Xander's POV
The moment I closed the door to her room, I leaned against the cold stone wall outside and let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.
Damn it.
That scent… it clung to my skin like a memory I couldn't place. Not perfume. Not fear.
It was something deeper. Something tied to my past.
I ran a hand through my hair and forced myself to breathe.
She was just a contract.
Just a girl.
Not her.
But then why did my wolf stir the second I touched her face?
> "Alpha."
I turned. Nate stood down the hall, arms crossed, his expression cautious.
> "You alright?" he asked.
> "She's settled," I said, ignoring the question.
> "Did you notice anything... strange?"
> "What do you mean?"
> "She smelled... familiar."
I stiffened.
So it wasn't just me.
I clenched my jaw.
> "It's nothing. She's human. Just scared. That scent will fade."
> "Or get stronger," Nate murmured.
I didn't reply.
Because deep down… I knew he was right.
---
Ella's POV
I didn't sleep that night.
I laid there, curled under the covers, one hand pressed to my stomach — flat, silent, hiding the secret I swore I'd take to my grave.
A child.
His child.
I didn't even remember the night it happened.
One party. One drink I didn't finish. One black hole in my memory.
And a scent — his scent — all over me the next morning.
But he didn't know.
He couldn't know.
Not yet.
Especially not now, when he looked at me like I was an object.
A burden.
I stood and walked to the window.
The estate was surrounded by woods. Tall, shadowy trees that whispered with the wind. Beyond them… freedom. But I knew better than to run. Wolves tracked faster than sound, and humans didn't last long outside the pack boundaries.
Still, a part of me hoped… maybe one day.
Maybe I could leave.
Maybe I could raise the child somewhere safe.
Far from Alphas and power plays and cold eyes that didn't feel.
I closed my eyes.
And saw him again — standing there, looking at me like I was a ghost.
---
Xander's POV
Morning came too fast.
I didn't sleep.
Not because of her — because of what she reminded me of.
Hazel.
My mate. My curse.
She'd died screaming my name, and yet her betrayal still burned deeper than the fire that took her.
I didn't do mates anymore.
Didn't do love.
But fate has a sick sense of humor.
> "Alpha," Nate called again as I stepped into the main hall. "Council's expecting a decision. They want to meet your new Luna."
> "She's not my Luna."
> "You bought her like one."
I shot him a glare.
> "She's temporary. We'll fake the bond if we have to."
> "Fake a bond with a girl who might be carrying your pup?"
I froze.
He said it like a joke.
But my heart stopped anyway.
> "She's not," I snapped.
> "Are you sure?"
I didn't answer.
Because I wasn't.
---
Ella's POV
The door creaked open.
I turned quickly, expecting him.
But it was a woman.
Tall, sharp eyes, auburn hair tied in a tight bun.
> "I'm Yara," she said. "Head of staff. You will bathe, eat, and come downstairs. The Alpha is hosting a Council breakfast."
> "I'm not… going out there."
> "You belong to him now," she said flatly. "You go where he says."
She dropped a folded dress on the bed. Deep red. Tight. Expensive.
> "Wear it."
Then she left.
I sat there staring at the fabric.
I didn't belong here. I didn't belong to anyone.
But I had no choice.
So I dressed.
Washed my face.
Tied my hair.
And walked into the lion's den.
---
Xander's POV
When she entered the hall, every head turned.
The Council — five Alphas from neighboring packs — were seated around my table. Powerful. Proud. Hungry for weakness.
And then she walked in…
Red dress clinging to her body like flame.
Hair pulled back. Eyes wide but brave.
They didn't see her fear.
They saw the mate of Alpha Xander Black.
> "Gentlemen," I said. "This is Ella. My Luna."
She glanced at me — sharp, surprised — but said nothing.
Good girl.
One of the Alphas — Rafe, the one I trusted least — smiled at her with too much interest.
> "Lovely," he said. "Unmarked though?"
> "In time," I replied.
Another Alpha, Morris, raised a brow.
> "You didn't claim her yet?"
> "I don't need to mark her to make her mine," I said coldly.
The air turned tense.
Ella sat beside me, hands folded in her lap, silent.
But I could feel her trembling.
And for the first time in years…
I felt protective.
---
Ella's POV
I didn't eat much.
I couldn't.
Their eyes made me feel like prey. And the way Xander spoke — calm, cold, calculated — scared me more than yelling ever could.
But the worst part?
Part of me wanted to lean closer to him.
To touch his arm.
To feel safe.
I hated myself for that.
When the Council left, I stood to go, but Xander caught my wrist.
His touch was firm.
Commanding.
But his voice… softer.
> "Well done," he said.
I looked up at him.
> "I didn't do anything."
> "Exactly."
He let go.
> "Tomorrow, we'll discuss your role here."
> "And after that?"
> "We survive each other."
He walked away.
And I was left standing in a red dress…
With a secret heartbeat pulsing in my belly.