"Just now, one of the servants from the den came by. Your attendant turned her away, but I think I heard her say Perenna is carrying..."
Hadeon's hand tightened around his cup. It nearly slipped from his grip, but he was always composed. Within a breath, his expression smoothed over.
"I won't let her carry it to term."
"That's your own flesh and blood."
"Her womb carried another wolf's seed once. I find that repulsive. Besides, she spent her whole life handling corpses. Any pup she bears could come out wrong."
Hadeon turned to the attendant standing nearby. "Tell Nyx Whithollow to mix the wolfsbane extract into the lady's meals. Be careful about it. Don't let her find out."
His friend let out a sigh. "Perenna really is pitiful..."
Hadeon went still for a moment. His gaze turned dark and unreadable as he stared into his cup. "I'll let her live out her days as my bonded mate, comfortable and provided for. Consider it compensation."
I clamped a hand over my mouth and crumpled to the ground. My wolf, who had been curled warm and quiet around the new life inside me, went absolutely still. Under the bewildered stares of the servants around me, I scrambled back to the den on my hands and knees.