Callum's POV Even though the house had returned to its typical nighttime quiet, I could still feel the tension in the air. Greta had rushed into my office earlier sharing her version of the argument she had with Aurora, her face flushed with outrage. They had already had disagreements before and if things continue this way it won't be the last.I walked to Aurora's room with a sigh. Greta was occasionally a bit too much but Aurora was a completely different kind of storm. I rapped twice on her door pushing it open without waiting for a response. The moonlight was dimly shining on her as she stood by the window. She had her arms folded and it was clear that she was angry too.Her expression was a mixture of annoyance and fatigue as she turned to look at me. Her voice was sharper than needed as " What do you want Callum?" She said.My arms were crossed as I leaned idly against the doorframe." I came to discuss what had happened earlier." She rolled her eyes and looked out the w
Aurora's pov The faint moonlight that came through the curtains didnt help ease the pain in my chest. I was lying in bed looking up at the ceiling with my eyes burning and swollen from crying .Callum’s words from earlier replayed in my mind like a haunting melody I couldn’t escape. *Try not to make Greta cry, you know how sensitive she is.*I scoffed but the sound barely came out of my mouth.Sensitive? It was like being betrayed. The always flawless Greta who somehow succeeded in gaining Callum's love and respect—even at my expense. My body shook with frustration as I gripped the pillow tightly. No matter how hard I tried it seemed like I was always falling short in his eyes Was I the issue? He was more concerned about Greta than he was about me and that was evident from every argument and sidelong glance.And it broke me. I buried my face in the pillow as the hot, unrelenting tears came again and poured down my cheeks. I wanted to stop crying. I didn't want to feel this po
I had hurriedly dressed, my head still clouded by the events of the previous few days. Callum claimed to have scheduled a visit with a doctor on my behalf. Although I had no idea what to expect I knew I had to do it. I had to take responsibility for the growing baby in my womb. This was the first time I had ever looked at my reflection in the mirror. I sighed and smoothed down my blouse as my dark hair tangled around my shoulders. Even though I no longer gave a damn about how I looked, I still wanted to feel put together. Everything that was weighing on me was getting to be too much, so I had to cling to what little strength I still had. I forced Greta from my mind for the moment but she was still there. I couldn't allow myself to become sidetracked. Not today. I needed to concentrate because I had to go to the clinic. After a few more seconds of contemplation, I left my room and headed to the hall. Without listening to me , Callum was idly browsing through his phone while
When I got there, it was too quiet in the clinic. I tried to relax as I sat in the waiting room.He had been nice though to arrange for I and my baby's treatment. A woman in a white-coat came out from the office as I heard the door open. She was older and her warm smile and gentle eyes made me feel a little more at ease. "Luna Aurora ." My throat went dry as I nodded."Welcome, come in."She gestured for me to enter and I did so and went with her to her office. It had a cozy chair, soft lighting and was compact. She motioned for me to take a seat. "Make yourself comfortable please, luna."she said politely." I'm Dr. Miller I'm here to make sure your pregnancy is going well." She said and smiled warmly at me.Even though I sat down to listen to her my thoughts kept returning to Callum. Thinking about the baby or what would happen next was the last thing I wanted to do because I felt lost and unsure about everything. Dr. Miller took a seat across from me and began going throu
As I left the clinic the air seemed heavier. Even though the sun was shining on my face I didn't feel any better. Every word I had said to Dr. Miller was being replayed in my mind. Every step I took was accompanied by the realization that the baby wasn't Callum's. A familiar figure was leaning against the car parked outside the hospital entrance and I froze Gretta. She was here of course. She always seemed to show up when I least expected her to as if she were waiting for me to vanish in the dark. She was smiling but it wasn't a warm one. No, she had that smile that made you feel insignificant as if she knew something you didn't want her to know. With a mockingly sweet tone Greta asked ."Did you enjoy your little check-up?"I was unsure of how to react. My heart was pounding as I simply stood there. Everything around me seemed to have stopped moving and the only sound left was her voice. “You know I heard some interesting things” Greta added moving closer her eyes shining. "
GretaThe following day came more quickly than I expected. I had prepared myself for the evening by thinking about what would happen for hours. It was expected to be the year's most anticipated event—a lavish banquet. The leaders of nearby packs, Callum's inner circle and the pack members themselves would all be present. I could hear the murmurs already. His new mate Aurora, the woman who had abruptly taken over everything would be present.But I had a plan. She would discover Callum's true identity tonight. I raked my fingers through my hair as I stood in front of the mirror. I needed to look flawless so that nothing could go wrong. Staring at me the dress I had selected, it was sleek black and elegant. I was skilled at drawing attention and starting conversation. I wished I could spend so much time by Callum's side tonight.But Aurora was just something that stood in my way. Imagining how I would make her cry tonight made me smiled at my reflection. She was unaware of wha
