I Won't Settle for Pretend Love

The next morning, Nate accompanied me to the royal healing center for a prenatal check-up.

He stayed by my side the entire time, occasionally asking the healer about the pup's condition.

The experienced she-wolf healer smiled and said warmly, "Alpha Nate is so responsible. It's very rare for someone as busy as he is to take the time to care for his mate like this. You're truly lucky!"

Nate held my hand, his gaze full of tenderness and certainty. "This is the Moon Goddess' blessing we've waited so long for. Of course, I'll protect both mother and child."

As we stepped out of the examination room, we ran into Rose.

She was wrapped in a loose-fitting gold cloak that concealed her figure. Still, she stuck her belly out proudly. When she saw me, there was a flicker of smug satisfaction in her eyes that she couldn't hide.

I stared at her stomach without a word.

No wonder she kept saying things like, "What a coincidence, we conceived around the same time."

She had known about Nate's plan all along.

Rose walked over briskly. Her voice was soft and sweet as she asked, "Did the healer say when we will finally get to meet the little prince?"

As she spoke, she reached her hand toward my belly.

I remained expressionless and abruptly raised my arm to block her.

"Why won't you let me touch you?" she questioned in a darkened tone as her smile faltered. She felt embarrassed by my rejection.

She was about to say more, but I gently lowered my head and placed a hand over my belly. Then, I whined with a trembling voice, "My stomach... It hurts..."

Rose was stunned, and the smugness faded from her expression instantly.

Nate immediately reached out to steady me, his face tense. "Maybe you've been standing too long. Why don't you sit over there for a bit?"

His words were full of concern, but I clearly saw him lock eyes with Rose. He directed a subtle shake of his head at her.

I looked down and replied softly, "I want to use the restroom."

He frowned slightly and reached out to guide me, but I stopped him quickly. "No, don't follow me."

He hesitated for a moment and nodded. "Alright, just take it slow."

As soon as the restroom door shut behind me, I peeked out the window and saw him hurrying off.

I knew exactly where he was going. He was hurrying to catch up with Rose.

I quietly followed and hid behind a clump of tall grass. From there, I could hear him speaking to her in a low, coaxing tone, like he was calming a wolf pup.

Rose frowned and complained like a spoiled pup. "Have you fallen for her? She was about to smack me just now, and you didn't say a word. Was everything you said about loving me just a lie?"

Nate let out a soft sigh, relenting and giving in to her. "I'm just looking out for her because… she's carrying our pup now."

He then pulled a small box from his coat and opened it. Inside was a diamond-studded bracelet. He gently slipped it onto her wrist.

"I got you the bracelet you wanted. It just arrived this morning," Nate said dotingly.

Rose's expression softened a bit. She smiled and leaned into his arm like a spoiled pup. "Remember that gem mine you mentioned? I bought the mining rights. I made a nice profit, too. Keep an eye out for more good opportunities for me, won't you?"

As I stood at a distance, the wind carried their conversation to my ears. Suddenly, it all felt laughably absurd.

Nate was using everything I had given him to win over another she-wolf.

When I got back home, I pulled out my phone and called my former personal healer, David Efrat.

I went straight to the point. "Hey, David. It's been a while. I'd like to schedule a procedure with you tomorrow… An abortion."

"Understood. We'll be ready first thing in the morning tomorrow," he replied from the other end.

Just then, I heard familiar footsteps behind me.

Nate's voice held a hint of suspicion. "Are you going out tomorrow?"

I turned around and met his gaze with a smile. "I signed up for prenatal yoga. Thought I'd get my body moving a bit. I want the pup to come into the world without a hiccup."

His expression faltered slightly. There was a flicker of hesitation in his eyes.

I deliberately raised a brow and teased, "What? Don't feel like joining me?"

He opened his mouth, his eyes avoiding mine. "It's not that… I just don't want you to overdo it. Besides, there's an elders' council meeting tomorrow. Could we go next week instead?"

I chuckled softly, my tone gentle. "That's alright. Your work is more important. I'll be fine on my own."

He visibly relaxed as a faint smile graced his lips. Then, he reached out to ruffle my hair affectionately and say, "You're so sweet. Where else could I find a mate as considerate as you? What would I even do without you?"