Chapter 6

Daphne's p o v

As I held the baby in my arms, I could not help but marvel at his perfect features. His vernix -covered skin was soft and smooth, with a rosy glow that spoke of health and vitality. His movements were slow but active.

His eyes were a deep, mesmerizing blue, and they seemed to take in everything around him with an intelligence that was surprising for his young age. His tiny pinkish nose was perfectly formed, and his mouth was in the shape of a delicate rosebud, puckered in concentration while busy sucking his lower lip hungrily.

But perhaps the most striking feature of all was his hair. Although scanty, It was a soft, fine fluff that formed a nest around his head, catching the light and shimmering like gold. That was clearly Stephen's hair.

I gazed at my son with wonder, feeling a deep sense of pride and love welling up inside me. But barely after staring at him for thirty minutes, I pulled myself out to reality. He wasn't mine. I allow my lips get pulled down in a painful frown as I swallowed a chunk of my saliva with difficulty.

I could see the happiness in Stephen as he stood behind me and stared at his child. For once, I felt a sincere happiness for him, he knew now knew what it felt like to be a mother. As for me, all I got was the pain and nothing else. So for a moment, I tried to imagine that this baby was actually mine and I could feel the joy as well.

Rosie of course was here the whole time and she was. She was filled with a sort of loud joy that she coukd not hide. She almost broke into a dance rbag her baby had arrived. She was desperately trying to carry the baby from me but I refused on the guise that the baby needed to feed. Besides, he was still week from the labour as well.

The midwife could not help but also notice her over exaggerated joy over my baby.

"You seem rather happier over this baby's arrival than the mother her self. If I didn't deliver the baby from Daphne myself I would have thought you were the mother of the baby." Although, the midwife had not meant any harm by saying that, her words got to Rosie and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"I am just very happy for the final arrival. It has really not been easy for this family going on without a child. " She managed a smile and Stephen agreed.

"Yes. It hasn't been easy. I would definitely throw a feast everyday to celebrate my son's life."

He says and everyone laughed while Rosie still had her eyes on the baby.

I saw and understood the secret glances and smiles she exchanged with Stephen. In their minds they thought they had fooled me and used me as a mare vessel but I knew exactly what I was doing.

The pack was overjoyed when I returned home with my baby. The entire pack house was decorated with colorful balloons and streamers, creating a festive atmosphere that mirrored the excitement in everyone's hearts.

As soon as I stepped through the door, I was greeted with cheers and applause and loud howls from the excited wolves filled the dark air.

Pack members gathered around me, eager to catch a glimpse of the newest addition to the family and pack as a whole.

The air was filled with laughter and excitement as everyone took turns cooing over the baby and congratulating me and Stephen on my safe delivery. The women of the pack fussed over me with motherly excitement, gifts already pouring in form various directions.

Meanwhile, the men took turns telling stories of their own children's births, each one trying to outdo the other with tales of sleepless nights and diaper changes and the frightening experience of having to escape for their wives to do all the job.

It was filed with laughter and through it all, I was filled with a sense of pride and joy. I knew that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in my life, and I was eager to see what the future would hold for me and this baby.

Despite knowing fully well that he was not mine, I couldn't help but glue my eyes to him with pure love.

Up till the next day, I still couldn't get my eyes off my son. While I sat in the sofa with him on my arms while he fed, Stephen came to sit on the arm of the chair with his hand extending to hold the baby's hand.

"So have you decided on what we should call him yet?"

I wipe the sweat of the baby's forehead softly and sigh. "I think we should call him Kian."

I could feel the amazement from his movent as soon as I said that. Yes! Isn't that what you and your whore Rosie wanted him to be called.

"Kian is a pretty nice name. But how ... how did you come out with it?"

"It's a name that suits a boy who is going to be a great man." I look at Stephen and he smiles. "If he can make the right choices for himself woke growing up." I added knowingly.

Chapter 7

Daphne's p o v

Little Kian was a bundle of energy, always on the move and eager to explore the world around him. Just after a year, his growth had rocketed. He was very agile and active and this brought joy to everyone's heart.

As he ran around with the other children, his laughter ringing out across the field, Rosie and Stephen watched with barely -concealed delight.

I bet they were already imagining how their child would take over the pack from me before leaving me useless. Kian, a strong and capable alpha who would lead them to greatness- a greatness that neither of them worked hard for except through deceits.

But all I did was watch with a more guarded expression pretending I didn't see their ambitious eyes or hear their mischievous whispers. Despite all if these, I loved Kian with all of my heart, even though I knew the truth -that he was not really mine, I could not do anything to infringe on his innocent. Not yet.

