4: Bitter celebration

Alora’s POV

The next morning I woke up feeling a little nauseous and I retched a bit before I went downstairs to make breakfast. I think this has to do with what Rune made me do yesterday night.

He forced me to take his entire length from behind while my head is hanging. All blood had rushed to my head at the new position but as always, I didn’t complain.

Making my way down to the kitchen, I brought out the ingredients for everyone's favorite food while thinking about how I am going to escape from this pack unnoticed. I don’t want drama.

The only person that will create problems for me is Rune. He has been on my tail twenty four seven since they fixed Cielle and Dylan’s wedding date.

While I was making pancakes for Cielle, I suddenly remembered something that made me want to throw up again. I haven’t had my period in two months! The pancake burned while I was thinking.

My heart skipped a beat in fear and terror ...Rune never used condoms because I was barren. We went to the doctor the first time I felt symptoms and I found out that I won’t be able to carry a baby which is why my wolf is also weak.

No way!

I finished making breakfast for everyone but myself because I have lost my appetite. I don’t think I can keep anything down with how nauseous I feel. Also the fear tightening in my guts uncomfortably.

“Why aren’t you joining us for breakfast today?” Father asked as he cut through his toast.

“Uh, I have errands to run and I ate in the kitchen.” I lied nervously because I want to disappear from this place to know what is going on with me.

“You look tense. Is everything alright?” Mother asked, tentatively sipping her creamy coffee.

“Everything is fine.” I forced myself to smile then turned and walked away.

I could feel Rune’s eyes following me and burning my back but I didn’t turn around to acknowledge him. Not with the wild thoughts trying to take shape in my head. I might be fucked up.

Taking the car myself and dismissing my assigned driver, I decided to not go see the family doctor. I dare not do this because this couldn’t be known by anyone. Even though it is a fifty fifty percent chance.

So I decided to buy a pregnancy test strip instead. That is the safest alternative because all the hospitals in this pack report under the family doctor. Not safe.

Just as I left the house after changing into plain jeans and shirt, I bumped into Dylan. I gulped down knowing what happened the last time I was with him. I don’t want Rune and Cielle thinking something is going on.

“Hi, Alora. Were you late for work yesterday?” He asked, referring to the ride he gave her after her car broke down.

“No I wasn’t. Thanks for your ride.” I beamed then rushed towards my car.

I don’t think Rune is going to take it lightly if he sees us together. The CCTV camera will still show this little conversation but at least they exchanged just a few words.

Getting to the closest supermarket, I used a mask to close my face to avoid getting recognized by the pack members, not that I have friends anymore. I avoided them like a plague after everything.

I bought the pregnancy test stick with other items so it won’t be obvious. I quickly went home with shaky hands and a knotted stomach. This better be just a weird coincidence that I didn’t see her period. I CAN'T be pregnant.

As soon as I got inside, I bumped into my mother who beamed at the sight of me. That is weird. Thank God I hid the pregnancy test inside my hoodie so I held the paper bag in my hand containing fruits.

Mother dragged me to the couch looking excited to share whatever news it is that she has. I don’t know why I don’t like this smile on her face. She hasn’t smiled at me like that in many years.

“Where have you been to?” She asked, tilting her head at me taking in my outfit.

“Just supermarket to get some fruits I have been craving.” I lied straight from my teeth but I was also craving the fruits I got.

My mother’s gentle tug guided me to the couch, her voice a mix of reassurance and dismissiveness. “Don’t take Rune’s words to heart. Rune must have been busy and forgot your gift.”

I forced a smile, shaking my head. “It’s alright, Mother. I don’t mind.”

Mother’s xpression softened, and she reached for a gift box nestled beside her on the coffee table. “Look, I got you a birthday present,” she said, her voice carrying a touch of warmth.

As mother handed me the box, my heart fluttered in my chest. The gesture was unexpectedly kind. I was touched that

mother remembered my birthday, especially given how things had been lately.

“I’m twenty-one now,” I thought, feeling a fleeting sense of normalcy.

Mother’s eyes twinkled with a forced cheerfulness as she continued. “This year, your father and I decided to find you a mate as well, so that you and Cielle can get married together this year.”

The words hit me like a cold wave. My breath caught in my throat, and the smile faded from my lips in an instant. It was clear now: mother’s so-called gift was not a token of love but a strategic move to secure my place and keep me out of Cielle’s way.

My heart sank with bitterness. The reality that mother was merely pushing me into marriage to prevent any interference with Cielle and Dylan stung deeply. So this gift didn’t come from her heart.

Outwardly, I nodded in agreement, masking my dismay like I have been doing for years. “That sounds... lovely, Mother,” I said, my voice barely more than a whisper.

Feigning exhaustion, I excused myself and retreated to my room. The moment I was alone, I closed the door behind me and leaned against it, trying to steady my racing heart. I glanced at the small, white box I had brought with me—a pregnancy test.

With trembling hands, I fished out the test stick and unwrapped it. My mind swirled with anxious thoughts as I followed the instructions, waiting for the result. Every second felt like an eternity. Finally, I looked down at the stick, and my world seemed to collapse.

Two pink lines stared back at me, stark and undeniable. The reality of my situation settled heavily on my shoulders. I was pregnant. It was over.

A wave of despair washed over me, mingling with the sharp pain of mother’s earlier words. The birthday present that had once seemed so touching now felt like a cruel irony, a symbol of my continued entrapment in a life that had long ceased to be my own.

The weight of my predicament pressed down on me, and I slumped to the floor, overwhelmed by the crushing realization that my life had just become infinitely more complicated.

Should I run away now? Yes, I should.