The next thing I knew, the steady thump-thump of a heart-monitor filled my ears. I was in a clean, white room. I tried to sit up, but a sharp spike of pain shot through my arm. My boxes were stacked by the bed.
The door creaked open, and a healer in a white coat walked in. “Lady Rhea, how are you feeling?”
“What happened?” I groaned. “The last thing I remember was the carriage.”
The healer nodded. “You lost consciousness. The driver brought you straight to us.”
I sighed and reached for my phone. No missed calls. No messages from Malachi. His son had nearly killed me, and he hadn't even bothered to check if I was breathing. I quickly typed a message to the contact I had reached out to before.
Something happened. Reschedule my departure ASAP.
“Lady Rhea?” the healer called. “You lost a great deal of blood, but the herbs have done their work. You will be discharged shortly.”
“Thank you,” I said, my voice steady.
I stood up and reached for my bags. I was ready to vanish. But the door swung open again, and Casey sauntered in. She wasn't limping. In fact, she looked perfectly fine.
“What do you want? I thought your ankle was broken,” I said coldly.
She giggled, a sound that made my skin crawl. “Oh, that? I just wanted to see who Malachi would choose if we were both in pain. And he chose me! Isn't it wonderful?”
I scoffed, turning away. “Have your victory, Casey. I am leaving.”
Casey stepped into my path, a slow, poisonous smile curling her lips. “There is one more thing you should know,” she whispered, her voice dripping with triumph. “I am carrying Malachi’s pup. I am pregnant.”
The world seemed to stop. My heart shattered, but I kept my face like stone. I would not give her the satisfaction of seeing me bleed.
Eight years. Eight years at his side, and every time we were together, he made sure I took the mountain-root herbs to prevent a pregnancy. He had always told me he wasn't ready for more children.
He had always wanted another heir. Just... never with me.
Rhea’s POV
“Goodbye, Casey,” I said, my voice as cold as a winter moon.
Casey refused to move. I felt my wolf pacing inside me, restless and angry. My mindlink had already buzzed with a message that my flight was ready; I couldn't afford to be late again. I desperately needed to put miles between myself and this pack.
“What do you want?” I snapped.