Chapter 186 PREGNANCY AND POWER
Edeline
He just shrugged, a nonchalant smile on his lips. "I could definitely give you a son, no problem."
I sighed deeply. "Conor, I'm not really into titles and all that stuff, you know?"
"I can see that," he said, reaching out to gently hold my hands. "I understand your situation. You can’t make any other commitments right now, and I don’t want to complicate things further. I just need to have a child with you—just once. If that’s all you’re willing to offer, then fine. I’m looking for an heir, Edeline, and you have the strength and resilience to be a powerful leader. Underneath your beautiful appearance and graceful figure, there’s a fierce and determined person. I can tell you’ve been through a lot, and it’s changed you. I’m not asking you to run away with me or be my romantic partner. I’m proposing a business arrangement. I know you’re young, but that’s exactly what I need. I don’t have anyone to pass my land or my pack onto. And honestly, if you haven’t started menstruating yet, that might be a sign you’re already pregnant." His tone was direct and matter-of-fact, leaving me stunned. A mix of surprise and fear filled my eyes.
I couldn’t imagine being with him just to have a child. And the idea of being pregnant? Was that even possible? The thought was overwhelming.
"Conor..." I pulled my hands away, looking around uncertainly. My wolf was uneasy, growing defensive. He let out a quiet chuckle.
"Your wolf seems a bit unhappy with this arrangement. Take your time to think it over," he said with a small smile, finishing his drink and glancing at his watch.
"Hey, let’s go. We don’t want to miss the show," he added, getting up from his barstool with a smirk.
I looked at him, puzzled. "What show?"
With a grin, he casually tossed a handful of cash onto the bar in front of me. "Oh, you know, the prisoners’ punishments. Tonight’s Anita’s sentencing. We all agreed that burning her at the stake is the fitting end for a witch." He chuckled, looking pleased with the idea, and started heading towards the door.
I quickly got up, hurrying after him. "What about Darius!?" I asked, my voice trembling with fear.
As we walked towards his truck, the cool evening breeze brushing against us, he glanced back at me. "He’s getting sentenced tonight too, but not to death. I think I heard he’ll be spending some time in the cellar before they put him in wolf form and send him to the dog house," he said casually as he opened the passenger door for me.
I was taken aback by the nonchalance in his voice.
I had been so wrapped up in my own issues that I’d completely neglected Darius, even though I knew he was going through a tough time. As I climbed into the cab, a wave of embarrassment and guilt washed over me.
I had felt a tight knot in my stomach all night. My wolf was agitated, her frustration boiling beneath the surface. She was searching for her partner, wanting to find a way to protect the pup, with Tatiana by her side. Her anger was palpable, and I knew I had to find a solution fast.
I couldn't let things spiral out of control. I needed to ensure Darius was safe and get out of here before things went wrong. Rumors were swirling about challenges that might come his way once his punishment was over. The idea was unnerving.
Glancing down at my belly, I hoped I wasn’t pregnant. Percival had a way of interfering with my plans, no matter how carefully I laid them out.
Conor slid into the cab, his tall frame fitting comfortably into the seat. He started the engine and turned to face me, his expression confident.
"I hope you’ll give my offer some thought. If your wolf is concerned, just tell her that I have plenty of land for her to roam and rule beside me," he said, his smirk widening.
My wolf perked up at his words. The thought of ruling over a vast expanse of land seemed to ignite a spark within her. She had always craved power and territory.
Conor chuckled softly. "I told you before, you’re meant to be Luna. Even your wolf is drawn to the idea of power."
Was he right? Was this the right choice for me, or would it turn out to be a disaster?
For now, all I could think about was the satisfaction I would feel when Anita was punished. The idea of seeing her go up in flames was a small comfort in the midst of my turmoil.
I could hardly believe that my best friend was about to face a sentencing stage. It was hard for me to accept. No one seemed interested in clearing his name, even though it was clear Anita was the one behind the actions. Not even his own father had stepped up.
Maybe Luna Annabel could help me with this. She had a deep interest in Darius and wouldn’t let him face such a fate without a fight.
As we drove, Percival’s presence slipped from my mind. I took a sip of alcohol, trying to numb the ache in my chest while I considered my next move.
…
Edeline
I paced back and forth in my room, feeling restless. The steady thud of my boots against the wooden floor echoed with each step. I was starting to sober up, but there was still a lingering haze in my head that I could not quite shake.
Hanging out with Conor had been fun. It felt like a little escape, just what I needed to clear my mind. But, of course, he had to throw another decision onto my already overflowing plate. Be his Luna? It was an option, but it only added to the pile of choices I had to make.
After we got back to the pack, everyone scattered, going their own way. And now, here I was, just waiting for the trials of punishment to begin. They would start soon enough.
I figured Percival was still with Tatiana, at least from what I knew. He kept his walls up, just as I had asked, so the bond would not drive my wolf crazy. He knew I was serious when I said my wolf might go after his pup.