Avery POV

As we approached Damon's pack territory, I felt uneasy in my heart. I wondered how he would react to having a child. Some other werewolves would reject the child with the excuse of them not being ready to take care of a child so I wondered if that would be the case with Damon.

Turning to look at Margaret, I realized that she seemed unnaturally cheerful.

“Stop right there and state your business!” Two guards stepped in front of us, fixing us with a glare.

“I am Margaret and this is my daughter Avery.” She replied. “We are here to meet your alpha.”

“What for?” a burly and serious-looking wolf asked, stepping forward.

“And who might you be?” Margaret asked, staring him down.

“I am the Beta of this pack and if you have anything to say to the Alpha, you can say it to me.” He replied.

“I feel that the news we need to tell the alpha needs to be disclosed to him personally by us.” Margaret countered with a cold expression.

“and I can assure you that there is no need to disturb yourself over that,” he replied. “You only need to tell me what you wish to disclose to him and I'll do just that on your behalf.” the beta said, maintaining an impassive expression on his face.

Scrunching her face in disgust, Margaret spoke up “Listen here young pup, you are going to…”

“How about you go meet the Alpha and tell him we're both here and if he feels we should tell you whatever we wish to tell him, we will do just that.” I interrupted, a smile on my lips.

Adrian glared at my mother for a few seconds before responding, “That's a reasonable request, I'll be back soon.” He said, turning around and walking back into the pack grounds.

“Why did you stop me from putting that annoying pup in his place?” Margaret hissed at me quietly.

“Do you want to start a fight?” I asked.

“What do you mean by that?” She asked with a frown.

Shaking my head in exhaustion, I replied, “you didn't notice the look on his face but if looks could kill, you'll be dead a dozen times over.” I replied.

“So you feel that pup would've attacked me?” she asked in disdain. “, He wouldn't dare attack the Luna of the Redmoon pack.” She said.

“It doesn't matter.” I replied in frustration. “Annoying people isn't really ok.”

“And what are they going to do?” She asked, hands akimbo.

“Well….”

“That's what I thought.” She replied. “My attitude right now is the attitude of someone that's in a position of power.” She said. “Weaker people like him should be happy to be in the same space with me.”

“That's a pretty awful thing to say.” I said with a frown.

“I do not care how you view the things I say.” She said nonchalantly. “I don't need your opinion.”

Honestly, I knew she didn't need my opinion but hearing such words coming from her rubbed me off the wrong way.

“I really wasn't expecting you both.” A voice said ahead of us. Looking up, I realized that it was Damon walking towards us with an uneasy smile on his face.

“Hi Damon.” I said coldly before turning my head away when he tried kissing me on my lips.

“Um…it's nice to see you Avery.” He said nervously.

“Avery is absolutely thrilled to see you!” Margaret said, coming to stand beside me while taking his hand in hers. “But there is something we need to talk to you about.” She said.

“By all means, come with me.” He replied, leading the way to his mansion.

I had not been to Damon's home before but seeing it for the first time, took my breath away. Damon's mansion stood on a huge piece of land which was understandable since he was an alpha. It was a majestic symbol of werewolf opulence. Situated within the heart of the pack territory, looking at it, I noticed the seamless blend of natural elements and architectural grandeur.

Surrounded by tall, ancient trees that seemed to guard the estate, making the grounds around the mansion feel cool and refreshing, the mansion's exterior was constructed with sturdy, dark wood that didn't look out of place it's surroundings. Ivy crawled up the walls, adding a touch of untamed beauty to the imposing facade.

“I know you haven't been here before Avery.” He said, turning to look at me.

“I haven't.” I replied calmly.

“Well, this belongs to me.” He said with a proud smile. “It was built according to my desires and was completed just a year ago.”

“That's nice.” I said coldly

“This is impressive.” Margaret said excitedly. “Our mansion has nothing on yours.”

“You flatter me Mrs Margaret.” Damon said with a smile

Upon entering through the massive double doors, we were greeted by a spacious foyer adorned with intricate carvings and a large chandelier that bathed the area in a warm, golden glow. The scent of polished wood and subtle traces of nature permeated the air.

