Abandoned While Pregnant, Claimed by the Alpha novel Chapter 86

Chapter 86

Ashley’s POV

The pale glow of my phone’s screen burned my eyes in the early morning. A significant amount of money had been deposited into the orphanage’s account–it was the event budget. Right after, a text from Cecilia popped up.

“Good morning, Luna Ashley. The funds have been sent. Hebert and I spent quite some time discussing it in the study, and I managed to convince him to approve an additional 20% for your ‘charity work.‘ Maybe you can use the money to buy more supplements for your little pups. You know Hebert is always generous with the pack members, so don’t feel pressured.”

Her words, dripping with condescension and superiority, made me feel sick. Paired with the nausea from my pregnancy, my stomach churned violently, forcing me to rush to the bathroom and dry heave over the sink.

As I leaned against the cold surface of the sink, I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror–a pale, exhausted face stared back at me. What was I even doing? Why was I feeling hurt? Hebert and I have nothing between us, right? Whoever he’s with, it’s got absolutely nothing to do with me.

I shouldn’t let these things get me down, make me upset. I still have my little dog. I can’t just sink into this gloom. I took a deep breath and tossed my phone aside.

The prphanage’s birthday party went ahead as planned.

The sun was shining, and colorful balloons swayed gently across the lawn in the breeze. I was wearing a loose beige dress, hiding the bump that hadn’t started to show yet.

“Luna, didn’t the Alpha show up?” The director came over and handed me a cup of warm lemon water.

I replied, “I haven’t heard anything about him coming.” The truth was, ever since Hebert and I made things clear between us, I hadn’t had any private interactions with him—aside from the time went to his office to sort out the budget approval.

And that’s fine. I never planned to stay with the Bloodmoon Pack forever anyway. Still, my stomach felt heavy, like it was weighed down by lead. “He’s always so busy, isn’t he?” The director watched the children chasing each other across the lawn, her gaze soft with affection. “The orphanage run by the Bloodmoon Pack is by far the best in the entire region. These kids don’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, or shivering in the cold during winter. All of this is thanks to Alpha Hebert’s generosity. He once gave a speech… said that when he was at his lowest, a girl saved him. That’s why they make sure to take such good care of the pups here.

“I bet that girl must be someone Alpha Hebert loves deeply. Probably why he still hasn’t chosen a Luna.”

My eyes widened as the director’s words sank in. Could that girl have been me? Has Hebert really been holding onto memories of me all this time? But he just turned me down–there’s no way

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I placed a hand on my stomach, feeling the tension knot tighter inside me. Maybe it could’ve been true before, but now? I’m carrying Brian’s pup. No Alpha would ever accept this kind of situation, especially not with the council breathing down his neck.

“Maybe… but I’ve noticed something,” I said, shaking the thoughts away. “The number of pups in this orphanage—their numbers are way higher than other packs. Why is that?”

The director’s expression shifted, her voice dropping into a mix of respect and gravity. “You’re new here, so you might not know much about Bloodmoon’s history. Hebert didn’t inherit his position. No, he clawed his way to the top. He overthrew the previous Alpha–not through diplomacy, but through blood, bodies, and sheer force.”

I froze, my chest tightening just at the thought. He took power by force.

“He took over when the whole pack was in shambles. Those snobby elders didn’t want to follow a young Alpha. It was a brutal time–rebellions, assassinations, even famine. But he held firm. He crushed the uprisings with an iron fist and rebuilt trade routes with astounding skill. Not only did he turn the Bloodmoon Pack into the strongest territory, but he also built this orphanage, giving a home to kids who lost their parents in the war,” the director said, turning to look at me, her eyes bright with admiration. “He’s a true leader. Ruthless, yes, but with a kind heart underneath.”

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My heart pounded hard in try chest. I hadn’t realized he’d gone through such a thorny path. He wasn’t born at the top–he climbed out of hell itself. A mix of awe and respect began to swell in me. I suddenly felt like I’d underestimated him all along.

“Alpha Hebert is certainly impressive. He’ll definitely find a Luna who’s just as outstanding and strong,” I said, trying to push down the bitter feeling in my gut.

The director smiled faintly and shook her head. “I’m not so sure about that. From what I see, Alpha Hebert seems quite focused on you. We all think you’re the perfect Luna for him.”

“No, I’m–I’ve got flaws,” I started to explain, but a boy’s cheerful voice interrupted.

“Luna, it’s time to cut the cake!” A chubby little boy ran over, tugging at the hem of my dress.

I set aside the whirlwind of thoughts in my head and followed him to the enormous three–tier chocolate cake. The kids‘ excited cheers practically shook the room. We all started singing the happy birthday song together. Their sweet, off–key voices were like a warm stream, washing away the exhaustion and fear that had weighed on me for so long.

I picked up the silver knife and carefully cut slices of cake for each child, handing thern out one by one. Watching their cream- covered faces pressed together in laughter, I couldn’t help but smile too. My hand instinctively rested on my stomach. My child, one day, would grow up just as happy. For a moment, I felt some kind of peace settle in my heart.

But that peace didn’t last even five minutes.

“It hurts…”

The soft, weak voice shattered the joyful laughter.

I whipped my head around. The little boy who had just tugged on the hem of my dress was now curled up on the grass in pain. The paper plate in his hand had fallen onto the ground, his chocolate cake smashed to pieces.

“What’s wrong?!” I rushed over, pulling him into my arms.

His face was as pale as a sheet, beads of sweat dotting his forehead. He clutched his stomach tightly, his small body convulsing uncontrollably.

“My stomach… it’s burning…” he managed to gasp out, before suddenly letting out a gut–wrenching cry and vomiting. The black, bloody mess he threw up reeked of something sharp and metallic, making my stomach churn instantly.

“Oh my God!” The director’s scream pierced the air.

And that was just the beginning.

“It hurts! Somebody help!”

“My stomach–ahhh!”

One anguished cry after another erupted across the lawn. Child after child started collapsing, writhing on the ground, vomiting, some even foaming at the mouth.

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