Abandoned While Pregnant, Claimed by the Alpha novel Chapter 56

Chapter 56-

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turned cold, “if you insist on causing trouble for me and getting in the way of my work, I won’t be able to complete Hebert’s assignment. That will only mean I’ll have to stay in the Bloodmoon Pack even longer. Is that what you want?”

That statement hit her like a bucket of cold water, instantly extinguishing her fury.

“Absolutely not!” she blurted out, her expression shifting through a vivid array of emotions like an artist’s palette.

In the end, she had no choice but to yield to the simple logic. The rest of the tour became unusually efficient-bordering on perfunctory, even. But because of that, I managed to get a pretty good look at the pack as a whole.

The Bloodmoon Pack’s territory was secure, orderly, and its members seemed to want for nothing-well-fed, well-dressed, living comfortably. But there was something strange about the atmosphere here, a suffocating stillness that hung like a heavy cloud. This wasn’t a vibrant, thriving pack; it felt more like an enormous, perfectly functioning machine. Everyone moved about their roles silently, their faces devoid of expression.

It was clear… they weren’t happy.

With this confusion lingering in my mind, I returned to the grand Alpha Manor.

Hebert was waiting for me in the dining room. The long rectangular table was beautifully set, with elegant candlesticks and a lavish spread of food. Only two places were set. When he saw me enter, he stood up and offered me a gentle smile.

“I figured you’d be exhausted today, so I prepared something you might enjoy.”

The flickering candlelight stretched his shadow across the room, and in the warm glow, those deep, captivating eyes of his appeared unusually soft. It was the kind of scene that could easily sweep any woman off her feet.

But then, Cecelia’s words came rushing back, sharp and stinging, piercing straight into my chest.

His kindness to me? It might just be because I’m the “consultant” he’s hired at a hefty price-a calculated move to make sure I do my job properly. Much like Brian with Silvia, he probably sees it as an obligation, paying his dues. And his tolerance for Cecelia? Likely a strategic move to secure his position as Alpha.

Turns out, every ounce of goodwill already comes with a hidden price tag.

Cecelia wasn’t wrong-Hebert is undoubtedly a charismatic Alpha. I can’t even trust myself to never be drawn to him. All I can do is keep my distance the best I can.”

Thank you, Hebert,” I said, standing at the doorway of the dining room, not taking another step forward. “But I’ll have to pass.”

His smile froze for a moment. “Why?”

I decided to be upfront-I wasn’t in the mood for mind games. “I don’t want there to be any unnecessarymisunderstandings. It’s best if we keep things strictly professional.”

He took a few steps after me, stopping just a short distance away. “Is it because you’re exhausted?”

“No,” I turned to face him, giving a polite but distant smile. “I just have some pack-related data that needs immediate attention. Work comes first, Alpha.”

Hebert studied me silently for a few seconds before replying, “My study is open to you. All the resources and books in there- you can access them anytime you need,”

Chapter 56-

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Chapter 56

Hebert’s POV

I stood alone in the empty dining room, staring at the two plates of steak cooling down and the flickering candlelight. My mood was… heavy. She’s back, but it feels like something vital has shattered between us, leaving this unseen wall towering in our way. She’s wrapped herself up in this cold, professional demeanor, somehow even more distant than when we first met.

What happened?

I immediately summoned the staff responsible for accompanying her.

“Alpha,” the servant bowed respectfully, “everything went smoothly. Miss Cecilia gave Ms. Rebecca a tour of the estate. They seemed to get along… quite well.”

I waved him off. There’s no point digging for answers from these servants. My wolf was growing restless, pacing inside like a caged animal.

Then my phone buzzed. Marcus’s name flashed on the screen.

“Yo, man!” His overly enthusiastic voice blasted through the call as soon as I picked up. “So, word on the street is you’ve got a stunning lady tucked away in your castle. Spill it-how’s it going? Did you seal the deal yet? When’s the big ceremony?”

His rapid-fire questions instantly snapped my already fraying nerves. “Marcus, are you trying to prove you’ve got too much free time on your hands or what?”

“Oh, don’t be like that, my Alpha!” he howled dramatically, though his tone carried zero fear-on the contrary, it was dripping with even more gossip-fueled amusement. “Let me guess… You still haven’t made any progress, have you? My God! This has got to be the biggest headline of the year! The legendary, terrifying Herbert of the Bloodmoon Pack, totally hopeless in front of one woman! I should sell this story to the ‘Wolf Times’!”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Kidding, kidding!” he said quickly, his tone shifting into something a bit more serious—but the smug amusement was still painfully obvious. “But, seriously, you need help. And I, your loyal Beta, come equipped with a whole arsenal of experience— enough to write a best-selling guidebook, mind you-and I’m ready to share it with you free of charge.”

