52

Julianne's POV

I felt a heavy weight in her chest as she processed the news about losing her title as Luna.

“Thanks. I might have to call off our bond and strip you of your title as Luna, but well for now you are still the temporary Luna, if jasmine gives me a son, I have no other choice than to make her my Luna instead of you”

The words ring in my head continually like a hammer being pounded, driving a nail into a wood; it was annoying and hurtful.

It hurt to think about it, to think about the fact that he does not value Antonnia anymore, a few weeks back he was mad over her and wanted her so close to him at every opportunity he had even though he had to make a fuss of it, and he begged me to be his Luna, and now that a son is about to surface, he decided to change the song and take another steps to it. But a part of me tried to convince myself that I didn’t need Arthur in my life anymore. After all, he denied me just because I was an omega, and if I had not given birth to Antonia, I would still not be living in his pack.

Still, deep down, inside of me, I knew I loved him. The memories of their time together flooded her mind, and she couldn’t shake the pain of his words. I gave him my whole for the second time and yet he took it for granted and decided to shatter it into pieces. Did their moments mean anything to him? Was their intimacy just a passing thing? I was beginning to think that everything would be fine and then he would accept me for being his legitimate mate and his Luna, of course,e, and we would live as one big happy wolf family, but I didn't think otherwise.

I decided to visit Loretta; at least she is the only one of his concubines who talks to me and looks out for me. I lingered near the door, and that was when I heard her inaudible voice, I shifted closer and eavesdropped on Loretta’s conversation. I couldn’t see who Loretta was speaking to, but she caught snippets of their talk, that is, whoever she was talking to.

"I need you to give me more time to understand the pack and everything in it, just give me time to understand the pack," Loretta said softly. I felt a mix of curiosity and dread. Who is she talking to? And why does she want to know the pack? And what does the person needs her for?

When Loretta noticed her, I quickly stepped forward. Seeing that it was useless to hide anymore.

“I’m sorry for eavesdropping,” I said, trying to sound casual. I could not help but wonder who it was you were so deeply engrossed in a conversation like this. “Who were you talking to, if I may ask?”

Loretta shifted her gaze from the wall that was hidden from me to meet my confused gaze. “Oh, it’s nothing important you need to know about. It is just some silly talk and stupid imagination of mine." She laughed sarcastically.

"Julianne, have you heard about Jasmine's pregnancy?” she said changing the topic immediately, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

I tried to keep my face neutral, but the mention of Jasmine and her alleged pregnancy, which had hooked Austin so much, caught me off guard. “Yeah, I heard of her pregnancy; it is spreading like wildfire around the pack.” she replied, forcing a smile. "Jasmine and Arthur are so happy about it. It is true? Arthur confirmed it and he looks so happy and fulfilled that his first concubine finally got pregnant for him.” I pissed thoughtfully trying to catch a glimpse of a conversation I heard somewhere. "I think he is expecting a son from Jasmine," I recalled looking away.

"Could you believe what he said to me?" I asked sitting on the stool near the door.

"Tell me what he said to you when you confronted him about the news?" She demanded, taking her seat, too.

“Thanks. I might have to call off our bond and strip you of your title as Luna, but well for now you are still the temporary Luna, if jasmine gives me a son, I have no other choice than to make her my Luna instead of you” I repeated the words just exactly as he had said it to me.

Loretta's eyes popped wide unbelievable. "Are you serious now? You mean he said to you? Like he fucking said these words to you?" She questioned, disbelief coursing through her.

"Do I look like someone who would form such a word against Arthur to tell his concubine?" I demanded furiously.

"I can't believe he would say such a word to you?" She shook her head sadly.

"Well, he said it, so any moment from now, I should be expecting the title lifted off my head." I shrugged carelessly.

Loretta leaned in, her voice lowering. "I'm not so sure about that; I am not so sure that you would lose your title just because Jasmine is pregnant."

I raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean by this statement? She is pregnant, and I am going to lose the title if Jasmine bears Arthur a son." I said affirmed.

“What if Jasmine is lying?” Loretta asked, her tone serious. Her expression turned so serious that I couldn't help but listen to her. "What if Jasmine's lying? What if she's not pregnant?"

I blinked, confused. “Lying? About what?” I frowned, confusion etched on my face. "Why would she lie about that?"

Loretta waved a hand dismissively, her hands locked onto mine. “That is what I want to find out. Just... give me time to figure it out, okay?”

I felt a sense of urgency and concern "Loretta, what's going on? You're starting to worry me."

Loretta's expression softened. "I just have a feeling something's off about Jasmine's sudden pregnancy out of the blue. I'll investigate and get back to you."

“I want to help, Loretta. What do you need? Tell me what is going on that you know.” I placed a hand on Loretta's arm.

Loretta's face lit up with a smile. "Thanks, Julianne. I'll fill you in soon. Just keep this between us for now. I promise to find out what's going on."

I nodded, my mind racing with questions. Why would Jasmine lie about being pregnant? And what did Loretta suspect?

As I pondered Loretta's words, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was indeed off. I trusted Loretta's instincts, and if she suspected something, I wanted to help uncover the truth.

"Okay, Loretta. I'll keep this between us. But promise me you'll fill me in soon, I am dying of not knowing the truth." I said.

Before Loretta could respond, Jeremy walked in, his presence commanding attention. “Loretta, can I see you in private? I need to speak to you urgently,” he asked, his voice firm yet gentle.

I raised an eyebrow, sensing the tension. I nudged Loretta playfully. “Looks like someone wants to talk to you. Are you both already in love? Did your little quarrel these past few days escalate into something sweet and you refused to tell me about it.” I arched a playful eyebrow at her.

Loretta rolled her eyes, a blush creeping up her cheeks. “It’s nothing, seriously, you don't have to make a big fuss about it” she protested, though I could see the flicker of hope in her eyes. “Besides, he doesn’t even like me; his expression and stance says it all: he loathes me, and I can't help feeling sad about it.”

I shook her head, smirking. “Oh, come on! Don't be so silly and cagey right now. I know Jeremy. He is a very kind and cool man and to be honest, he likes you. He is not just good at showing off his emotions and feelings, especially one as trivia as this." I replied.

Loretta sighed but didn’t argue. She glanced back at Jeremy, who was waiting patiently. “Fine. I’ll be back in a moment, don't go anywhere, okay,” she said before walking out with him.

I watched them leave, a mix of emotions swirling inside her. I wanted to be happy for Loretta but felt a pang of jealousy. She is finding happiness with her true mate, while mine is hellbent, on making me sad for the rest of my life. What would it be like to have someone who cared that much? How would it feel for Arthur to be true to his intentions? And not change like a chameleon?

Taking a deep breath, I turned away from the door. I needed to process everything—her feelings for Arthur, my uncertainty around Jasmine after she is still a witch and the moon goddess her coven is seeking to find, and now Loretta’s budding relationship with Jeremy, Arthur's brother, when she knows fully well she is his concubine. I felt lost but knew I had to keep moving forward, even if my heart was heavy for what Arthur and Jasmine did to me today.