Chapter 1

ADELE STARK P.O.V

Today was the happiest day of my life. It was the day I was finally going to announce my pregnancy to the pack.

I would have done that long ago but Eleanor suggested I keep quiet about it and announce it as a surprise.

I sat on my bed rubbing my small tummy when a knock came on my door and before I could even reply, Eleanor had walked in.

Eleanor's smile was wide, but there was something in her eyes that gave me a pause but I shove that aside, my happiness overwhelming.

"Ready for the announcement tonight?' she asked, sitting beside me on the bed.

I nodded feeling over excited.

"Yes, of course. Everyone will be so surprised!' I tried to be enthusiastic though something felt off.

"Just remember to keep your cool, no matter what happens tonight" she said to me and I shook my head slowly.

"But don't you think my father is going to be disappointed in me?" I asked softly. I was an only child and my father adored me a lot.

He'd be so disappointed if I got pregnant without getting married.

I'd be literally carrying a bastard.

Eleanor's smile widened and she said.

"You have nothing to worry about. I've taken care of everything."

"What do you mean?" I asked, curiously and her smile only widened the more.

She held my hand and made me stand up from the bed. Then she led me to the mirror and made me sit in front of it.

"I'll help you style your hair…" she began picking up a comb.

"Malcolm would not be able to take his eyes off you.." her smile never fell from her face.

Malcolm was my boyfriend and the father of my child.

He worked as an official in our pack and I fell in love with him at first sight. I loved everything about Malcolm and he loved me as well.

As she combed my hair, I was lulled by the sound of the brush against my strands. I barely noticed her words.

"Your hair is so lovely, Adele. You're such a lucky girl to have such beautiful hair," she admired.

Her voice was soft and soothing.

"Thank you" I muttered as I just closed my eyes and allowed myself to relax.

She kept combing, her movements smooth and precise.

"Malcolm is so lucky to have you.." she grinned as I smiled at her reflection in the mirror, grateful for her company.

I knew that I could trust her, that she only wanted to help. She was my best friend and I was so happy to have her in my life.

I closed my eyes again as she began to braid my hair.

"All done.." she announced as I opened my eyes.

"This is beautiful, Eleanor…" I smiled widely. Admiring my hair that was braided into two.

"It's my pleasure, Adele. You have such lovely hair, it was my honor to style it," she said with a smile.

She helped me to my feet, and I looked at myself in the mirror. I was shocked by how beautiful I looked.

My hair was elegant, and my face looked peaceful. I had never felt so beautiful before.

I turned to her and hugged her, my heart full of gratitude.

"Thank you so much, Eleanor. You're an angel," I said, my voice thick with emotion.

She hugged me back, and for a moment, everything was perfect.

"Um…Adele.." she began softly as we broke out of the hug.

"Hmmm.." I replied looking so happy as I couldn't wait to see Malcolm.

"About the map.." she drew out and the smile on my face instantly fell.

"Eleanor I…" my voice trailed off. What she had been asking of me was too risky. The map contained the blueprints of the pack and was safely guarded so it wouldn't fall in the hands of our enemies.

"I know it's a lot to ask," she stated, her voice soft and understanding.

"But this is important, Adele. I told you, I mean no harm for the pack, just want to take a look"

I bit my lip, my mind racing. I couldn't betray my father, but I also couldn't turn my back on my friend. I was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

"I don't know what to do," I confessed, my voice trembling.

She took my hand in hers, her eyes filled with compassion.

"I know it's a tough decision, but I believe in you. You're stronger than you look and you can do this.." she assured and her words were working.

Eleanor was my best friend and I could do anything for her.

I felt my resolve strengthening. I trusted her completely, and if she believed in me, I could do this.

"Okay," I obliged, my voice full of conviction.

"I'll do it. But you have to promise me that you'll keep this a secret. No one can know that I gave you the map."

"I promise, Adele. Your secret is safe with me," she said, her eyes full of sincerity.

I nodded, feeling a sense of relief. I knew that I could count on her.

"Okay, I'll do it" I smiled heartily and she hugged me.

"I'm so grateful to you Adele…"

"You don't have to worry about anything. I'll be on the lookout and make sure no one comes. Once I have a look. We will put it back in place.." she informed me and I shook my head stupidly in agreement.

If only I knew that was the biggest mistake I was going to make.

"And don't worry, Malcolm is taking care of tonight. Once you announce your pregnancy. He's going to announce your marriage…" she said and I found myself jumping happily.

"Now come along, let's get to work " she dragged me out of the room.

It was a reckless plan, but I was too caught up in the moment to think rationally. I followed her out of the room, my heart beating fast. I knew that what I was doing was wrong, but I couldn't bring myself to stop.

We made our way through the castle, careful to avoid any guards. My heart was pounding in my chest, and I felt like I was on the verge of a panic attack.

We finally reached the room where the map was kept, and my anxiety spiked. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves.

"Go in…" she urged me.

"I'll be waiting outside to keep a watch.." she said as I muttered a thank you to her. Then I opened the door with a key only the royals possessed. I locked the door behind me after going in.

The room was dimly lit, with only a few candles providing light. The map was hanging on the wall, and my eyes were drawn to it. It was beautifully detailed, showing every corner of the pack. I walked closer, my heart racing.

I hesitated for a moment, then reached out to touch the map. I knew this was wrong, but I couldn't stop myself. I had to do this.

Something kept telling me to leave immediately but I was too stubborn to listen. I quickly grabbed the map and got ready to leave.

I quickly opened the door to leave.

"Eleanor I'm…" my voice trailed off as I stood in shock.

Standing outside the door were the pack elders, my father who had a disappointed look on his face. Malcolm and Eleanor who held a sly smile on her face and a group of guards.

The map unconsciously fell from my hands as I trembled.

What have I done?