Page 28 of The Baby Contract

I didn't sleep for a moment.

My eyes stayed glued to the door as I lay in bed, halfway expecting that he would come back and sleep here like he had the night before he left for the Alpha Summit.

But now, I thought at any moment that door might open, and he would come in, either not being able to wait to inflict my punishments, or to make sure I didn't run away in the middle of the night.

But, he never did.

I had lied to the Alpha, and I know, he knew, from the darkness that swirled deep inside his eyes as the lies left my lips. I was in trouble.

Great job digging your grave, Millie. Lying to the Alpha.

I knew deep down that my babies would be okay here. Even though the dinner didn't go as planned, the Stormblades seemed like kind people.

They wouldn't let anything happen to their grandchildren. They were wanted and loved here.

Nova, on the other hand, I could only wish that she had found her mate, who turned out to be some strong, powerful, but kind wolf. I imagined that her Prince Charming saved her from Eclipse, after cursing out our poor excuse for leaders.

That thought comforted me.

Luna Kate had left the dessert on my bed last night, offering me a small, sad smile. "I'm sorry for my son, Millie." She sighed, putting a small fork beside the cake and pie.

"I'll be sure to punish my mate for this," Luna assured.

I wanted to tell the Luna that there was no need for that, but she seemed persistent, and it wasn't my place to tell her what to do.

She left after that, closing the door quietly as she poked her head around, waving sadly at me. "Get some rest, sweetheart." She smiled sympathetically, shame plastered on her features, embarrassed by the new details she had learned over dinner.

When she left, I watched the clock as I lay in darkness. It passed like molasses, taunting me with what was to come.

Was he going to punish me? Hit me? Whip me with chains like Orion did? Or just with his bare hands?

I shifted in the sheets, pulling them up to my chin like they could protect me. I'm sure Alpha Stormblade had many more weapons and devices to use on me than Orion. I bet he had miles of torture devices below this house.

What did Alpha Stormblade even want that information about my past for? He made it clear he didn't have an interest in me, so why would he want to know about my life?

Ingrid came in at her usual time, chipper and as happy as ever. She brought her usual breakfast options for me, watching me carefully as I took slow, forced bites.

"Alpha ordered me to get you dressed in something comfortable today," she smiled softly. "A sweater and leggings okay?"

Something casual. Guess I didn't need to be dressed up to be beaten.

"Yeah," I said, playing with the pancake in front of me. I stared down at it, despising its existence.

I wanted to stop Ingrid and ask her what to expect, to beg her to convince him not to hurt me. I felt like a little girl, small, and fragile begging for forgiveness and comfort.

But that wasn't me; I swallowed my fear. I was the daughter of my mother and father. I was fearless and resilient.

"I hope you both have a good time," Ingrid patted my back encouragingly as we walked to the Alpha's office. "I think you both could use some time away."

Before I had a chance to answer, Ingrid knocked on the large set of doors. "Alpha- "

His office was dark and quiet, the blinds drawn closed. Did he forget about our meeting? Maybe he realized it wasn't that important after all.

That happy thought didn't last for long before the door swung open, his strong fresh scent flooding my nose. "Ingrid, Millie- he greeted.

Alpha was more casual today. He wore a sweater that clung to his abs and a pair of dark jeans, his hair dark and a little messy. He didn't look royal today, in fact, he looked quite normal.

Ingrid and I bowed in his presence. "She's all yours, Alpha," Ingrid pushed me forward before stepping back. "I'll be back later. You both have fun now, don't get into too much trouble."

At that, Alpha stepped back, inviting me into his office. "Come in, Millie. I've been waiting for you."

I took a slow step inside, Alpha Stormblade shutting the door behind us. Leaving me defenseless and alone.

I felt his heat creep up behind me, stalking over my small figure. Oh goddess, here it comes. I'm really going to get it now.

"Millie?" He questioned, his voice filled with curiosity and anticipation.