I still felt a sense of pride from the job I did in raising him, watching him play. He was going to grow into a fine young wolf, and I knew that one day I would make him the alpha of this pack. They would think they played me but I am playing them even more.

Meanwhile I was careful not to show too much affection concerning their deceits or else, Rosie and Stephen would see through my facade and realize that I knew their secret.

But despite my reservations, I could not help but bring it to Stephen's notice, the frequency of Rosie's presence in our quarters and how I wasn't comfortable with it any longer.

Rosie's frequent visits to my house raised too much suspicion from not just me but the maids. I could hear them gossiping about it. While Rosie claimed to simply enjoy spending time with Kian, I knew well enough that there was something more to it.

Kian seemed to enjoy Rosie's company too, often running up to her when she entered the house, holding her hand and showing her his toys. She had succeeded in creating a familiarity between them.

When she was here all she cared about what Kian. Carrying him up and down the house and playing with him until he racked his ribs in laughter. The kind of things I didn't have the time to do with him.

It was as if Rosie was trying to form a special bond with Kian, almost like a mother would do.

Maybe just do that Kian could grow up to recognize her as his mother while putting on a show and trying to appear as the doting family friend when really she had her agenda.

Stephen observed all this too but he could only care less. Sometimes, he and Rosie even engaged in long conversations even in my presence. They just had to be careful about the things they said in front of me. But sometimes, they couldn't control themselves from ending up intense long conversations about trivial matters.

She wasn't just resting to take my place as a mother but also as a wife while Kian would take my place as the alpha in a few years. I laughed but didn't hide the anger in it. I knew Stephen would say I am being paranoid but I was going to ask him a anyway.

"Stephen, I really am concerned about how often Rosie comes to visit. I feel like she's spending an excessive amount of time with Kian. It's becoming unhealthy."

Stephen shrugs no chalantly. "I don't see anything wrong or unhealthy with it. She is just being friendly and Kian enjoys her company, even you know it."

"Don't you think it is getting a little too much? We need a little privacy too."

"But she's helping you look after the our big a lot. Especially when you are busy with work. She is helping. And I don't see anything wrong with that."

I knew he would support her but I had not thought he would be so direct about it. He was literally telling me that I was wrong.

"You should be happy Kian has someone else to bond with. That way you can concentrate on running the pack"

Even though, he had acted like I was just overreacting, he spoke to Rosie about what I said because I noticed her visits bacame less frequent. Even though I knew it was just a matter of time befire she came crawling back into my house like a snake that she was.

On one particular morning, I was getting ready for a press conference and Kian was crying uncontrollably. He had been doing so since morning making it almost impossible for me to concentrate.

At that very moment, Rosie arrived. I knew I could not leave Kian like this because he was crying uncontrollably until Rosie took him up to console him.

"I'll take care of him," Rosie offered, taking Kian into her arms. "You can leave for your appointment."

"Are you sure?" I asked, hesitantly.

Stephen nodded reassuringly. "We can handle it, Daphne. You focus on your conference."

"Okay." I left for the conference, but not before giving detailed instructions to Stephen and Rosie on how to take care of Kian. I also made sure to leave her contact information and the number for Kian's pediatrician, in case of an emergency.

"Come on, he will be alright. Just get going before you're late." Stephan warned me in a caring tone.

Through out the meeting I couldn't keep my mind off Kian. He was in the heads of his real parents so I should not have anything to worry about but I still don't feel like Rosie could take care of him the way I did.

This was not the first time I left him in her care but not this long.

As soon as the meeting was over, I hurried back home eager to see my son again.

But when I get back home, I was left in surprise as I called at the door. "Hello! I'm back!" But there was no response.

Chapter 8

Daphne's p o v

The extent at which my heart raced was alarming to me myself. Had they changed plans and decided to run off when I keaset expected it? Perhaps was that why they were eagerly trying to convince me to leave Kian behind with them?

Fear gripped me as I frantically searched the house, my heart pounding behind my ribs.

Stephen and Rosie were nowhere to be found, and neither was Kian.

"Stephan! Stephen!" Panic set in and I dialed Stephen's number, only to be met with no answer. "Kian!"

My mind raced with possibilities -where could they have gone? Or maybe something had happened and they had to take Kian to safely. I tried to mind link with my mate but he wasn't giving me any access. What could be going on?

I walked down to meet the other werewolves around. "Perhaps have you seen Stephen anywhere with my baby?" I asked and they shook their heads in negative.

"Or with Rosie?"

"No, alpha!" They replied again.

My worry grew with each passing moment, and I felt like I was on the brink of a breakdown.

Since Stephan wasn't responding, I tried with Rosie and gladly she let me link with her.

