#Chapter 65 - Signs Of A New Life

Eloise’s POV

I woke up to find myself in my old bedroom here in Noah. In my absence, the place remained spotless as if someone was keeping up with it in case I returned.

I pulled myself up on the bed, still feeling groggy and tired. That’s when I looked across the room to see Xavier sitting at a chair he pulled up next to the bathroom door.

I avoided his cold gaze. “My Lord…”

Xavier remained quiet. I studied his features and it was like he was holding back on telling me something.

After a few more moments of silence, Xavier drew a deep breath and stood up. “When were you planning to tell me that you were pregnant?”

My heart froze. I looked at him dumbfounded as thoughts swirled through my mind.

“Eloise–”

“Pregnant?”

Xavier nodded his head as his eyebrows knitted together. “You were seen by a doctor here and they’ve told me that you were already 3 months along.”

The last time Xavier and I were intimate, it was just before the battle. Was there a chance that I was pregnant with his child? And how had I not felt anything this far along?

“How did you not know? How long were you planning to keep this from me?” Xavier’s frustrations were laced in his words.

I looked up at him with an apologetic look on my face. “I-I’m sorry, my Lord. I genuinely had no clue. I haven’t been showing any signs of pregnancy these past few months…”

Xavier was silent for a few moments as if pondering my words over.

I wonder if he thinks I’m lying…

He rolled his eyes. “No matter. I’ve already decided on a solution to mitigate this issue.”

“What do you mean?”

“You are to remain on house arrest and are not permitted to leave the castle grounds of Noah. I will not risk you running away with my child–who will also be the heir to the throne.” He explained.

“You will receive the care that you need, and will be treated accordingly.” His eyes were cold.

A small smile formed on my lips. “Thank you, my Lord.”

Xavier waved his hand dismissively. “It’s merely an obligation of our contract. My priority is that the child is healthy and that they will not be considered illegitimate for when they become the next ruler of the Werewolf Kingdom.”

“Besides, I have no desire to pursue someone who’s made it perfectly clear that they want nothing to do with me. I’m not doing this for you. I’m doing it for the child.” He clenched his jaws.

I nodded my head as I looked down at my bedsheets. I was relieved to hear him denounce his feelings for me. In my mind, I knew that would make things easier for when the day came.

I took a deep breath and sighed. “Well, I have no reason to go against your decision, my Lord. Whatever is best for our child, I will go forward with.”

“And if that includes remaining in Noah under house arrest, then so be it.” I bowed my head.

Xavier’s eyebrows shot up. I wonder if he was surprised at my agreement.

Not like I could reject the conditions if I wanted to.

Xavier nodded. “That’s good to hear.”

Without another word, he left me alone in my room; the news of my pregnancy still confused and frightened me. I’ve always wanted to be a mother but it saddened me to know that I wasn’t going to be alive to see my child grow up.

Well, I just need to continue to make the best of what little time I have left…

I wrote to my parents about staying in Noah as well as my pregnancy announcement. While they were apprehensive of me staying, Xavier made arrangements so they could visit and stay whenever they pleased–even if weren’t able to be away from the Wisdom castle for long.

Still, despite how everything turned out, I was admittedly happy about spending the last of my days in the same castle walls as Xavier. Although he admitted to hating me, it still filled my heart with joy to see him.

At least I’ll be leaving this realm with a beautiful reminder of the love we once shared.

Xavier’s POV

I hurriedly retreated to my study after seeing Eloise and being surprised with the news of her pregnancy. I couldn’t even tell what emotions I was feeling right now because it was like I was feeling them all at once.

Anger.

Surprise.

Happy.

Anguish.

Relief.

Frightened.

Goddess, am I going crazy?

I had told her that I wanted nothing to do with her, even though it was the furthest thing from the truth. In my heart, I wanted nothing more than to be with her.

I wanted my wife back. I wanted to feel the softness of her touch and know the warmth of her love.

