Chapter 2
Juno's POV
A month had passed.
I gently stroked my slightly rounded belly, watching the golden sunset over the snow-capped mountains. Three months pregnant now, the twins were growing quietly inside me. Every morning I woke up, I couldn't help but smile—it still felt like a dream.
Darren was even more attentive, practically never leaving my side. The Alpha also showed special care, arranging nutritionists and caregivers. The entire Silver Moon Pack was preparing for the coming little lives.
I'd never been this happy.
But this afternoon, that happiness was completely SHATTERED.
I was carefully walking down the main building's spiral staircase, the marble steps gleaming in the sunlight. Pregnancy made me extra cautious with every step.
Halfway down the stairs, a figure appeared above.
Serena.
She stood at the top, her silhouette twisted and eerie against the light. I could feel her gaze locked on me, something terrible burning in her eyes.
"Good afternoon, Serena." I tried to stay polite, continuing down.
She suddenly started descending, each step like a hammer blow to my heart.
"You GODDAMN little bitch!" Her shrill voice echoed in the stairwell.
I froze. "What?"
Her face was horribly twisted, hair disheveled, clothes wrinkled—she looked like she hadn't slept in days.
"Stop pretending!" she screamed hysterically. "You must have some guy on the side! How could Silver Moon bloodline get pregnant so EASILY?"
"Are you insane?" I couldn't believe my ears.
"FIVE YEARS! Five WHOLE years!" She kept advancing, fingers beginning to elongate into claws. "I took pills, prayed, got mocked every day—why do YOU get twins the moment you arrive? WHY?!"
She's partially shifting! I need to get out!
"Serena, calm down—"
"CALM DOWN? You stole everything that should be MINE! Those children should be mine! The succession should be Martin's!"
I turned to run, but she let out a beast-like roar and charged.
"DIE! You and those BASTARDS in your belly can all DIE!"
Her hands shoved hard into my back.
NO!
The world spun as I lost balance and pitched forward. Marble steps flashed before my eyes as I desperately wrapped my arms around my belly.
"My babies!"
BANG! BANG! BANG!
My body tumbled down the steps, each impact excruciating. Finally I crashed onto the cold floor, warm blood flowing.
"JUNO!!!"
An enraged roar came from the distance. Darren rushed over, golden flames burning in his eyes.
He saw me in a pool of blood, then looked at Serena still standing dazed on the stairs, and EXPLODED with fury.
"You VICIOUS BITCH!"
A slap cracked across Serena's face, the sharp sound echoing through the hall. She tumbled back onto the steps, half her face instantly swelling.
"You DARED hurt my wife!" Darren's voice was murderous. "I'll tear you APART!"
He knelt beside me, trembling hands stroking my cheek. "Baby, hang on! The doctor's coming!"
In the medical room, harsh white lights blazed overhead. The doctor's hands rested on my belly, eyes closed, sensing something.
The Alpha stood bedside, face dark as thunder. Darren gripped my hand, knuckles white.
Please, let my babies be okay...
After several minutes, the doctor opened his eyes, relief washing over his face.
"Thank God..." he sighed. "Both babies are safe. They're strong, just like their father."
"Really?" I choked out.
"Really, ma'am. The babies are safe."
The Alpha exhaled deeply as Darren hugged me tight. "Thank God, Juno. I almost lost you all."
Just then, a knock sounded.
"Come in," the Alpha said grimly.
Martin entered, face pale and haggard. He looked like he hadn't slept all night.
"Juno, I... I came to apologize." His voice was low and hoarse. "I'm sorry for Serena's behavior. She's... she's kneeling outside right now, begging for your forgiveness."
"WHAT?!" Darren shot to his feet. "She almost KILLED my wife, and now you want us to forgive her? Have you lost your mind too, Martin?"
"I know it's terrible, but—"
"NO BUTS!" the Alpha roared. "She attacked our HEIRS! This is UNFORGIVABLE!"
Martin bowed deeply, voice trembling. "Please, Dad, Darren. She's been kneeling all day and night. It's raining outside, she can barely hold on. She... she just went crazy with jealousy."
"Jealousy?" I said weakly. "She wanted me DEAD, wanted my children dead! You call that jealousy?"
"Juno, I know she was wrong, but she's my wife." Martin clenched his fists, voice hoarse. "For five years she's been under enormous pressure. The pack's stares, family expectations... she's breaking down. Please give her a chance."
"A chance?" Darren roared. "She already used her chance to try MURDERING my family!"
"Please, brother." Martin continued bowing deeply. "She'll accept any punishment. House arrest, exile, anything. Just don't kill her. Please."
The Alpha was silent for a long time, finally sighing wearily. "Let me see her."
Ten minutes later, the Alpha returned, expression complex.
"She is indeed kneeling in the rain. Has been all day," he said slowly. "Soaked through, nearly collapsed."
"Dad, you're not going soft, are you?" Darren asked in disbelief.
The Alpha looked at me, then at Martin. "Serena will be confined for three months. She cannot leave her room or contact any pack members."
"WHAT? That's IT?" Darren demanded furiously. "She attempted MURDER and you give her three months house arrest?"
"She's family, Darren." The Alpha's voice was tired. "And... she has been under a lot of pressure. This will be her lesson."
Martin sagged with relief, voice shaking. "Thank you, Dad. Really, thank you."
I watched all this, enormous injustice and rage surging in my heart.
Not fair! This is SO unfair! She almost killed me and my children, and it's brushed off just like that?
"Juno," the Alpha came to my bedside, "I know this punishment isn't severe enough, but family harmony is important. And Serena has paid a price for her actions."
"Paid a price?" I laughed bitterly. "Kneeling for a day is paying a price? What about me almost DYING?"
"Juno..." Darren squeezed my hand. "I'll protect you. This won't happen again."
Martin stood up, voice low. "Juno, I promise you, Serena will never hurt you again. I'll watch her."
Watch her? Like you watched her this time?
After they all left, I lay in the hospital bed, feeling the pain from my back injuries, deep coldness rising in my heart.
This wasn't an accident. When Serena pushed me, her eyes held no madness—only cold MURDER.
And most terrifying of all, she almost succeeded.
If Darren hadn't arrived in time, if I hadn't instinctively protected my belly, if luck had been just a little worse...
I stroked my stomach, whispering to the babies inside:
"Mommy will protect you. No matter the cost."
But I knew this was only the beginning.
