Page 77 of Princess Redeemed

She’s right.This isn’t about me being a vampire princess, or a woman outmatched by a she-wolf.It’s about me being a mother fighting for her child against whatever threats come our way, no matter how formidable they may seem.

I set my cup down and look Alara squarely in the eye.“You’re right,” I say, my voice steady and resolved.“For my child, I can face anything.And for Rogan.I will defeat Eris.”

Alara smiles and places a comforting hand on my shoulder.“Your strength and character will be great allies, but your greatest defense will be your love.”

The tension in the room slowly loosens as we sit in silence and drink our tea.Outside the city buzzes, but it feels distant, in a different world entirely.

After a while, Alara stands.“You should get some rest now.I’ll stay here tonight in case you need anything.”

“I’ll be fine, Alara,” I say out of reflex more than anything else.

“We’ve been through this, Hannah.It’s what your father would want.Besides, you don’t have to do everything alone.Let me help you.”

I don’t respond.My mind is already spinning with thoughts about what lies ahead.I’m grateful for Alara’s presence, her lessons, her unwavering support.But as she leaves the room, the silence that settles in echoes with my lingering worries.

I rise, walk, and lie down on my bed, feeling the soft cushion cradle me.I stare at the ceiling, my hand resting on my abdomen—a silent vow to protect the life growing within me.

As I close my eyes, Rogan’s image surfaces in my mind.His touch, his voice, his—at the time—loyalty.Despite everything, despite all the manipulation and deception on my father’s part, Rogan loved me.Truly loved me.

Is that love strong enough to conquer fate?

For I now know my destiny.I must face Eris.I must destroy her.

Rogan’s fated mate.

And if his heart has followed his soul, if he loves her now and has forsaken me…

He’ll never forgive me.

47

He won’t forgive me,but will he fight me?

Will he risk the life of his child inside me?

The question looms over the quiet darkness, heavy as the weight in my womb.Will he brandish a weapon against the mother of his child to protect Eris?And if he does, will I be able to strike him down?

Strike down the father of my child, who I still love?

I shudder at the thought, rolling over onto my side, curling into a ball around my child.The idea of hurting Rogan is unbearable.

I love him.

My attraction to him was founded in my father’s manipulation, but I grew to love him, and I love him now.

And I believe he loves me.

In the wolf world, though, a fated mating trumps love.

So while hurting Rogan is unbearable to me, the notion of letting Eris harm my child is even more so.My heart aches with the conflict.

With a sigh, I force myself to push aside thoughts of Rogan and Eris and concentrate on the baby.It’s not just about me anymore, not just about Rogan.It’s about this small life developing within me.

Perhaps Alara is right.Perhaps my childdoescarry power.According to my father, this child was never meant to be.According to Alara, my childmustbe.

I don’t know who to believe anymore.

It’s in these thoughts that I finally drift off to sleep.