Chapter sixteen
Aria's POV.
I woke up the next morning to a persistent knocking at my door. I opened my eyes groggily and stumbled over to answer it, finding two maids standing there. "Good morning, Lady Aria," one of them said with a polite bow. "Alpha Logan sent us to get you ready for breakfast."
I nodded, stepping aside to let them in. As they worked to get me ready, I mulled over the questions I wanted to ask Alpha Logan. What was really going on with the Council of Alphas? And why was I feeling so uneasy about him? The maids dressed me in an elegant gown of deep emerald green, its fabric soft and flowing. Then they arranged my hair into an intricate braid, adorned with delicate silver pins. When they finished, I checked myself in the mirror.
I hardly recognized the woman staring back at me. The transformation was striking. In just a few weeks, I had gone from a simple, frightened breeder to someone who looked like she belonged in a royal court. My eyes, however, still held the same uncertainty and fear. How had everything changed so quickly?
The maids escorted me to the dining hall, where Alpha Logan was already waiting. He rose to his feet as I entered, his eyes lighting up with approval.
"Good morning, Aria," he greeted, his smile warm but his eyes as cold as ever. "You look beautiful."
"Thank you," I replied, trying to sound composed as I took my seat across from him.
A generous helping of breakfast was served for us, and we began our meal in silence. For a few minutes, the clinking of silverware was the only sound in the room. Finally, I gathered the courage to speak. "Alpha Logan," I started, my voice tentative. "I have some questions."
He looked up, brows knitting in a frown. "Of course, Aria. What is it?"
"Last night...those guards," I began, choosing my words carefully. "They.... they said they had orders from the Council of Alphas. I know you told them to leave, but what if they come back? What if they try to search for me again? I'm scared." Alpha Logan's eyes darkened, and anger sparked in his eyes for a moment. "Rest assured that I won't let them carry a hand on you or our child. The Council can be dealt with. Their power is not absolute."
"But who exactly are they?" I pressed. "You mentioned they're a group of twelve Alphas. What gives them the right to interfere in our pack's affairs?"
Alpha Logan sighed, leaning back in his chair. "You really shouldn't bother yourself with this kind of information, Aria."
"But I want to know." I insisted. "So, by defying their orders, aren't you putting yourself— and us― in danger?"
Alpha Logan's expression grew intense, as his gaze locked onto mine, intense and unyielding. He reached across the table and grabbed my hand in a strong, unrelenting hold.
"I've faced the Council before, Aria." He growled. "They can be ruthless, but my priority is our child's safety. That's all that matters to me."
His words should have been reassuring, but the intensity of his gaze and the tightness of his grip only increased my unease. There was something he wasn't telling me, something that gnawed at my instincts. "Alpha Logan," I finally murmured softly, "thank you for protecting us."
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He didn't let go of my hand, his grip tightening even more. "I promise, Aria. No one will take you or our child away from me."
I forced a smile, trying to believe his words. But as we finished our breakfast, the feeling of unease only grew. There was something off about Alpha Logan, something I couldn't quite grasp. And until I figured it out, I knew I couldn't let my guard down.
Alpha Logan finally released my hand, his fingers lingering for a moment before pulling away. He took a deep breath, his face set in a stern mask as if preparing for battle.
"There is something you should know," he began, his voice low and tense. "I received a message this morning. It seems that Alpha Denderick is in search of his runaway mate, which was the reason he sent his guards yesterday. According to him, she ran away with his child."
My heart skipped a beat, the blood draining from my face. Alpha Logan's gaze was like a dagger to my soul as he searched for a reaction. I forced myself to remain calm, even as thoughts tumbled through my head.
He continued, his voice growing angrier. "Can you believe that? A mere breeder daring to defy an Alpha? Denderick claims he was only trying to change her life for the better. And she just ran away. Just like that!"
His words were laced with contempt, and I almost cried hearing the story. It was obvious that Alpha Denderick had twisted the truth. The idea of him portraying himself as a benevolent mate, wronged by a woman who only sought freedom, made my blood boil. How could he even dare to do this?
Alpha Logan set down his fork, chewing slowly in thought. "How could that breeder do that to him? After everything he did for her?"
I swallowed hard, staying silent. Alpha Logan couldn't know. I could never let him find out that the child I was carrying wasn't his. If he did, everything would be over. I shuddered to think what he might do if he discovered the truth.
As Alpha Logan continued to rant about the audacity of the runaway mate, I wondered how many Alphas had believed Alpha Denderick's fabricated story. How many of them would be searching for a woman who only wanted to escape her tormentor?
"I can't believe the nerve of some people," Alpha Logan muttered, shaking his head. "Anyway, I have given them permission to search my pack for their runaway pregnant breeder."
I forced a smile, nodding as if I was comfortable with that decision. "That.... That is a nice thing to do for this Alpha Denderick."
Alpha Logan nodded and continued with his meal.
I took a deep breath, mustering all my courage for my next request. "Alpha Logan," I began. "I've been thinking. I believe the best way to solidify my position as your Luna is to wait until after our child is born." Logan raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled. "Why wait? We could make it official now."
I shook my head, offering him a reassuring smile. "I want our child to be healthy and safe first. I think it's best to ensure everything is secure before making any formal announcements. This way, our focus can be entirely on the well-being of our baby."
Logan pursed his lips, considering my words. "You truly believe this is the best course of action?"
"Yes," I replied, nodding earnestly. "It's important to me that our child's arrival is not overshadowed by any potential issues. I want to make sure everything is perfect for him or her."
He studied me for a moment, his eyes narrowing with thought. Finally, he nodded in agreement. "Alright, Aria. If that's what you think is best, we'll wait until after the birth. The safety of our child comes first."
I felt a surge of relief wash over me. Logan's acceptance meant that my position as his Luna was secure, at least for now. I had bought myself some time, but I knew I had to stay vigilant.
I couldn't let Alpha Denderick ruin my plans.