Chapter 4 Broken And Betrayal

• Melissa’s POV
• With my hands shaking and hovering over my stomach, I gazed at my image in the broken mirror. There was no place for denial when the knowledge of my pregnancy overtook me. The idea that my child, a piece of Kane, was developing inside of me was both reassuring and horrifying.
• Fear clutching my heart, I muttered to myself, "I have to keep this a secret."
• Damon was brutal. I had no idea what he would do to me or my child if he found out. I encircled myself with my arms, as though to protect the life inside.
• I jumped when the door creaked open. One of Damon's guards was there, his expression cold. "Please come to the main hall, Alpha Damon requests."
• I forced myself to keep my cool and nodded. "I'll be there shortly."
• I let out a shaky breath as he walked away. I required a strategy. Another effort at escape. With this secret, I couldn't stay here.
• There was a lot of tension in the dimly lighted main hall. To avoid detection, I stayed in the shadows. A woman in flowing black robes was the one Damon was talking to. I felt cold just being around her.
• With a smooth and uncanny voice, the woman questioned, "Is she the one?"
• Damon gave a nod. She is descended from the wolf goddess. We will start the ceremony as soon as the marriage is firmly established.
• My heart stopped beating. A custom? My union with Damon was a trap, not only a political ploy.
• The woman went on, "She's more valuable than she realizes." "But we'll have to find another way to get her power if she doesn't comply."
• My head racing, I gripped the post for support. This woman was who? What did she mean when she said, "extract her power"?
• Damon grinned. She won't hold back for very long. She is too frail.
• Weak. Although the word was painful, it strengthened my resolve. I wouldn't allow them to use me for anything, not even for their plots.
• I slid out of the hall, backing away silently so as not to attract notice. As I shut the door, my hands trembled. I had to leave right away.
• Damon stormed into my room later that night, his face gloomy. I froze and put a hand on my stomach out of instinct.
• His eyes narrowed as he said, "You've been acting strange." "What do you have to hide?"
• "Nothing," I hurriedly said, maintaining my composure despite the panic that was rising within me.
• His presence was oppressive as he moved closer. "Melissa, you made a mistake by lying to me."
• I swallowed forcefully, not giving up. "I can't say anything to you."
• Damon's attitude changed as his eyes fell to my stomach. His hand bruised my wrist as he grasped it. "You're expecting, are you not?"
• I tried to draw away as I gasped. "Give me a break!"
• His voice was poisoned, and he tightened his hold. "Don't you bear Kane's child? Will I let this betrayal go unpunished, in your opinion?
• "It's not betrayal!" With tears running down my cheeks, I yelled. I was coerced into this marriage by you! You have nothing to do with this youngster!
• With a shove, Damon let go of me as his eyes clouded. "Everything I've fought for is in danger because of that child. You're wrong if you think I'll let it go.
• I was torn between wrath and fear. I defiantly met his eyes and squared my shoulders. "I will not allow you to harm my child."
• He grinned icily. "You won't be able to choose."
• He summoned his guards before I could respond. Go to the dungeon with her. Give her time to reflect on her errors.
• The air was thick with hopelessness, and the cell was gloomy and wet. I sat with my arms securely encircling my midsection on the chilly stone floor.
• I muttered, "Don't worry, little one." "I'll make sure we leave this place. I swear.
• I stiffened when I heard footsteps echoing down the hallway. A lunch dish was passed between the bars by a guard. Even though he avoided eye contact, I could tell he hesitated.
• "Please," I muttered. "Assist me. I must leave this place.
• He looked around uneasily and then shook his head. "I am unable to. If Damon discovers...
• With tears in my eyes, I begged, "Please, please." "My child will be killed by him."
• After a moment of hesitation and a troubled expression, the guard turned and left.
• With my hopes fading, I sagged against the wall. I resisted being broken by the gloom that surrounded me.
• "Kane," I said in a scarcely apparent whisper. "Please locate me if you ever cared, even a little. Save me.
• My determination grew stronger as the hours passed. I wouldn't hold out for a rescuer. My child and I needed to be saved.
• I froze as I noticed a dim glimmer in the cell's corner. It was delicate, nearly undetectable, but it gave me a peculiar sense of power and warmth.
• A glimmer of optimism appeared in my eyes for the first time in days.
• Melissa was left in startled stillness as the glow became stronger for a few minutes before vanishing. Was that a sign? A sneak peek at the power Damon and the witch were trying to use?
• Melissa's resolve hardened as she tightened her fists. Although she was unsure of the source of the light, she was certain that she was strong. No more.
• A defiant smirk crossed Melissa's lips as the faint echo of Damon's laughter reached her cell.
• Her voice was firm and calm as she whispered, "I will protect my child." "No matter the cost."