Chapter 3

I began to scream like a lunatic, grabbing at random people on the streets.

“Where's my baby? What the hell happened here?”

But instead of answering, they turned up their noses in disgust and pushed back at me.

“Isn't she the Luna who was sent from her Mate's penthouse to the slaves’ crib?”

I swirled around, in search of who said that, but I was soon drowned by similar voices which fired at me. I covered my ears and eyes as these words lashed at me.

Before I knew what was happening, I was slapped across the face. “How dare you speak to us like that? You who are lower than a slave?”

The warm trickle of blood down my nose did little to curb the pain that breathed down my neck. I was gasping for breath just as their cameras flashed in my face.

I didn't know what to focus on: this unexpected attack, or my baby's whereabouts. My heart suffered terribly as I tried to process what I should do.

I raised my eyes, staring into the mean faces of the people I was supposed to lord over.

“I just want to know what happened here,” I whimpered, pointing at the dilapidated ruins. “My child was here. I…”

“The same child the Alpha rejected?” someone countered, breaking into laughter.

Another said, “I think he made an Instagram video that you're a whore, he doesn't know how you got pregnant.”

My lips hung apart as these searing words were layered on me. Then there was a sudden hush.

The crowd moved apart in an instant, forming an aisle in the center. Then I caught his unmistakable scent, even before I saw him.

Alpha Dimitri.

I was attacked by mixed feelings. I didn't know what to feel — anger, relief, fear. What did you do to my child? I wanted to ask him.

I read his face and to my surprise, he had a comely smile. And when he seemed to “notice” the crowd, his face turned sore.

“Did they hurt you?” he asked even after seeing the blood and bruises on my face. The subtle mockery in his voice was barely hidden.

He didn't stretch his hand to me, only stood at a convenient distance, as though he couldn't risk being seen close to me.

“Did they hurt me?” I repeated, narrowing my eyes.

The tiny smirk on his face disappeared for a moment as he saw the deep pain stemming from my soul.

“Come, let me get you out of here,” he mumbled.

“Dimitri, I am looking for my child!” I finally exploded, tears rolling down my eyes. “I… I left him here and…”

The words choked me as I stared into Dimitri's expressionless face. He was fighting not to laugh.

He took one glance at the ruined building, squinted his eyes a bit and sighed. “He was in there? Oh. Come let's get you home, my dear. There are better things to talk about.”

My emotions exploded. I jumped to my feet, my wolf uncorking. My talons shot out, but he sidestepped and caught me. Several guards came from nowhere and held me against his car.

“What did you do to my child?” I wailed. “You monster! You devil, where's my baby?”

“I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. You must be going crazy, my love. But I still love you,” Dimitri said.

He had a sweet smile on his face, meant to paint him as the indulgent lover, but only me knew his true evil color.

I was bound with fetters behind my back and bundled into the car like I was a criminal. I kept shouting to Dimitri about my lost child while he

amused himself by taking a picture with the excited pack passers-by, assuring them he'd keep leading them right, “and eliminating the bad eggs amongst us.”

I shut my eyes as everything came pressing down on me. My position was so uncomfortable I had multiple muscle cramps, but the guards pressed hard on me.

Dimitri entered the driver's seat, turned and said, “You lost a child, not a life. I'd appreciate it if you stopped making a big deal out of it.”

“A big deal about my baby, Dimitri?” I yelled, my heart tearing apart. “Are you that heartless? Your own child and—”

Duct tape was slapped to my mouth and the car drove off. I'd never imagined that my mate would be heartless enough to treat me like a criminal. Being partly an introvert, the embarrassment burnt me more than I imagined.

A weak flicker of hope flashed through my mind when we arrived at the pack house. Maybe my baby was still alive. Perhaps…

“Get the fuck down,” Dimitri said through his teeth as he tore off the tape and fetters. Away from the public cameras, Dimitri was once more a monster.

By himself he dragged me by the hair into the large hall where the board of directors sat, their faces tense.

Dimitri threw me at their feet and said: “Last night, a huge amount of money was stolen from the stocks of my companies. It was traced to you. Where did you keep the money, you thief?”

I sneered. “I sold my shares in your damn companies!”

The directors broke into laughter. Sniding comments flickered about.

Dimitri glared at me. “Over a hundred million dollars? From you alone? Are you stupid? Or you think we are? How the hell did you steal such an amount of money?”

I lowered my head, clenching my fists as rage tore through me. After doing away with my child, this monster had the guts to ask me about his shares? This was why he came to fetch me by himself.