I turned at the sound of his voice, expecting to see the form of torture in his large, veiny hand, ready to beat me until he got the information he desperately wanted.

But it wasn't that at all.

It was a bouquet of roses.

My eyes widened, confused at the image in front of me. Alpha extended them towards me, a hopeful smile on his face as he held out the flowers.

"I hope you like them," he said nervously. "I wasn't sure what color you liked, so I got a little bit of everything."

Although I didn't want to admit it, it was one of the most gorgeous arrangements of roses I had seen. They were different shades of pink, red, and white, all tied up in an elegant white bow.

"Oh." I breathed, taking them. "Um- thank you, Alpha."

Was this some sort of trick? A way to see how I reacted and then beat me when I made the wrong choice?

Alpha Stormblade smiled happily when I took the roses. "You look nice, Millie." He noted. "Ingrid followed my direction well."

He walked to his desk, reaching in to pull a pair of shiny car keys out. "I hope you are feeling up for a little ride."

He stuffed the keys in his pocket, closing the drawer and locking it. "Follow me."

As we walked through the pack house, a few wolves stopped to bow to Alpha Stormblade. Their eyes were drawn to not only me, but to us together, curious about our joint presence. The gossip spread quickly, their small, hushed whispers becoming more evident as more wolves spotted us.

Alpha flipped on the lights to the garage, revealing rows of luxury cars, an indulgence Grey could only dream about.

Alpha opened the door to the passenger seat of a ruby-red Jaguar, signaling for me to get in. I followed his orders, slipping into the black leather seat.

Where was Alpha taking me? To some secluded place where he could torture the information, he wanted so badly out of me?

If Nova was here, I know she would be beside herself, ready to be tortured by the hands of a powerful, sexy man. It was the subject of one of her many fantasies about her charming prince.

I flinched as Alpha bent down to reach over me in the seat. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you." He said, before grabbing the seat belt and buckling me in. "Just the seat belt."

He shut my door, appearing in his seat in a flash. He pulled the keys out of his pocket, turning the car on, its engine roaring with excitement.

As he pulled out of the garage, I noticed a large gathering of wolves waiting outside, whispering in each other's ears, jumping up, and pointing at the car excitedly.

"Don't pay attention to them," Alpha sighed. "They don't mean it in a bad way. This is just the first time in years they've seen their Alpha out with a woman."

My cheeks flamed. "Um yeah-" I cleared my throat. "It's okay."

I watched out the window as we drove through Stormblade lands, quickly passing the residential parts, and into the thick of the forest. Even though the silence was loud between us, I felt Alpha stealing looks at me periodically as he drove.

"Would you like some music?" He finally cut through the silence, shuffling through the radio stations. "Country, pop?"

"Anything is fine," I said, keeping my eyes put on the passing forest.

"One of my favorites." He said, turning up a jazz station.

The jazz music made our awkward silence a little bit well, less awkward. We drove after that for what seemed like hours, my eyes getting heavy with sleep.

"Alpha?" I stifled the courage, my heart beating fast as the forest became thicker and more secluded.

"Yes?" He asked curiously, stealing a look at me.

"Do you mind if I ask where we are going?" I gulped. "We've been driving for a while."

"We are actually here," Alpha made a turn, revealing a small house with a small lake bordering it, blue and sparking with the sunlight.

He stopped the car out front. I reached to open my door, but Alpha beat me to it with his super speed. He reached in and unbuckled my seat belt before offering me his hand.

"This is one of my houses," he informed, pulling out two bags from the trunk of the car, and swinging them over his shoulder. "Come."

An oasis wasn't enough to describe this place. It was the perfect little decorated beach house, delicately colored in blue and white.

I took a cautious step inside, my eyes widening at the sight. A large white sectional couch sat in the middle of the living room in front of a huge flat-screen TV. A bookshelf of CDs and books lay on a bookshelf beside it.

