Willow's POV.

Last night was dreadful, my mind wasn't settled with what Evelyn said.

“I think I have to go to the healer,” I thought to myself, knowing that would be the best solution.

While Evelyn and Silas went for a pack meeting, I used that opportunity to go to Miss Kitty, the healer of my pack.

I arrived at her place as early as I could. I smiled when I met with her,

“Ohh, my darling, what are you doing here?” She asked, her tone comforting.

I explained everything to her, she sighed and went to a drawer next to her curtain to take something.

“Take, drink it. Slowly.”

I stared at the small bottle of liquid in my hand. The liquid inside looked bluish gray, thick like a watered ash. It smelled bitter, sharp enough to sting my nose. My fingers trembled as I lifted it closer to my lips.

“Are you sure?” I whispered.

Miss kitty didn’t meet my eyes. “No.”

“If she is able to detect your scent again,” she continued quietly, “the chosen Luna will not stop at threats.”

I swallowed.

Evelyn’s eerie smile flashed through my mind. Calm, dangerous and hunting.

“And Alpha Silas?” I asked.

Her jaw tightened. “His wolf is more aware of these than himself.”

My chest tightened painfully.

“So this is the only way out?.”

She sighed. “It’s illegal and dangerous. Especially for someone who is expecting a child.”

I placed my hand on my stomach, looking at my stomach.

"I have no choice,” I said.

I removed the liquid cover and gulped it down. The taste felt wrong, it burned my tongue, it tasted metallic. My throat burned, and I nearly vomited but I had no choice but to force it down.

The liquid got into my stomach and it felt like fire.

Immediately, my body reacted to the liquid. Pain shot in my chest, sharp and it spread.

My wolf groaned in agony, confused and hurt. It felt like they tried to force something out of me. I held my chest, gasping, needing air to breathe, and my lungs felt tight.

"Easy,” the healer murmured.

“It will suppress your scent. But it will also weaken you.”

My legs felt shaky as I stood.

“How long will that be?” I asked.

“A few hours,” she replied.

“Maybe more, if you have a strong bond.”

I laughed weakly. “Of course it is.”

________

The estate gardens were quiet in the late afternoon.

Today, every step felt heavy.

The scent-blocker worked, but at a cost. My body felt misaligned, weak, like it wasn't mine.

My limbs ached as if I had run a long race. Even breathing felt difficult, every breath I took felt like hell, but I had to endure.

Still, when a servant passed nearby, I noticed something important. I could feel no reaction, no long stare or hard tension.

I smelled… like nothing. That made me relieved.

Then I staggered, shaking my head as I felt dizzy. I grabbed the edge of the wooden bench close by, my breathing hard. My vision blurry

"Just sit for a moment," I told myself. "Just a moment."

I felt a sharp pain in my abdomen, my voice shaking, fear filled me

"No,” I whispered. “Please, no.”

I placed my hands on my stomach, I began panicking as I remember the healer warnings against the use of high doses because it could stress the pregnancy

I tried to position myself, then the world spun and I fell.

“Willow!”

The voice reached me through darkness. It sounded strong and sharp. Hands wrapped around me before I reached the ground.

my wolf groaned weakly. I knew it was him, I could feel his arms around me but strangely he smelled different, distorted, like my body was foreign to him.

“What did you take?” he demanded.

I tried to answer. But I couldn't.

“Why does she smell like nothing?” he growled.

“Prepare the infirmary,” someone said.

“No,” Silas snapped.

The word cut through sharp and commanding.

I felt him change direction.

Stronger arms tightened around me, pulling me closer.

“Not the infirmary,” he said again, voice low and dangerous. “My room.”

_______

I woke slowly, the first thing I felt was warmth, next was softness. The atmosphere smells fresh, not the medical smell.

I was lying on something wide, deep and very comfortable. My fingers brushed through the sheets as I moaned to open my eyes

The air changed, the smell was that of pine, smoke and something darker.

The moment I noticed Silas, my heart pounded painfully, I tried to sit up and winced. My body felt sore.

"You’re awake.”

His voice came from nearby. I turned my head slowly. Alpha Silas sat beside the bed, sleeves rolled up, jaw tight. He looked… different. Less controlled. Like something inside him was pacing.

“Why am I here?” I asked softly.

His gaze fell on me.

“You fainted,” he said. “You almost lost the child.”

My breath caught. “Is the baby...?”

“Alive,” he said sharply. “For now.”

I felt so relieved that I held back my tears.

“What did you take?” he asked again.

I hesitated.

