Chapter 08
Ethan.
Andrey made me comfortable and confused, everything was new, and it didn”t matter if I knew it was a wolf, what mattered was that I was totally lost.
Two weeks passed and I discovered something else, the pregnancy of wolf metamorphs is different, they last 27 weeks so we have a very visible belly. It was strange seeing my belly growing so quickly.
My father would take me to the private clinic where Andrey worked and because he was family, he would be the one to see me. I was nervous, I must admit.
Upon arriving there, I was greeted by a warm and familiar atmosphere. Andrey welcomed me with a welcoming smile and guided me to the consultation room.
Sitting on the gurney, with my shirt sleeves rolled up, I felt the cold of the stethoscope on my chest. Andrey”s hands, firm and gentle, explored my body, looking for signs of life.
— Everything okay, Ethan? — He asked, his calm voice conveying tranquility.
- I”m a little nervous. — I confessed, lowering my eyes.
- It”s normal. — He said, patting me on the shoulder. — But don”t worry, I”m here to take care of you and your baby.
Andrey examined me carefully, in normal situations he would ask about my health and diet, but I lived with him, so he knew exactly how I was being treated.
With each word of encouragement, with each gentle touch, I felt my fear dissipate, but the embarrassment was there, a doubt hovered in my thoughts, a very pertinent one.
— Let”s listen to your baby”s heartbeat. — He questioned, breaking me out of my reverie, then taking a device and placing it on my belly.
A soft, rhythmic sound echoed throughout the room. My puppy”s little heart, beating strong and full of life. Tears welled up in my eyes as I listened to the sound that confirmed the existence of that little life inside me.
- It”s beautiful, is not it? — Andrey said, looking at me with a smile.
- Yes it is. — I replied, with a choked voice.
— Don”t worry, Ethan. — He said, shaking my hand. — I will take care of you and your baby.
- I am scared…
— Don”t be, I”m going to write your report, I”m going to give you a copy and I”ll leave the other with my brother, I”m going to have to give him the recipe for the vitamins too, all the expenses are his responsibility.
— I”ll never be able to keep the child, right?
- No, I”m sorry.
— I know the question is kind of stupid, but what if it was your son? — I looked at Andrey with sadness, I knew he would have the same attitude as his brother, but maybe he would let me stay with my baby for a while.
— I wouldn”t have a different attitude than Javier, no alpha actually does, Ethan, what I would do differently would be to let you spend more time with the baby, I would take him to see you every day, but I wouldn”t change the fact that you are still under your father”s orders, he wants to marry you and he will do it.
Andrey ran his hand over my belly and the heat of his touch made me close my eyes for a few moments and without realizing it I ended up speaking.
— I wish it was your puppy…
— I would love for it to be, but it”s not, Javier spent more time with you that day, I only arrived much later, it”s safe to think that he”s the father. — Andrey smiled, shaking his head. — You know we”re doing what”s best for you, don”t you?
— I know, I just don”t want to accept things as they are.
— Your father has already chosen the groom, he asked me to share the news, you will meet him at the summit. — Andrey put his hand on my shoulder. —Ethan, be strong.
— Eu…
— His name is Demetrius, leader of the grays, he will be waiting for you, he doesn”t know about the pregnancy, no one other than our family knows and the perfume he is using confuses his senses. — Andrey explained to me and kissed me on the forehead. - I am really sorry.
- I also feel it.
And as I felt, only one thing would make me happy, for death to embrace me, because life wasn”t that exciting anymore. I wanted to go back in time and ask the thief to shoot me in the head and not in my aunt Clara”s head, she didn”t deserve any of that.
The path to the summit was long and silent. Sitting next to my father, Reid, I felt the weight of the situation intensify with each step. The consultation with Andrey had given me a new perspective, but fear still consumed me. How could I face Demetrius, the gray wolf from lupine high society that my father had chosen to marry me? How to hide the pregnancy from everyone, including Demetrius himself?
Reid drove with his attention focused on the road, but his eyes kept glancing at me. He knew I was nervous, but he didn”t say anything. His firm, impassive posture gave me a sense of security, even though I knew he was also apprehensive.
As we reached the dome, an imposing gray stone building that rose at the top of the city, I was overcome by a sense of awe mixed with apprehension. The air vibrated with intense energy, and the sound of voices and footsteps echoed through the hallways.
Reid guided me to the main hall, where a crowd of wolves had gathered. The elite of wolf society were present, sporting their elegant attire and penetrating gazes.
In the center of the hall, a tall and imposing gray wolf stood out. It was Demetrius, the future groom my father had chosen for me. He watched me with an arrogant smile, as if he already possessed me even before the wedding ceremony.
Reid approached Demetrius and greeted him with a firm handshake. Then he introduced me as his son.
—Ethan, this is Demetrius, the wolf you will soon marry. — He said, his voice full of pride.
Demetrius looked at me with a cold, calculating look.
— Ethan, it”s a pleasure to meet you. he said, his voice deep and authoritative. — I hope we are ready to build a family.
I felt a chill run through my body. Demetrius”s voice was like ice in my veins, and his gaze made me uncomfortable.
He wasn”t ugly, but something about him told me to be careful. Honestly, I”ve never been one to listen to my sixth sense, however, in the last few weeks my life had turned upside down.
—The pleasure is all mine, Demetrius. — I replied, trying to maintain my composure.
She knew she couldn”t show weakness in front of him. I needed to appear strong and confident, even if my heart was beating wildly.
Reid left us alone, leaving me at Demetrius”s mercy. The gray wolf approached me, invading my personal space.
— Ethan, I have some things to tell you. — His voice is low and hoarse.