I really didn’t want to hear another word, but my silence must’ve been taken as tacit approval.

“Alright, here’s the first and most important rule,” he dropped his voice conspiratorially, sounding as though he was handing down some sacred text. “Stop dragging that Alpha pride of yours everywhere! You’ve got to quit being this walking iceberg that thinks barking orders is a turn-on. Women don’t fall for that kind of stuff—at least, not the smart ones”,

I scoffed.”

You need to show off your masculine charm!” He ignored my dismissive tone completely, his voice getting more enthusiastic.” Muscles, man! You get it? Muscles! No woman can resist the appeal of solid muscles, especially when they’re attached to a handsome face. Just find a moment to ‘accidentally’ take off your shirt in front of her. Let her take a good look at those perfect chest muscles and six-pack abs! Let her imagine what it feels like to be hugged by that body!”

“That’s the most ridiculous advice I’ve ever heard.” I shot back coldly, but my brain betrayed me and started processing the idea

anyway.

Which muscle of mine stands out the most?

The finely sculpted abs I’ve built through years of training? Or the broad back that could easily hold someone captive in an embrace?

Damn. I was actually considering this idiot’s suggestion seriously.

Ashley’s POV

1

Chapter 56

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When I got back to my room, I dived straight into work mode. 1

The Bloodmoon Pack’s financial reports were flawless-every expense and revenue accounted for, profit margins consistently stable, looking like they were plucked straight from a textbook. The security here was tight, supplies were abundant, and

seemed to know their exact role.

everyone

But this wasn’t a pack, not really-certainly not the kind of family you’d expect from a lively, passionate group of wolves. It felt more like an enormous, finely tuned factory clock. Every cog was turning silently in its designated place, no noise, but also no life. They didn’t seem… happy.

My eyes landed on a set of population statistics. The nobles and Beta class made up less than 20% of the total population-the remaining 80% were Omegas, a massive group. Yet in all the business plans and development reports, they were practically invisible, mentioned only as the foundation of the labor force and nothing more.

I already had a plan forming.

The Bloodmoon Pack’s Independence Day was coming up. It was the perfect opportunity.

I sat up straight, the frustration and irritation weighing on me vanishing in an instant, replaced by an electrifying sense of purpose. I was going to host a party-a party exclusively for Omegas. No oppressive Alpha aura, no Beta oversight, just a space where they could speak freely, share their true needs and grievances.

This wasn’t just a party. It was a precise intelligence-gathering mission.

I grabbed the tablet from the table, fingers flying across the screen, sketching the outline of my plan. Venue, food, security, the flow of events… My mind was racing, every detail falling into place with laser-sharp clarity.

And then-knock, knock.

The sound of knocking broke the silence of the late night, unnervingly abrupt.

I froze mid-action, my brows furrowing. This late at night? Who could it be? A flicker of unease rose in my chest.

I walked over to the door, took a deep breath, and flung it open without hesitation.

The person standing on the other side left me momentarily speechless.

It was Herbert.

He was wearing a dark blue silk robe, but the neckline was annoyingly loose, barely hanging onto him and fully exposing his broad, toned chest and defined abs. Seriously, those muscles-they looked like Michelangelo himself sculpted thern, powerful and breathtaking. He must have just showered; his damp golden hair still dripping, with tiny beads of water shipping down his collarbone and vanishing into the shadows of his skin. And that scent-like snow-covered pine forests rhixed with the fresh steam from his shower-it was utterly intoxicating and completely overwhelming.

My cheeks burned instantly. I forced myself to look away, focusing intently on the wall behind him, as if it held some masterpiece worth my attention.

“What do you want?” I tried to steady my voice and calm the erratic rhythm of my heart.

“You skipped dinner,” he replied, his voice husky from the shower, raising the warm glass of milk in his hand. Even his fingers with their sharp, strong lines, seemed disarmingly attractive. “I asked the kitchen to heat this up for you.”

I snatched the glass from his hand as quickly as I could, the warmth of the glass making my fingers twitch. Gritting my teeth, I forced myself to lift my gaze and lock it with his intense eyes. Using the coldest, most detached tone I could muster, I said, ” Thank you. But, Alpha, don’t you think standing half-naked at a single woman’s door is a bit inappropriate?”

I didn’t wait for him to respond.

“Goodnight.”

Chapter 56

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Bang!

I slammed the door shut right in his face, with no hesitation.

Leaning against the chilled wood, I could feel my heart hammering uncontrollably inside my chest. Yet, my entire body burned,

the warmth from that encounter stirring something I couldn’t shut off.

I’m no exception. I’m pretty sure any she-wolf, seeing him like that, wouldn’t be able to keep it together.

Chapter 57