Chapter 74
I stand up abruptly, pondering what my father said. I can’t hold still as many thoughts race through my mind, like what if… I don’t want to believe my thoughts, so I ponder more about the possibility of what he said. Finally, I asked him.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
“What did you mean by that, Dad?” I inquire, my voice trembling slightly
“He meets my gaze with a reassuring smile, sensing my unease,” I say as an Alpha. “When you have an heir born, you’ll always feel that drain of power, like an aura transfer.”
“Okay,” I responded, trying to process the information.
“Then, Zach, talk to me through the mind link. Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
I reach out to Zach, hoping to find clarity. “I resign to fate,” I say with a heavy heart, addressing Zach through the mind link. “At this point, I don’t know for sure.”
Turning to my father, I ask again, “When did you feel this?”
My father’s gaze holds a mix of anticipation and hope as if he’s longing for confirmation of what he suspects. “A few days ago.”
“A few days ago,” I repeat, The timing aligns with the possibilities swirling in my mind,
“Son, what does that mean?” My father’s voice breaks through my thoughts, filled with concern and apprehension. “You are scaring me with your outburst.”
“I understand, Father,” I reply, trying to keep my composure. “Right now, I’m trying to process this new information. I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but I need to know.”
Taking a deep breath, I continue, “Did you feel this before the mating ceremony? She should be three months along by now.”
My father’s expression shifts, his brows furrowing in thought as he considers my question carefully. There’s a tense silence in the room.
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, my father speaks, his voice measured yet tinged with a hint of concern. “No, son,” he replies solemnly. “I did not feel the power drain or aura transfer when Annie conceived.”
Zach’s outburst echoes through the room, his anger palpable as he expresses his frustration towards Annie. “God damn you, Annie,” he exclaims, his voice filled with contempt. “I know she was up to no good. She’s hiding something, and I’ve always had this gut feeling that she’s cunning and devious, hiding things.”
I nod in agreement, understanding Zach’s underlying concern for Lyra’s well-being. He has grown fond of Lyra, a bond that I can’t help but feel a pang of jealousy over at times.
“We need to proceed with caution,” I say, trying to temper the emotions in the room. “Let’s focus on gathering evidence and approaching this situation with clarity and diligence.”
Zach nods.
The sudden mind link from my father halts me in my tracks, his question hanging heavy in the air. “Did you mate with Lyra?”
Realization hits me like a ton of bricks, and my eyes widen as I come to grips with the possibility that Lyra could indeed be pregnant with my child. With a monotone voice, I admit, “Yes,” before slumping onto the couch, overwhelmed by the weight of the situation.
My heart breaks into a thousand pieces as I contemplate how Lyra must be coping with this new phase of her life. Knowing that she carries the child of a man who couldn’t fight for their bond, who took the easy way out when she was captured by Tristan, fills me with regret and sorrow.
By a man who drowns in his silliness by engaging with another woman, while she feels pain through the mate bond.
“How could I have agreed to reject her and take Annie as my Luna,” I question myself, the weight of my mistake sinking in. “When I truly know who my heart beats for.”
I feel a surge of guilt realizing that I had failed to protect her when she needed me the most.
I struggle to comprehend how I could have overlooked the true desires of my heart, choosing instead to follow a path dictated by external expectations.
My father comes closer, resting his hand on my shoulder. “Let’s not jump to conclusions about Annie,” he advises. “Our concern now is how to win Lyra back home and place her where she rightly belongs.”
As for Annie, he suggests, “Let’s watch her closely and see the outcome of her deceit.”
Anger boils inside me, and I let out a growl. At whom, exactly? I’m not sure. My frustration is directed inward, at myself. I’m angry at my gullibility, for falling prey to Annie’s plans and accepting her pregnancy as mine without question.
“I swear by the moon goddess,” I declare vehemently, “that if I find out that child is not mine, I can’t trust myself not to take matters into my own hands.”
Looking around, my voice drops to a low, commanding tone. “This must not be heard by anyone else,” I emphasize. “If I hear any of this outside the walls of this room, I’ll know it’s one of you, and I will deal ruthlessly with such a person,” I assert, using my Alpha tone to make my intentions clear.
They all nod their heads in respect, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation. I’m left grappling with a mix of emotions as I grip my hair in frustration. “Fuck,” I mutter under my breath, feeling overwhelmed.
Zach’s voice breaks through my thoughts, prompting me to focus on the next steps. “What is the next line of action?” he asks, his tone determined.
“Investigate Annie,” I reply without hesitation, my anger fueling my resolve. “Put a trail on her until you catch her red-handed. We need undeniable evidence, especially considering her father’s influence. If we’re going to confront Annie, we must be prepared with solid proof.”
Zach nods in understanding, his eyes reflecting a glimmer of hope as he asks about Lyra. He looks at me, silently urging me to offer some positive news.
“I’ve sent someone to look for her,” I reply, trying to infuse confidence into my words. “And when they locate her, I’ll personally go and bring her home.”
The determination in my voice is palpable as I express my unwavering commitment to reunite with Lyra, to have her by my side where she rightfully belongs.
“Good luck with that,” Zach remarks with a smirk, with a tone of skepticism.
I catch the underlying meaning behind his smirk. He knows Lyra well her strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit. He understands that bringing her home won’t be easy, that she won’t simply fall back into my arms without a fight.
My father rises to his feet, a solemn expression on his face as he brings Cara forward and places her in my hand. “This is your sister. Take care of her like you would take care of your blood.”
Cara’s emotions grapple with reality. The weight of her past, being under the slavery of Tristan, and the potential for her to rise as part of our lycan generation, overwhelms her. She rushes to me in a bone-crushing hug, her feelings pouring out in waves.
At first, I’m taken aback, unsure of how to respond to such an intense display of emotion. But soon, I gather myself and return her hug, holding her close in a reassuring manner.
The door bursts open, and Annie strides in, her expression filled with disdain as she takes in the scene of Cara and me in a tight embrace. “What’s going on here?” she demands, her tone sharp and accusatory.
I refuse to give her the satisfaction of feeling wanted or welcomed, especially after everything that has transpired. I approach her, my gaze shifting to her belly, where her pregnancy is evident. I then lock eyes with her.
“Is there something you’re not telling me about this?” I ask pointedly, gesturing towards her stomach. as we both stand there, silently challenging each other.
As I confront Annie about the truth behind her pregnancy, her composure falters, and she stumbles slightly. I can sense the rapid thud of her heartbeat.
Driven by a mix of anger and frustration, I close the distance between us and demand answers. “Answer me,” I snapped, my voice laced with anger. “When I ask a question, you damn well answer.”