Elle’s POV
I settled into the plush sofa in Peter’s test room.
“How far along are you?” Peter asked quietly, and I could have sworn I saw something flicker in his eyes – a recognition of sorts.
“Just over five months,” I replied, instinctively placing a protective hand over my stomach. “Getting bigger by the day. Sometimes I can
feel him moving around in there, getting restless.”
Peter nodded slowly, and his expression grew thoughtful. “That’s… that’s quite remarkable,” he murmured.
“You haven’t changed much yourself,” Peter added, studying my face with an odd mixture of pain and fascination. “That’s… not easy,
carrying a child with such strong Alpha blood.”
I frowned slightly at his phrasing but decided not to question it. Instead, I turned to Alex. “Could you get us some tea?” I asked. “I think
we could both use something warm.”
Alex nodded and quickly left the room, leaving Peter and me alone.
The moment the door closed, I leaned forward slightly. “Peter, I hope you don’t mind me asking, but I’m not sure how I’ve offended
Calista. Could you help me understand what I might have done wrong?”
Peter’s smile froze on his face, and I saw genuine regret flash across his features. “Elle, I’m so sorry about my sister’s behavior. That was completely unacceptable, and I promise you I’ll speak to her about it.”
I nodded.
Peter was quiet for a moment, then asked softly, “Have you… have you been able to visit Dakota’s resting place?”
The question caught me off guard, and I saw the deep longing in his eyes. “I offered to, but the Blair family parents declined. They said
Dakota wasn’t buried in the family plot.”
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Peter’s face fell. “I see. I… I’ve wanted to pay my respects, He looked at me hopefully. “If you ever get the chance, would you… would you
light a candle for her? From me?”
‘Of course,” I said gently, touched despite myself by the obvious pain in his voice.
Peter looked down at his hands. “I have to admit, Elle, the reason I’ve been avoiding you isn’t personal. It’s just… you look so much like her. Almost exactly like her. Every time I see you, I’m reminded of…” He couldn’t finish the sentence.
“I understand that must be difficult,” I said carefully. “But perhaps you should try to move forward? Maybe find a suitable werewolf
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Chapter 223
Nemo interepied, thanh trying to change the wandey, depita avengthang. Em glad Bead chere you
I wanted hack, relied to his songs tek past the sewarnets hope you can find peace, Peter Morghs it time to let go of the geet and open weareeft to mek preoccitutitles ”
Bol Peter Wash 1 Hatesing. He seemed to hit sway from the conversation entirely.
Korty, what did you say?” he asked, blinking as it coming out of a trance
1 sighed Jeward?
I was saying that maybe it’s time to focus on your future,” I repeated gently.
Peter nodded absently, then seemed to refocus. “You know, as a board member, I’ll be able to help you navigate the corporate side of things. We’re family now, after all, and your child represents the future of the Rayne family.”
“I appreciate that,” I said sincerely.
As we talked, I was surprised to discover that Peter and I shared an unexpected common interest – anime. His face lit up when I mentioned watching a particular series, and for the first time since I’d met him, he seemed to genuinely relax.
“I can’t believe you watch that too!” Peter exclaimed. “Most people think it’s childish, but the storytelling is incredible.”
“Exactly!” I agreed, feeling a genuine connection for the first time. “The way they develop the characters over multiple seasons is amazing.
Peter’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. “You know what? I just ordered a limited edition figure set from that series – hand–designed by the creator himself. It’s one of a kind.” He paused, then smiled. “I’d like to give it to you as a gift.”
My eyes widened with delight. “Peter, that’s incredibly generous, but I couldn’t-*
“Please,” he insisted. “It would mean a lot to me.”
I felt genuinely touched. “Thank you, Peter. That really means a lot.”
Just then, the door burst open with such force that Alex, who had been returning with tea, stumbled backward, hot liquid splashing everywhere.
Calista stood in the doorway, her mixed–blood werewolf nature on full display as fury radiated from every line of her body. Her eyes blazed as they fixed on me with undisguised hatred.
“Sorry, Mrs. Rayne, Alex stammered, clearly shaken by the violent intrusion and intimidated by Calista’s werewolf presence. “Miss Calista
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Chapter 223
came rushing through and-”
I could guess what had happened. Rising from my seat, I moved toward the door. “It’s fine. I should be getting back anyway.”
But Calista stepped directly into my path, blocking my exit. Her voice was tight with rage as she pointed an accusing finger at me.
“You’re already Brad’s mate, so why are you here seducing my brother? How can a human be so shameless?”
I stared at her in complete bewilderment.
Peter immediately jumped up, his face flushing with embarrassment and anger. “Calista! Stop this nonsense immediately. Show some
dignity.”
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But Calista rounded on him, her voice rising. “Are you falling for her too? Are you looking at her face and thinking about that dead human
woman?”
The venom in her voice when she said “human woman made my blood run cold. Peter’s face went white, but I’d heard enough.
“Calista,” I said firmly, “your words are damaging not just to me, but to both the Rayne and Hamilton families. I may be human, but I’m
also an Alpha’s mate, and I won’t be spoken to this way.”
But Calista was beyond reason.
“You climbed into an Alpha’s bed!” she screamed. “You shameless whore! You seduce werewolves with that face, you manipulative witch!”
The words hit me like physical blows. I felt my face drain of color, and my hand instinctively went to my stomach as if to protect my child from the vicious assault. The baby seemed to respond to my distress, shifting restlessly inside me.
Peter tried desperately to pull his sister away, but she was lost in her fury, continuing her vile tirade. Finally, unable to stop her any other way, he raised his hand and slapped her hard across the face.
The sharp crack of the slap echoed through the room.
Calista stumbled backward, her hand flying to her cheek, staring at her brother in complete shock.
‘Peter… you hit me?” she whispered, her voice breaking. “You actually hit me… for a human? Have you forgotten what you are?”
The accusation in her voice was clear she was convinced that Peter had feelings for me.
I couldn’t listen to anymore. “I’m sorry, Peter,” I said quietly, then turned and walked decisively toward the door.
I wouldn’t subject my unborn child to any more of this toxic hatred. As I left, I could hear their argument escalating behind me, but I
didn’t look back.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