Slowly I stood. But Dimitri had another brutal surprise for me.

Vera walked in with my baby in her arms, a bitter smile on her face.

Dimitri touched my shoulder. “Return the money you stole or…” — a nod towards my child — “you know what I mean.”

CHAPTER 4

My eyes teared up as I stared into the eyes of my helpless child, clutched in Vera’s merciless grasp.

“Please,” I choked, tears streaming down my face, “I will return the money. Just give me back my son.”

Vera hissed, her voice laced with venom. “You have two days to return every last penny. Until then, your child stays with me, Leave!”

I ran out and with hands trembling from fear and rage, I booked a ride that would take me to the bank. Of course, I would do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of my son, even if it meant giving up all my fortune.

Standing on the walkway, frustrated and sad, waiting for my ride, a black limousine stopped in front of me. Without a second guess, I stepped into the dark interior of the limousine.

“Starlight Bank, please,” I managed to say, my voice hoarse and dry.

The driver’s eyes widened. “That’s not… That was not the deal,” He hesitated, clearly trying to make sense of the situation. “The deal was I would come and pick you up and take you to dinner where I would brief you on our fake engagement plans for Thanksgiving dinner with my pack.”

My mouth went dry as I realized my mistake. “I’m sorry, I must have gotten into the wrong limo.”

“Oh?” the driver murmured, his eyes lingering on me for a brief moment. “Really? That’s a shame. I was hoping it was you. You are beautiful enough.” He winked.

At that moment, a plan came to my mind, and my eyes lit up. “I have an idea,” I said. “I’m proposing we strike a deal.”

The driver smiled. “It depends on what you’re asking for.”

“My child has been taken from me, and I’m being blamed for stealing my own money. If I do this for you, if I pretend to be your fiancée and go to this thanksgiving dinner, you will use my fake name and pretend to be the owner of my shares.” I said, my eyes meeting the driver’s eyes.

The driver thought for a moment and let out a deep sigh, “Very well,” he said, his voice steady. “I’ll help you.”

“Thank you so much. I am Andrea Silverstone.” I said and extended my hand for a handshake.

“I am Nathan Dan, and I am a lawyer.” He replied and shook my hand.

“let’s go to dinner and then we can discuss our plan.” I suggested.

And so he drove us off to a fine restaurant tucked away in a secluded part of the city.

The morning of the deadline dawned, and with the plan in motion, Nathan arrived at the mansion in his limousine and pulled up to the grand entrance.

With a beating heart, I hid somewhere in the mansion so I could watch the scene.

Dimitri, flanked by two bodyguards, strode out to greet the visitor.

“Who are you?” he asked, his voice dripping with authority.

Nathan stepped out of the limo, his expression unreadable.

“I am an investor in your company and I am here on account of a recent problem with the shares in your company.” he said, his eyes locked onto Dimitri’s. “Can I know the problem?”

“Well, A major investor under the name ‘Charles Peter’ sold shares and our stocks crashed after that, But, I have traced the funds to Miss Andrea.” Dimitri admitted.

Nathan shook his head, his gaze unwavering. “I’m Charles Peter,” he confirmed. “I sold my shares from your company, and sent the money to Andrea’s account.”

Dimitri’s expression darkened. “Mr Peter?, So you sold your shares and sent Andrea the money?”

“Yes,” Nathan said, offering Dimitri a document. “This is proof of the share withdrawal, in my name. And this,” he added, producing a second document, “is proof of the transfer to Miss Andrea’s account.”

Dimitri accepted the documents, his eyes rapidly scanning the text. “Why did you send her the money?”

“The reason is confidential, and not your concern, so I have filed a lawsuit that will hold you accountable if you harass or question Miss Andrea about the money,” Nathan’s voice was firm, his eyes drilling into Dimitri’s.

“I promise never to ask her about the money again, But, Mr Peter, please, we need to strike a deal.” Dimitri suggested. “Immediately you sold your shares our stocks crashed. What can I do to make you buy back your shares?”

“You have to return her child to her.” Nathan replied, his face mean and focused.

Dimitri couldn't hide his shock. “What? So she reported me to you?” He asked. “Mr Peter, the child is mine too and it is none of your business. What does that have to do with the shares?”

“It has everything to do with the shares. She didn't steal your money, And if you do not return her child to her this instant, I will add kidnapping and child trafficking charges to the suit.”

Dimitri’s face drained color in shock. “Alright,” Dimitri said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I will return the child. But you still have to buy back your shares please. Our stocks crashed.” He begged.

