The Alpha’s Temporary Mark

"Tell your Alpha I accept the invitation."

I watched a flash of surprise in the messenger's eyes, a strange sense of satisfaction welling up inside me.

"When can you begin?"

"In one week."

After the messenger left, I put the invitation away, my mind already starting to plan for the future.

Since Kade only saw me as a stand-in, there was no reason to waste my youth on this sham of a relationship.

The Silver Crest Pack was stronger than the Black Moon Pack, and the position of Head Warrior offered a much better future than my current status.

I packed a small bag and drove to the veteran's quarters on the edge of the pack's territory.

"Anya?" My father opened the door, pleasantly surprised. "What are you doing here at this hour?"

His face was even paler than the last time I'd seen him, and the cough rattling from his old battle wounds had clearly worsened.

"I have good news," I said, taking his slightly trembling arm. "The Silver Crest Pack has invited me to be their Head Warrior."

My father was so excited he broke into a coughing fit. I quickly patted his back.

"Good, good! I always knew my daughter was the best warrior!"

Once he calmed down, he frowned. "But what about your relationship with the Alpha?"

My smile stiffened slightly. "What relationship?"

"Don't play dumb with me. You can't fool your old man," he said, his expression serious. "You need to have him hold a mating ceremony for you, and soon. It's the only way to secure your position."

"When you have time, bring him to see me. I need to talk to him."

A wave of bitterness washed over me, but not wanting to worry my father further, I nodded in agreement.

When I returned to the Alpha's residence, Kade had just woken up.

The hangover left him looking disheveled, his golden hair falling unkempt over his forehead.

"Anya?" He rubbed his temples. "What happened last night?"

"You drank too much last night. Ryan brought you home."

Kade sat up and suddenly reached out his hand to me. "Come here."

It was that commanding tone he always used, the one I used to obey without question.

But now, his voice filled me with a strange revulsion.

I instinctively took a step back. "I'll go make lunch."

"Anya." Kade's voice was laced with annoyance. "I said, come here."

I reluctantly walked to the side of the bed, but when his hand touched me, the nausea churning in my stomach intensified.

"What's wrong with you?" Kade sensed my discomfort. "You look pale."

"It's nothing, maybe..."

Before I could finish, I shoved him away and bolted to the bathroom, dry-heaving over the toilet.

Kade followed immediately, rubbing my back with a worried frown.

"I've been feeling a little off... My stomach has been acting up lately."

"You're not... pregnant, are you?"

His words made us both freeze.

I looked at Kade's reflection in the mirror and caught a fleeting glimmer of joy in his eyes.

He might not have even been aware of it himself, but the primal, instinctive pride of an Alpha learning his mate might be pregnant came through our bond, clear as day.

"I'll go with you to the clinic for a check-up this afternoon," he said.

I nodded, hesitating for a few seconds before carefully choosing my words. "This afternoon, could you... come with me to see my father?"

Kade was leaning against the doorframe, looking at his phone. He answered with a distracted "Mmm."

I was surprised he agreed so readily, and a complicated mix of emotions stirred within me.

Whether it was genuine or just an act, I couldn't afford to have a showdown yet.

I needed to put my father's mind at ease.

I went downstairs to the kitchen.

By the time I emerged with a bowl of seafood porridge, Kade was already dressed and heading for the door.

"I have an urgent meeting at the border this afternoon. You'll have to go to the clinic by yourself. Mind-link me if there's any news."

"What about my father..."

"Send me the address."

The sound of the closing door cut off whatever I was about to say.

I didn't say anything more. I sat at the table, took a few simple bites of porridge, and lost my appetite.

I pushed the porcelain bowl away and walked quickly to the pack's medical center.

In the healer's office, I took the test results with a hand that wouldn't stop shaking.

Positive.

To be pregnant at a time like this was the cruelest joke of all.

I could feel Kade's desire for this pup through our mate bond, clear as day.

But the existence of this child would make everything infinitely more complicated.

I carefully placed the report in my bag. Just as I stepped out of the clinic, I saw Kade's car parked nearby.

He was in the driver's seat, seemingly waiting for someone.

Selena, wearing a pale blue dress, walked briskly toward Kade's car, a sweet smile on her face.

"Kade, thank you for coming with me," she said, her voice soft and cloying.

"How did the check-up go?" Kade's voice was gentle in a way that felt alien.

"The doctor said everything looks good. The pup is very healthy."

My heart stopped.