Aurora's pov I never imagined it would end this way, not even in my wildest dream.My head was pounding, my eyes rolling in my head, my hands shaking as I stood in his office doorway and tried to catch my breath. But my y breath was taken away from me by the sight in front of me which was like a punch to the stomach. There he was, my mate, the love of my life sitting behind his desk with his shirt unbuttoned and a woman not just any woman but my step Alicia. They were kissing and smooching.Having sex before me.Their guttural sound filled the air.My heart pounded against my chest as I froze. As I watched them the weight of the rooms silence felt oppressive and their intimacy seemed so... natural. Bennett had never kissed me that way before and to think I had come here so we can prepare my birthday party and met this.Then Bennet eyes locked with mine. There was no surprise in his eyes. He was slow to apologize or offer an explanation. Rather a half-smile that was all too famil
Aurora's povThe sting of Bennet's words was still fresh in my mind as I sat there in the silence of my room.Just as I was about to be crushed by the silence and heartbreak, my phone buzzed. The emptiness I had felt had engulfed me completely that I was confused on what to do.I stared at my phone, It was my best friend Mia. " Get dressed girl. We are heading out. Whether you like it or not Im taking you to the bar tonight. " She giggled into the phone I looked at the clock and hesitated." My stepmother would be upset if I left the chores." But I felt needed to take a break and put the whole rejection stuff behind me. I was too weak to give a damn about her anymore but I wasn't brave to do that.I ran a hand through my hair and muttered ."You know she'll be mad if I dont help to make dinner. "" Fuck her!" Mia angrily said. You have been enduring their nonsense, a lot girl .You need a break and a drink. I promise you'll feel better. Head straight to the bar." After another
GretaThe following day came more quickly than I expected. I had prepared myself for the evening by thinking about what would happen for hours. It was expected to be the year's most anticipated event—a lavish banquet. The leaders of nearby packs, Callum's inner circle and the pack members themselves would all be present. I could hear the murmurs already. His new mate Aurora, the woman who had abruptly taken over everything would be present.But I had a plan. She would discover Callum's true identity tonight. I raked my fingers through my hair as I stood in front of the mirror. I needed to look flawless so that nothing could go wrong. Staring at me the dress I had selected, it was sleek black and elegant. I was skilled at drawing attention and starting conversation. I wished I could spend so much time by Callum's side tonight.But Aurora was just something that stood in my way. Imagining how I would make her cry tonight made me smiled at my reflection. She was unaware of wha
As I left the clinic the air seemed heavier. Even though the sun was shining on my face I didn't feel any better. Every word I had said to Dr. Miller was being replayed in my mind. Every step I took was accompanied by the realization that the baby wasn't Callum's. A familiar figure was leaning against the car parked outside the hospital entrance and I froze Gretta. She was here of course. She always seemed to show up when I least expected her to as if she were waiting for me to vanish in the dark. She was smiling but it wasn't a warm one. No, she had that smile that made you feel insignificant as if she knew something you didn't want her to know. With a mockingly sweet tone Greta asked ."Did you enjoy your little check-up?"I was unsure of how to react. My heart was pounding as I simply stood there. Everything around me seemed to have stopped moving and the only sound left was her voice. “You know I heard some interesting things” Greta added moving closer her eyes shining. "
When I got there, it was too quiet in the clinic. I tried to relax as I sat in the waiting room.He had been nice though to arrange for I and my baby's treatment. A woman in a white-coat came out from the office as I heard the door open. She was older and her warm smile and gentle eyes made me feel a little more at ease. "Luna Aurora ." My throat went dry as I nodded."Welcome, come in."She gestured for me to enter and I did so and went with her to her office. It had a cozy chair, soft lighting and was compact. She motioned for me to take a seat. "Make yourself comfortable please, luna."she said politely." I'm Dr. Miller I'm here to make sure your pregnancy is going well." She said and smiled warmly at me.Even though I sat down to listen to her my thoughts kept returning to Callum. Thinking about the baby or what would happen next was the last thing I wanted to do because I felt lost and unsure about everything. Dr. Miller took a seat across from me and began going throu
