EMBER'S POV
The curve of my stomach was no longer easy to hide.
I smiled at my reflection, running my hands slowly over the small bump.
"Pregnancy looks good on you."
Julio's hands slipped around my waist from behind, his lips brushing lightly against my shoulder. I let out a soft breath, leaning back into him.
"Of course it does," I said, a small smile playing on my lips. "I look good in anything."
His touch lingered, growing more familiar… more dangerous.
"Julio—" I started, but my words caught as he lifted me effortlessly and laid me against the bed.
"You're too tempting," he murmured.
A soft laugh escaped me, but as his lips traced upward, I felt it—that pull again.
And that was exactly the problem.
"Julio… stop."
I pushed gently against him and sat up, smoothing down my gown. He went still.
I avoided his gaze.
"I'll just leave," he said quietly.
I grabbed his wrist before he could move. "Why are you leaving?"
"It feels like you're in love with the Alpha."
I rolled my eyes and slipped behind him, wrapping my arms around his torso.
"You're the only one I love."
He let out a breath, but it wasn't relief.
"You keep pushing me away," he said. "You're my mate, Ember. Do you even understand what that means?"
"For goodness' sake, stop whining," I said, pulling away. "Don't forget—I was with the Alpha before I met you."
He turned to face me, his expression serious.
"Then answer me this… do you believe I'm your mate?"
Silence filled the room.
He scoffed.
"I'm going to tell the Alpha."
My heart dropped instantly.
"What?" I grabbed his arm. "Julio, don't be ridiculous—"
"I'll tell him that child is mine."
Panic surged through me. "You can't. You'll get us both killed."
I took his hand and placed it gently over my stomach.
"You know what will happen to me… to the baby."
His expression softened immediately.
"I wouldn't do that," he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry. I just—… I love you."
A slow smile crept onto my lips.
"I love you too," I said softly, taking his hand again. "Just be patient."
I leaned in, my voice dropping.
"When the child is born… and I become Luna… nothing will be able to separate us."
That was all it took. He pulled me into a kiss, his grip tightening. And for a moment… I let myself enjoy it.
The sound of the doorknob turning made me freeze.
I pulled away instantly.
"Ember! Open up—we need to talk."
Yuli.
Relief washed over me.
"Quick. The window," I whispered urgently.
Julio didn't argue this time. He moved fast, slipping out and shifting mid-air.
"I know you're awake," Yuli's voice came again.
"I'm coming," I called, straightening myself before unlocking the door.
His eyes scanned the room the moment he stepped in.
"Who was in here?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Don't lie to me, Ember. I can smell him."
I didn't hesitate.
"That would be Xavier."
He stared at me for a long second… then straightened.
"Let's talk outside."
My heart pounded against my chest as I wondered how much he knew.
"Fine," I said, forcing my voice steady. "Let's talk outside."
He gave the room one last glance before stepping out.
***********************
After walking in silence for a while, he finally spoke.
"First of all… how are you?"
I scoffed, folding my arms. "I'm perfectly fine, Yuli. Did you come all this way to apologize?"
A short laugh left him as he shook his head.
"You know the most interesting thing about you?" he said. "You think you're clever."
My stomach tightened.
"We both know that child you're carrying isn't Xavier's."
My breath hitched, but I quickly looked away.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
In a flash, his hand gripped my chin, forcing my face toward his.
"I won't let you deceive my brother," he said quietly, his voice far more dangerous than a shout. "You may have fooled me once… but it won't happen again."
My pulse spiked.
"Even if I have to kill that child."
I shoved his hand away instantly, a low growl rising from my chest. My hands moved protectively over my stomach, instinct taking over. My fangs slid out, claws grazing lightly against my skin.
"If anything happens to my child," I hissed, "I will kill you myself… and feed what's left of you to the vultures."
A smirk tugged at his lips.
"This child carries Alpha blood," I continued sharply. "You don't want to deal with the consequences of your stupidity."
"Relax," he said, almost amused. "There's no need to get emotional."
His gaze darkened slightly.
"I'm just reminding you how serious this is."
He stepped closer.
"I know you, Ember. I know exactly how you operate." His voice dropped. "And unfortunately for you… I've already fallen for your tricks once."
A pause.
"Consider this your warning."
My chest tightened.
"If that child turns out not to be ours…" he said slowly, "I will kill it."
My breath caught.
"And your lover," he added, his eyes locking onto mine, "right in front of you."