The next morning, I returned to Jacob's office with trembling hands. The ash of my mother's remains still clung to the expensive carpet, tiny gray specks mocking me in the early light.

I dropped to my knees, fingers sifting through the fibers. Each speck I collected felt like gathering pieces of my own soul. Five years of submission, of enduring Jacob's cruelty, and now this—the final desecration.

The door opened. Jacob entered with Beta Marcus, their voices carrying the casual indifference of men discussing pack business.

"The Northern border needs reinforcement," Marcus was saying. "The rogues have been testing our boundaries again."

I kept my head down, trying to become invisible as I worked. My damaged hip throbbed from kneeling, but I dared not shift position.

"Rose." Jacob's voice cut through the room. "Clean around the desk first. I need to use it."

I gathered what little ash I'd collected into a small cloth and crawled toward the desk, my movements slow and painful.

Marcus's eyes followed me, something like pity flickering across his face. "Alpha, perhaps the Luna needs rest. She's been working since dawn."

"She's not Luna," Jacob snapped, his boot deliberately stepping over my outstretched hand. "She's a substitute. And substitutes don't get to rest until their duties are done."

I felt Marcus's gaze on me as I carefully vacuumed ash from beneath Jacob's chair. The silence stretched, heavy with unspoken words.

"Alpha," Marcus tried again, "the pack is watching. If you want to maintain—"

"I don't care what the pack thinks," Jacob growled. "She needs to learn her place."

As they continued discussing pack matters over my bent back, something inside me shifted—a tectonic plate of submission finally reaching its breaking point. I would never be free as long as I remained here, no matter how much I submitted.

---

Weeks passed in a blur of routine humiliation. I rose before dawn to prepare Jacob's meals, endured his cold stares across the dining hall, and retreated to my small room at night to count the days until I could escape.

But escape plans required strength. And strength required food.

I stared at the breakfast tray I'd prepared for Jacob, my stomach churning violently. The smell of bacon made my mouth water and then immediately clench in revolt.

"No," I whispered, pressing my palm against my mouth. "Not now."

But my body betrayed me. I barely made it to the bathroom before emptying what little I'd managed to eat the night before.

Morning sickness. I'd seen it in other she-wolves.

I slid down against the cool tile wall, one hand moving instinctively to my abdomen. It couldn't be possible. Jacob had only come to my bed once—a night of grief-stricken drunkenness months ago when Milani had left him angry and unsatisfied.

Yet here I was, my body changing in ways that could only mean one thing.

A pup. Jacob's pup grew inside me.

Terror gripped me so tightly I couldn't breathe. If Jacob discovered this... if Milani found out...

I forced myself to stand on shaky legs. The pack gardens had herbs—rosemary, sage, mint—that could mask a she-wolf's scent. Dr. Elena had once mentioned their properties during a training session.

I waited until nightfall before slipping out. The garden was silent except for the rustling of leaves and the distant howl of a patrol wolf. I gathered what I needed quickly, crushing the leaves between my fingers to release their oils.

From then on, I carried them everywhere—tucked into my bra, sewn into the hem of my clothes. The sharp, medicinal scent became my constant companion.

---

"The meat is overcooked," Milani declared loudly, pushing her plate away during the pack lunch. "I expect better from our kitchen staff."

I kept my eyes on my own plate, picking at vegetables while avoiding the roasted venison that had been placed before me. The smell alone was enough to make my stomach rebel.

"You," Milani called suddenly, pointing at me. "Yes, you, Rose. Do you find the food disgusting as well?"

All eyes turned to me. I forced myself to take a small bite of meat, though every instinct screamed in protest.

"It's fine," I said quietly.

Milani's perfectly shaped eyebrow arched. She rose from her seat at the Alpha table and approached mine, leaning down until her face was inches from mine.

"Something's different about you," she whispered, inhaling deeply. "Your scent has changed."

My heart stopped. Had the herbs failed? Could she smell the pregnancy?

"You're trying to seduce him again, aren't you?" Her voice dripped venom. "After everything he's done for you?"

"I don't know what you mean," I replied, keeping my voice steady despite the fear coursing through me.

Later, in the communal washroom, Milani cornered me as I washed dishes. Her reflection appeared in the mirror behind me, her smile sharp as a blade.

"If you're trying to catch Jacob's attention," she said softly, "I'll make sure you're exiled to the Omega quarters by nightfall."

I met her eyes in the mirror, my own reflecting a calm I didn't feel. "I'm not trying to catch anyone's attention."

"Good." She leaned closer, her expensive perfume making my stomach turn. "Because you're nothing but a placeholder, Rose. A living reminder of his humiliation. And I won't let you forget it."

