Moonborn: Rise of the Wolfless Luna

Bella didn't look at either of them as she spoke. "No, Alpha Alfred. You've got the wrong person. I don't know you."

Alfred stared at her, shocked. Why was she lying?

Bella bowed slightly and walked away, holding back the tears in her eyes. She didn't dare look back.

Selina leaned close to Roland's ear and whispered, "Alpha Roland, that bitch was definitely trying to seduce Alpha Alfred."

Roland's eyes narrowed as he looked at Alfred, who sat quietly, staring into space, still thinking about Bella.

Roland forced a smile. "My apologies, Alpha Alfred. Please excuse me for a moment."

He stood and followed Bella outside.

Bella was walking down the poolside, taking deep breaths. But she didn't get far before Roland grabbed her hair from behind and yanked it back hard.

"You filthy whore!" he growled.

Bella screamed, "What are you talking about?! Let go of me!"

"You think you can seduce someone right under my nose?!" he shouted, dragging her closer to the water. "This is what you get for disobeying me!"

Inside the room, Alfred stood by the window. He saw everything: Roland dragging Bella, her screams, the fear in her eyes. He clenched his fists.

She's in trouble, he told himself.

Outside, Roland pushed Bella's face toward the pool water.

"No! Please!" she cried, struggling.

Roland laughed darkly. "You should have stayed in your place."

He shoved her head into the water.

Bella kicked and fought, bubbles rising as she screamed under the surface.

Alfred couldn't take it anymore. He dashed out of the room, ignoring the guards, and ran straight to the pool.

Roland pulled Bella's head up, breathing heavy. "Have you learned your lesson yet?"

Bella gasped for air and looked at him with hate. "Go to hell."

He sneered. "How about I send you there myself?"

He shoved her head back into the water again, laughing.

Suddenly...

A strong kick hit Roland from behind, sending him crashing to the ground.

Bella's head came out of the water, coughing and gasping.

Roland groaned in pain, looking up to see who it was.

It was Alpha Alfred.

"Oh my," Alfred said calmly, pretending, "I'm sorry, Alpha Roland. I didn't realize it was you. I thought it was some low-life harassing the staff."

Roland forced a laugh from the ground. "How kind of you! We were only joking, of course."

Alfred reached out his hand to help Bella.

She looked at it, her heart racing.

He's an Alpha... Can I really trust him?

She lowered her eyes and stood on her own, not taking his hand.

Dripping wet and shivering, she walked away.

Alfred's eyes followed her until she disappeared into the hallway.

Bella entered her small room. Her hair was soaked, her dress stuck to her skin. She dropped to her knees, crying.

"When will this nightmare ever end?" she whispered.

Suddenly, a voice came from behind her.

"Have you been living like this all along?"

Bella turned quickly, startled. "Sir! What are you doing in my room?"

"I'm sorry," Alfred said softly. "I didn't mean to scare you."

He stepped forward slowly. "Let me introduce myself properly. I'm Alpha Alfred, leader of the Moonshadow Pack. Do you... Remember me?"

Bella's heart jumped.

How could I forget the Alpha who took my virginity that night under the moonlight? She said in her thoughts.

She looked down. "I remember... But that night was a mistake."

Alfred shook his head. "It wasn't a mistake for me. I've been looking for you ever since."

He stepped closer, gently. "Please, don't push me away. You're more than just a maid. You have a name... and a life."

Bella hesitated. Then she looked up at him and said, "My name is Bella."

Alfred's eyes moved down to her arm. He noticed the scars, old bruises and burn marks. His jaw tightened.

"Bella... how many times?" he asked softly.

"What?" she said, confused.

He gently touched her arm. "How many times did they hurt you?"

Bella turned her body away, ashamed. "I... I lost count."

He adjusted her wet hair and whispered, "I'm so sorry. Pain is all you've known."

Bella couldn't hold back anymore. She cried into his chest. His arms wrapped around her, holding her close.

When was the last time someone held me like this? she wondered.

But then she pulled away.

"No... I can't fall for him," she thought. "He's an Alpha."

She stepped back. "I'm just a maid. You shouldn't be here. It's late."

He held her arm gently. "Bella, come with me. I will protect you. I swear. You'll never have to live like this again."

She shook her head. "You want me in your pack... so I can continue being a maid?"

"No," Alfred said. "You'll never be a maid again."

He stepped even closer and slowly touched her stomach.

"You're pregnant... with my pup."

Bella froze. "What...? That's impossible."

Alfred looked into her eyes. "It's real, Bella. I can feel it.

Bella stepped back, heart pounding. "No... this can't be..."

Bella said, "We were only together a few nights ago. How can I be pregnant?"

Alfred looked at her seriously, "I'm an Alpha, Bella. That means my seed takes root faster than that of an ordinary wolf."

He leaned closer, placing his nose gently against her chest. He inhaled deeply, then looked into her eyes.

"I can smell it, Bella," he whispered. "You're carrying my pup. Our pup."

Bella's eyes widened, her hand trembling. She opened her mouth, but no words came out.

"I'll talk to Roland," Alfred continued. "I'll tell him to release you. I'll protect you and our pup."

He stepped even closer. "Come with me to my pack. Please."

Bella looked at him, speechless. Something in his eyes was different this time, softer, protective.

But she was still afraid.

She stepped back, voice quiet. "I don't know, Alfred. I need more time to decide on that."

He nodded slowly. "I'll wait for your answer."

With one last look, Alfred turned and left the room.

But what they didn't know was that Selina had been hiding in the shadows the entire time. She had heard everything. Her hand was over her mouth in shock as she whispered to herself.

"That slut is pregnant! With Alpha Alfred's pup?"

Her lips curved into a wicked smile.

"I need to tell Alpha Roland."

Back in Bella's room, she sat quietly, one hand resting protectively over her stomach. Her heart was pounding with fear and confusion.

Suddenly, the door burst open.