Page 23 of The Baby Contract

"Thank you for the invitation-"

"As much as I am honored by your invitation to this year's ball, I will not be able to attend this year." I gulped, anxious as the King's assistant sounded horrified from the other side of the phone.

"As you know, I am expecting- "I started before she cut me off, her annoying voice raspy yapping sharply. "Yes, yes, I know. I know I am supposed to attend."

"With all due respect, I hope you can make an exception for my situation," I tried again, annoyed with her lack of empathy.

Her yapping became louder over the phone as she continued, becoming increasingly pushy. "Right, right I know the King will be expecting me," I growled slightly, becoming increasingly annoyed.

"I have attended the ball every year; so I hope you can make an exception for—" she cut me off again, her voice becoming increasingly urgent.

"Right, right- "I sighed, rubbing my temples. "I 'll be there, fine, yes-"

Her voice became yappy and excited as she scribbled down my acceptance of the invitation, bidding me farewell as she slammed down the phone.

I groaned, my wolf letting out venomous growls inside of me. He didn't like the fact that we were leaving Millie and our pups, just as much as I did.

"It's that time of the year, huh?" Boris sipped his drink, raising his brows over his glass.

I sighed, taking the bottle from the desk, not even bothering to call a maid, before pouring myself my own drink. "I hate this fucking shit," I growled, sipping my drink. "I don't get why I must go this year. The King knows that I am expecting a pup."

"I mean, pups now- "my heartbeat happily hearing it out loud.

"I can always watch Millie, Alpha," Boris snarked, his stare intense over his glass. "I cared for her just fine before you had to get your way with the elders."

"Don't be a smart ass, Boris- "I growled, my teeth growing slightly. "Millie is pregnant with my pups, not yours."

Boris held his hands up in surrender, leaning back on the couch. "I won't stay long," I announced, my wolf becoming increasingly jealous. "I will be back as soon as the ball is over."

"You used to enjoy going to this ball, you looked forward to it every year," Boris nudged, a smart look on his face.

"Yeah, well- "I slowly reached for the gold frame still lying face down on my desk, peeking at the picture of Ember and me, my heart clenching at the memories. I looked different back then, I was joyful, vibrant..

"That was when I still had a Luna- "I whispered, putting the picture back down. "Now I'm just a single, miserable, Alpha."

"I mean, you said it- "A small smile played at Boris' lips. "Not me."

The week before the ball was always hectic in the Stormblade mansion. The seamstresses had come to make me a new suit for the ball, interrupting my work numerous times to come and take my measurements for my new royal outfit.

Every year, the seamstresses made me a new impressive outfit, making sure to make it better, and more regal than the last. Dressing in your best was something every Alpha and his Luna did every year. It brought honor to your pack to be best dressed.

They had always made Ember the most gorgeous, elaborate, ball gowns for the ball. The way her makeup, hair, and hugged every part of her body perfectly, she was easily the prettiest Luna in attendance, at least to me.

I shook my head from the thought as I loaded up my belongings in the car, with the help of Ingrid, who insisted on helping.

"Ingrid, you don't have to help me, you are not my maid anymore," I sighed for the hundredth time, as she placed my packed suitcases in the car.

Ingrid laughed, as she rubbed my arms lightly. "I've been your maid for ten years, Alpha. Helping you prepare for the ball is one of my favorite parts of the year."

I smiled down at her small and fragile figure. "Take care of Millie," I squeezed her arm in return before slipping into the driver's seat of my Jaguar.

"Always," she promised, tapping the window, before taking a few steps back as the engine roared, waving sweetly as I left for the King's castle.

My wolf whined as we drove further from the pack house, twirling inside of me to look back longingly at the pack house before it disappeared in the distance.

My heart ached as I glanced down at the empty seat beside me, my thoughts wandering back to Millie, no matter how much I tried to think about other things.

Her long soft hair, her sweet kind face, her lips, which were the perfect shade of pink, they were so kis-

I shook my head, shaking the images. My wolf pushed the thoughts again, indulging in the images he made of her. It seemed to be the only thing that calmed his whining as we created a distance from home, so I let him wander.

And, secretly, I liked it too.

--

The sounds of conversation, laughter, and music boomed from inside the grand ballroom, soon becoming louder as the guards bowed to me before opening the heavy doors for me to enter.

The ballroom was illuminated with dancing couples, the Alpha's spinning their Lunas around sweetly on the dance floor, some holding their mates close as they danced intimately, their chests touching with delicacy.

Maids, dressed in short satin dresses, swarmed around the tables to the sitting couples, serving trays of appetizers and fancy cocktails.

The castle was decorated in a beautiful white theme this year, the chandeliers dancing in the soft lighting, illuminating the ballroom floor. The tables were decorated with tall crystal vases filled with-

Roses.

"There he is!" A voice boomed in the distance. I tore my eyes from the most perfect white roses to the approaching Alpha. "Long time, no see!"

"Cypress- "I reached out to shake hands with the Alpha. Alpha Cypress Lunar looked the same as he always did, his usual charming smile playing on his lips. He had a few grey hairs, his wrinkles evident as he approached.

"I almost thought you wouldn't come, Stormblade." He hit my shoulder jokingly. "There were some rumors that you denied the King's invitation."

"Well, I'm here- "I smiled quickly, hiding my distaste. "I wouldn't miss it."

