies your act of betrayal? Do you believe that justifies it?”

"I didn't wish for this to occur," he whispered, his voice quiet. "Ophelia and I... it was never meant to be significant."

"Do you understand?" I struggled to hold back the rage growing within me. Mack, she is pregnant with your baby. This is not an error that can be easily hidden.

He moved nearer, his eyes begging to mine. Azalea, if you don't mind. I'm attempting to defend the group. This event involving Ophelia is connected to a larger situation. A strategy for ensuring our future.

I looked at him with astonishment. "What difference does it make?" Do I have to simply acknowledge and agree to this? To witness and not intervene while you and my sister—”

"He interrupted and said firmly, 'Azalea, I love you.'" I want to be with you, you are the one. "You will be my moon."

I nodded in disagreement and moved a step away. "How can I trust you after all your actions?"

His lack of words provided a sufficient response.

The cat was staring at the mouse with intense focus.

My shaking didn't cease until I arrived at Ophelia's living space. I banged on her door, no longer concerned about being discreet.

The door swung open, and there stood my sister with an inscrutable expression on her face. "Flower of the genus Azalea."

"We must have a conversation." My tone was icy, and composed.

Ophelia moved out of the way, allowing me to enter silently. After entering, I spun around to confront her, feeling my heart pounding in my chest. "How did you manage to do that?"

Her head was slightly tilted, and her expression was calm, unnervingly calm. "I did what needed to be done for the group.

"Is it required?" I found it difficult to believe what I was hearing. "You're expecting a baby, Ophelia! Having Mack's offspring!

She didn't move, keeping her gaze unwavering. Mack and I concluded. The offspring of the Alpha and a skilled witch would enhance the bloodline of the pack. "It was the most rational decision to make."

"Does that make sense?" I was excited. "Are you even listening to what you're saying?" What about myself? How about your very own *sister*?

Ophelia let out a sigh as she crossed her arms. This does not concern you, Azalea. It was never the case. We are at the forefront. We must be willing to make sacrifices for the common good.

I felt tears in my eyes, but I resisted letting them drop. I had faith in you. The two of you. How could you deceive me in such a way?

Ophelia's eyes softened, yet they held no regret. "I apologize for your sentiments, but it was necessary."

The words she spoke were like sharp blades, piercing deep within me. I had never experienced such loneliness before.

That evening, I remained seated beside the window, gazing into the darkness. All that I was familiar with, all that I believed in, had vanished.

Mack's act of disloyalty. Ophelia's chilliness. The passing of Miller. It was too overwhelming.

I could no longer remain in this place.

I had to go.