Chapter 36 Kaden's POV
"I don't know." I admitted.
"But I promise you won't abandon you and the child will always have a place here. Will always be protected."
"Protected." She repeated. "But not wanted."
Before I could respond, before I could tell her that she was wanted desperately, painfully wanted she turned away.
"Your five minutes are up please leave."
I left because she asked me to but her words followed me out the door.
Over the next few days, I became obsessive. I personally vetted every guard. Had her meals prepared by the head chef under supervision and tested for poison. Restricted access to her wing to essential personnel only.
And I watched even when I couldn't be near her, I made sure I knew where she was, what she was doing, who she was talking to.
My wolves started to notice and started to whisper.
Late one afternoon, I was passing near the servant quarters when I heard voices. I stopped, staying out of sight around the corner.
"I'm telling you, she is cursed." a maid's voice said. "Nothing but bad luck since she came back."
"The poisoning was Selena's doing," another maid replied.
"How is Elara's fault?"
"But everything else! The border attack happened right after she arrived, now Erebus is targeting us.”
“The Alpha canceled his Luna coronation. The pack is falling apart all because of her."
"She is probably a witch." a third voice chimed in.
"Using dark magic to bewitch the Alpha. Why else would he be so obsessed with protecting some worthless omega?"
"Maybe she is working with Erebus, maybe that is why they are here to retrieve their spy."
"Don't be stupid." Kara's voice cut in.
"Elara isn't cursed or a witch or a spy. She is just a person who has been through terrible things."
"Then explain the Alpha's behavior! Explain why he treats her like she's precious when she's nothing but trouble!"
"Maybe because he is a decent person who protects pack members?" Kara shot back.
"Decent? He is obsessed, it is unnatural she must have done something to him and cast some spell."
"I heard she is carrying something evil that is why Erebus wants her to claim whatever dark thing is growing inside her."
My blood ran cold. They were talking about my child calling my child evil.
I stepped around the corner.
The maids saw me and went pale, immediately dropping their heads.
But I was past civility and past diplomatic responses.
A growl tore from my throat; it was deep, primal, and terrifying. The sound of an Alpha pushed beyond his limits.
The maids stumbled backward, terror on their faces.
"Out.” I snarled.
"All of you except Kara."
They literally ran from my presence. Kara remained, her head still bowed but her posture defiant.
"Thank you," I said, forcing my voice to calm. "For defending her."
"She doesn't deserve what they are saying."
"No. She doesn't." I looked down the hallway where the maids had fled.
"Spread the word anyone caught spreading lies about Elara answers to me directly. Anyone who calls her cursed, anyone who blames her for things beyond her control, will face consequences. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Alpha."
As I turned to leave, I nearly collided with someone.
Elara.
She was standing in the hallway, her face pale, her eyes wide. She had heard everything, every cruel word, every hateful accusation.
"Elara-"
"Is that what they think of me?" Her voice was barely a whisper. "That I'm cursed? Evil? Working with Erebus?"
"They are ignorant and scared they don't understand-"
"They hate me." Tears welled in her eyes. "Your entire pack hates me."
"That is not true."
"Isn't it? you heard them and if those are the ones brave enough to say it out loud, how many others are thinking it?"
She was right, the fear in the pack was growing, and fear always looked for a target. Elara was that target.
"Come with me." I said, offering my hand.
She stared at it but didn't take it. "Where?"
"Somewhere private where we can talk. Please."
Finally, she nodded and walked beside me, not touching, but close enough.
I led her to my private office and locked the door behind us.
"Sit.” I said, gesturing to the couch.
She sat, but stayed at the edge, ready to bolt.
I knelt in front of her, making sure I was lower than her, less threatening.
"What they said is wrong, you are not cursed. You are not evil, you did not bring any of this on yourself or the pack."
"Then why is it happening?" Her voice broke. "Why is everything falling apart?"
"Because Erebus's followers have been planning this for years. Because Selena is vindictive and cruel because the world is sometimes terrible and unfair."
I reached out slowly, carefully, and placed my hand over hers so she didn't pull away. "But none of that is your fault."
"Your pack doesn't see it that way."
"Then I will make them see it. I will protect you from their fear and their ignorance just like I will protect you from Erebus."
She looked at our hands, at where my skin touched hers. "Why? Why do you care so much?"
"Because you are my mate because you are carrying my child. Because even if neither of those things were true, you deserve protection and kindness and respect."
A tear slid down her cheek. "I don't know if I can live here and raise a child here. When everyone thinks I'm cursed."
"You can and you will because you are stronger than you know."
I squeezed her hand gently. "And you are not alone, you have Kara, you have Damian. And you have me whether you want me or not, you have me."
She pulled her hand away, but not harshly. "I should rest."
I stood and stepped back. "Of course I will have dinner sent to your room. And Elara? If you hear anyone else saying things like that, you tell me immediately. I won't tolerate it."
She nodded and left.
I stood alone in my office, my hands clenched into fists. The pack was turning against her. Fear was making them cruel.
And I would have to find a way to stop it.
Before it tore everything apart.