Abandoned While Pregnant, Claimed by the Alpha novel Chapter 102

Chapter 102

Hebert replied, “This brilliant idea came from you. You should be the one to present it.”

His tone was calm, so matter of fact, like he was merely commenting on the nice weather. Yet, it hit me like a heavy blow.

In the past, I had come up with plenty of valuable ideas for Brian, but they always carried his name. I was the silent, invisible contributor, the worthless OMEGA.

But Hebert? He willingly handed me the spotlight.

I stared at his impossibly handsome face, feeling the searing heat of his hand on my waist. Resisting him? Yeah, that wasn’t happening.

“Alright, I’ll give it my all,” I said, determination lacing my voice.

An hour later, I was seated in the passenger seat of the SUV. The confined space was filled with Hebert’s scent. My fingers fidgeted with the hem of my dress, and after wrestling with the question swirling in my mind, I finally blurted it out.

“Hebert, why didn’t you bring Cecilia tonight?” I turned to look at him, my eyes locking onto his profile–flawless, even under the dim interior lighting, like it was chiseled out of marble. “She’s the one who’s usually by your side at these important events, right?”

Hebert turned his head, those deep obsidian eyes locking onto mine in an instant. He raised a brow slightly, his voice steady and calm as ever: “You’ve got it wrong, Ashley. Over the years, whenever it came to those events drowning in fake smiles and empty promises, I’ve always gone alone. Sure, Cecilia has handled some of the duties that would typically fall to a Luna, but that’s just because Bloodmoon Pack has never had a true Luna.”

He paused, leaning in toward me just enough to make the air feel heavier. “But now, I have a Luna. So she won’t be needed for that anymore.”

The moment those words left his mouth, his gaze locked onto mine with an intensity that nearly knocked the breath out of me. There was something burning there, hidden and raw, and suddenly my heart was racing like it wanted to break free from my chest. My face flushed hot–I could feel it spreading across my cheeks. For crying out loud! How did he always manage to say stuff like this so casually yet make it impossible not to overthink it?

I jerked my head to the side, forcing myself to escape the pull of his gaze. My teeth dug into my bottom lip as if that would somehow hold me together. When I spoke, my voice came out stiff, practically defensive: “But, Hebert, you need to understand that I’m just a temporary Luna. Once all this settles down, I’ll step away from that position.”

“As long as you want, Ashley.” Hebert’s voice, low and gravelly, filled the car like a storm breaking loose. His hand reached out, firm yet gentle, gripping my chin and tilting my face back toward him. His eyes bore into mine, unrelenting. “You could stay as Bloodmoon Pack’s Luna. Forever.”

My cheeks must be as red as a ripe tomato right now–with sheer panic and a hidden tinge of exhilaration wrestling inside me like two wild animals. I smacked his hand away and shuffled closer to the car door. “Hebert, you made it crystal clear last night that we’re just friends and business partners, so please don’t say things that could lead to any misunderstandings! It’s totally inappropriate!”

Instead of backing off, Hebert leaned in closer, almost overwhelming me with the size of his presence. His towering figure practically swallowed me in his shadow, and his nose was just inches away from my cheek. His warm breath brushed against my skin, triggering an uncontrollable shiver that ran through my entire body.

“Did you misunderstand something, Ashley?” His voice dropped to a low, tantalizing tone, each word dripping with an unnerving allure.

My fist clenched tight, nails digging sharply into my palm as I used the sting to anchor my wobbly sanity. “Of course not!” I shot back, my voice loud and sharp like a porcupine’s defensive spikes. “I’ve been through hell and back—I’m perfectly clear–headed right now and won’t fall for meaningless flirtation or games like this!”

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Hebert’s gaze stayed on me for an extended beat, a flicker of complexity crossing his deep–set eyes before he finally eased back into his seat with a heavy sigh. “Good to hear.”

The rest of the drive passed in silence. But even as quiet settled between us, my heart continued pounding in my chest, refusing to let me reclaim my calm.

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