When an unannounced guest arrived at the castle gates, the grand hall of Barduff Castle was busy getting ready for the evening's event. Elena Myles went forward, her crimson cloak flowing, her emerald eyes piercing the guards who stood in her way.
With practiced earnestness in her voice, she declared, "I am here to see Alpha Jacob."
The guards paused, knowing her name but noticing the change in her manner from before. Her return was unexpected—foreboding—and she hadn't been inside the castle for years. Jacob was quickly told by one of the guards.
Shortly after, Elena was led inside while Jacob waited in the main hall, his face unreadable. When Leah, who was standing at his side, saw the woman who had previously captured Jacob's heart, she tensed.
Jacob said, "Elena," with caution. "What brings you here?"
With her eyes glimmering with what appeared to be distress, Elena covered her tummy with her palm. Her voice trembled a little as she said, "If it weren't important, I wouldn't have come." "I'm pregnant, Jacob. It's also your child
The hall was filled with a heavy, oppressive silence. Leah's mind was racing as her fingers coiled into her palms. Jacob's jaw tightened as his eyes grew gloomy. "That cannot be true Elena and you know that."
Elena moved in closer. "Jacob, it is the reality. You and I had a one night stand…."
He interrupted sharply, "Whatever we had meant nothing to me." "And your word alone is not enough for me."
Elena's face vacillated between desperation and resolve. "Jacob, I'm telling the truth. You have the right to know, which is why I came here."
Leah took a step forward and spoke in a firm yet calm tone. "Elena, you shared this news at a moment that was inconvenient for you. This will not work if it is a deception intended to frighten us.
Elena looked from Jacob to Leah and back again. With a hint of assurance in her voice, she declared, "I'll prove it." "And I hope you'll do the right thing when I do."
Jacob kept a close eye on her, his doubts raging. His whole life was about to change if she told the truth. However, he was uneasy about Elena's return and her unexpected disclosure for reasons he didn't fully comprehend at the time.
Leah and Jacob looked at each other as she was led to a guest room for the night. They had worked hard to win each other's trust, and now it was going to be put to the test once more.
.