Chapter 2

The moment I pushed open the door, the intimate atmosphere in the hunting tent hit me in the face.

Kael was sitting on the sofa fastening his belt. His collar hung open, and the hickeys covering his neck stung my eyes.

Lila leaned against him disheveled. When she saw me enter, not only did she not panic, she actually snuggled closer into Kael's arms and smiled at me smugly.

I froze in place, all the blood in my body turning ice cold in an instant.

Kael glanced up at me and frowned impatiently.

"Why are you back? Didn't you say getting the anti-miscarriage medicine from the doctor would take until evening?"

No explanation, no guilt, just irritation at being interrupted.

Lila pushed him away half-heartedly and stood up supporting her waist. Her legs were still trembling, her voice soft and weak.

"Elara, don't misunderstand. I just saw that Kael has been so tired from work lately, so I came over to give him a shoulder massage..."

"A shoulder massage that ended up in bed?" My voice shook uncontrollably, tears falling without permission.

Kael laughed mockingly, stood up and walked over to me, his fingertips casually brushing away the tears on my face.

"Elara, can't you be more understanding? You're pregnant, so I can't stay pent up forever, right?

Lila is one of us. She's considerate and willing to help me release my needs. What are you making a fuss about?"

"I'm making a fuss?" I looked up at him in disbelief. "Kael, she's my sister! My sister who I raised for over ten years!"

"So what?" Kael shrugged. "Look at yourself now. Where's even half of Lila's gentleness?

If it weren't for the fact that you're carrying my child, I wouldn't even want to waste words on you."

His words were like a hunting knife coated with wolfsbane, stabbing viciously into my heart.

I endured the pregnancy swelling alone to queue at the hospital, get blood drawn, and do prenatal checkups.

I was nearly hit by an out-of-control rogue outside the hospital.

And I was still making excuses for Kael, saying he was busy with work, so it was normal he didn't have time to accompany me.

But I never imagined he was having a great time with my adopted sister in my bed.

Kael crossed his arms and leaned against the sofa with a condescending air of having already compromised.

"Alright, Lila and I have done it many times already. Crying about it now won't help."

"I know you're upset. Whatever you want, limited edition jewelry or company shares, I'll give it to you. Let's just turn the page on this. Don't let the whole Pack know. It's embarrassing enough."

He spoke lightly, as if the affair was just a small matter that could be glossed over with some gifts.

I trembled with rage, staring at him with red eyes.

"Kael, I don't want any jewelry or shares. I want you to kick Lila out of the Pack right now and cut ties with her completely!"

I thought my absolute bottom line would make him restrain himself even a little.

Instead, Kael actually laughed out loud, as if he'd heard the biggest joke.

"Elara, has pregnancy made you stupid? I'm giving you a way out. Take it. Don't be shameless."

"Kick Lila out? On what grounds? She's someone the Elder Council is focused on cultivating now."

"Besides," Kael looked at me with an ambiguous smile, "if she leaves, can you satisfy me while you're pregnant?"

He grabbed my chin, his grip so hard it hurt.

"Let me tell you, without me, you're nothing. Do you think your biased mother will take your side? If this gets out, you're the one who'll be humiliated. You're the one people will laugh at. At worst, Lila will just be called inconsiderate for a bit, and I can still protect her."

I tried to raise my hand to hit him, but he grabbed my wrist.

"Want to teach me a lesson?" Kael sneered and flung my hand away. "Are you worthy? Just give birth to the child obediently and be a good Luna. I'll still give you some dignity. If you insist on making a scene, you'll only end up humiliating yourself."