Chapter 66 secrecy
Aelira’s POV
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I find myself holding a sealed envelope, hesitating to break its seal. Its weight seems heavier than it should be, almost as if what lies inside could
alter everything.
“Are you going to open it?” Oriana quietly asks from beside me, her gaze flitting between my face and Draven Cook’s eager look.
Draven remains seated in his wheelchair, his injured figure starkly
contrasting with the imposing enforcers standing behind him. He does not resemble the dying wolf Cyrinne described; although unwell, his alertness and presence defy her narrative.
Taking a deep breath, I rip open the envelope and extract the contents.
My heart nearly skips a beat.
Inside is a photograph depicting my brother, Jornic Sunmere, with his arm casually slung around Cyrinne Wynthor’s shoulders. Both are grinning widely at the camera, appearing more joyful than I have ever seen them
before. The timestamp indicates that the picture was taken merely two
months ago.
W
“Jornic?” I exclaim, struggling to comprehend the scene before me. “With
Cyrinne?”
Oriana leans in closer, her mouth agape. “What the hell? Your brother
knows Cyrinne? How is that even possible?”
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My fingers quiver as I study the photo. My brother–who had accused me
of our mother’s death and completely severed our relationship–seems to
be friends with the woman who has taken my mate and may have
poisoned my mother–in–law.
“I don’t understand,” I say, turning to Draven. “Where did you find this? What
does it mean?”
Draven’s blue gaze conceals any emotions as he shrugs slightly. “I figured
you might find that photo more interesting than I do.”
He offers no additional details, merely gesturing to his attendant that he’s ready to depart. The wheelchair emits soft squeaks against the polished
hospital floor as they leave, leaving behind a swirl of questions in my mind.
“Wait!” I call out, but he doesn’t glance back.
The enforcer wolves block my view as they accompany him to a waiting
vehicle.
Oriana grips my arm. “Let’s go, we need to get you home. Remember?
Doctor’s orders – bed rest.”
Still clutching the photo, I let her lead me to her car. My mind races with
chaotic thoughts. Has Jornic been collaborating with Cyrinne all along? Is
that why he was so quick to blame me for our mother’s demise? And what
could have prompted Draven Cook to reveal this information now?
“I don’t understand,” I mutter as Oriana drives out of the hospital parking lot. “As far as I know, Jornic has never even met Cyrinne. And if they did meet, how could they be so friendly?”
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Oriana keeps her attention on the road, though her grip on the steering
wheel tightens. “I don’t trust that Draven guy. Something feels off about the
entire situation.”
She is correct. The timing of Draven’s return, Cyrinne’s pregnancy, the
severing of my mate bond–none of it feels like a coincidence.
“Hey, relax,” Oriana says, noticing my furrowed brow. “It’s not good for the
pup, remember?”
I nod absentmindedly, my gaze fixed on the photograph. Jornic appears happier than I have seen him in years. What could link him to Cyrinne?
“Aelira,” Oriana’s voice shifts in tone. “Don’t look now, but I think someone
is trailing us.”
I jerk my head up. “What? Who is it?”
“A black luxury SUV, three cars behind us. It has been following us since
we left the hospital.”
I twist around in my seat, my heartbeat quickening. Through the rear
window, I notice a sleek black vehicle with tinted windows keeping a
cautious distance. My initial panic fades as I identify the emblem on the front grille.
“That’s Daelor’s car,” I exclaim, recognizing the Nightshade Pack symbol.
“But why would he be tailing us?”
Oriana’s lips curve into a knowing smile. “Maybe he has taken a liking to you more than you expected. Maybe he-” She abruptly stops as understanding hits her. “Wait. Aelira, where did we just come from?”
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<Chapter 66 secrecy
A chill courses through my veins as I grasp her implication.
“The obstetrics and gynecology department,” I murmur.
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“If he were at the hospital and spotted you there…” Oriana allows the thought to linger between us.
“Pull over,” I say quietly. “Just pull over.”
Oriana nods, signaling before guiding the car to the side of the road. The black SUV does the same, stopping at a respectful distance behind us.
“He knows,” I state, my hands instinctively moving to my belly. “He must
have seen me at the hospital and realized I’m pregnant.”
The secret I had worked so hard to protect is now laid bare. My wolf
whines anxiously from within, uncertain whether to view this as a threat.
“You need to speak with him,” Oriana suggests firmly. “It’s better to
confront it head–on than leave him guessing.”
“What if he informs Alarion?” The thought sends a wave of panic rushing
over me.
a
“Do you trust him?” Oriana’s expression grows serious.
”
Do I? Daelor had been there for me during my lowest moments. He.
supported me through the breakup of the mate bond, provided me with
shelter, and even took me to meet his family. But this situation is different.
This concerns my child – Alarion’s child.
Before I can respond, there’s a soft knock on my window. Daelor stands
outside, his tall silhouette casting a shadow over the vehicle. His silver-
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gray eyes meet mine through the glass, filled with genuine concern.
I inhale deeply and open the door.
“Are you okay?” His deep voice reflects true worry as he steps back to give
me room. “I saw you at the hospital earlier while visiting Nyven.”
His strong Alpha scent surrounds me, but unlike Alarion’s, it’s oddly
soothing. My wolf, which usually feels restless around Alphas, remains
tranquil.
“I’m fine,” I reply instinctively, then quickly amend, “Actually, that’s not
entirely accurate.”
Daelor’s stare is unwavering, his presence solid. “You were in the obstetrics and gynecology department.”
It’s not a question.
I nod slowly. “Yes.”
N
His silver–gray eyes momentarily flick to my midsection before returning to
my face. “Are you expecting, Aelira?”
The straightforwardness of his inquiry allows for no avoidance. A quiet
acceptance envelops me as I comprehend that this is occurring whether I
am prepared or not.
“Yes,” I respond, my voice surprisingly unwavering. “I am.”
Daelor takes in this revelation with notable poise, his expression showing only a hint of concern.
H
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< Chapter 66 secrecy
“Do you plan to keep it?” he asks softly.
My hand instinctively moves to cover my belly. “Yes. It’s Alarion’s,” I clarify,
feeling the need for him to grasp the entire situation. “It’s from before we
separated. I intend to raise the pup on my own once our mate bond is
dissolved.”
I scan his face for any signs of disapproval or disappointment, but see
none. Just the calm, steady presence he always brings.
“Daelor,” I say, meeting his silver–gray eyes directly, my wolf surprisingly
tranquil despite the tension in the air. “Can you keep this from Alarion? At
least until the mate bond is severed?”
For a brief moment, he remains silent. His strong Alpha scent changes
subtly with his thoughts, though I cannot interpret what they are. The
weight of my request lingers between us.
Eventually, he nods. “I will keep your secret, Aelira.
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