The morning light filtered through the curtains as I pressed my palm against my still-flat stomach. Two months. The tiny life inside me had grown for two months without Jacob noticing. My fingers trembled as I crushed another handful of rosemary and sage, renewing the herbs sewn into my clothing.

A sharp knock interrupted my ritual.

"Rose." Jacob's voice carried through the door. "My office. Now."

I smoothed my dress, checked my scent one last time, and followed the sound of his voice.

Jacob sat behind his massive oak desk, Milani perched on the edge beside him. Her hand rested possessively on his shoulder, her crimson nails digging into his skin as she leaned down to whisper something in his ear.

"You wanted to see me, Alpha?" I kept my eyes lowered, focusing on the pattern of the carpet.

"Ah, our little substitute." Milani's voice dripped with false sweetness. "We have a special task for you."

Jacob straightened, his expression cold as winter. "I've decided to make things official with Milani. A series of Chosen Mate ceremonies will begin next month."

My heart stuttered. "Ceremonies?"

"Three of them," Milani interjected, her eyes gleaming with triumph. "To properly celebrate our union."

Jacob reached for Milani's hand, his thumb caressing her knuckles in a gesture so intimate it made my stomach clench. "You will plan them all."

"I don't understand," I whispered.

"It's simple." Jacob's lips curled into a cruel smile. "You're going to plan my courtship of Milani. Every detail. The decorations, the food, the music."

Milani leaned forward, her perfume suffocating me. "We want everything to be perfect. Just like Sophia would have wanted."

"Sophia loved white roses," Jacob said suddenly, his voice softening at her name. "For the first ceremony, we'll need an arch of them. White roses and silver ribbons."

I swallowed hard. "White roses are for funerals, not weddings."

Milani's laugh cut through the air. "Oh, Rose. Always so literal. Jacob means we should honor tradition. Sophia's memory will be part of our special day."

"Exactly," Jacob agreed, his fingers still intertwined with hers. "You'll select flowers that Sophia would have chosen for our wedding."

The irony wasn't lost on me. Five years of torment, and now I had to plan the celebration of my replacement.

---

Three weeks later, my body betrayed me.

I stood in Jacob's study, carefully arranging wine glasses on a silver tray. The evening's "pre-ceremony celebration" would begin in an hour, and I had been commanded to serve the Alpha pair personally.

"Careful with that," Milani warned as I reached for the crystal decanter. "It's from Jacob's private collection."

I nodded silently, pouring the deep red liquid into each glass. My hands trembled slightly—not from fear, but from exhaustion. The pregnancy was taking more from me each day.

Jacob entered, his presence filling the room as always. "Is everything prepared?"

"Yes, Alpha," I murmured, lifting the heavy tray.

As I moved toward them, a wave of nausea hit me so suddenly I had to pause. The room tilted, and I took a deep breath.

"Rose?" Jacob's voice held an odd note I'd never heard before.

I looked up to find him staring at me, nostrils flaring slightly. His eyes had gone golden—his wolf sensing something.

"Are you feeling unwell?" he asked, taking a step toward me.

Milani moved faster than I thought possible. Her hand shot out, knocking against my elbow. The tray tilted, wine splashing across my arm and dripping onto the floor.

"How clumsy!" she exclaimed, her voice high with manufactured concern. "Look what you've done!"

The hot liquid scalded my skin, but I barely noticed. Jacob was still watching me with that strange expression.

"Forgive me," I whispered, dropping to my knees to clean the spill.

"Perhaps you should see Dr. Elena," Jacob suggested, his eyes never leaving my face. "You look... different."

Milani's hand closed around his arm. "Don't be ridiculous. She's just tired from all the preparations."

As they argued above me, I caught a glimpse of Milani's face—the calculation in her eyes, the tight set of her jaw. She knew. Somehow, she knew.

---

"Dr. Elena," Milani's voice echoed through the pack hospital corridor. "I need to speak with you immediately."

I pressed myself against the wall, heart pounding. I'd come for my regular check-up—one I'd been putting off for weeks.

The doctor emerged from her office, her professional smile faltering when she saw Milani. "Miss Green. How can I help you?"

"I need information about one of your patients," Milani said, stepping closer. "Rose Powell. What is her condition?"

Dr. Elena's expression remained neutral. "Patient confidentiality prevents me from discussing anyone's medical status."

"Even if it affects the Alpha's interests?" Milani's voice hardened.

"I'm sorry, but I cannot disclose—"

"Is she pregnant?" Milani interrupted.

The silence stretched between them like a taut wire. Dr. Elena's hesitation lasted only a moment, but it was enough.

