AVELINE
I hate to admit it but my world had crumbled.
My husband's debt weighed me down, and my home was on the line. The royal family's threat hung over me like a dark cloud, suffocating me. Every waking moment was a reminder of my failures, every night a desperate prayer for salvation.
"What do you want here, Aveline?" Johan growled, his voice dripping with disdain. "What brings you to our palace, begging for scraps?" Natasha's smile twisted, her eyes gleaming with malice.
I swallowed hard, my eyes darting between Johan's scowl and the King's piercing gaze. "I...I came to appeal to the royal family," I stammered, trying to compose myself.
Johan snorted, his lip curling in contempt. "Appeal? You think you have the right to appeal to us after everything you have done?" His words cut deep, but I stood my ground.
The Alpha King's expression remained unreadable, but his eyes seemed to hold a flicker of interest. "Continue," he encouraged, his voice low and soothing.
I made a mental note not to give two thoughts on the King’s eyes but it was becoming a huge struggle avoiding his gaze.
I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the ordeal ahead. "I'm here about my late husband's debt. I was hoping to request more time to pay it off and...and perhaps reconsider the confiscation of my property."
Johan's sneer deepened. "You think we're running a charity? You'll get nothing from us."
But the Alpha King raised a hand, silencing his son. "Let her speak."
Johan's face reddened with rage, but he bit back his retort. The King's intervention gave me courage.
"I understand that my husband's debt is substantial, but I'm willing to work, to find a way to repay it. Please, don't take everything from me."
Johan's eyes flashed with anger, and he took a step forward. "You're bold, I'll give you that," he sneered.
The King's gaze snapped to Johan, a warning flickering in their depths. "Johan, that's enough."
But Johan wouldn't back down. "No, Father, I won't be silenced. She's been insolent, and she needs to be put in her place."
The King's expression darkened, his voice dropping to a growl. "You'll respect my authority, Johan."
The tension between them was palpable, the air thickening with unspoken threats.
I steeled myself, trying to ignore the venom in their words. "Please.. I”
Natasha snorted. "You think we're running a charity, Aveline?" The Alpha King's gaze narrowed, his expression unreadable. But I sensed a flicker of warmth in his eyes.
"You’re no better than a beggar. You'll do as we say, or suffer the consequences." Natasha sounded irritated.
“ENOUGH!” The king roared, it looked as tho he was already tired of what was unfolding before him.
As I stood before Prince Johan, Natasha, and the Alpha King, my heart trembled. The king's piercing gaze held mine, and for an instant, I felt seen. "Aveline, I've heard of your struggles," he said, his deep voice resonating.
"Your husband's debt, your home...we'll discuss possible solutions." Johan's face darkened, but the king continued, "You deserve our consideration, Aveline. You're family, after all and..."
Just then, a servant entered the room, bowing low. "Your Majesty, Prince Johan, Lady Natasha, the royal advisor requests your presence." The Alpha King nodded, his gaze lingering on me.
"We'll continue this discussion later, Aveline," he said. "Wait here." With that, he rose, his commanding presence filling the room. Johan and Natasha followed, their faces set in determined lines.
As I waited, my mind wandered. Why had Natasha been pretending to be pregnant? And what did they want from me? The questions swirled like a wild wind.
Unfortunately for me, I'd been waiting in the palace chambers for what felt like an eternity. The Alpha King had left hours ago, leaving me to stew in my anxiety.
After a while sitting there alone, I could sense that I had company.
Natasha's gaze swept over me, a mixture of curiosity and contempt. "So, Aveline, I see you're still struggling," she said, her voice dripping with sweetness.
I nodded, my guard up. "Natasha."
Prince Johan stood beside her, his eyes cold and calculating.
Natasha's smile twisted. "I hear you're in quite the predicament. Your husband's debt, your home...it's a wonder you've managed this long."
My jaw clenched. "I've managed."
Natasha's laughter sent shivers down my spine. "You're so proud, Aveline. But pride won't feed you or keep a roof over your head."
I bit back a retort, knowing I needed their help. Badly.
Just as I thought the meeting would yield nothing, Natasha's demeanor shifted.
"Aveline, we need to discuss something," she said, her voice laced with an undercurrent of steel.
I felt that this wouldn’t be good
"What is it?" I asked, wary.
Natasha's smile grew wider. "We have a proposal for you."
Prince Johan stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Before they could continue, I stood, my heart racing. "I think I've heard enough."
But Natasha's words stopped me cold.
"Aveline, you'll carry Johan's child," she stated, her eyes flashing with triumph.
My world crashed around me.
"What?" I whispered, horrified.
Johan's face darkened. "You'll just have to do this, Aveline. You have no choice."
Natasha's laughter echoed through the room, a chilling sound.
“No.. never!”
I tried to flee, but Johan's hand closed around my wrist, his grip like a vice.
"You're not going anywhere, Aveline," he snarled.
"You can't be serious," I spat, trying to wriggle free.
Natasha's smile grew wider. "Dead serious, Aveline. You'll do this, or face the consequences."
