EMBER'S POV
Perfect… now he doesn't have a choice.
I smiled at my reflection in the mirror, tilting my head slightly as satisfaction curled in my chest. Everything was falling into place.
Then something shifted behind me.
I turned sharply—and froze.
Julio.
"You scared me." I sighed in relief.
"You look very tempting," he said, his voice low as he stepped closer. Heat rushed to my cheeks, but I didn't look away.
"What do we do about that?" I teased.
A slow smirk spread across his lips. In one swift motion, his arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me into him as his lips claimed mine. I melted instantly.
A soft sound escaped me as I pressed my body against his, matching his intensity. He lifted me effortlessly, setting me on the vanity, his lips trailing from mine down to my neck.
"Julio—wait," I gasped, my fingers tightening in his shirt. "He could walk in any second."
He groaned against my skin, his grip tightening as his teeth grazed my neck slowly, deliberately. The sensation sent a shiver through me.
"Julio," I protested again, weaker this time.
"Fine," he muttered, though he didn't look happy about it. He pulled back reluctantly, running a hand through his hair. "How did the plan go?"
"Very well," I said with a small, satisfied laugh. "He doesn't suspect a thing."
Julio didn't smile.
Instead, his jaw tightened, his gaze shifting away from me.
"I'm not comfortable with this, Ember," he said quietly.
I frowned. "Julio… why the sudden change of heart? We spoke about this." I reached for his hand, guiding it gently to my stomach. "He can't find out about us… about what this led to." His hand stilled under mine. "He'd have us both killed."
Silence hung between us.
"So what now?" he asked, his voice strained. "He takes you in as his Luna?"
I nodded slowly.
His jaw clenched harder, his eyes darkening as he looked away again.
And something about it—his restraint, his frustration—made something wicked stir inside me.
I slid off the vanity and stepped closer, my fingers brushing lightly against his chest.
"Oh, Julio," I murmured, a smirk playing on my lips. "Seeing you like this… it does something to me."
His eyes snapped back to mine. Dark. Intense. Dangerous.
"Say something like that again," he said, his voice dropping as he leaned in close, "and I'll have you screaming my name."
Before I could respond, his lips were back on my neck.
I gasped softly as his fingers brushed against my inner thighs—
A knock on the door tore us apart. A frustrated groan escaped Julio's lips as I quickly slid off the vanity, smoothing my dress and clearing my throat.
"Who is it?" I called.
"The Alpha has requested your presence at the council meeting, Miss Ember."
My brows furrowed. "The council meeting? Why?"
"I am not sure, miss."
I sighed, rolling my eyes. "I'll join him shortly."
I waited until the sound of retreating footsteps faded before turning back to Julio.
"Duty calls," I muttered.
"Is this how it's going to be?" His voice sharpened. "I don't even get to have you when I want?"
I quickly pressed my hand over his mouth. "Julio!"
He pulled my hand away, irritation flashing across his face as he dragged me closer.
"You know how I get," he said, his voice low, dangerous. "And you know I'm not afraid of anyone. If this keeps up… you'll have to leave him."
"Stop it." I shoved lightly against his chest. "You say it like it's easy. After everything we've done?"
His grip tightened on my waist, but I pushed his hand away.
"Control yourself," I said coldly. "This is for our benefit."
"What benefit?" he snapped. "The money? I don't need it." His voice dropped. "I need you."
He reached for me again. I stepped back.
"If you don't get this under control," I said firmly, "you and I are done."
The words hung heavily between us. I didn't wait for his response. I turned and walked out. I can't let him ruin this. Not now. Not after everything. The tall wooden doors loomed ahead. Voices murmured from within—low, tense.
I straightened my shoulders and pushed them open. Silence fell instantly. All eyes turned to me. I walked in gracefully, every step measured, and took the empty seat beside my Alpha.
Xavier didn't look at me the way he used to. No warmth. No affection.
Only curiosity… and something darker.
Doubt.
"Ember," one of the elders began, his voice heavy. "Is it true? You are carrying the Alpha's child?"
I nodded. "Yes… I am. Two months along."
A disapproving cough echoed through the room.
"And why," another elder pressed, "are we only hearing of this now—just as the Alpha claims to have found his mate?"
My body stiffened. Murmurs spread across the table.
Doubt.
Suspicion.
Danger.
Think fast, Ember. I lowered my head slowly, letting tears slip down my cheeks.
"I was afraid," I whispered. "My Alpha… he doesn't look at me the same anymore. I thought… if I told him, he might reject me.""
A loud slam on the table cut through the room.
"Enough of that," an elder snapped. "And if we discover this is false?"
I shook my head quickly. "I do not lie. You may ask the Alpha himself… he knows what happens behind closed doors. And he is the only man I have ever been with"
Slowly, I turned to him. His gaze was fixed on the table, his jaw tight. Unreadable.
"You may leave," one of the elders said.
I nodded, rising to my feet before turning to him once more.
"I'll be waiting for you in your chambers, my love."
He didn't look at me.
A small smirk tugged at my lips as I turned and walked out. A part of me recognized the danger. I had just lied to the council. And now, I had to live inside that lie… or lose my head.
After a few minutes, the door opened.
I smiled. But the expression died almost instantly. Xavier wasn't calm.He was furious. His eyes burned red as he strode toward me—and before I could react, he had me pinned against the wall. His hands slammed on either side of my head, trapping me. My breath hitched.
"I'll give you one last chance," he hissed, his voice low and lethal. "Tell me the truth." His gaze bored into mine. "Whose child are you carrying?"
For a split second, fear flickered. But I buried it just as quickly. I let a slow smirk form on my lips.
"Why do you sound like you don't remember?" I murmured softly. "What we did… right here… in your chambers?" I lifted my hand, brushing my fingers lightly against his face.
"Your child is growing inside me, Xavier." I leaned in just slightly, my voice dropping.
"I think it's time you let that human girl go."