Secrets Among the Alpha's Offspring

Chapter 1 A Chase for a Kiss

Valentine Winters P.O.V

It had been a month since I discovered I was pregnant.

My once-flat belly now bore a curve, the beginnings of a small bump. The abs I used to pride myself on were no longer visible. To hide the changes, I'd taken to wearing oversized shirts, draping them over my figure to conceal any hint of my condition.

Intimacy with Lucifer had become something I avoided. I couldn't risk him noticing the changes in my body. His sharp instincts might overlook it at first, but his wolf? No way. His wolf would sense the subtle transformation, and that was a risk I wasn't ready to take.

Gaining weight could be explained away, but a pregnancy? That was something entirely different.

"So, have you told Lucifer yet?" Gabriella's voice broke through my thoughts as she scooted closer to me on the couch.

I shook my head slowly, feeling a wave of anxiety wash over me.

"He's going to find out sooner or later," Lilith added, sitting beside me, her tone gentle but firm.

I frowned, knowing she was right.

"I can tell him if you want," Gabriella offered with a grin, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

"No." The word came out sharper than I intended. My hand instinctively moved to my belly, gently caressing it as if to shield it from the world. "Not yet. Promise me you won't say anything."

Gabriella and Lilith exchanged glances, a silent conversation passing between them. I could see the hesitation, the concern in their eyes.

Finally, Lilith nodded. "Promise," she said, giving me a reassuring smile.

Gabriella was quieter, her expression torn. She sighed, clearly reluctant, but eventually gave in. "Promise," she muttered, looking down at her lap.

"Thank you," I whispered, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders as Gabriella pulled me into a warm hug.

"Take care of my nephew," she teased, her voice light, though I could hear the underlying affection.

"Or niece?" Lilith interjected, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow at Gabriella.

"Right. Or niece," Gabriella smirked, mimicking Lilith's words playfully. Lilith rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

Gabriella Zades P.O.V

I walked into my chamber, closing the door behind me and locking it with a soft click. The day's events had left me feeling drained, and the warmth that clung to my skin only added to my discomfort. I groaned as I pulled my white shirt over my head, tossing it carelessly onto the glossy marble floor. Why was I feeling so warm?

Kicking off my ripped shorts, I let them fall to the floor, leaving me in nothing but my undergarments. I collapsed onto my queen-sized bed, the cool sheets a welcome contrast to the heat radiating from my body.

But then, a familiar scent filled the air, snapping me to attention. How had I missed it? As an alpha's daughter, I should've sensed him the moment I stepped inside. My instincts screamed a warning just as a soft growl resonated through the room.

Before I could react, a strong, familiar weight pinned me to the bed. The mattress bounced slightly from the sudden movement, and sparks ignited across my skin. Only a fool would wonder who was on top of me.

"Octavius," I giggled, looking up into his eyes, which had darkened to pitch black, filled with desire and something deeper.

My hand reached up, gently brushing his cheek, savoring the warmth and softness of his flawless skin beneath my fingertips.

A genuine smile broke across his face as his eyes shifted back to their striking emerald green—the color that always captivated me.

"You look so sexy," he teased, biting his lower lip as his gaze roamed over my body, lingering on every inch from my face down to my bare legs.

"Oh, really?" I teased back, wrapping my leg around his hip, pulling him closer, feeling the heat between us intensify.

"Don't," he breathed, burying his face in the crook of my neck as if trying to steady himself, though his breath quickened. His body pressed harder against mine, betraying his attempt to stay calm.

'Ella, you're wanted in the woods.'

My brother Gabriel's voice cut through the moment, his mind-link both insistent and inconvenient. I ignored him, focusing instead on Octavius, whose muscles tensed beneath my touch as I slid my hands beneath his grey beater, tracing the lines of his abs, teasing him lower.

'I can see Octavius isn't here either.' Gabriel's smug tone rang through my mind.

I groaned, feeling the sharp pang of sexual frustration as Octavius chuckled above me, his own annoyance evident.

"I heard him too," he murmured, pulling away despite the reluctance in his eyes. He gave me one last kiss, a soft peck on my lips before sitting up.

He bent down, picking up my discarded clothes and tossing them towards me. "See you soon," he winked, his smile genuine, though tinged with the same frustration I felt. Another kiss, this time on my cheek, and then he was gone, leaving the room as quietly as he'd entered.

Evelyn Ra P.O.V

I sat cross-legged on the lush green grass, my goldenrod floral dress blending with the vibrant surroundings. Valentine, my sister's friend, had suggested this spot, and I was grateful. The waterfall cascaded gracefully over the rocks below, the sunlight catching the water in a way that made it sparkle like a thousand diamonds.

The soothing sound of the stream and the fresh scent of the woods filled the air with a tranquil energy. I closed my eyes, letting the serenity wash over me, but the peace was abruptly shattered by the sharp snap of a twig. My eyes flew open, and I twisted around, my body instinctively turning to face the ground.

Fear gripped me as my heart pounded wildly in my chest. My breathing grew ragged, and sweat began to bead on my forehead. I took a few cautious steps back, my senses screaming at me to flee. Without another thought, I turned and bolted in the opposite direction, not daring to glance behind.

But I could feel it—a presence gaining on me, swift and relentless. My legs moved faster, driven by sheer terror, and I risked a glance over my shoulder. A massive brown wolf was closing in on me, its eyes locked onto mine.

Why me?

I tried to send a desperate plea to my sister through our mind-link, but before I could, my foot caught on a tree root, and I tumbled to the ground. Cursing under my breath, I scrambled back to my feet.

And then, silence.

An eerie stillness settled over the woods. No rustling, no growling—nothing. I looked around, bewildered. Had I imagined it all? Confusion clouded my mind as I backed up against a tree, trying to make sense of what just happened.

Then, without warning, a hand clamped over my mouth from behind. Panic surged through me, and I thrashed wildly, muffled screams escaping my throat as I fought against my unseen assailant.

"Shh, Evelyn," a male voice murmured, his tone low and soothing, but it did nothing to calm my racing heart.

I squeezed my eyes shut, my body trembling as the heat from his body pressed against me, his grip unyielding.

"Evelyn, look at me," he commanded, his voice firm but not unkind.

I shook my head vehemently, refusing to obey, my fear overriding any sense of reason.

"Look at me now," he repeated, this time with an edge of authority that left no room for argument.

Before I could react, the rough hand covering my mouth was replaced with something softer. My eyes snapped open in shock, and I found myself staring into the light brown eyes of Adam, his lips pressing against mine in a kiss that sent a jolt of disbelief through me.

Who does he think he is, kissing me without my consent?

My heart pounded even harder, and as his gaze held mine, I was too stunned to move, my thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and anger.