Chapter Six
Freya’s POV
The night was heavy with silence, broken only by Kade’s weary sigh. His voice was a low rumble in the dark, meant to soothe but carrying the weight of deceit. “My wolves have been slacking off. If they don‘ t handle their patrols properly, I have to pick up the slack.”
I shifted against him, feigning concern. “You don’t need to push yourself so hard, Kade. You‘ ve done enough for the pack already.”
His grip on my waist tightened, his tone soft but resolute. “That’s not true. I have to give my Luna the best life possible. Isn’t that my duty as your mate?”
His words, sweet on the surface, stung like venom beneath my skin. I forced a smile as he continued, his voice tinged with false affection. “By the way, did you like that
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pink diamond necklace? I hear Lila found a line of pink garments from the capital‘ s best tailors. Should I have them all sent to you?”
“Sure,” I replied, a faint, mocking smile curling my lips. Inside, anger simmered.
Pink–his favorite guilt–ridden gesture. What once felt like a token of love now reeked of betrayal. Every necklace, dress, and trinket he showered on me was nothing more than an apology for his sins.
-a gaudy distraction from the truth.
The following morning, my suspicions were confirmed. A procession of wolves arrived at the Pack house, hauling boxes of pink silk and velvet. News spread quickly, and the story of Alpha Kade‘ s devotion painted him as the perfect mate. Envious she–wolves swooned over his public display of affection, blissfully unaware of the lies hidden beneath.
At ten o’clock sharp, the doorbell rang.
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Lila stood at the threshold, overseeing the delivery. Her presence was as grating as the cloying perfume she wore, her smug gaze sweeping the packhouse like she already owned it.
I watched from the garden, pretending to be engrossed in a worn book. My wolf bristled at her nearness, but I kept my expression neutral.
The servants moved past me, burdened with bundles of pink fabric. Lila followed, her movement very sure, a look of satisfaction showing in her eyes.
Suddenly, something very small fell from her hand and landed on the cobblestones
with a soundless thud.
A set of dark green lace underwear.
Lila’s cheeks flushed as she bent to retrieve it. Her laugh was forced, brittle.
“Oh dear! Luna Freya, I’m so sorry. This must‘ ve gotten mixed up in the order. My boyfriend bought it for me–such a funny
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coincidence! The same shop that made your new clothes must‘ ve confused things.”
Her voice was a thin veil for the taunt
beneath.
I glanced up briefly, my expression indifferent. “No matter. Young wolves are often driven by passion.”
Her eyes narrowed at my lack of reaction, the game she was playing painfully obvious. She hesitated, then leaned closer,
her tone syrupy.
“Actually, I have some exciting news,‘ she said, her voice dropping
conspiratorially. “But you must promise to keep it a secret.’
I arched a brow, though my wolf growled low in my chest. “What news?”
Lila kept a hand dramatically on her stomach, her expression lighting up feigned joy. “I’m pregnant.
with
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The words landed like a blow, but I kept my composure, offering her a tight smile.
“Congratulations.”
Her satisfaction faltered. She clearly expected a stronger reaction.
Leaning in further, she whispered, “But I haven’t told my mate yet. I want to wait until the pup is a little older. Can I trust you to keep this between us?”
Her eyes gleamed with amusement, daring me to ask the question she wanted.
I tilted my head, my tone deceptively calm. “And who is the father? If I don‘ t know him, how can I keep your secret?”
Her lips curved into a sly smile. “Oh, I’m sure you do. He’s quite unforgettable- tall, powerful, and commanding. Wherever he goes, wolves stop and stare.”
The challenge in her voice was
unmistakable, her words a dagger meant to provoke. But I wouldn’t give her the satisfaction.
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I simply stared at her, unflinching, the storm inside me held at bay. If she wanted to play games, I’d let her think she was winning–for now.