"Rosie!, where is Kian?"

"Oh Kian? He is with me!" He says casually as if that was ok. She says it with the authority of a mother!

"Where are you?"

" Daphne ... " She must have detected the anger in my tone as her voice began to crack. "calm down. I am at the nearby central park."

As soon as she said so I didn't even let her finish. I guess my car keys sand hurried instantly. Driving back to the pack as quickly as I could.

When I reached the park, I saw her waving at me from under a shade.

She was in a short red gown hiding Kian in her arm. Seeing her alone sent a new surge of fury through me. When I reached her, she was already explaining. "Kian was getting fussy, so I thought a change of scenery would do him good ... "

I immediately get Kian out of her hands and check to make sure he is okay while he just mellows at my presence.

"I just brought him here so that ..."

"And you did not think you should have told told me?"

"I ... I thought ..."

"You thought what? " I snapped. "Do you know how worried sick I have been? Coming home to not finding him or anyone else? "

"It's just a harmless decision to take him out!"

I couldn't believe her audacity. She wasn't even remorseful any more.

"Why didn't you tell me? I've been worried sick thinking about all sort of things. Next time before you take my baby anywhere you have to ask for my permission!"

"Hey what's going on here?" I hear Stephen's voice form behind me and I turned to meet him.

"Daphne is angry with me for not informing her before bringing Kian here."

"Because that's what you should have done."

"Daphne! Kian is safe in Rosie's hands, you don't have to worry."

"And where were you?"

"I was at work. I called Rosie to ask about the baby that when she told me she is here so I acne to get she and Kian back home!"

Nothing he said made any of this seems right. They were both evil people plotting my downfall. How would he see anything wrong with it and for all I know he could be lying. I bet they were here together before. With my anger surging faster through me, I stormed out of their presence, holding Kian firmly, heading straight home.

I could hardly believe Stephen's nonchalant attitude, and the lack of remorse from Rosie. It only fueled my fury more!

My mind raced at the the mare thought of it all. I could not handle them around anymore even though to them I was the odd one among them.

But they still needed me around, didn't they? For my power.

Stephen and I remained indoor in silence with Kian cooing- the only sound that was audible.

Suddenly I caught a scent form behind the front door.

"Think of the devil and she is here." My wolf ranted inside me and almost immediately, a knock sounds on the door.

"I'll get it." Stephan says and git up.

When he opens the door my back is still tuned and I hear Rosie's voice. "Is alpha Daphne in?"

Of course she knew better than she was asking.

"Come in." Stephen said and I listened to her footsteps getting closer behind me.

"I am sorry about what happened earlier." She mumbled. "I should not have taken Kian without informing you." I was surprised by her sudden change of tone. Was it because Stephen was here now or perhaps they had planned it together?

"When you left, he was restless and , his cries were still persistent so I decided to just take him out to cheer him up. I honestly didn't think it would be a big deal, Daphne."

"I am not against you taking him out. I just think you should have told me so I'll be aware where he is."

"You were in the meeting so I didn't want to distract you. I have learned my lesson now and I'm sorry. I just love Kian so much and take him as my own son too." As she was speaking, Kian was even stretching his arms out to reach her. "I never meant to upset you or overstep my boundaries. I would not want to cause problems of any kind for you three."

"It's okay, Rosie." I said but I wasn't going to apologize for scolding her the way I do. Because she knew what she was doing. She and Stephan. This was their game to get me to trust them more. I knew it.

After saying all she had to say she left.

I didn't leave the place where I was standing. I reminded I the same speit and position until I heard Stephen coming closer to me.

"You see, Daphne, you were just over reacting. She meant no harm." I barely blinked as he spoke. "I knew you are concerned about our son's safety but you can't let it blind you to taking people as enemies."

He says bedew walking away. How funny these people are. Stephen and Rosie. They wanted to gaslight me into thinking I am the bad guy in this circle, whereas in fact, I was the victim?

When Kian marked his two year birthday, it dawned on me that it was time to carry out my plan. The one I have been plotting since the day I discovered I wasn't carrying my own child.

"When would you be back?" Rosie asked as she drew Kian into her arms.

"I already informed Stephan; it won't take me more than six months bedew I get back. In the mean time, I trust you'll take care of little Kian for me."

"Of course we would." Stephan say quickly and I lift my luggage from the floor. "I'll call you everyday." He leaned forward and kisses me kn the cheek.

"Alright darling. See you soon." I bade them good bye and as I headed to the airport, I almost laughed at their stupidity because they thought I was the stupid one.

But little did they know where I was going and what I was going to be cooking against them for the next six month.