Chapter 2

The next morning, Gianni tagged along to the pack’s healer for my prenatal check-up. As Beta, his presence was expected, but his attentiveness felt more like a show than real concern. The healer, a gentle old Omega, gave him a warm smile as she wrapped up the exam. 'Your mate’s quite devoted, Gamma Maxine,' she remarked. 'You don’t often see that kind of care.'

Gianni took my hand, his grip warm but deliberate. His dark eyes softened as he said, 'This pup is a gift from the Moon Goddess. I’ll do whatever it takes to protect them.'

I forced a smile, swallowing the bitterness that gnawed at me. My wolf stirred uneasily, a low growl rumbling in the back of my mind, but I shoved her down. I couldn’t afford to show any cracks, not here, not now.

As we stepped out of the healer’s chamber, we bumped into Kailani. She was draped in a flowy summer dress, her belly round and proud. Her smug grin twisted my stomach into knots. She’d orchestrated this whole mess, and now she was reveling in it.

'Hey, sis,' she cooed, her voice dripping with fake sweetness. 'When’s your due date?' She reached out to touch my belly, but I slapped her hand away, my eyes narrowing.

'Don’t,' I snapped.

Her face darkened, but before she could fire back, I clutched my stomach and let out a sharp gasp. 'My stomach… it hurts…'

Gianni was at my side in a flash, his voice laced with worry. 'Maxine, are you okay? Should we go back to the healer?'

I shook my head, avoiding his gaze. 'No, I just need to use the restroom.'

He hesitated, his eyes darting to Kailani, but I waved him off. 'Wait here.'

As I walked away, I glanced over my shoulder and saw him rushing to Kailani’s side. I kept my distance, watching from the shadows as he comforted her in a soft, patient tone.

'You’re overthinking this,' he said, his voice smooth as silk. 'I’m just focused on the pup. She’s the one carrying it, after all.'

Kailani pouted, her bottom lip quivering in a way that almost seemed genuine. 'You’re defending her? She was so rude to me. Do you still care about her?'

Gianni sighed, pulling a sleek jewelry box from his pocket. He opened it to reveal a delicate bracelet, which he slid onto her wrist. 'Here’s the bracelet you wanted. I got it just for you.'

Her face lit up with satisfaction, and she leaned into him, her voice teasing. 'You’re spoiling me. Got any more stock tips for me?'

I turned away, my jaw clenched tight. Gianni was using everything—my status, my resources—to keep her happy. My wolf growled again, louder this time, but I silenced her. I had a plan, and I couldn’t let emotions screw it up.

I pulled out my phone and dialed Xyla, my voice low but steady. 'Everything’s set for tomorrow?'

'Yes, Gamma Maxine,' she replied. 'The surgery’s scheduled. I’ll make sure Gianni’s distracted.'

Behind me, Gianni’s footsteps stopped. 'Tomorrow?' he asked, his tone edged with suspicion. 'What’s happening tomorrow?'

I turned to face him, my expression calm. 'I’ve booked a family portrait session. Thought it’d be nice to have something to remember this time.'

His face flickered with unease, and he hesitated. 'I… I have a pack meeting tomorrow. Maybe we should reschedule?'

I smiled, my tone light and understanding. 'It’s fine, Beta Gianni. Work comes first. I can go alone.'

He relaxed, his smile returning as he reached out to touch my cheek. 'You’re so understanding. What would I do without you?'

I forced another smile, my mind already racing ahead. Tomorrow, everything would change. And Gianni wouldn’t see it coming.