Chapter 61

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves as I looked down at Mathew, his innocent eyes filled with concern. "Mathew, sweetie," I said softly, crouching down to his level. "Mummy needs to go out for a little while, but Uncle Michael will be here to look after you, okay?"

I didn't want him anywhere near where I was going.

His bottom lip quivered, and my heart squeezed with guilt at his distress. "But I wanna stay with you, Mumma," he whimpered, his small hands clutching at my shirt.

"I know, darling," I whispered, brushing a strand of hair away from his forehead. "But Mummy has to do something very important. Uncle Michael will take good care of you while I'm gone, I promise."

I wanted to break the news of him getting another sibling so bad but the thought of doing so while the future of my unborn was uncertain left me with hesitance.

Introducing him to his sibling who might ultimately pass away might be traumatizing for him.

He has already been through so much for his little age.

Reluctantly, Mathew nodded, his eyes still filled with uncertainty. I pressed a tender kiss to his forehead, wishing I could shield him from the harsh realities of our world.

I watched my mother stand at the door, a mix of confusion and concern flooded my mind. "What are you doing here, Mother?" I asked.

She smiled warmly, her eyes softening as they landed on Matthew. "I heard Mathew had returned, dear," she replied gently. "And I thought it would be lovely to spend some time with my grandson."

My heart raced with conflicting emotions. On one hand, the idea of Mathew bonding with his grandmother stirred a faint longing for the maternal affection I had always craved.

But on the other hand, memories of her past behavior, coupled with the recent trauma Mathew had endured, filled me with apprehension.

Glancing over at Michael, who had Mathew safely in his care, I hesitated. Could I trust my mother to be with him, even for a short while? Despite her recent changes.

I knew she was changed but our past still continued to taint how I see her today.

"Please, Freya," my mother pleaded, sensing my hesitation. "I promise to take good care of him. He's my grandson, after all."

I turned to Mathew who looked rather hopeful. "You don't have to worry, I'll ensure he's okay," Michael said.

I swallowed hard, my heart heavy with uncertainty. Finally, with a reluctant nod, I gave in. "Okay, but please be careful with him," I urged, my voice barely above a whisper.

Mathew could always read her mind. He'd know if her intentions were good or bad.

My mother's smile widened, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Of course, dear. I'll cherish every moment with him."

As she approached Mathew, a mixture of hope and trepidation swirled within me. Only time would tell whether my mother's newfound kindness was genuine or merely a facade. But for Mathew's sake, I prayed it was the former.

I made my way to the cell, a knot tightened in my stomach as I entered the dimly lit room, my eyes immediately drawn to Sage sitting in a chair, surrounded by Alpha Scott, my mate, and the White Witch, Thalia.

Thalia's eyes lit up with excitement as she caught sight of me. "Freya!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "I've heard so much about you. I'm Thalia, the White Witch."

I offered her a wary nod, I knew she had helped Dominic to find me, which I was grateful for I guess. Before I could respond however, Dominic stepped forward, pulling me into his arms.

His hand circling me from behind, I blushed feeling secure while remembering our little steamy moment before but as my eyes met Sage's my smile faltered.

A seething sensation came over me. I wanted to strangle her there and then.

As if sensing my rage Dominic immediately whispered soothing words in my ear calming me, "easy there, Luna."

His voice along with his calming words and his hand around my stomach was calming me down, not only that but it was somewhat putting me in the mood, I tried to calm myself by thinking of the matter at hand.

I met Sage's gaze before asking, "why?"

"You and Dominic," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "You have something special. I can see it. Dominic managed to right his wrong, he found redemption in you, something beautiful that I could never have."

"I will not forgive you for kidnapping my son, and putting him in danger, I shot back." Glaring at her.

"I was talking about my mate." she said, "Your mate did you wrong and was able to get redemption while my mate continues to do me wrong and has no remorse whatsoever." she spat out angrily.

I chuckled at her mockingly, "So you thought Alpha Lucas, a cruel man who only wants power, would be a good mate to you?" I scoffed, "my own mate was better than Alpha Lucas and even he rejected me." I glared.

"I thought you forgave me?" Alpha Dominic whispered in my ear in shock.

I gave Dominic a side eye before continuing, "the difference between us both is that I would never betray my loved one's to fulfill my mate's sick and twisted desires." I hissed.

"So are you saying if I said we should do the dirty behind the pack tree or the lake nearby, you wouldn't?" Dominic mind-linked.

"This is not the time or place for such obscene discussions!" I scolded him before quickly adding, "we can do those later!"

"You have no idea what it's like waiting for your mate over five hundred years. I'm twice your age. I should've been mated three hundred years ago. You have no idea how it feels to be lonely." Sage defended.

"Are you saying that is a justification for what you did?" Dominic questioned.

"No, I in no way condone harming a child—" I immediately scoffed cutting her off.

"And who do you expect to believe your bullshit Sage?! My son came back with marks on his skin from being tied up! That's child abuse. Obviously you know nothing about not harming kids, if you had a child you would've never done what you did." I roared at her.

"I'm pregnant!" she yelled, shocking us all.