His gaze hardened. “Don't lie to me.”

I laughed weakly. “I wouldn’t dare.”

He waited, like he knew I wouldn't dare hold back.

“Scent-blockers,” I admitted. “Illegal ones.”

He kept quiet,

“You brought harm to my heir,” he said coldly.

“I protected myself,” I shot back, my strength coming back slowly. “And you know why.”

His jaw relaxed.

"You think Evelyn would suspect you?” he asked.

“I think she has a clue already,” I replied.

He looked away.

“That liquid could kill you,” he said.

"Then maybe you should stop pretending you don’t know what’s happening,” I whispered.

His eyes locked with mine

“Stop it, Willow.”

“Why?” I asked. “Because the truth makes you uncomfortable?”

The bond stirred faintly, aching for a reunion.

“You don’t get to punish me for surviving,” I continued. “You brought me here. You made me invisible. And now you’re angry I tried to stay that way.”

His silence was dangerous.

“Rest,” he said finally. “You’ll take no more of that poison.”

“You can’t stop me,” I said weakly.

“I can,” he replied. “And I will.”

I turned my face away.

“Why bring me here?” I asked quietly. “Why not the infirmary?”

He didn’t answer. I felt sleepy again. This time it was heavier and swift. It felt like the liquid took control of my senses.

Sometime later, my consciousness awoke though my eyes weren't open. I could still feel Silas's presence.

The room was quiet. Too quiet, then I heard Silas's voice, I listened quietly

Low, rough, like he was talking to himself, a voice that seemed like it wasn't meant to be heard.

"Why does my wolf want to kill anyone who looks at you?”

My breath halted, my ears aching to hear more.

“I rejected the bond,” he murmured. “I created the rules. I chose this path… For us.”

He paused with a sigh and continued,

“Why does it feel like losing you would tear something out of me?”

My heart pounded painfully against my ribs.

“I don’t want this feeling,” he whispered. “I don’t want you.”

Another pause. Longer.

“So why does it feel impossible to leave your side?”

I stayed perfectly still, afraid that if I moved, this moment would be gone... Forever.

The bond pulsed slowly, quiet, wounded, but alive. And for the first time, I realized something terrifying. Silas was fighting fate. He was fighting hard to not give in.

Willow's POV.

“Ohh you're awake,” Silas reluctantly said as I purposely moved my body slowly.

I finally opened my eyes and I could see the nervousness in his eyes, but in a swift motion it became a cold stare.

“Go and get dress,”

“Where are we going?” I asked, my mind completely shifted to that direction.

“We're going to the infirmary to do your first scan,” he finally said.

Without a word, I slid out of his bed, my heart sting a bit as I missed the warmth of his bed. I wished I could be here everyday.

But I shook that selfish thought and left his room to prepare.

_________

The infirmary room smelled like disinfectant, the machines humming loudly. I sat on the bed, playing with my fingers to dissipate my nervousness.

The bed made a sound with every slight move I made. I placed my hands on my lap, trying not to shake.

My stomach felt tight, not from the pregnancy but from the man who stood beside me. I didn't look at him but I felt his presence, his stares. I gulped hard as his scent overtook the atmosphere.

The door opened,

"Good morning," Dr Hale said, forcing a smile. "We will begin the scan immediately,"

Silas didn't say anything, he just nodded at her and he moved closer to me. I felt it instantly. My wolf whimpered for longing. I clenched my fingers tightly, my nail digging into my skin.

"Stay quiet. Please," I softly told her.

The door opened again, Evelyn walked towards us with her heels clicking against the floor, then her voice followed,

"I will be with you today," she said calmly, "As a future Luna, I should...."

"No."

Silas's voice sliced through the room like a knife. Suddenly the atmosphere changed, I finally turned my head to see his expression.

His jaw was tight with his eyes dark, not angry but controlled and dangerous.

"This is a medical stuff," he said, "The contract stated privacy,"

Evelyn smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes, I could feel her controlled anger.

"Alpha Silas, I just want to ensure..."

''You're not needed," he said coldly.

The atmosphere felt awkward and silence fell for a while.

Evelyn looked at me, her gaze sharp, measuring. Like she was counting how many days I have left before she ends me.

I noticed her aura, that deadly aura, it felt it was only on display for me. I turned my gaze from her to Silas immediately.

"I understand, I will wait outside," she said softly

She turned, but before leaving, she leaned closer to Silas,

"Don't forget what you promised me."

she smirked and left. I breathe out in relief. Finally it was just the three of us again, Silas and the secret growing inside me.

