Looking For The True Alpha Father of My Child

I hadn't done anything at all, but it had become second nature for Ronan to blame me. I hadn't even spoken yet when Mara stepped forward, clutching her bloodied hand.

"It's okay, it's my fault," she said, biting her lip slightly. "I touched the pup without permission, so it bit me…"

The blood wasn't much, just a thin trail across her palm, but to Ronan, it was too much. His eyes burned as he searched for the pup, which had been thrown aside and now lay disoriented in the corner. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and kicked it. The pup let out a sharp, painful yelp. I lunged and blocked him just as he raised his foot to strike again.

"What are you doing?!" I cried, standing protectively in front of the small creature.

"I'm doing what I should," Ronan snapped. "This wild thing hurt Mara. What do you think would happen if it scratched her belly? What about the baby?"

"The pup didn't do anything wrong," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "Mara was the one mishandling it."

Mara whimpered again, loud enough for everyone to hear. She held her hand dramatically, blood still dripping between her fingers.

"I thought it was cute," she said through a sob. "I just wanted to pet it…"

Ronan's face twisted in rage. He shoved me aside hard enough to make his point. I stumbled but didn't back down. I covered the pup with my body as he raised his foot again. He paused, his leg suspended midair, not because of hesitation but because I was on the way.

"Did you forget it's forbidden to bring in beasts from outside? That thing's a wild wolf," he spat, eyeing the pup like it carried plague.

"Ronan, it's just a pup," I said firmly. "It can't even harm anyone—"

"Can't do anything harm?" Rachel's voice cut through the room like a blade. "Look at Mara's hand! What if that wild beast carried some disease? Ronan, get rid of that creature and punish this woman! She not only hurt Mara, she's been making her cook!"

"What?" I blinked in disbelief. "I didn't—"

"Will you allow her to order Mara like that, Ronan? She's the one carrying your child," Rachel looked at me from head to toe with a sneer. "Instead of staying with this barren woman, you should take good care of someone who could give you a child."

Ronan did not comment on Rachel's words. Instead, he focused on me.

"She's carrying our child, Bella. After birth, you will be its mother," Ronan said, holding Mara close in his embrace. "Can't you accommodate her while she is carrying the baby? It would be for your own good."

"Ronan, what are you saying? Are you still choosing this woman—" Rachel protested.

"Shut up!" Ronan commanded, without looking at Rachel, only focusing on me. "Take care of Mara as to bond with the child."

I saw Mara lower her head, her thoughts unreadable. I couldn't help but sneer at Ronan.

"Ronan, let's break the bond."

Ronan froze. He was about to speak when Mara cried out, suddenly clutching her stomach.

"Ronan… I think my tummy hurts."

Ronan immediately turned to her, panic flashing in his eyes. He supported her gently and examined her injured hand. Then he turned to me, and the look in his eyes held none of the affection he once had for me.

"Throw that thing away," he growled, "or else—"

He didn't finish, but I didn't need him to. The unspoken threat was etched in every line of his face. Rachel didn't even glance at me. She grabbed Ronan's arm, urging him to hurry.

"Don't risk the baby," she said, worriedly. "Even a small wound could cause complications."

I watched as they walked away. The moment they vanished, I heard a weak whimper. My heart dropped. I rushed to the corner. The pup lay still, trembling, its breaths shallow. Its ribs rose and fell in uneven rhythm. One leg was twisted at an odd angle.

"Don't worry," I whispered, gently cradling it in my arms. "I'll take care of you."

I hurried to the healer's hut. Thankfully, the old healer was available and examined the pup without comment. He simply nodded and began gathering herbs to treat the injuries. As I waited, the door creaked open.

"There you are," Ronan said behind me.

I turned slowly, face blank. He didn't say a word. He grabbed my arm and pulled me away from the pup.

"Where are you taking me?" I demanded, struggling.

He dragged me to another room in the healer's hut and shoved me into a chair.

"Draw her blood," he ordered.

"What?" I looked up, stunned. "What did I do?!"

Rachel entered the room and immediately pointed at me like I was some cursed thing.

"Because of you, Mara is bleeding. She went into shock! She needs blood to replenish what was lost," Rachel said, glaring at me before turning to Ronan. "Make sure you take enough. We can't risk the baby's life!"

She left before I could reply, her voice disappearing into the other room. The healer looked at Ronan for confirmation. He nodded, and the healer began his work and prepared the scary-looking blood collector. I didn't struggle, but I stared Ronan down.

"Mara's in shock from the bite," Ronan said, trying to soften his tone. "Since you'll be the child's mother—"

I laughed coldly. "Does it have to be my blood? Then why don't you give yours? Isn't it your child?"

Ronan frowned. "Bella, don't be childish and hurry, give your blood. It's not time to quarrel."

"Then," I glared at him. "I'll give my blood, but we'll break our bond. You choose."