CHAPTER 36: CHAPTER 36: THE PERFECT DAY TO BE CUNNING

I just watched and let fear overtake me. And now, Alpha Torrin is dead. My wolf and I both felt it.

He didn’t even get the chance to see and hold, let alone learn about our baby.

"The physical trauma of a mate’s death will only be felt momentarily. You won’t lose your wolf, nor die. Your strength will come back soon," the ob-gyn says.

I’ve heard that over and over again: a mate’s death is nothing compared to a mate’s rejection. Still, the mental and emotional traumas of him being gone forever and knowing I’m partly to blame for it will stay with me for the rest of my life.

I’ve lost a huge chunk of my will to live. If only I’m not pregnant...

I pause when my wolf scolds me with a low growl and a sharp glare.

I’m sorry. I shouldn’t think like this. The Moon Goddess gave me this baby so I’d continue living.

I caress my belly with a small smile forming through my tears.

I promise, mommy will do everything to keep you safe and happy. And I’m sorry I failed to protect your daddy. But I know he’ll be watching over us wherever he may be now.

I turn to Damian, who’s angrily yelling into his phone on the balcony.

I’ll find a way to avenge Torrin. But I need to be extremely careful, so I won’t face the consequences.

You’ll pay for everything you did, Damian, and your father too.

Days pass, and the search for Torrin’s corpse continues. Atticus is certain he’s dead because my wolf and I felt it, while Damian remains anxious and refuses to believe it until he sees the body with his own eyes.

Over these days, I force myself to eat and try not to think about Torrin and the happy times we shared. The ob-gyn says I must do it for the baby’s sake. Still, from time to time, especially at night, I can’t help but to cry myself to sleep while curled up on the bed.

Tonight is no different. So when I wake up, my eyes are red and swollen again.

Damian meets me in my bedroom, trying hard to hide his guilt. "Uhm... today is my promotion, which was delayed because of... circumstances. High-ranked werewolves from allied packs will attend to celebrate with me. I’ll introduce you to them as my future wife. I don’t have to remind you, but please fix yourself. Put on makeup to hide the swelling in your eyes. And smile, even if it’s just fake. I don’t want them seeing the upsetting reality of our bond."

He doesn’t say it aloud today, but his threat still holds for sure: if I don’t behave, he’ll send me back to jail.

I drag myself to prepare: take a two-hour bath, put on makeup that barely hides my pain, and wear the best winter dress in the closet.

Before noon, as Damian and I walk toward the pack’s massive common garden, I notice that most of the Frostveil commoners - the ones with no distinct hierarchical position in the pack, but are still respected and taken care of, avoid him, even his gaze. They turn away quickly or rush into their houses as if pretending he doesn’t exist.

Damian tries not to show he’s bothered, but his slipping composure is clear in the way his jaw keeps clenching.

I’m sure no one except those of us at the cliff last night knows about Alpha Torrin’s death, since no public announcement has been made. But even if they learn the truth, I doubt any of them will be brave enough to do anything about it. They succumbed to Atticus’ cruelty when Torrin was still alive, what more now?

Even the Omegas, who are setting the tables, food, and drinks in the garden, barely lift their gazes to glance at either Atticus or Damian. Half of the Gammas are uneasy too; only those loyal to Atticus and Damian seem excited about this event. The council members, unlike usual, aren’t talking to each other. Tension is palpable. Some are frowning, while others wear smug smiles.

Good. This gives me a boost to continue what I’ve started: gather those who don’t like Atticus and Damian then overthrow them!

Once I succeed, I’ll lead the pack, together with my child - Torrin’s only heir!

The mistletoes and winter aconites add a surprising boost of confidence to me.

When the non-Frostveil guests start arriving, I discreetly move closer to those plants and pick as many as I can. Then I walk toward Francheska, who’s in the corner removing the frozen flowers from the ground, and whisper, "Grind and put these in the wines. Be careful not to get caught. Seek Eric’s help so he can warn those who are still on our side not to drink the wines."

