Chapter 2

Alpha was very busy, either marking territory or out hunting. We mated only a few times each month.

Lia was always by his side, following him everywhere every day and keeping watch for him at night.

Alpha was generous with her. All the time, Lia got more from him than anyone else.

"She saved my life, so it's right I look out for her. Don't you think so, Luna?" He stroked my silvery fur.

His touch was so comfy that I closed my eyes. "You're right, my Alpha."

In the morning, he'd meet with the elders to discuss trade, supplies, and diplomacy with neighboring wolf packs and vampires.

After that, he'd take Lia with him to patrol the borders, making sure our territory was safe.

In the afternoon, he'd train the young werewolves, oversee their coming-of-age ceremonies, and roughhouse with many of them, throwing down in friendly fights to test their strength.

At night, he'd settle disputes within the pack. It was always late before he finally returned to our bedchamber.

Lia had a mate: a high-ranking werewolf.

Alpha said he was worried she'd get lonely, so he found her a mate. But later, I realized that this so-called mate was only a decoy to fool everyone else.

Lia used to live in the Border Forest of our territory. Her magic was damaged and never fully recovered, and she had to guard the Alpha, so she moved away.

To make it easier to look after her, Alpha gave her a special room near ours.

Alpha said, "Luna, bump up Lia's monthly allowance by thirty percent. And give her a Silver Moon Wolf Fang.

"She is not in the best shape, so give her the cloak made from silver-white wolf fur too.

"She needs to go in and out of the Border Forest a lot. These will make things easier for her and keep her safe."

I nodded. "Alpha, she saved your life, so you can give her whatever you want, with your personal funds. But anything from the pack's treasury has to go by the book."

He stood there for a moment. "Is that really necessary?"

"What do you mean?" I shot back.

He didn't say anything and turned to leave.

*****

Three months later, I found out I was carrying a pup.

Soon after, rumors started swirling that Lia was pregnant too.

Alpha was over the moon and especially gave her a hunting territory. This was usually reserved for elders and higher ranks.

When the news spread through the pack, many wolves weren't happy about it.

But due to Alpha's power and the fact that Lia had saved him, everyone pretended not to notice.

I counted on my fingers and realized that Lia got pregnant during those two weeks when Alpha and she were out patrolling the borders together.

"Luna, Alpha asks us to send Lia two dishes every day, too." The maid was clearly annoyed. "She saved his life, but after all the special treatment and gifts over the years, it's enough. Alpha is playing favorites."

I didn't get angry or make a fuss. I snapped the ledger shut. "Got it. Tell the kitchen to serve Lia two dishes daily."

"What are you waiting for? Go on," I reminded the maid as I saw she was still standing there.

The maid sighed and left to do as I told her.

I had a terrible time the whole pregnancy. I threw up nonstop; everything I ate came back up.

Alpha came to check on me three times.

The first time, he paced the room, his tone cool and distant. "Tell the kitchen to prepare something light."

The second time, he sat next to me while I threw up and then handed me a glass of water and asked, "Feeling any better?"

The third time, he sat there for a moment and left without saying anything.

He didn't deliberately avoid me. When he got to the door, he told his attendant, "Go check on Lia."

Lia wasn't having nearly as rough a time as I was. Everything seemed to be going perfectly for her.

By the time I hit eight months, the midwife said the baby was a bit too big, and it might be a tough birth.

I slumped back against the bed, exhausted, one hand on my big belly. "Baby, you've got to be strong for me."

It was late autumn the day I went into labor. Outside, the rain was pouring down.

I'd been in pain for a full day and night, screaming so hard my throat went raw.

The midwife's hands were covered in blood, and she was sweating buckets from panic. "Luna, the baby is stuck. Push hard."

I gripped the edge of the bed, a cloth clenched between my teeth. The metallic taste of blood filled my mouth.

I cried out in pain and then passed out.

When I came to, the room was dim, lit only by two flickering oil lamps.

I was completely drained. Even moving my fingers felt like a struggle.

The maid who'd been keeping watch had fallen asleep, softly snoring beside me.

The door creaked open, followed by footsteps that someone tried to keep quiet.

I saw a figure slowly walk over to the cradle by my bed and pick up the baby.

I knew that figure all too well. I watched him carry the baby to the door, where someone was waiting and passed him another bundle, identical to the one he was holding.