My heart sank. I was trapped. My debt, my home, my very life hung in the balance. And Natasha's fake pregnancy was only just the beginning.
"I won't do it," I hissed, trying to shake off Johan's grip.
Natasha's eyes flashed. "You have no choice, Aveline. You're in no position to refuse. Trust me, you’ll be well taken care of."
But at what cost? I thought, my mind racing. My freedom? My dignity?
Johan's grip tightened. "You'll do as we say, or suffer the consequences."
I glared at them, defiance burning within me. "What consequences? You'll ruin me? You've already taken everything."
Natasha's smile twisted. "Not everything, Aveline. Not yet."
A chill ran down my spine as Johan's eyes seemed to bore into my soul.
Suddenly, the door creaked open, and a servant entered. "Prince Johan, Lady Natasha, the packs Doctor.. he’s here.”
Johan's grip relaxed, and he turned to Natasha. "Deal with her."
Natasha's eyes blazed with determination. "Oh, I will."
Seizing the distraction, I wrenched my wrist free from Johan's grasp. "I won't be held captive," I spat, turning to flee.
Natasha's laughter echoed behind me. "You can't escape, Aveline. You'll pay."
I ran through the palace corridors, tears blurring my vision. Finally, I burst out into the cool evening air, gasping for freedom.
As I fled the palace, my heart felt like it was shattering into a million pieces. The weight of Natasha's proposal threatened to consume me.
How could they ask this of me?
Stepping into my parents home, the familiar walls seemed to close in around me. Memories of my dark past lingered, haunting me.
My marriage to Alpha Kane had been a nightmare. The physical and emotional abuse had left scars that still lingered. And now, his debt hung over me like a crushing liability.
I thought of the Alpha King, his piercing gaze and gentle words. Could he truly be unaware of his son's proposal?
Or was he behind this?
But my thoughts were interrupted by my stepmother's cold voice.
"So, Aveline, I hear you refused Natasha's proposal," Victoria said, her eyes glinting with malice.
How did she know already? Had Natasha informed her?
I trembled, unable to find my voice. The wolf within me whimpered, silenced by fear.
"Why...how did you know?" I stammered.
Victoria's smile twisted. "I have my ways, dear. You'd do well to remember that."
My stepfather, Edward, sneered. "You're foolish, Aveline. You'll ruin us all."
Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. I wished I could stand tall, voice the wolf's defiance. But I was weak.
"Please...just leave me alone," I whispered.
Victoria's laughter cut deep. "You're no longer a child, Aveline. It's time you learned obedience."
Edward's face reddened. "You'll do as you're told, Aveline. Or suffer the consequences."
The familiar tension suffocated me.
As they continued to berate me, my wolf's whimpers grew louder. Trapped and helpless, I retreated to my room.
In the darkness, I let my tears fall.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Days passed by in a blur, or so it seemed. Time lost all meaning as I struggled to come to terms with Natasha's proposal.
My mind wandered back to the dream I'd had two nights ago – the Alpha King's piercing gaze, his gentle touch. Restless ever since, I couldn't shake the feeling.
In the dream, I'd been running through a forest, chased by unseen forces. The Alpha King appeared, his eyes locking onto mine. He reached out, and I felt safe, protected. His hand brushed against mine, sending shivers down my spine. I'd awoken breathless, my heart racing.
The memory lingered, haunting me. Why had I dreamed of him? And why couldn't I shake the feeling that he was connected to my fate?
I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the looming decision. Johan's proposal weighed heavily on my mind.
And the next thing I saw myself doing was making my way to Johan’s office.
I stood outside, my heart racing. Taking a deep breath, I pushed open the door.
The scene before me made my stomach churn. Johan and Natasha were locked in a passionate kiss, their hands roaming each other's bodies.
I felt a wave of disgust—pain, wash over me. I had once had a crush on Johan, wanted him for myself. The memory made me shudder.
Natasha broke away, her eyes flashing with triumph. "Ah, Aveline. Right on time."
Johan smiled. "I’m guessing you’re here to accept our proposal? Let's get down to business."
I tried to speak, but my voice trembled. "What...what do you really want from me?"
Natasha's laughter echoed. "You know exactly what we want, Aveline. You'll carry Johan's child."
The words stung. "As a surrogate?"
Johan nodded. "Artificial insemination. No complications. No one has to know about it."
I felt a surge of contemplation. "And what happens to the child?"
Natasha's smile grew wider. "The child will be raised as Johan's heir. Securing his claim."
"But what about...my life?" My mind reeled.
Johan's expression turned cold. "Your life is whatever we say it is, Aveline."
“Sign the contract...” Natasha leaned foreard. “and all your debts will be wiped clean."
I hesitated, my hand trembling over the paper.
Suddenly, a memory surfaced – a secret my mother shared before she passed away. "If you're ever to get pregnant, Aveline...remember..."
I opened my mouth to speak. "I...have... something—“
Just as the words were about to spill out, the door burst open.