Chapter 9
I looked up at Damon, lowering my gaze with a bashful smile.
“I went to the clinic yesterday,” I whispered, resting a hand over my belly. “The doctor confirmed it… I’m pregnant.”
Damon swayed slightly, like someone had just sucker–punched him. But instead of joy, his expression twisted–conflicted, stunned.
Meanwhile, out of the corner of my eye, I caught a flicker in Alaric’s gaze. Something like a spark lit up behind his cold exterior, but he said nothing.
“Damon?” I tugged gently on his sleeve, pretending to be timid. “Aren’t you happy?”
That finally snapped him out of it. He glanced down at me,
dazed.
I lightly smacked his chest. “You never wanted to use protection–now what? Why this face?”
Damon’s expression was a mix of shock and revulsion, like he’d just swallowed a spider. But then he caught himself, forcing a beaming smile.
“Baby, this is incredible news. We’ll keep the baby, of course.”
“What about the Mating Ceremony?” I asked.
“We move it up,” he said, eyes flashing with urgency. “Next month. I want the whole world–Grandfather included–to know you’re carrying my child.”
I nestled into his chest like a blissed–out little bride. “You’re the best, Damon.”
Behind me, Alaric’s hands curled into fists.
That night, Damon didn’t come to my room. Said it wasn’t good for the baby, that we should sleep apart.
I’d barely gotten into bed when my phone buzzed with a motion alert from the house surveillance.
I tapped it open.
The guest bedroom–Emily’s usual suite. There they were: Damon had her pinned against the wall, his mouth devouring hers.
He never liked hotels. Too dirty, too public. So of course, it had to be the guest room.
Emily’s hands tangled in his hair, her breath heavy, eyes fogged with desire—but still sharp.
“I thought you only wanted her for the pup. Said once she was pregnant, you’d make her
your Luna.
Darnon gritted his teeth. “I need to keep her calm for now.”
Emily scoffed, cold and bitter. “If Mahina finds out you planned for her to sleep with your brother, and that this pup isn’t even yours… she’ll hate you.”
Damon buried his face in her chest, his voice a muffled grumble. “She’ll never find out.”
Emily pulled back, narrowing her eyes. “That Coralbay disaster–that was Alaric’s move, wasn’t it? I think he actually likes her.”
“That’s bull. He’s just bored. Mahina’s nothing special to him.”
Emily wasn’t convinced. “You sure about that? The way he looks at her… if you’re not careful, your little scheme could blow up in your face.”
“Shut up,” Damon snapped.
I saved the footage.
That micro–camera I’d traded with the rogue wolf weeks ago? Worth every penny. I’d installed more–study, hallways, even his office. And no–I wasn’t pregnant. I’d been slipping contraceptives into glucose bottles and drinking one after every session with Alaric.
The next morning, Damon hired eighteen personal chefs to prepare specialized meals just for me.
I tugged his sleeve, feigning unease. “Isn’t this… a little much?”
“It’s what you deserve,” he said, eyes gleaming. “I’ve also hired a private doctor to give you a full prenatal checkup. He should be here any minute.”
My stomach dropped. I hadn’t expected this.
Just then, the butler appeared.
“Mr. Damon, Dr. Elias is here.”
