Chapter 2

The afternoon sunlight streamed through the kitchen window as I pretended to doze sleepily against the back of my chair, while actually observing Blaze's every movement.

Then it happened. The world instantly became... different. I could smell the tension and excitement emanating from Blaze—a sour fear mixed with the metallic taste of excitement.

I continued pretending to be half-asleep. But inside, a storm was raging.

"Honey, are you alright?" Blaze's voice reached me.

"Just a little tired." I opened my eyes and gave him a smile. "Pregnancy always makes me sleepy."

The smell of his relief was almost tangible. What was he nervous about?

"I want to go out for a walk, get some fresh air." I stood up, trying to make my voice sound natural.

Blaze quickly glanced out the window. "Of course, but don't go too far. The doctor said pregnant women need moderate exercise."

I nodded, but my mind was on something else. If my sense of smell had become this acute, maybe other abilities were recovering too.

"I need to go into town to buy some things." I said to Blaze at dinner.

"What things? I can go buy them." He immediately replied, wariness written across his face.

"I'm craving those pickled herring sandwiches from that little deli." I placed my hand on my belly dramatically. "The baby won't stop kicking until I get some. You know how weird pregnancy cravings get."

Blaze's face scrunched up in disgust. "That... sounds awful. Are you sure that's healthy?"

"The baby wants what the baby wants." I shrugged. "I need to pick out the exact type myself. You know how picky I've gotten about food."

"I need some alone time anyway. Pregnancy makes me feel like a porcelain doll." I tried to make my voice sound innocent. "Please, just one hour."

After some "persuasion," Blaze finally agreed, but insisted on picking me up after an hour.

The grocery store in town was small, with only an old man minding the shop. When he saw me walk in, he froze completely, shock and... awe flashing in his eyes.

"You... you're awake?" His voice trembled.

I stopped in my tracks. "What?"

The old man quickly looked around, making sure no one was there before saying in a low voice, "I'm Glacier. Be careful of those who claim to love you."

He knows who I am?

"I don't understand what you're saying." I pretended to be confused.

Glacier quietly pulled a note from under the counter and slipped it to me. "Remember who you are."

Just then, the store bell rang. Blaze appeared early.

"Frost? I was worried about you." He walked toward me, but I noticed the worry and... loyalty in Glacier's eyes? This old man seemed to genuinely care about me.

"Just buying things." I stuffed the note into my pocket, pretending nothing had happened.

On the way back, Blaze kept observing me. I could smell his suspicion and nervousness.

At nine o'clock that night, Crimson appeared punctually at the bedroom door, holding those damn pills.

"Time's up, Frost." Her smile was as perfect as a mask.

I looked at those pills, thinking about my recovered sense of smell today, the surveillance traces in the woods, Glacier's warning.

"I don't want to take the medicine tonight." I said calmly. "I feel much better already."

Crimson's smile instantly stiffened. "What? No! The doctor said you must take them on time, or it will affect the baby's health!"

Blaze also walked in from behind the door. "Listen, Frost. This is for your own good." There was a commanding tone in his voice I'd never heard before.

"I just want to stop for one night to see." I insisted. "If there's a problem, I'll continue taking them tomorrow."

The two exchanged a glance, and in that instant, the threatening gleam that flashed in their eyes made me understand everything.

I wasn't a patient. I was a prisoner.

"Frost," Blaze's voice became dangerous, "you must take the medication. Now."

The threat was naked. If I continued to refuse, what would they do? Force-feed me?

"Alright." I pretended to compromise, taking the pills. "You're right, I shouldn't take risks."

I put the pills in my mouth, drank some water, and made swallowing motions.

"Good." Crimson said with satisfaction. "Get some rest early."

After they left, I immediately ran to the bathroom and spat out the pills. The white pills slowly dissolved in the toilet water as I stared at them, anger burning in my heart.

I returned to bed and took out Glacier's note. In the moonlight, I could make out the text:

"At the full moon, come to the mountaintop. You will remember everything. Remember, you are Alpha, not a captive. Trust your instincts—they are stronger than any drug. —A loyal guardian"

Alpha? I'm an Alpha?

The baby in my womb moved gently, as if responding to this discovery. I placed my hand on my belly and felt, for the first time, a strange and powerful force flowing through my veins.

Those drugs had been suppressing something. And now, that something was awakening.