Milani's eyes narrowed. "I see."

As she turned to leave, her gaze fell on me hiding in the shadows. Her lips curved into a smile that chilled me to the bone.

"Rose," she said softly. "How nice of you to join us."

In that moment, I knew my time was running out.

The Moon Goddess Festival transformed our territory into a surreal wonderland of silver lights and flowing white fabrics. Pack members gathered near the high cliffs, their excited chatter filling the night air with anticipation. I stood at the edge of the celebration, my damaged hip throbbing as I watched Jacob take his place at the center of the clearing.

"Attention, Moonstone Pack," he called, his Alpha voice carrying effortlessly across the gathered crowd. "Tonight, we honor the Moon Goddess and seek her blessing for our future."

My fingers instinctively moved to my stomach, still flat but harboring a secret that grew stronger each day. Two months. My tiny pup had survived two months of my body's morning sickness and Jacob's casual cruelty.

"Rose." Beta Marcus appeared at my side, his expression unreadable. "You should stand with the Omegas."

I nodded, understanding the unspoken command. Jacob had made it clear where I belonged tonight—as far from him and Milani as possible.

The ceremonial Alpha dance began, Jacob's powerful frame moving with surprising grace as Milani twirled in his arms. Her white dress shimmered under the moonlight, making her look ethereal—like Sophia must have looked in Jacob's memories.

"The Alpha pair looks perfect together, don't they?" an Omega woman whispered beside me, her voice tinged with envy.

I watched Jacob's hands settle possessively on Milani's waist, his eyes fixed on her face with an intensity he'd never shown me. Not even on that one night when alcohol and grief had driven him to my bed.

"They do," I replied softly, my hand still pressed against my abdomen.

My pup would never know this life. Would never watch their father look at another woman with such devotion. Would never stand at the edges of celebrations, unwanted and unloved.

The dance ended with thunderous applause. Jacob pulled Milani close, his lips brushing her ear in a gesture so intimate I had to look away.

"Rose!" A young voice called from behind me.

I turned to see Tommy, one of the pack's youngest pups, racing toward me with excitement shining in his eyes.

"Dr. Elena needs you," he panted, tugging at my sleeve. "At the medical tent by the cliffs. She said it's important."

My heart skipped a beat. Dr. Elena had been my only ally in this pack, the only one who knew about my condition.

"Thank you, Tommy," I said, forcing a smile. "Did she say what she needed?"

He shrugged, already turning to run back to his friends. "Something about medicine. She said to hurry."

I glanced back at the celebration. Jacob and Milani were now sharing a private conversation near the ceremonial fire, completely absorbed in each other. No one would notice if I slipped away briefly.

The path to the cliffside medical tent was lit by smaller torches, casting long shadows across the rocky ground. My damaged leg made the walk painful, but I pushed forward, eager to speak with Dr. Elena about my growing pup.

"Dr. Elena?" I called as I approached the tent. "I got your message."

The tent flap opened, but instead of the healer's kind face, Milani stepped out. Her usual sweet smile was gone, replaced by something cold and calculating.

"Hello, Rose," she said softly. "Or should I say, hello to you and your little bastard?"

My blood froze. "What are you talking about?"

Milani laughed, the sound sharp as breaking glass. "Oh, please. Did you think I wouldn't figure it out? The herbs you carry? The morning sickness? The way you touch your stomach when you think no one's watching?"

She circled me slowly, like a predator sizing up wounded prey. "Jacob may be stupid enough to miss the signs, but I'm not."

"You don't understand," I whispered, backing away. "This pup is innocent."

"Innocent?" Milani's eyes flashed with anger. "Do you know what Sophia and I used to do when Jacob wasn't around? We'd laugh at him. Laugh at how pathetically he worshipped her. How easily manipulated he was."

She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a venomous whisper. "And now you think you can give him a pup? A child that would threaten everything I've worked for?"

I backed away, my injured leg threatening to give out beneath me. "Please, Milani. Let me go. I won't tell anyone."

"Tell anyone what?" She smiled, her perfect teeth gleaming in the moonlight. "That I killed Jacob's bastard before it could draw breath? That I protected our future from your pathetic attempt to trap him?"

My back hit the cliff edge. Rocks crumbled beneath my feet, tumbling into the darkness below.

"Don't," I pleaded, one hand protectively covering my stomach. "Don't do this."

Milani's smile widened as she lunged forward, her hands connecting with my chest in a violent shove.

For one suspended moment, I felt nothing but air beneath me. Then gravity claimed me, and I was falling, screaming as the jagged rocks rushed up to meet me.