Chapter 3
Hope's POV
"Much wiser than your choice," I straightened up, turning to face her.
Nova's expression darkened instantly. "What do you mean?"
"Do you really think Douglas loves you?" I sneered. "Open your eyes and see clearly, sister. You're nothing but a tool."
"Bullshit!" Nova retorted angrily. "Douglas treats me well! He's a hundred times better than that Alpha of yours who could go crazy any moment!"
"Really?" I laughed sarcastically. "Then you'd better treasure that 'true love.'"
"SHUT UP!" Nova raised her hand to hit me, her eyes flashing with malice.
But this time, I didn't back down. I grabbed her wrist, my strength surprising even myself.
SLAP!
The crisp sound of the slap echoed through the medical room. Nova covered her reddened cheek, staring at me in disbelief.
"Remember this slap, Nova," I threatened coldly. "This is interest on what you owe me. If you DARE try anything against me or Axel again, next time it won't just be a slap."
I picked up the herbs and left the medical room without looking back.
Nova's furious screams echoed behind me, but my mood was lighter than ever.
The Hope who let others trample on her in my past life was DEAD. In this life, I wouldn't let anyone walk all over me again.
After that slap in the medical room, I knew Nova wouldn't let it go. But I hadn't expected her retaliation to come so quickly, so... unexpectedly.
In the pack hall during morning breakfast, clan members sat around long wooden tables enjoying their meal. Sunlight streamed through tall windows onto the table surface, making everything seem peaceful and warm. Axel and I sat in a corner position, he was carefully cutting bacon for me, his movements gentle and tender.
This peaceful happiness made my wolf whimper contentedly in my consciousness.
"Dear pack members!" Nova suddenly stood up, her voice carrying clearly throughout the entire hall. "I have exciting news to share with everyone!"
Everyone stopped what they were doing, focusing on her. Nova stood in the center of the dining tables, smugly stroking her still-flat belly.
I felt an ominous premonition.
"I'm pregnant!" she announced. "Douglas and I will welcome SteelMoon Pack's new heir!"
The entire hall erupted in shocked discussion.
"My God!" "She got pregnant so fast?" "They've only been bonded for less than two months!"
My fork froze mid-air, my brow furrowed. How was this possible?
What's going on? I asked Axel through the mind link.
I don't know, he responded, equally confused. But this is definitely unusual.
Douglas stood up from his seat, walking over to Nova with a warm smile, reaching out to gently stroke her still-flat belly. "Yes, we're very fortunate. The Moon Goddess has given us this gift."
He spoke so sincerely, but I caught something complex flickering in his eyes. Not joy, but more like... satisfaction?
Father excitedly stood up, raising his coffee cup. "This is indeed wonderful news worth celebrating! To SteelMoon Pack's future!"
"Cheers!" everyone responded, laughter and joy filling the entire hall.
But I didn't raise my cup. I just coldly observed everything, my doubts growing deeper.
Nova looked around, enjoying the pack's blessings and envious gazes. Then her eyes locked on me, slowly walking toward our table.
"Hope, dear sister," she stopped in front of me, her voice syrupy sweet, "you don't look very happy. Are you perhaps feeling... what's the word... envious of your sister's good news?"
The surrounding pack members began whispering. In werewolf society, rapid pregnancy was seen as the Moon Goddess's blessing and a symbol of harmonious mate relationships. That Axel and I had been bonded so long without results would certainly cause gossip.
I sensed dangerous energy radiating from Axel, golden light beginning to flicker in his eyes.
Stay calm, I soothed him through the mind link. She's not worth your anger.
"Congratulations, Nova," I said calmly. "Truly... unexpected good news."
Nova seemed oblivious to the deeper meaning in my words, continuing smugly. "Of course it's good news! Douglas says this child is destined to become the pack's pride. He has pure bloodline, unlike..."
She deliberately paused, her gaze moving between Axel and me. "Some people who've been bonded so long with no progress. Maybe there's something wrong physically? Or perhaps they're not really true fated mates?"
As soon as she said this, the surrounding whispers grew louder.
Axel shot to his feet, the entire hall instantly falling silent.
"Nova," he scolded, "I suggest you take back what you just said."
Nova's face immediately turned ugly. But Douglas timely stepped over, saying gently, "Axel, Nova's just too excited, speaking inappropriately. I apologize for her."
"Apologize?" I slowly stood up. "Nova, do you think an apology is enough?"
Nova forced herself to maintain courage, saying, "I... I was just concerned about my sister. Maybe you should have Douglas check you both..."
"Check?" I chuckled, walking up to her, my voice so low only she could hear. "Nova, do you really think I need checking? Or should YOU check how this child came to be?"
Nova's face instantly went pale.
