Marked by the Alphas

Chapter 51: Chapter 51

Axel POV

I take the stairs two by two towards Anton’s quarters. I am curious as fuck as to why Elara went to see him. I can only imagine what she had to say to him. I know I would have verbally ripped him to pieces if someone kidnapped me.

“Is she done yet?” I ask Maxim.

“Yes, Alpha,” he nods. “She left in the direction of her quarters ten minutes ago.”

“Thanks,” I tap him on the shoulder and walk to Elara’s quarters.

I cannot help the sheepish grin when I think about her. Last night was glorious. I completely forgot about Alice and her pregnancy. Not to mention that Elara was so loving and attentive last night.

“Elara?” I knock on her door and wait.

“Elara,” I knock again, harder this time, but she still does not reply.

I know I am being ridiculous, but a little devil is sitting on my shoulder, convincing me that something is wrong, and I open the door.

“Elara, are you here?” I shout as I step inside, but I am greeted with silence.

I want to turn around and leave, but I know I will not rest until I am sure she is okay. Goddess knows what Anton said to her. She might be upset and needs to be comforted.

When I find her bedroom empty, I walk to the bathroom and notice the wet shower and her clothes on the floor.

“Elara?” I shout in frustration. She must be here. “Why aren’t you answering me?”

I pass through the living room, stopping dead in my tracks when I enter the kitchen, and see her lying on the floor.

“Goddess, Elara,” I shout as I kneel beside her. I search for a pulse and sigh relieved when I find one.

“Kane,” I mind-link him urgently. “Get Mom and the pack doctor and come to Elara’s quarters. Something’s wrong with her.”

Elara POV

I stretch out lazily when I wake up. This was a revitalising nap, and just ... wait. How did I get into bed? The last thing I remember was looking for food.

I open my eyes and sit up abruptly.

“Not so fast,” Gabriela says, sitting beside me and pushing me back into the pillows. “You scared the bejesus out of my sons.”

“You’re joking, right?” I laugh softly. “Skipping breakfast isn’t something to worry about.”

“It is when you faint,” she raises her eyebrows.

“I fainted?” I gaped at her, wrecking my brain to remember exactly what happened.

“Axel found you on the floor,” she shrugs. “It’s a safe assumption.”

“I remember feeling lightheaded,” I frown. “I got up early, went for a walk and skipped breakfast. It’s probably just a blood sugar thing or something.”

“It’s a pregnancy thing,” she replies dryly.

“Im-fucking-possible,” my voice is barely audible, and I suddenly feel weak again. “There’s no way in hell that I can be pregnant in like ... a week, or whatever. And even if I am, it’s too early to tell.”

“Honey, you’re a hybrid,” she places her hand over mine. “Carrying a hybrid burns four times more energy than a regular pup. You can’t afford to skip any meals, ever. And you were in heat, I would’ve been concerned if you weren’t pregnant.”

“But it’s only been a week,” I protest weakly. ƒгeeweɓn૦vel.com

“The doctor did a blood test,” she replies patiently. “You’re pregnant.”

“Oh, goddess,” I groan, burying my face in my hands.

“Aren’t you happy?” Gabriela asks, confused.

“Happy?” I look at her, flabbergasted. “I was hungry five minutes ago, and now I learn I’m pregnant. I don’t know what I feel.”

“That reminds me,” she reaches for the nightstand and hands me a plate with a ham and cheese sandwich. “You must eat.”

I am not even remotely hungry, but I accept the sandwich without a word. At least if I am eating, she will not expect me to talk.

Pregnant? I bite into the sandwich.

Pregnant! I chew the sandwich as if my life depends on it.

It is so surreal, and the truth does not want to register. This cannot be happening. I did not want to be a mother so soon. I have not had enough time to be young and irresponsible. Well, I was irresponsible. I was in heat and had unprotected sex. What the fuck did I expect?

I remember Axel and Kane’s reaction when Alice told them her news, and my stomach dives. They are not ready for parenthood, either.

“Does ... uhm, do they know?” I ask softly, looking at Gabriela. “Axel and Kane. Do they know?”

“I didn’t tell them,” she shakes her head. “And the doctor won’t say a word. We’re leaving the honour to you.”

“No!” The word slips out before I can stop it.

My heart is racing, and every fibre of my being is protesting. My conversation with Anton is vivid in my mind. This is what he wanted. Once he learns I am pregnant, goddess knows what he will do to me or my child. I was willing to risk everything to stay with my mates and keep my memories. Everything but my child.

“Excuse me?” She frowns.

“Luna, I made up my mind.” I clear my throat, fighting the tears. “I’m going to take the potion.”

“Elara, I strongly advise against it,” she smiles sympathetically. “You’re pregnant, and we don’t know if the potion is safe for the baby. Besides, there’s no guarantee that it will work, anyway. You’ll be safe as long as you stay in the mansion. I know it sounds like a prison sentence, but the place is huge, and you’ll be with your mates and child. It’s a small sacrifice for your safety.”

“Until she or he turns eighteen,” I place my hand on my abdomen. “Then what? We hope the child doesn’t inherit my blood, and if he does, we will give him the potion. What’s the use in that, Gabriela?”

“I don’t want you to leave,” she says sadly. “And I’m dying to be a grandmother.”

“And you will be,” I reassure her. “When Alice gives birth.”

“I don’t care about her pups,” she snorts unladylike. “She’s not the chosen Luna.”

“Gabriela, please,” I beg. “I want my child to grow up happy. I want to take the potion and leave this place. I want to start over fresh where nobody knows what I am.”

“Including you?” She raises her eyebrows.

“Especially me,” I sigh, closing my eyes. “I’m giving up Axel and Kane. I don’t want to remember the price I’m paying to keep my baby safe.” freeweɓnovel.cøm

“I’ll make you a deal,” she says, standing up. “We keep the pregnancy a secret, and you take the day to think it through. We’ll talk about it again in the morning.”

“Okay,” I smile weakly.

It does not matter what she says, I am choosing my child’s happiness over my own. I am only agreeing so she can leave me alone.