I felt a wave of nausea overcome me. Demetrius”s presence repulsed me, and the idea of ??marrying him filled me with horror.
- What do you mean? — I asked, trying to contain my nausea.
Demetrius looked at me with a mischievous smile.
“You know what I mean, Ethan. — He said, getting even closer. — This marriage will be a union of power and wealth.
— Well, that”s clear. — I said, trying not to sound rude.
— Your father authorized me to take a walk with you, to get to know you better. — He got even closer.
It left me breathless and with the gut-wrenching feeling that I needed to run. Unfortunately, I couldn”t do that, I had to follow him and only the gods know what his intention was. Okay, given his look, it wasn”t too hard to guess.
Demetrius walked ahead of me, with long, confident steps. His imposing posture and arrogant gaze intimidated me, and I felt like a caged animal, being led to a destiny that was not mine.
The path was tortuous and full of obstacles. Thick roots and thorny branches intertwined the ground, making it difficult for me to advance. Demetrius, on the other hand, seemed to not care about the obstacles. He overcame them with ease, without even looking back.
Suddenly, we came to an open clearing in the middle of the forest. A crystal clear lake sparkled in the sun, surrounded by leafy trees. Birdsong filled the air, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
Demetrius sat by the lake and invited me to do the same. I sat next to him, my heart pounding in my chest. I didn”t know what he wanted with me, but I had a bad feeling.
— Ethan, we need to talk. — He said, looking at me with his cold, penetrating eyes.
- About what? — I asked, with a hesitant voice.
— About our future. - He replied. — About our wedding.
I felt a chill run through my body. The idea of ??marrying Demetrius filled me with horror.
— I don”t want to marry you. — I said, with a firm voice. — I already told you that.
Demetrius laughed dismissively.
— You have no choice, Ethan. — He announced. — This marriage is an agreement between our families. You can”t refuse.
— Unfortunately, I know that.
Demetrius pulled me close, his eyes blazing with anger. His hot breath hit my face as he held me tightly. I tried to move away, but he was too strong.
— You have no idea what you”re doing, Ethan! he shouted, his voice echoing across the clearing. — This marriage is the only chance you have of having a decent life. You will obey me, understand?
I felt fear course through my body. Demetrius wasn”t kidding. He was furious and didn”t care if he hurt me.
— I”m not going to marry you! — I said, my voice choked with fear. — I will never love you!
Demetrius looked at me with a cruel smile.
— You have no choice, Ethan. — He said, squeezing my arm tighter. - You”re mine now.
I felt a sharp pain in my arm, and tears welled up in my eyes. Anger and despair took over me.
— Demetrius… stop. — I begged with eyes full of tears.
— You are mine and you will want me to do it. — Demetrius slapped me in the face. I just didn”t fall, because he still had his hands holding my arm tightly.
With a stronger pull, he made me face his chest and pressed our lips together violently.
— I want it and I want it now.
Suddenly, a scream echoed across the clearing. A tall, imposing figure emerged from the trees, his eyes blazing with fury. He was the oldest, charming man I had ever seen at the summit: the Vulture.
He approached Demetrius with firm, confident steps. His deep and powerful voice dominated the clearing.
— Release him now, Demetrius! — He ordered. — Or you will face the consequences.
Demetrius turned to the vulture, a cocky smile on his lips.
— Who do you think you are to give me orders? — He mocked. — Get out of here before I dismember you
The Vulture was not intimidated. He took a step forward, his eyes fixed on Demetrius.
— You know very well who I am and what I do, it would be wise to lower your voice. — he laughed confidently. —And I will not allow you to hurt this young man.
Demetrius hesitated for a moment, his eyes filled with hatred and frustration. But then he let go of my arm with an angry growl.
—Very well, vulture. — He spat out the words. — But you”re still going to pay me for this.
The vulture ignored Demetrius”s threat and turned to me.
— Are you okay, young man? he asked, his voice gentle and concerned.
I nodded, still shaking with fear and adrenaline.
- Thanks. — I said, in a weak voice. - You saved me.
The Vulture smiled.
— There is no need for thanks. — He stated — It is my duty to protect the innocent and give the guilty the appropriate punishment.
He helped me off the ground and guided me away from the clearing.
I remained silent by his side, until he held my arm affectionately and I stopped facing him.
Vulture stretched his hand towards my belly and smiled.
— It”s a girl, your baby”s smell is sweet, as sweet as yours.
I turned around embarrassed and smiling without realizing it.
The vulture didn”t say another word, but its presence was more eloquent than any speech. His yellow eyes, betraying his alpha essence, deep and full of wisdom, accompanied me at every step, transmitting a calm strength that encouraged me.
As we arrived close to my house, a pang in my heart overcame me. The idea of ??parting with Abutre caused me inexplicable sadness. I wanted him to stay by my side forever, protecting me from the dangers that surrounded me.
The vulture approached me, its eyes staring at me with an intensity that took my breath away. Without hesitation, he lowered his head and gave me a peck on the lips.
The touch was brief, almost imperceptible, but it gave me goosebumps from head to toe. A wave of heat coursed through my body, and I felt a tremor of desire course through my veins.
I looked at Vulture, my eyes filling with tears. The words were lost in my throat, but he seemed to understand everything I felt.
With a wistful smile, he gave me one last wave and turned to leave. I watched his silhouette move away, feeling a deep pain in my chest.
I walked into the house, feeling empty and lonely. The vulture”s absence was like a void I couldn”t fill. I went up to my room and threw myself on the bed, closing my eyes tightly.
That night I dreamed about the vulture again. This time it seemed more mysterious to me than the first time I dreamed about him.