"Lie back," Dr Hale said gently,

I bit my lips as I did what she said. My heart beats so loud, that I wondered if they could hear it.

The doctor lifted my gown and poured the cold gel on my stomach. I gasped.

I noticed Silas's demeanor change, his hands clenched like he doesn't want me to be harmed.

The machine hummed to life, I held my breath.

"This might feel uncomfortable," Dr Hale said.

She pressed the probe down, moving it slowly around my stomach. Then we heard a sound, it was fast and strong.

Thump-thump, my breath hitched with teary eyes.

“That's… that's the baby's heartbeat,” Dr Hale said, smiling for real.

I placed my hand on my mouth as I let out a shaky laugh, I didn't know I needed to hear the sound badly. The fact that my baby is alive made me happy.

Silas exhale slowly, showing no emotion. Dr Hale frowned as she moved the probe to another angle. I heard the sound change, another rhythm joining the first.

My heart beat increasing slowly, feeling that was abnormal,

“Is something wrong?” I whispered.

Dr Hale didn't answer right away, instead she shifted the screen towards us.

“I'm seeing something interesting,” she said carefully.

Silas moved closer, like he became interested, his arms folded.

“There are two heartbeats,” Dr Hale said.

“Two?” I echoed.

“Yes… You're carrying twins,”

I gasped, my fear turning into joy. I looked at Silas hoping he would talk, but he kept quiet.

Dr Hale continued,

“They are unusual,”

My fingers curled into the sheet, “What do you mean?”

She tapped the screen,

“One presents strong Alpha markers, a very strong one,”

“And the other?” I asked

Dr Hale's expression softened. “The second carries rare Omega-Healer traits.”

The word hits me like a wave. I wondered why I carried an Omega-healer because it was rare, too valuable and dangerous.

While still in thought, Silas acted,

"That's impossible," he said, glaring at the screen intensely.

Dr Hale looked at him,

"It's rare, Alpha, but it's not impossible. Healer Omegas are often hidden or..."

Silas raised his hand. Dr Hale stopped talking like she understood his gesture.

My heart started racing, this wasn't about children anymore, this was about threatening Silas's power, threatening his bloodlines.

Suddenly, something happened, taking away our attention and it was the heartbeats of the babies. It changed, they aligned perfectly in sync

Dr Hale's face drained of color, she was lost for words.

"I... I have only seen this once before," She whispers, her eyes widened.

Silas leaned forward, "Seen what?"

Dr Hale gulped, "Synchronized heartbeats like this occur only when..."

She halted, looking at me and then back to Silas.

"This happens when the parents are fated mates."

Silas stepped back like he had been burned.

"That's impossible," he snapped, "I rejected the bond."

My wolf screamed, I gasped as a sudden sharp pain tears through my heart.

The machine beeps faster,

"Her blood pressure is dropping," Dr Hale said, "Alpha Silas please..."

"Turn it off," Silas commanded her.

Without a second thought, Dr Hale turned it off and the machine went silent. I was shaking, tears slid down my cheeks.

I didn't look at Silas, I didn't want to look at him. Dr. Hale wiped the gel away, her hands trembling.

"She needs rest, no stress."

Silas's jaw tightened, he didn't respond, just staring. Dr Hale gathered her stuff in a rush,

"I... I will send the full report." she said and left without warning.

I looked at Silas, he looked afraid, so I stood up, trying to leave.

"You heard her," I whispered. "I didn't plan this."

He finally glanced at me,

"I can't let you leave," he replied back.

My heart skipped,

"What?"

"Those children are not just heirs. They are targets," he said, with his voice low and rough.

Fear crawled up my spine,

"What about me? What am I?" I asked softly.

He tried not to answer, but I heard him whisper

"I tried to reject you. But it didn't work,"

The pain in my chest deepened, I placed my hand to my stomach, tears falling freely down my cheeks.

Willow's POV.

“You shouldn’t be hiding things in this house.”

Evelyn’s voice slices through the room.

I froze, having just returned from the infirmary to discover Evelyn looting my room.

I was too hurt by Silas's rejection, and now Evelyn is trying to make things worse. I exhale, trying not to cry.

When I noticed Evelyn pulling the tiny bottle of scent blockers from my drawer, my eyes grew wide.

Fear took hold of me like a curse, making my heart race and my mind go blank. Rolling against her fingers was the tiny bottle.

She smiled eerily, as if she had won.

"I_" My throat tightened. "I was just..."

She walked closer, each step she took was slow like she was targeting a prey.

