Chapter 2

Kaitlin's POV

The next morning, I woke to a familiar voice calling from downstairs. "Kaitlin!"

I dressed and went down. Phillip's mother fixed me with a look of reproach and urgency. "Another month gone, and still no sign of a child? As the tribe's Luna, you must bear an heir soon. Preferably this year."

I lowered my eyes, my expression calm, pretending not to hear.

Behind me, Phillip approached, his lips pressed thin. "We do need an heir. Mother, rest assured. Kaitlin and I planned to have a child this year. This afternoon, we'll visit the clinic to ensure our bodies are in top condition."

She nodded, satisfied. "The Moon Goddess will bless you with a healthy pup soon."

I met Phillip's gaze, a faint smile curling my lips, barely noticeable.

My wolf growled low, anger surging in my chest.

I had overheard his talk with his Beta.

After all, Phillip and I only held a bonding ceremony. He never marked me.

Once, I loved him so deeply that I wanted to give him one last chance.

If he saw me as a tool, I'd leave without hesitation and marry the heir my foster parents chose.

Half an hour later, we entered the private clinic.

The chief healer awaited, bowing as I stepped in. "Luna Kaitlin, please change into the gown. We'll administer the injection at the most comfortable angle, but the process may be uncomfortable. Please bear with it."

I closed my eyes, bitterness flooding my heart.

Phillip reached for my fingertips, his voice gentle as if to soothe. "Don't be afraid. Haven't you always wanted a pup? In vitro tech is advanced now. A few ovulation shots, and it'll be quick."

My wolf snarled in my mind.

We were healthy, yet he'd rather use in vitro than mark me.

What broke my heart was his plan to deceive me into being a surrogate for Rosalyn.

I pressed my chest, trembling as I shook my head. "I refuse."

Phillip's brow furrowed. "As the tribe's Luna, you have a duty to bear an heir."

He softened, his tone guilty. "In vitro lets us choose the best genes. It's better than natural mating. You never received the tribe's Luna token, right? Once you're pregnant, I'll get it from my mother for you."

My fingers gripped my clothing, my heart aching. "I don't..."

He cut me off. "Enough. I'll go get the token from my mother now, alright? Take the Luna for her injection," he ordered before hurrying out.

The clinic belonged to the Alpha. From wolf guards to healers, everyone answered to him. Before I could escape, guards forced me back to the operating room.

Anesthetic hit, and dizziness overwhelmed me. I passed out.

When I woke, it was the next morning. A single healer stood by.

"Luna, you're awake! Thank goodness. Your body reacted strongly during the egg retrieval, but you're safe."

The healer opened a box containing six vials.

I froze.

These were...

"We can now select an embryo for implantation... Luna! What are you doing!"

Before the healer finished, I knocked the box to the floor, the vials shattering. "I won't do it."

The healer didn't know Phillip's true plan-to trick me with someone else's eggs. They'd already combined our cells.

I stared at the embryos on the floor, my heart twisting. These were my children with him.

The healer dropped to their knees, terrified. "If the Alpha finds out..."

"Then let him ask."

Once, I dreamed of being marked by him, of bearing a pup with our blood.

Now, I wanted nothing but to leave, free of ties.

...

Back home, a wolf guard rushed in, his tone grave. "Luna, border patrol found something odd. They dug up a strange stone."

My heart tightened. It could be a move by the enemy.

"I'm going now," I said firmly.

Even if I planned to leave Phillip, I still had a duty to protect this land.

I shifted into wolf form and led two guards to the border forest.

The rain-soaked earth was damp, the air heavy with an unfamiliar scent.

Following it, I spotted a small team entering the patrol zone from the northern territory-led by Phillip, with Rosalyn in his arms.

"Phillip, put me down," Rosalyn's voice was soft and sweet.

"It just rained. The ground will dirty your shoes." Phillip's expression was tender as he set her on a clean rock.

Rosalyn noticed me, her face stiffening. "Kaitlin?"