Chapter 15
"I'm okay," I attempted to text on my phone as Lucas burst into the room, his gray eyes piercing and examining me from top to bottom. However, before I could even raise the screen for him to view, the door swung open once more, and a shy young man stepped in.
He seemed no older than twenty, with his large glasses sliding down his nose while he struggled with a medical bag. He lowered his head while greeting Lucas, his voice soft and almost inaudible. “Alpha Lucas… I… my father is with the Lycan King, so I’m the only one here at the moment.”
Lucas’s jaw tightened, his annoyance evident. “Mathew, you’re too inexperienced and immature for this,” he whispered, his voice tinged with contempt.
Mrs. Wats moved ahead, her hands firmly held together in front of her. "Currently, he’s our only option, Alpha," she asserted, her tone steady yet resolute.
Lucas took a quick breath, facing me again. “Recline on the bed,” he commanded, his tone becoming a bit gentler while still allowing no chance for disagreement.
My heart pounded painfully in my chest as I approached the bed, my thoughts racing. *How can I conceal this?* The idea of Mathew finding out about the pregnancy triggered a wave of panic, but I compelled myself to stay composed.
Mathew nervously adjusted his glasses while he came closer, his eyes darting between Lucas and me. "I will require some supplies," he stated, his voice quivering a bit.
Mrs. Wats promptly dispatched the other maid to fetch them, but she remained behind. Rather, she remained anchored in her position, her keen eyes locked onto me like a hawk hovering over its target.
I gulped nervously, gripping the edge of the blanket tightly as Mathew started his evaluation. He posed some typical questions, and I meticulously typed my responses on the phone, ensuring I provided him with incorrect information. I averted my eyes, praying my shaking hands wouldn’t betray me.
However, he posed a question that left me immobilized.
“What was the date of your most recent cycle?”
My breath caught, my fingers lingering above the screen. Responding truthfully would nearly validate the pregnancy, while deceit might arouse doubt. I felt confined, the room's walls tightening around me as Mrs. Wats’s gaze penetrated me.
“Pardon me,” Lucas exclaimed unexpectedly, as his phone buzzed in his pocket. He left the room to answer the phone, his departure briefly alleviating the oppressive tension.
Taking advantage of the moment, I swiftly typed on my phone and passed it to Mathew. *I’m expecting, but I'd like to surprise Lucas for his birthday. Kindly refrain from informing him.*
Mathew’s eyes grew larger behind his glasses, his mouth moving as he read the text. “Expecting?” he murmured, his voice almost silent.
I nodded, putting on a beseeching expression. I gathered my hands in front of me, wishing to convincingly perform the act. *Please. I’m putting my trust in you.*
His unease was clear as he looked anxiously at the door. "I—I really shouldn’t..." he faltered, yet the expression in his eyes revealed his desire for Lucas’s approval, his acknowledgment.
“You won’t regret this,” I typed swiftly, placing the phone into his hands. *Lucas will be thrilled if he discovers it on his birthday. This will be deeply significant for him.*
Following an extended silence, Mathew exhaled deeply, agreeing with hesitation. "Okay," he murmured, steering clear of my eyes.
Mrs. Wats’s skeptical stare stayed steady, her lips pressing tight as she observed our quiet interaction. "What's happening here?" she inquired.
Mathew stood tall, his voice more composed now. "I require solitude to complete the assessment."
Mrs. Wats wavered, her eyes narrowing, but Lucas's arrival quelled any objections. He traversed the room with deliberate steps, his presence occupying the space once again.
"Is that so?" Lucas insisted, his piercing gaze locked on Mathew.
Mathew coughed lightly, his hands nervously playing with the strap of his backpack. “It’s not a big deal, Alpha." Simply a small stomach virus. She requires rest and attention—and she shouldn't consume anything she dislikes.
Lucas turned his eyes to Mrs. Wats, his face clouding with concern. “Didn’t I specifically instruct you to inquire about her preferences?”
