After My Mate Threw Me to Snakes, I Chose His Rival

Watching the tenderness in Hugo's gaze as he stared at Norah’s stomach, I couldn’t help but think back to the cold indifference in his eyes when I had unexpectedly been pregnant in my past life. A bitter laugh escaped me.

When I was in labor, he had promised to stay by my side, to be the first to see our child. Back then, I had foolishly believed it was a sign that he was finally opening his heart to me. Little did I know, it was all a ruse. He had waited until I was at my weakest, drugged me, and thrown me into a pit of venomous snakes, leaving me to suffer a torturous death.

Now, seeing the unmistakable love in his eyes for Norah, I finally understood. A child should be born into a world of love, not deceit.

Hearing that Norah was carrying Hugo’s child, Ander Scott, the former Alpha of the Northern Pack, looked furious. He shot a sharp glance at the pack steward before turning to me with a forced smile. "Luna Gwendolyn, we’ve recently acquired some rare creatures. Allow me to show them to you."

As an Elder, Ander deserved my respect, so I nodded politely. "Thank you, Elder Ander."

Inside the cages were creatures I had only heard of in werewolf legends—human-faced birds. I had seen them once, twenty years ago, and never thought I’d see them again. These creatures were not supposed to exist in the modern world, let alone be captured by the Northern Pack. My brows furrowed, and my eyes instinctively darted to Hugo.

Hugo had his arm protectively around Norah as they circled the cage, marveling at the strange creature. Norah flinched when the bird flapped its wings, burying her face in Hugo’s chest.

"Silly girl," Hugo chuckled, his voice soft. "It’s just a caged animal. I’ll keep you safe."

Something felt off. I was about to leave and inform my mate, Enzo, when someone suddenly shouted, "Run! The bird’s broken free!"

The human-faced bird had already killed several pack warriors and was now charging toward us. I yelled, "Fire! It’s afraid of fire! Hugo, light something!"

Hugo fumbled for his lighter, but Norah clung to him, trembling. "No, Hugo, please! I’m terrified of fire!"

I was desperate. "Hugo, light it now, or we’re all dead!"

Finally, he managed to ignite the lighter, but Norah let out a cry and fainted. "Norah! Norah! Someone, help!" Hugo turned to me, his voice frantic. "Gwendolyn, you’re the greatest healer! You must have another way to stop this thing without fire!"

I was stunned. Without hesitation, I grabbed the lighter from his hand, lit a piece of my clothing, and waved it at the bird, keeping it at bay. "Hugo, stop hesitating and help me, or we’ll all die!"

Hugo hesitated, torn. Norah reached out, clutching his arm. "Hugo, don’t leave me. Stay here, protect me…"

He looked at me, guilt flickering in his eyes. "Gwendolyn, I’m sorry!"

Before I could react, he shoved me forward, using me as a shield between them and the charging creature.