I wanted to wake up in the same bed as her. I wanted to listen to her laugh. I wanted to smell her natural hint of lavender.

I decided that I was going to do everything in my power to make her feel loved; even if I wasn’t going to tell her or show her. For now, it mainly revolved around making her comfortable—especially since she was carrying my child.

I made sure that her meals were fulfilling and satisfying, and that she received the proper pregnancy care she needed.

When she was no longer able to fit in the dresses as her belly grew, I made sure to have beautiful gowns tailored especially for her.

And whenever her back and feet would hurt, I would arrange a spa day to help her relax.

I did everything I could as I kept my distance from Eloise. I still couldn’t get over how my heart was still shattered from when she severed our mate bond.

While we were no longer bound to each other aside from the contract, I still couldn’t bring myself to truly get over Eloise and pursue anyone else. I wanted no one else but her.

However, there were times I succumbed to my weakness for Eloise. But I at least made sure to wait until she wasn’t aware of my presence.

It was easiest to sneak into her room during the night. She continued to sleep through me climbing into bed with her. I tossed and turned too many times without having her at my side, so I found solace during the nights I’d visit her.

It wasn’t enough but it was what I had to make do with. No matter how often Lyon whimpered in the back of my mind like a saddened puppy.

“I miss Eloise so much…” Lyon would speak to me in my mind.

I do, too. Trust me.

I tried to drown myself in work to keep myself busy. It led to many days spent in my study without ever leaving.

One day, however, Adrian and Captain Oliver barged into my study. Their facial expressions were hardened with resolve.

“My Lord,” Captain Oliver bowed. “I apologize for the intrusion but we’ve been talking it over…” He looked to Adrian.

“…and alongside with your top lieutenants, we believe now is the best time to strike the Royal Guard so that we may reclaim your throne.” Adrian finished.

I was stunned at their sudden proposal but my gut feeling told me that they were correct. After the losses Douglas and his army faced at Witches Land, there was no way they would’ve regained their strength by now.

I stood up and nodded my head. “Let’s end this.”

Adam’s POV

Killing Robert was like an adrenaline rush–one I hadn’t been able to get rid of these past few weeks. After I had fed on his blood, it was then I realized what it was like to reap the benefits of a full-fledged vampire.

Robert was always alert. Nothing got past his sense of smell, sight, or hearing. He was also the fastest of my siblings. After I drank every last bit of his blood, I found that I now possessed the same qualities he did.

A wicked grin spread across my face as I knew what I needed to do next. News of Robert’s murder spread to the kingdom like a forest fire—thanks to my own doing, of course.

This meant that my siblings were now on their way back to the castle of Hastings, each of them fearing for their life. If Robert could be taken down so easily, they knew that they were next.

However, I had my faithful werewolf soldiers intercept their carriages. The one major flaw of the royal city of Hastings was that there were only two roads that led in and out of the city. There wasn’t even an escape road or tunnel for the royal family.

My father thought that no one would ever contest us, so he had no reason to have them built. What an idiot—even though it worked out in my favor.

Soon, the rest of my siblings were brought to the estate. Well, only Michael and Christopher.

I looked at my struggling brothers. “Where’s Samuel?”

As if on cue, one of the other werewolf soldiers, who went by the name of Darius, came crashing through the door. On the other side was Samuel; his clothes were torn and hair disheveled.

“What is the meaning of this?!” Samuel’s voice caused my chandelier to shake and rattle above us.

“Be careful,” I pretended to be cautious. “That chandelier piece is new!”

“I don’t care–”

“By the Goddess!” Michael shrieked.

When all three of them looked above them, that’s when they caught a glimpse of the horror before them.

Robert’s naked corpse dangled lifelessly from the center of the chandelier. He was drained of color as grotesque cuts decorated his body.

“Oh, and don’t worry, I have more than enough room for extra additions.” I grinned widely at my shocked siblings.