My Mate Always Advises Me To Be Generous to Her

In a fit of rage, I slapped Barnett. He, too, was shocked by Carol's words. "Carol! How dare you slander Fera in front of everyone?"

Carol responded shakily, “I’m sorry, Barnett. I didn’t realize she was your mate.”

Then, she turned to me with a hint of regret in her voice. “Barnett already announced to all of Northaria that I was carrying his child to protect my reputation. I apologize, Fera.

“But don’t worry. I won’t let them mistreat your child! I will raise him as my own, but... they will never call you 'Mom'.”

I was furious. I was just about to demand answers from Barnett —how could he be so heartless, prioritizing Carol's reputation over our child—when he turned to me, his eyes glistened with tears.

Apologetically, he said, “I’m sorry, Fera. I promised Carol’s brother to take care of her and his parents.

“Carol has always been a gentle and quiet girl. Everyone in the pack would point fingers at her if they found out she was pregnant before she found a mate. What if she can't bear the shame and takes her own life because of the gossip?!”

That was it! Carol was the sister of Barnett's former comrade. To honor his vow, Barnett was ready to expose our pup to scrutiny and rumors in a pack where lineage held great importance.

“Don’t worry. I’ll come clean about our son’s identity soon.”

“Once Carol turns 18 and is assigned a mate, I’ll tell our packmates of our relationship and clarify our son’s birthright.”

I looked at this selfish man I called my mate, and for the first time, regretted compromising.

When I returned to Barnett’s castle, people were carrying an unending stream of pregnancy and newborn necessities.

There were ivory wind chimes and a brocade-covered cradle with the words “Carol's Son” written on it.

Carol boasted, “I apologize, Fera. I didn't know you were expecting too, so I put my name on all of them.

“I can give you one or two pieces for free if you want, though. Barnett had them specially made from various packs. They’re very expensive.“

As tears welled up in my eyes, Barnett scolded her, but Carol playfully stuck her tongue out. “Fine! I'm sorry. Who knew she couldn't take a joke?”

Barnett was about to console me when a middle-aged couple barged in and reprimanded Carol. “The entire pack is talking about your pregnancy, Carol! Explain yourself!

“You don’t even have a mate yet! You've brought shame upon our family!”

They were none other than Carol’s parents. They were quite traditional, which was why Carol made sure to keep up her facade of the good daughter despite how she very much was not.

Unable to accept her daughter’s premarital pregnancy, Carol’s mother started to cough blood.

Barnett quickly stepped forward and explained that Carol’s pup was his. Even though the Moon Goddess had not assigned a mate for him, he would still accept Carol as his mate and make her Thorn pack’s Luna.

Only then did Carol’s parents leave.

After sending them off, Barnett turned to me. “You saw it yourself, Fera. Carol’s parents are very traditional. I had no choice but to claim her pup.

“You understand, don’t you, Fera? You always have.” He looked at me pleadingly.