As I sat on the edge of the bed and watched Lucien walk back and forth, it felt cooler than usual. Even though it was hard to read his face, I could tell that our stress was building. Something was going to happen because he hadn't talked much since the night before. Something that would make me care more about the situation we were in.
He finally stopped walking around and looked at me. His sharp grey eyes were the same as they normally were when he was planning anything. "Corrigan, I need you to meet with Alec," he said in a calm yet forceful tone.
I was surprised by what he said, which made me blink. Why is that? Would you like me to meet Alec? Why not?
Lucien crossed his arms and kept his eyes fixed on the person. "We must learn what plans he has. He has been approaching our limits more and more, and I need to know what he will do next. We could win some time if we can convince him that we're willing to announce a truce.
My chest throbbed with my heartbeat. I didn't want to see Alec again. "Do you think he'll accept that?" I questioned, trying not to show off my nervous trembling. "A ceasefire?"
Lucien's jaw became tense. "If you convey the message, he'll believe it."
I threw my arms about myself and stood up. You know Alec won't simply speak, Lucien? He'll be looking for something back.
"That's the reason you should leave," Lucien moved in closer. "You can speak to him."
I took a deep breath, feeling fear seeping into my body. Alec would push, probe, and try to enter my thinking in addition to merely hearing. He did all the time. One thing was for sure, though: he wouldn't give up until he found my weakness.
When Lucien's fingers touched my arm, I snapped out of my daze. You are capable, Corrigan. You have my faith.
Those words felt heavy across my chest. Even though I was already keeping a lot from him, he trusted me. I faked a nod, though every part of me shouted to leave. "All right. I will meet him.
Later that day, the wind was moving the leaves surrounding me as I stood at the edge of the woods. I could smell Alec before I even saw him—that signature mix of power and danger. He emerged from the trees, grinning mischievously as his eyes met mine.
"Hello, Corrigan," he said with a suave yet angry voice. "What a shock."
Maintaining my calm, I forced myself to look serene. "Lucien has sent me a note. He wants to talk about joining forces.
Alec, clearly amused, lifted an eyebrow. "A coalition?" He took a step forward to me, looking over my face as if he was looking for something. As both of us know, Lucien doesn't form partnerships. At least not with me."
I stood up straight, not going to back down. He is aware of the rogues' rising power. We may all gain from a pause.
Alec surrounded me, his weight heavy on my senses. "You're loyal to Lucien now, huh? It was him you chose, in the end. However, I'm curious: Is Lucien aware of everything?
His words gave me the chills. I made an effort to keep a bland look, but I knew Alec had noticed the glint of fear in my eyes.
Alec stopped in front of me and leaned in. "It seems like you've been keeping something from him. Something significant.
In an attempt to keep my position, I balled my hands. "I'm not sure what you're discussing."
Alec grinned wider, like a sly hunter. "Well, I believe you do." With his voice a faint whisper, he took another step closer. "Is he aware of the child?"
I became lifeless. My heart felt like it was about to stop beating and my blood ran cold. How was he aware? It was planned that no one knew. Not that I'd told Lucien yet.
With a look of joy in his eyes, Alec observed me. He said, "So he doesn't know, does he?" "The famous Lucien, hidden even from his partner." What do you think will occur after he learns the truth?
I bit my lip, trying not to let out a scream. I spat out, "Stay away from me," and stepped back. "You are not involved in this at all."
"Yeah, but it does, Corrigan," Alec softly followed up with me. You see, other people are interested in you than Lucien. Everything might change because of that child. You know it too, so I'm thinking you haven't told him yet.
I shook my hands and tried to collect myself. "You're not right. Alec, this is not related to you at all.
Alec shrugged, a gloomier smile replacing his earlier one. "Corrigan, everything has to do with me. That kid has the power to turn the tide of the battle in which you find yourself. Lucien won't simply be upset if he learns you've been hiding this from him. He will come to distrust you. You will be left alone.
His words rang in my head, penetrating the worries I had made a deliberate effort to avoid. Alec was right. In a world as dangerous as ours, treason may have grave effects, and Lucien would feel misled.
With an air of fake sadness, Alec said, "You can still make the right choice." You may either tell him right now or not at all. But do you remember, Corrigan, such secrets? They are not always hidden.
With Alec's words still in my ears, I turned and walked away, my heart rushing. I was plagued with the truth and knew I had to face it head-on. I had to decide what to do. Either be honest with Lucien or run the chance of losing everything.
Walking through the forest, my thoughts spinning like leaves in the wind, brought back memories of the day I found out I was pregnant.
Sitting by the river that cut across the pack's area, I had been by myself. I used to go there a lot to ponder since it was quiet there. However, nothing felt peaceful that day. Weeks had passed while I felt sick and my feelings were out of control. Though I initially assumed it was just stress from all that was going on with Alec and Lucien, I felt something wasn't right.
I had quietly visited the therapist in the hopes of getting some comfort to ease my nervousness. Rather, she had given the news that upended my universe.
With worry in her eyes, she whispered, "You're pregnant, Corrigan." "From the looks of it, about two months along."
My heart was completely broken. It wasn't what I had hoped or expected. Not with everything going on around them. Having a kid would make things more difficult, especially since Alec was still hiding in the dark and Lucien was still fighting his opponents.
After that, I remembered sitting by the river and trying to digest what the doctor had told me while looking blankly at the water. Instinctively, my hand went to my tummy, but fear was all I felt.
Lucien couldn't find out. Not at that time. With the pack, the rogues, and his never-ending battle to keep control, he had had enough. And knowing that I had kept such a big secret from him for so long, what would he think of me?
I arrived at Lucien's rooms right before dusk fell. Everything felt like a heavy weight on my shoulders: the lies, the pregnancy, and Alec's comments.
When I walked in, Lucien was already there. His mysterious look did not change, but he seemed to feel something was wrong since his eyes were fixed on me.
"Corrigan," he stated in a steady yet strong tone. Do you have anything you'd like me to know?
My heart missed a beat, and I was silent for a short while. This was it, the real thing. Could I tell him, though? Could I let all out that I'd been holding in?
Lucien took a step forward, his eyes sharp. "I must know right away if you are. No more whispers.