Lucian’s face hardens, and he meets Cade's challenge with a dismissive wave. "The packs will see soon enough how much worthier my Luna is than Sabrina." His hand finds the small of my back, possessive and proud. "They'll know she will be carrying my heir before the moon turns full again."
The words send a shiver down my spine, guilt and fear mixing with an inexplicable warmth. If only he knew the truth—that I already carry a child. Kael's child. And that Kael is on the verge of coming the most powerful Alpha of all time.
Cade's eyes narrow, but Lucian doesn't acknowledge his insolence further. Instead, he draws me closer, murmuring, "He'll learn respect, Talia. Or he'll face the consequences."
My heart races with anxiety, but then I feel Lucian's touch, the quiet strength he lends me, and I straighten, letting his confidence flow through me. I place a hand on my belly and feel the strength of my baby’s life pulsing through me. Even if it’s Kael’s child, this is one power I will never let him wield.
We take our seats at the head of the table, a grand breakfast spread out before us, and the noise in the hall slowly returns as the pack begins to eat, glancing up at us with a mixture of reverence and curiosity. I glance across the table at Rhea, my closest confidante, my only family here, and her face is tight with worry.
"Are you out of your mind?" she hisses, leaning forward as Lucian gets up to speak with one of his Betas, her voice laced with an edge of accusation. "Talia, what about the child?"
Her words pierce me. For a moment, doubt creeps in again, but I steady myself, meeting her gaze with conviction. “The child is safe now, Rhea. He’s accepted Lucian. I’ve accepted Lucian.”
Rhea’s eyes flash, her fingers gripping the edge of her cup. “Did you tell Lucian that you’re pregnant with Kael’s baby?”