The kitchen was decorated with the most beautiful white and silver cabinetry. It was equipped with a large selection of pots and pans, hanging from their respective hooks. The window over the sink displayed a perfect view of the small sandy beach.

Alpha locked the door behind us before disappearing into one of the rooms and setting down the bags. "I'm sure you are hungry after the long drive."

"Anything you are craving?" He opened the doors to the fridge. "If I don't have it, I will get it."

My stomach being the little imposter it was, growled at the mention of food. "Whatever you have is fine."

"What about a steak?" He offered, pulling out what looked like freshly caught red meat.

I nodded, offering a slight smile. "Yes. Thank you, Alpha."

Alpha pulled a silver pan off the hook. "Steak it is. Feel free to freshen up or take some rest while I prepare our lunch."

"Your bag is in that room," he pointed, revealing a cozy blue bedroom with a large king-sized bed in the middle. It was decorated with a blue and white comforter, with two nightstands by its side.

"My bag?" I asked, inspecting the two bags on top of the bed.

"Yes, Ingrid packed it for you," The steak seared loudly as it hit the pan. "She said that was everything you would need for a few days."

"A few days?" My breath hitched, surprised at this news. "Like, we are staying here for a few days, together?"

Alpha flipped the steak in the pan nonchalantly. He nodded, never taking his eyes off it. "Yes- "he answered shortly. "Your bag is the white one. The black is mine."

I opened the white bag, revealing a few perfectly rolled outfits and some other essentials. I guess it would be nice to freshen up.

"You can close the door, Millie. "His voice became deep, as he flipped the steaks. "Unless you want me to look."

I blushed, closing the door quickly at his words, thankful for the barrier between us. I slipped into the connecting bathroom, turning on the water as hot as it could go, my back and feet hurting slightly from my pregnancy.

Once I finished, I changed into a long-sleeved white dress Ingrid had packed me, with a knitted brown vest to go on top. I braided my hair in a long French braid down my back, stopping when I realized that I didn't have a hair tie.

I walked out into the bedroom, holding the end of my braid. I wonder if he had a hair tie floating around in here somewhere.

Maybe inside one of the nightstands?

I knew Alpha Stormblade wouldn't like me prying around in what I guessed was his bedroom. I looked back at the door, finding it still closed. Just be quick.

I opened the drawer, finding it only filled with boxes of-

Condoms.

Did Alpha Stormblade bring me out here to have sex? I mean, it was the perfect place with no one around. No one to hear us...

My own body betrayed me, seeming satisfied with this thought. I recalled what he looked like in his sweater, the fabric hugging onto his toned muscles, exposing his rock-hard chest, his large veiny hand gripping the flowers.

What the hell was wrong with me?

I slammed the door shut quickly, eager to stop my naughty thinking. "Ah!" I whimpered, my finger getting stuck between the drawer. "Shit." That's what you get for thinking naughty, Nova-like thoughts.

"Millie-"Alpha knocked a second later, "I heard something slam, are you okay?"

Yeah, I'm good. Just found boxes of condoms on your nightstand, just wondering when you will be using those, Alpha.

"Hey- "he opened the door, surveying the scene in front of him. His lips turned up a slight smirk, as he leaned on the door frame with his arms crossed, looking amused. "Did you find what you were looking for?"

"Um-"my face turned a bright shade of red. "I was just-"

Alpha pushed off the door frame; his heat, now even more than before, showered me in waves as it burned in an inferno. He stalked behind me, reaching over my shoulder to pull open the drawer, almost as if he were teasing me.

To my surprise, Alpha let out a humorous chuckle. "Condoms scared you, huh?"

He lowered his mouth close to my ear, his breath hot and demanding. "Don't be worried." He whispered in my ear, his voice deep and husky. "We don't have to do anything you don't want to-"

"But if we did," his husky, deep voice made my body erupt in shivers. "I don't think we would be needing those."

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