"Why do you seem shocked?" She chuckled, holding the bottle up.

My fists clenched tightly as my blood ran cold.

"You should be careful, surrogate," she said lightly. "These kinds of liquid are extremely dangerous,"

My wolf curled into herself, trembling.

"How did you find it?"

Evelyn chuckled,

"I smelled it. Don't tell me you forgot who I am,"

She inhaled it slowly,

"You have been hiding something big,"

I didn't answer, I knew if I were to talk, I would beg for her mercy and I wasn't ready to give her that.

She placed the bottle down, moving closer to me,

"You know, the pack has traditions,"

My hands tremble as she stops in front of me. My emotions are trying to give in.

"Old traditions," She continues. ''I told you, I won't let you be until I find out your secret."

Her tone changed to a deadly one. She turned her head to look at me,

"We're overdue for a hunt."

Fear crawled inside me,

"A hunt, But..."

"Sheesh.." she whispered, placing her finger on my lip.

"It's a ceremonial hunt, Guests are included," she continued.

My heart slammed hard against my ribs,

"I am pregnant," I whispered.

Evelyn laughed.

"Exactly," she replied, "let's head over there right now. It will soon begin.

She tightened her grip on my hands and laughed. My heart was pounding quickly as I considered what to do.

"Is the Alpha aware of this?" I followed her footsteps and asked.

Evelyn stopped and giggled.

"What I do with you doesn't matter to him. I'm the main focus. "Don't forget your place," she said, putting her hands in her hair.

She grinned once more and kept dragging me in the direction of the door. I gulped as I was dragged into the car, rubbing my sweaty hands on my jeans.

My heart skipped a beat the farther the car traveled from the estate.

“Will Silas be there?" I asked, knowing I'd be safe if Silas was present.

Evelyn smiled.

"Silas does not come to our hunting sessions." She turned to face me and asked, "Do you think he'd come just for you?"

“I never said that, Evelyn. And I'm only going with you because of Silas."

"Oh, really. You'd better know your place. I am the chosen Luna, you will not like what will happen to you..." she paused and looked at my stomach. "Most especially your baby,"

I clutched my stomach in terror, and sweat began to form on my forehead, hoping she wouldn't harm my children. I wouldn't tell her I was carrying twins.

If she finds out, she will become enraged.

I felt shivers run down my spine as the car pulled up at a crossroads, and I tightly gripped my body. My heart was uncomfortable. I went to a forest with Evelyn, but it was too quiet.

Evelyn said she wanted to get something, which I assumed was a lie, and before I knew it, I was the only person still in the forest.

Instead of me taking part in the hunting session, my mind kept telling me that I was the prey they wanted to hunt.

Torches line the clear edges, blinding my eyes. I staggered as I saw wolves with Evelyn circling the edges, murmuring softly. They were watching me like I was acting in a movie.

I stood at the center with no protection. A guest, that was what Evelyn called me and Silas wasn't here. That fact hurts worse than the cold night air.

Evelyn raised her hand. “This is a simple run,” she announces. “No shifting for guests. Just endurance.”

I could hear the hounds before I saw them. They sounded dangerous, they never sounded like pack wolves.

My wolf panics.

"Run!" My wolf screamed.

I took a step back.

Evelyn leans close. “Don’t embarrass yourself,” she whispers. “If you fall… that’s fate.”

Evelyn went back to her designated seat and blew the horn. A satisfied smirk showed on her face.

The ground started shaking and the hounds were released. Without a second thought, I turned and ran.

I felt pain in my legs immediately when I started running. I knew it was the aftereffect of the scent-blockers. My lungs screamed, air wearing out of me.

Branches tore my arms, loud growls echoed behind me, they were coming too fast and close.

My legs tripped over and I fell hard to the ground, dirt filled my mouth, I tried standing up, but I felt too weak. I started sobbing, my heart pounding so hard that I thought it might burst.

I couldn't shift, I tried all I could but to no avail. My wolf curled inside me, desperate and useless.

I felt helpless that I hit the ground so hard, putting out my frustration. Tears clouded my face like a heavy rain.

The hounds burst out of the trees, their growl loud and ferocious. They walked towards me like they had seen their meal.

One snapped inches away from my leg.

I screamed,

"Silas!"

The name ripped out of me raw and broken. Something shook inside my chest. The mate bond ignited, it became alive, wild and violent.

Power struck through the forest like thunder. The hounds whine, and then a loud roar answers mine.

it sounded close and furious like they had taken something precious from him. The ground trembles as something massive moves through the trees. It was Silas.