Mrs. Wats's complexion turned white, and she hesitated, saying, “It had to be the chef, Alpha. "I'll ensure it won't occur again."
“Make sure it doesn’t,” Lucas said icily. He faced her, his tone edgy. "Bring a different meal right away." "Something she will truly eat."
“Certainly, Alpha,” she whispered, curtsying briefly before rushing out of the room.
I released a soft sigh, a wave of relief washing over me. I glanced at Mathew, who offered me a slight, uncertain nod before leaving.
Lucas looked back at me, his eyes becoming a bit softer. “You’ll be okay,” he remarked, his voice lower now. "Simply relax."
I nodded, offering a slight smile of appreciation, yet my heart continued to race.
As Lucas took a seat opposite me, his gaze hung for a moment too long, a hint of uncertainty shimmering in their depths. I sensed his persistent doubt, and it sent a chill through me.
*This is definitely not finished,* I pondered, reclining on the bed. However, at this moment, I was out of danger. And for the time being, that sufficed.
The following morning, I remained half-asleep when Ellie stormed into my room, her steps quick yet gentle. She closed the door behind her, her pigtails bouncing as she turned to look at me with a playful smile.
“Good morning, Miss,” she remarked, although her tone was far from official. “I wanted to give you a heads-up—Mrs. Wats intended to assign you a tough task today.” “Something regarding cleaning the dining hall floors since Lucas is not here.”
I stared at her, my gut dropping. Naturally, Mrs. Wats would discover a method to complicate my life.
“However, there's no need to be concerned,” Ellie went on, her smile growing broader. "I informed her that you needed me for a significant task instead." She purchased it, for the time being.
I picked up my phone, hastily typing a reply. *Thanks, Ellie. You didn't need to do that.*
Ellie’s grin wavered while she looked at the screen, her eyebrows furrowing. She gazed at me, doubt glimmering in her deep brown eyes. “Why do you constantly type?” "You are able to speak, aren’t you?"
I hesitated, my grip on the phone tightening. *I can't speak,* I typed, trying to maintain an expression of innocence.
Yet Ellie folded her arms, a grin pulling at the edge of her mouth. “Seriously? "I could have sworn I heard you talking last night when I frightened you."
My heart raced unexpectedly, and I hurried to think of an excuse, typing rapidly. *You must have been imagining things. I have remained silent my entire life.*
Ellie let out a sigh, lightly shaking her head. “Listen, Sia, no matter what your secret may be, it doesn't concern me.” I’m not here to intrude, and I won’t share this with anyone. Just... please don’t treat me as if I’m stupid, alright?”
Her remarks took me by surprise. For an instant, I just gazed at her, considering my choices. At last, I exhaled gently and rose, making my way to the door. I secured it for our privacy, then turned back to her.
“I apologize,” I said softly, my voice hardly rising above a murmur.
Ellie’s eyes grew large, her mouth dropping open. "Well, you *can* speak!" she said, yet her tone was more playful than blaming.
"Keep it to yourself," I stated, my tone steady yet gentle. "I have my justifications."
Ellie nodded, a mischievous smile blooming on her face. "Your secret is protected with me."
We exited the room soon after, opting to stroll around the premises. Ellie acquainted me with several other young maids during our journey, girls whom she claimed were reliable for running minor errands or taking care of duties when she was unavailable. They welcomed me courteously, their smiles sincere, yet I couldn't shake off my unease.
While we strolled, Ellie spoke enthusiastically about various sections of the castle, highlighting the training area, the staff's living spaces, and even a concealed garden she insisted was her preferred hideaway.
However, she suddenly ceased movement, her body tensing as her eyes fixed on something in front of her. I traced her gaze and spotted Mrs. Wats, her hand firmly clutching the arm of a blonde girl I faintly remembered as one of the omegas.
“What is she doing now?” Ellie whispered, her tone quiet.