Francheska looks scared and hesitant for a moment, but luckily she still agrees. "This won’t kill, right?"

"No. Just... for a show," I say, winking at her.

The event continues with Atticus’ convoluted speech about why Damian deserves the promotion.

Surprisingly yet amusedly,...

One of the guests audaciously asks, "Is the rumor true that Alpha Torrin isn’t dead yet and is just locked up in the prison?"

Atticus’ face turns sour, while Damian’s jaw clenches for a split second.

"Where did you hear that rumor?" Atticus asks.

"It’s what your packmates on the streets were whispering when we arrived here," another guest chimes in.

Atticus lets out a nervous laugh. "Of course it isn’t true. Torrin is gone. He had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, which we tried to hide from all of you for our pack’s pride and security. One day he suddenly left us, and the next thing we knew, he was killed by rogues."

Murmurs erupt.

Then,...

Philip, whom I hadn’t even noticed arrived with Lance, Aiko, and the rest of the Dunebourne council, says sarcastically, "What a convenient way to become the new Alphas. Congratulations to you and your son."

Silence falls. Followed by fake, awkward laughs from Atticus’ loyal Gammas and council members in an attempt to pacify the growing tension.

It seems the Dunebourne and Frostveil Packs haven’t fully reconciled after all. Regardless, I’m enjoying the scene. I wish they’d continue and end up fighting and killing each other right here, right now, so my mission would be easier to accomplish.

But,...

Atticus, though awkwardly, successfully turns the situation around by brushing off Philip’s remarks and having Damian finally sign some papers and deliver his oath.

Claps roar, some genuine, others forced.

Damian holds my hand and gives me a warning look when I hesitate to follow him to the front.

"Everyone," he begins, facing the guests again with me standing by his side. "Some of you may have already met Harleigh Hale before, but let me introduce her again. She’s my mate and also my future wife."

My entire body clenches when he places his hand on my belly and adds, "And I’m also pleased to announce that we’re expecting our first baby."

As another round of claps echoes, Damian whispers in my ear, "Smile."

Before I can obey him, Aiko grabs everyone’s attention. "You’re such an Alpha collector. Congratulations on being that skilled."

Lance irritably pulls her back into her seat, glaring at her.

I try my best to ignore her, but anger forces me to blurt out, "At least I’m not an Alpha stealer."

Gasps and murmurs, followed by suppressed laughs echo. Aiko’s face turns red out of embarrassment as she descends her glare from me to her lap.

Damian proudly smiles at me, then kisses my cheek. I recoil, which earns me a warning glare from him. Lance, on the other hand, is glaring at us with his jaw clenched, jealousy written all over his face.

Male wolves really hate seeing others claim their mates, even if they don’t feel real bonds with them. Utterly pathetic!

Damian gently rubs his fingers against mine. When I turn to him, he suddenly slams his lips against mine, making some of the she-wolves giggle. His other hand grips the back of my head, making sure I can’t pull away and embarrass him.

"I love you," he whispers.

When I don’t respond, his smile falters, and pain flickers through his eyes. But instead of threatening me, he simply lets it go.

A moment later, the main event begins: food and wines are served at the same time.

Damian stands, clinks his wine glass with a fork, and says, "Cheers! Please enjoy our pack’s delicacies!"

Just when he’s about to sip his wine, several glasses suddenly shatter on the frosty ground, followed by heavy wheezing and pained groans. Some guests clutch their chests; others grab their stomachs or even their butts. Within seconds, more than half of the attendees are doing the same.

They’re working! Mistletoes can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea, while winter aconites can cause heart issues. Since I only managed to get a few, the amounts aren’t enough to kill anyone. But it’s enough to help me with my plans.

Panic erupts while medics are quickly summoned.

I try not to laugh, feigning a concerned and confused expression.

To add to my delight, Lance angrily yells, "They invited us here not to celebrate Damian Chandler’s questionable promotion, but to poison us! They’re no allies!"

Atticus and Damian’s faces turn pale, their mouths hanging open, their bodies tensed, while their allies glare at them with fury and distrust.