I had hurriedly dressed, my head still clouded by the events of the previous few days. Callum claimed to have scheduled a visit with a doctor on my behalf. Although I had no idea what to expect I knew I had to do it. I had to take responsibility for the growing baby in my womb. This was the first time I had ever looked at my reflection in the mirror. I sighed and smoothed down my blouse as my dark hair tangled around my shoulders. Even though I no longer gave a damn about how I looked, I still wanted to feel put together. Everything that was weighing on me was getting to be too much, so I had to cling to what little strength I still had. I forced Greta from my mind for the moment but she was still there. I couldn't allow myself to become sidetracked. Not today. I needed to concentrate because I had to go to the clinic. After a few more seconds of contemplation, I left my room and headed to the hall. Without listening to me , Callum was idly browsing through his phone while
Aurora's pov The faint moonlight that came through the curtains didnt help ease the pain in my chest. I was lying in bed looking up at the ceiling with my eyes burning and swollen from crying .Callum’s words from earlier replayed in my mind like a haunting melody I couldn’t escape. *Try not to make Greta cry, you know how sensitive she is.*I scoffed but the sound barely came out of my mouth.Sensitive? It was like being betrayed. The always flawless Greta who somehow succeeded in gaining Callum's love and respect—even at my expense. My body shook with frustration as I gripped the pillow tightly. No matter how hard I tried it seemed like I was always falling short in his eyes Was I the issue? He was more concerned about Greta than he was about me and that was evident from every argument and sidelong glance.And it broke me. I buried my face in the pillow as the hot, unrelenting tears came again and poured down my cheeks. I wanted to stop crying. I didn't want to feel this po
Callum's POV Even though the house had returned to its typical nighttime quiet, I could still feel the tension in the air. Greta had rushed into my office earlier sharing her version of the argument she had with Aurora, her face flushed with outrage. They had already had disagreements before and if things continue this way it won't be the last.I walked to Aurora's room with a sigh. Greta was occasionally a bit too much but Aurora was a completely different kind of storm. I rapped twice on her door pushing it open without waiting for a response. The moonlight was dimly shining on her as she stood by the window. She had her arms folded and it was clear that she was angry too.Her expression was a mixture of annoyance and fatigue as she turned to look at me. Her voice was sharper than needed as " What do you want Callum?" She said.My arms were crossed as I leaned idly against the doorframe." I came to discuss what had happened earlier." She rolled her eyes and looked out the w
.I turned away from the window, discarding the thoughts and peeked through the door, thinking of going die stairs and thought over it.I didn't want to see Callum.I had just shut my door when I heard footsteps coming from behind me. It had to be Greta of course. I knew it had to be her.The sound of her heels on the marble where unmistakable.With the same sweet tone that made my skin crawl she called out to me."Aurora."She didn't even have the decency to knock, acting like she owed the whole pack and was already luna.I walked across the room while feigning to arrange the books on the dresser not bothering to look at her stupid face .Oh, moon goddess She was so annoying.Clicking her heels on the floor more loudly than before, she entered without being invited and walked up to me." I hope I'm not interrupting." She said sweetly but we both knew was and she didn't give a damn about it.I turned away from Greta and said, my voice kind of low and I tried not to sound so angry.
The dining rooms large windows let in the morning sun which gave the well-arranged table a golden hue. I could hardly detect the smell of freshly brewed coffee and freshly baked bread in the air but my attention was drawn to Callum who was sitting across from me and reading a newspaper as if the chaos of the outside world didnt match the raging storm inside of me. As if what had happened yesterday didn't just happened and it was all a movie to him.We didn't say much and I wasn't sure if that was the customary cozy silence or something more serious. I wasn't going to be the one to break it in any case, I was too angry Rather I picked at the edges of my toast while feigning interest in the designs on my plate. Every step was louder and more annoying than the last and the silence was broken by the click of heels on the wooden floor and I wondered who could have thought of destroying the early morning peace and quiet.I knew who it was without having to look up. "Callum darling!"
A fog of frustration and self-blame hung over the remainder of the evening. I was haunted by Aurora's face because of her wide and vulnerable eyes which were making a strong effort to hide the hurt my words had caused even though I knew she wanted to tear up.I had wanted to be firm in order to set the boundaries of our agreement but I had instead hit harder than I had wanted to. Trying to get my thoughts straight I put on my jacket and walked out of my office. The party had long ended and everyone had gone home but this night , some of the guards were in training.It had rained a little and there was a slight earthy and piney smell to the crisp night air. As I left my room, my mind was a raging storm. My guilt persisted despite my best efforts to think of something else other than Aurora and what I had said to her.It wasn't my fault though. I hadn't chosen this life. The expectations and legacy of my father had shaped me into the Alpha I am today.I just couldn't afford to have