Alpha Lunar seemed to pick up on my tone, nodding slightly. "I heard you are expecting a pup- "he said quickly, as a maid came over to offer us a cocktail. "Congratulations, Alpha. I know that's something you and Luna Ember always wanted."

The pain in his voice was evident. I know Alpha Lunar and his pack suffered greatly at the news of Ember's passing, as he cared deeply for his pack members like a true leader did. He was elated when Ember announced that I was her mate.

It was hard to let her go from the pack, but they were honored that she was chosen by the moon goddess to be a Luna.

I took a big swig of my cocktail, hoping the alcohol would take effect soon. "Thank you, Alpha. I appreciate your well wishes."

Alpha Lunar stood with his cocktail, still full, as he looked at my empty glass. He breathed sadly, his shoulders sagging. Here we go with pity.

"You know, Stormblade," he sighed, looking at me with narrowed eyes. "I hope you know that what happened is not your fault,"

He leaned in closer, his voice turning into a whisper. "No one could have ever guessed that there would have been a fire that night, I mean- "he shook his head. "It came out of nowhere."

The fire.

The one Ember became engulfed in, in what would have been, a perfect evening. We were in Moonstone Valley, a new vacation destination, one that Ember had begged me to go to for months.

She was adamant about going there, even though it was hours away from Stormblade. And, I, the lover struck Alpha, said yes, wanting to please my mate.

It was one of the best times we ever spent together in Moonstone. It was a gorgeous, secluded destination, with a cabin far away from the bustle of daily life. It was perfect for us, to get away from our hectic duties at home.

"Hey, baby?" Ember rolled over in the grass, staring up at me with her big, puppy eyes. The ones that made my heart pound and swoon like a crazy wolf.

"Yes?" I purred, caressing her hair.

"I'm going back to the cabin quick," she smirked, a devious look playing on her lips. "I have a surprise for you." She wiggled her brows seductively.

"Oh?" I raised my brow. "Well, why don't I go with you, we can have a few more rounds back at the cabin." I winked, eager to make love to my mate again.

Ember giggled, abruptly sitting up. "Or we can do a few more right here- "my voice becoming dark and demanding. "I'm not picky."

"Slow your roll, Alpha," she pushed my chest. "Just stay here. I'll be back."

She stood, wrapping a blanket around her naked body. "Fine. This surprise better be worth waiting for." I groaned, leaning back on my elbows.

Ember quickly pecked my lips before running off towards the cabin, leaving me alone in the forest, watching her until she disappeared inside, looking at me one more time with a wave, before shutting the door.

A few minutes later, was when I felt the heat. The fire lighting up the cabin with its red and yellow flame. "Ember?" I stood quickly, my eyes wide at the sight.

"Ember!" I screamed, running towards the cabin without a second thought, my legs breaking out in a supernatural-like speed. "Ember, get out of there!"

My heart beat out of my chest, and into my throat, as I watched the roof catch onto the flame, spreading like wild.

As I approached the porch, a loud, boom blew me off my feet, knocking me back on the grass. A huge cloud of smoke engulfed my body, flooding my lungs as I fought desperately to open my eyes.

"Ember!" I cried, the debris piercing into my eyes. I blinked, staring into the cloud of black smoke as it cleared, my ear drums pounding from the explosion.

The cabin was gone.

"No, no!" I screamed, my vocal cords strained. I ran to where the cabin once was, to only find bits of burnt wood, a small flame still dancing in the cold, night air.

That night, I howled endlessly into the midnight sky, searching desperately through the debris, holding onto the hope that maybe, just maybe, Ember would be somewhere under it.

That was my wolf thinking. But I knew she would never have survived that explosion.

"Ember?" I whispered, a tear sliding down my cheek, as I collapsed onto my knees, the pain, that pain, starting. The pain spread just as fast as the wildfire over my body, signaling the loss of our bond.

Confirming that Ember was dead.

I laid in the debris, wallowing in heartbreak and disbelief, as my heart clenched in pain, my wolf slowly killing himself inside of me until he was gone.

It wasn't until a neighboring pack reported the sound that Boris and Dad came. Only to find me lying in the rubble, that once was our dream vacation.

"Stormblade?" Alpha Lunar tapped my shoulder. "Are you okay, buddy?"

I snapped back to reality, the sounds of the busting joyful party flooding my senses. "Ugh- "I blinked, taking a deep breath. "Yeah, I think I just need another drink."

Alpha Lunar looked at me with a sympathetic glance, before calling over a maid with a tray full of cocktails. I took another drink, replacing my now, empty one.

"My mate will be happy to see you," he smiled, looking back at his mate, who was now dancing on the packed dance floor, with a few other Lunas. "I'm sure she will want a dance."

I nodded, flashing a quick smile. "Ha!" a pair of hands clapped. "There you are Stormblade!"

My wolf jumped up at the sound of Orion's voice, twirling anxiously inside of my chest as he approached, with his son in tow behind him.

His son avoided my eyes, keeping them on the ground in front of him as if it was painful to even look at me. He looked pale and meek as he trailed behind his father slowly.

On the other hand, his father, Alpha Orion, looked to be the happiest wolf on this planet, excitedly waving his drink in the air as he approached us.

Alpha Lunar looked behind at the sight, before shaking his head slightly. "I better go." He cleared his throat. "Come join us when you finish." He said, before bowing slightly to Orion in greetings before returning to the dance floor with his mate.

"Well, well- "Orion strutted before me, swirling his drink. "Just the man I was looking for."

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