Chapter 4: Fake Pregnancy
Raven
“Start from the beginning, Cassandra. I need to know everything,” I said after we reached the healer’s quarters.
Cassandra searched around to ensure no one was there eavesdropping.
“Luna Raven, she forced me. Celeste said she’d spread rumors and turn the pack against me if I didn‘ t help her.”
I furrowed and took a deep breath to calm
my nerves.
“Help her with what exactly? Tell me, Cassandra. Don’t be afraid. I will protect
you.”
Cassandra swallowed, her voice barely at whisper.
“It was the herbs, Luna. She asked me for a blend of herbs…Irrestella makes her scent irresistible to an Alpha when she’s in
40% 11:45
1/8
40
11:45
40
Chapter 4: Fake Pregnancy
heat, and Falsiflora mimics pregnancy. I tried to refuse, but… she wouldn’t take no for an answer. I didn’t know what she‘ d do with them until she threatened me.”
Indeed, Celeste was that kind of woman. She was desperate for power and would do anything. Alpha Xavier used to hate her hovering around him, so it shocked me when he got her pregnant.
My heart pounded when I asked, “Is there a possibility that she could get pregnant?”
Cassandra’s eyes widened with the thought, and she felt it was her fault. I reached for
her hand to calm her.
“Hey, if she is, it wasn’t your fault. I just wanted to know if there is. I don’t want to
go accusing her when she is indeed pregnant.”
Cassandra took a deep breath before responding.
“There is….” she paused.
+40% 1148.
2/8
11:45
40
Chapter 4: Fake Pregnancy
My heart broke when she confirmed what I
thought.
“But… it’s impossible.”
My eyebrows furrowed.
“Look, Luna Raven. If you take both herbs. together, she won’t get pregnant at all. The mix contradicts each other and would even kill a baby if a female is already pregnant. It has to be taken separately and strictly follow the instructions on how to take it. Otherwise, they don’t work.”
“When did you give her the herbs? Which one you hand first?”
“I gave Irrestella three months ago. She has to take it three times a day, two days before she goes in heat but…”
Cassandra’s eyes furrowed, looking like she was trying to remember every detail.
“Irrestella is a powerful herb if taken correctly. A day after a female mated, she should know already that she was
011 45
3/8
11:45
40
Chapter 4: Fake Pregnancy
pregnant. However, I remember her returning a week after I had given it to her. Celeste came annoyed and said she made a mistake so, it didn’t work. She wanted Irrestella again, but I no longer have it. There was one ingredient that grew only every six months. And so, she was forced to take Falsiflora. I’m sure, Luna Raven, Celeste is not pregnant.”
A dark, seething anger pulsed through me.
“And so that bitch was parading around, flaunting a fake pregnancy, just to get my position in the pack.”
Cassandra took a step back, eyes wide.
“Luna, please, I didn’t have a choice. She said… she d make sure I was banished, that the pack would believe I poisoned her!”
I exhaled sharply, fighting the rage in my
chest.
“I understand, Cassandra. But for now, this stays between us. No one else can.
+40% 11:48
4/8
11:46
40
Chapter 4: Fake Pregnancy
know until I’m ready to expose her. If Celeste realizes we know, she’ll twist this against us.”
Cassandra nodded, eyes wide with both relief and terror.
“Thank you, Luna. I… I didn‘ t mean to betray you.”
With a slight nod, I left her standing there, her shoulders slumped in relief. My mind was whirling, thinking of how to expose Celeste, as I went back to the cabin. I couldn’t confront Celeste without any evidence. And there was only one person who could help me – Alpha Xavier.
The thought of facing Alpha Xavier made my stomach turn. His betrayal still cut deep, a wound I’d barely had time to process. But he was also a victim of Celeste’s scheme, so he deserved to know the truth, too.
I found him alone in his office, signing some papers. I knocked, and his gaze lifted
404 11:40
5/8
40
11:46
Chapter 4: Fake Pregnancy
to meet mine.
“Raven…I didn’t expect you here,” he
said.
“We need to talk, Alpha Xavier,” I responded, ignoring the pang in my chest.
He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“If this is about Celeste again, I don‘ t think…”
“It is,” I said firmly.
“But not in the way you think.
He arched an eyebrow out of curiosity.
“Tell me honestly, Alpha Xavier. Do you know anything about the herbs Celeste has been taking?”
He frowned.
“What are you talking about? She s carrying my child. I assume she’s only taking what’s needed.”
“You assume too much. Have you even
40% T46
6/8
11:46
Chapter 4: Fake Pregnancy
questioned any of this, or are you so blinded by your need for an heir that you’ll accept anything she says?”
“What are you getting at, Raven?”
“Celeste isn’t pregnant, Alpha Xavier. She s faking it.”
“That‘ s… impossible. Celeste has all the symptoms- nausea, fatigue, cravings, bloated stomach…” he stammered in disbelief.
“All symptoms that can be faked. She s been using a mix of herbs to make herself appear pregnant. Ask Cassandra if you doubt me. She helped her.”
He stared at me, shock flickering into
anger.
“You‘ re saying Celeste would go to such lengths to deceive me? To… to deceive the pack?”
“Yes. To secure her place. She thinks bearing your ‘child‘ will make her Luna.
718
40
11:46
40
Chapter 4: Fake Pregnancy
This was never about you, Alpha Xavier. It was about power, and you handed it to her on a silver platter.”
“Raven, if I found out you are lying just to get back at me… I would really strip you of your title and banish you. I know I hurt you, but lying to me is still punishable.”
Rage boiled inside me, but I lifted my chin high.
“You always get the last say, huh? After you hurt me, I still deserve to get punished and you don’t deserve any of that? But whatever…”
Alpha Xavier sighed and replied, “Look, I’m sorry… but I can’t lose my heir.”
“Of course! Now, let’s get this over with. Call Cassandra.”
11:46