I have never seen Dimitri this humbled.

Nathan nodded, satisfied. “You will do so within an hour,” he replied, his tone making it clear that this was an order. “Then we will discuss the shares.” He turned and left.

From where I was hiding, I couldn’t help but feel a swell of gratitude and happiness for this stranger who had come to my aid when I needed it most. I was very thankful to Nathan for standing up for me. And I felt happy for the first time in a long time.

CHAPTER 5

“Andrea, Andrea!” Dimitri cried out, his voice harsh and urgent.

My heart leapt in my chest as I approached him. “Yes?” I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper.

“Charles, Your Lawyer boyfriend,” Dimitri blew hot, gesturing towards the now-departed Nathan. “He pulled his shares, gave it to you, and now I can’t even ask why, thanks to this lawsuit.”

I held my ground. “He can do what he wants with his shares,” I replied, “Now you know I didn’t steal your money, Where is my son?”

“You reported to him that I kidnapped your son. How dare you?” Dimitri blew hot.

“I didn't report to him. I only told him what happened. If I don't see my son, then I will report to him.” I warned. “Say goodbye to your stocks.”

“Vera is on her way with your child as we speak. But I promise, I will deal with you.” Dimitri replied, his words dripping with malice.

I felt a chill run through my body, but I refused to back down. “I have done nothing wrong,” I declared, almost tearing up. “You are the one who has been deceiving me since day one.”

Few minutes later, My heart leapt for joy as I saw Vera approaching with my baby in her arms. But as I took the child from Vera, my joy turned to horror. The child had a high temperature, his little body limp and shivering.

I let out a scream of rage. “He’s sick!” I cried, tears streaming down my face. “You couldn’t even take him to a hospital. You’re a monster!” I hissed as I rushed out to take him to the hospital only to discover that Vera had seized the car keys.

As my baby started to convulse in my arms, his body writhing in agony, I started running to the gate. “Dimitri please help me book a ride!” I screamed.

He ignored me and Vera smiled. “This is what it means to be a monster,” she whispered, her voice low. “You’re going to watch your son die, right here in front of your eyes.”

I gasped, my eyes wide with terror as Vera commanded, “Guards, Don’t let her leave the house!”

The guards blocked the gate as Vera and Dimitri turned to leave.

I stumbled back, my face white with shock and fear. “Let me go,” I begged, my voice pleading. “I need to get my son to a hospital!

My heart pounded as I helplessly watched his little body convulse. I cried and prayed for a miracle, but he kept convulsing.

I decided to call the only savior I could think of. Gripping my phone, I punched in Nathan’s number with trembling fingers, my voice shaking as I begged for his help.

“Nathan,” I pleaded, my voice breaking. “I need your help. They won’t let me out of the house, my son is sick!”

“Andrea,” Nathan replied, his tone comforting. “I am going to come and get you, but you need to get out of the house. Is there a window you can escape from?”

I glanced around, my eyes landed on the large French windows that overlooked the garden. “There is a window,” I whispered, my voice shaking.

“Good,” Nathan said, his voice even and focused. “Get your son and get out through that window. I’ll meet you in 10 minutes.

I took a deep breath, and looked at the guards, they were not paying attention to me, so I swept my son into my arms and made for the French windows, praying that I could make it out before my child died.

I burst through the French windows, the sharp grass scratching my feet as I passed through the garden gate to the main road and there, Nathan stood, like an angel, waiting for me. So I stumbled towards the waiting car.

Nathan, his expression full of concern, rushed to meet me, gently lifting me and my son into the backseat of his car.

“Hold on, Andrea,” he comforted. “I will get you to the hospital as fast as I can.”

The car sped through the city streets and screeched to a halt outside the emergency room, and I rushed inside with my son in my arms, screamed for help.

With immediate attention from the doctors, my son was revived foew hours later and we were discharged with medications.

Nathan, a stranger, comforted me through it all. He turned to me, his eyes filled with concern.

“Andrea,” he began, his voice gentle but persistent. “Who is Dimitri to you? Why is he treating you like this?”

I swallowed. And began to narrate.

Nathan’s face darkened as I continued to recount my story, his eyes flashing with anger.

“Have you forgotten the daughter of who you are? How could you let them treat you and your son this way?” he demanded, his voice trembling with indignation. “What if your son died? What if you die?

My shoulders slumped.

“Why don’t you leave or fight back?” He asked.

My eyes filled with tears. “Soon” I whispered.