Chapter 2

The following morning, Ethan went with me to the royal medical center for my prenatal appointment.

He never left my side. Every so often, he asked the healer another question about the pup.

The older she-wolf smiled at us. “Alpha Ethan really does make time for you. Not many men with his responsibilities are this involved. You're a lucky woman.”

He clasped my hand, his gaze tender and assured. “We've waited a long time for this blessing from the Moon Goddess. Of course I'm going to look after my mate and our pup.”

We encountered Paige just outside the exam room.

She wore a loose gold coat that hid the shape of her body, but she pushed her stomach out as she approached. At the sight of me, she couldn't quite conceal her satisfied smile.

I said nothing. I just looked at her belly.

So that was why she kept telling me how funny it was that we'd gotten pregnant at almost the same time.

She'd been in on Ethan's plan from the beginning.

Paige came toward us eagerly. “Did the healer say when we'll get to meet our little prince?” she asked in her sweetest voice.

She reached for my stomach as she spoke.

Without changing my expression, I lifted my arm and blocked her hand.

Her smile slipped. “What's wrong with me touching you?” she asked, the sweetness leaving her voice. I'd embarrassed her, and it showed.

Before she could go on, I bowed my head and covered my belly with my hand. “My stomach,” I said shakily. “It hurts…”

She stopped short. The smug look vanished.

Ethan immediately caught my arm, his face tightening. “You've probably been on your feet too long. Come sit down for a minute.”

He sounded worried about me, but I saw the look he gave Paige. Their eyes met, and he made a tiny shake of his head.

“I need the restroom,” I murmured, looking down.

He frowned and started to lead me there. I stopped him. “No. Don't come with me.”

After a brief hesitation, he let go. “All right. Take your time.”

Once the restroom door closed, I looked through the window. Ethan was already hurrying away.

I knew where he was going. He had to catch up with Paige.

I slipped out after him and kept out of sight behind a thick stand of ornamental grass. From there, I heard the low, soothing voice he used with her.

Paige frowned at him. “Have you actually fallen for her? She nearly hit me, and you just stood there. Did you mean any of it when you said you loved me?”

Ethan sighed, already giving in. “I'm only taking care of her because… she's carrying our pup.”

He took a small jewelry box out of his coat. Inside lay a diamond bracelet. He lifted it out and fastened it gently around her wrist.

“The bracelet you wanted came this morning. I brought it for you.”

That appeased her. She smiled and nestled against his arm. “You know that gem mine you told me about? I bought the rights and made a good profit. You'll let me know if you hear about anything else, won't you?”

Their voices carried to me on the breeze. Standing there listening, I almost wanted to laugh.

He was taking everything I'd helped him build and using it to please another woman.

Back at the house, I called Owen Ellis, the healer who used to treat me privately.

“Owen, it's been a while,” I said. “I need an appointment tomorrow. For a procedure… an abortion.”

“All right,” he answered. “We'll be ready for you first thing.”

Familiar footsteps sounded behind me just then.

“You're going somewhere tomorrow?” Ethan asked. There was a questioning edge to his voice.

I turned and smiled at him. “I signed up for prenatal yoga. A little exercise should be good for me. I want everything to go smoothly when the pup comes.”

For an instant, his expression changed. He looked uncertain.

I lifted an eyebrow, deliberately teasing him. “What is it? You don't want to come?”

“It's not that.” He avoided my gaze as he answered. “I don't want you pushing yourself. And the elders' council meets tomorrow. Could we leave it until next week?”

I gave a soft laugh. “Don't worry about it. Your work comes first. I can go by myself.”

Relief showed on his face. Smiling, he reached over and affectionately tousled my hair. “You're always so understanding. How did I find a mate like you? I don't know what I'd do without you.”