The interior design reflected a harmonious balance between contemporary luxury and the primal instincts of the werewolf culture. Plush furniture adorned the living spaces, while large windows allowed natural light to flood in during the day, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding forest.

Walking further in silence, we arrived at Damon's study, a room I felt was extremely important to him seeing as he had some clothes on a sofa resting in the wall. The surroundings exuded authority with dark wooden bookshelves, leather-bound volumes, and a large mahogany desk where he conducted pack affairs. The room was adorned with wolf-themed decor, subtly reminding visitors of the Alpha's dominion.

“You both can take a seat right here.” he said, gesturing to the chairs in front of us, which was before the mahogany desk and on the other side, was a luxurious chair in which he sat down.

“So Adrian informed me that you both had something to inform me about.” He said.

“That is true Alpha Damon,” Margaret said with a smile in her eyes. “Why don't you tell him yourself.”

Raising my head to stare at him, I sighed internally, “I am pregnant.” I said. Technically I didn't lie to him since I didn't tell him he was responsible but seeing the shock in his face which turned to joy, I was sure he thought he was responsible.

“I am going to be a father?!” He asked in delight.

“Congratulations Alpha Damon.” Margaret said with a smile on her face. “I appreciate your willingness to meet, Damon," Margaret began with a smile I recognized to be one of her signature fake smiles on her face with her eyes calculating. "Avery is carrying your child, and with that comes certain responsibilities.”

Damon frowned in response and hesitated before responding with a furrowed brow, “what sort of responsibilities are you talking about Margaret?” He asked.

With a composed smile, she continued, "We thought it right for you to provide financial support for Avery and the child. Medical expenses, education, and a comfortable living environment, you know, the essentials.” she said.

“I was of the opinion that she would come stay with me in my pack and I will take care of her.” He said with a frown.

“No, that is not how it is done where we are from.” She said.

“What do you mean?” He asked.

“All you have to do is leave her with us and provide monetary support to her as the mother of your child and when you want to get married to her, you'll pay us dowry.” She replied.

Damon frowned slightly in response before responding, “and how much exactly will be needed?” He asked.

“The exact amount will be communicated to you with time but we felt we should inform you.” She replied with a smile and a twinkle in her eyes.

“Is that so?” He said, nodding. “Can you give me a minute? I need to talk to Avery privately.”

“Of course.” Margaret replied, bowing her head slightly.

I was surprised at his request but I didn't let it show on my face as Margaret left the room, slamming the door behind her.

“How have you been my love?” Damon asked, gazing at me with sadness in his eyes.

“I have been ok.” I responded.

“I am sorry.” He said reaching out to hold my hands which were resting on his table.

“I know,” I replied withdrawing my hands and placing them on my laps.

“Will you ever forgive me?” He asked.

“I am not sure yet but I am working towards doing just that.” I replied calmly.

“What about us? Are we through?” He asked again.

Hearing that, I stared directly at his eyes, “I honestly think we are.” I replied which caused him to flinch a little.

“What about your parents? Are they aware of your wishes?” He asked.

“Hahaha.” I laughed dryly. “Have they ever considered my wishes when making decisions?” I asked.

Damon sighed in response. “I am sorry.”

“You've said that before.” I replied.

“I know I have said that before.” He replied. “But I am really sorry.” He said to which I kept quiet.

“Would you be okay with me taking care of the child?” He asked.

“If you want to, I do not have any problems with that.” I replied with a shrug. “I wouldn't want you feeling like you're being forced to do this.

“I understand,” He replied. “and I will take care of you for as long as possible until you forgive me and come back to me and when you do, I'll still take care of you.” He said.

“No problem.” I said before standing up on my feet. “I'll be on my way now.”

“Okay.” He replied with a sad expression.

Walking out of his office, I was met with a restless Margaret. “You better not have tried to change his mind because if…”

“He is going to take care of me and the baby.” I said in annoyance, interrupting her.

“Oh…wow!” She said in surprise. “That's great news! Hurry, let's go tell your father.” She added as she dragged me by my hand and hurried out of the mansion.

Walking behind her, I couldn't help but remember the guy who I knew was the father of the baby in me. “Where are you?” I thought.