Sweet Treachery novel Chapter 5

I can’t take the mental strain

My thoughts a rickety train

Why do we have expectations?

Reality has its own limitations

It doesn’t have to be this way

I am meant to always be gay

But I know without a doubt

That I’ll figure this out.

-PenaciousShewa

Wanda wakes up to a gentle touch on her leg. The touch is soft, yet insistent. She opens her eyes slowly to see a blurry but definitely feminine figure sitting at the foot of the bed. She rubs her eyes gently with her right hand and sees Anastasia, the mate of the Beta of the Conscientious Pack. She is a petite woman with dark, flowing hair, reaching her waist. She has soft blue eyes, and her facial expression speaks of concern and care, and tenderness, all at the same time. She gazes at Wanda and the latter sits up straight.

“Errrr….hello…top of the morning to you” Wanda stutters.

“Good morning, Luna. Sleep well?” the older woman replies with a smile.

“Yes, I did. I don’t wanna jump the gun or anything like that, but why are you here?” Wanda questions.

“Of course, Luna, I understand that the help is usually the one to wake you up and prepare you for the day, but I decided to relieve her of her duties this morning, as we have something important to discuss. I am sorry to barge in on you this way.” Anastasia apologizes.

“It’s alright, Ma’am. I’m all ears” Wanda responds, scanning the other woman from under her lashes.

“Please call me Ana”

“Okay, Ana. What do you want to talk about?

“The Alpha’s strength is beginning to wane, Wanda. This morning, he did not get up at the usual time for his usual exercise routine, and this has been going on for about three days. Although he fails to accept it, age is telling on him, and from all indications, the Great Alpha will soon go home.” She pauses and sniffs a little.

Wanda moves closer to Ana and rubs her shoulder, saying nothing, as she has no idea what to say.

“I am sorry to dump all these on you, but we have to face the reality, and I need to explain to you the situation of things” Ana pauses and looks straight into Wanda’s eyes. “You need to be with child soon, Luna, because, without a child, Milos will not be able to take over from his father. Do you know the implication of that, Luna?”

Wanda nods slowly and answers, “The pack will be at a huge risk of being invaded by the enemies.”

“Exactly, Luna. I am not trying to put you under any pressure, but you and Milos need to do the needful for the peace and stability of our pack.” She says with a note of finality.

“I understand, Ana. I do”