When the assisted conception rite finally worked—when the healer confirmed the pup's heartbeat—he was even happier than I was, howling his joy to the moon.
I'd been naive enough to think our devotion had moved the Moon Goddess herself.
Turns out I was just stupid enough to walk right into someone else's trap.
I pushed away the spoon he held to my lips.
"Kael." I met his eyes, searching for any flicker of his wolf. "What if there was interference during the conception rite? I want to get it verified through a bloodline test."
His spoon froze mid-motion. Something flickered across his face—guilt, maybe, or the shadow of his wolf retreating.
"My moon, you've been reading too many old pack tales. That's impossible. A healer-den that established, with blood-craft that precise? They don't make those kinds of errors."
"But I'm scared. I asked around—the Blood-Scribe can perform a sire-line verification even now. Please, Kael. Let's just do it."
He set down the bowl, anxiety flashing in his amber eyes.
"Selene. I'm worried the ritual might strain you or the pup. Trust me—there's no way they made a mistake."
He pleaded with me, patient and earnest, his hand covering mine. But I wouldn't budge.