The Alpha's Contract Luna (Alexia) novel Chapter 22

~Alexia~

Alexia's heart was going wild. Her face could not help but remain crimson as she ate her meal. She could feel Kieran's eyes on her.

The special dinner for Kieran commenced. Since she turned up before him, Kieran had frequently been staring at her. She was seated to his right at the end of a long table, in front of Jaxon.

"Is there something on my face?" Finally, she asked.

Kieran appeared to be taken aback. His hand reached out, saying, "Just a little, here."

He touched the corner of her lips, wiping it. His actions sent butterflies into her stomach. 'Goddess!'

'I think he likes the dress, and no, there is nothing on your face. Pfft!' She heard Rae speak in her mind. 'Alpha Kieran isn't hiding his gaze. Anyone could tell he is happy with the way you look.'

That did not help. It added to Alexia's awareness that she dared not turn in Kieran's way from that moment onwards. Instead, she purposely studied how Mara, the midwife, was attending to her child on the other end of the table.

Unfortunately for her, it made it all worse, for Mara misunderstood why she studied her and Cindy. Mara smiled in her direction and then directed her attention to Kieran. She asked, "Alpha, when are you planning to give our pack an heir, your successor? I think our luna likes children.”

Alexia's eyes widened. 'Oh, no! What have I done?'

"Mara is just excited to deliver our Luna's and Alpha's first child," Rae remarked before a grin became painted on her face.

"Having an heir at this stage of your marriage would be good, Alpha," Mara proposed. "Like you, your son or daughter can be trained early on to be the next leader of our pack."

'Oh, my Goddess. This can't be happening.' Of course, Alexia remembered that she and Kieran would never be intimate. This was part of their contract! To save herself from the humiliation, she spoke on behalf of Kieran. Her voice broke in and out while she was at it, "I - I don't know if it's the right time. The war has yet to be won -"

"On the contrary, our dear Luna, having an heir is even more important, given the situation," an elder from another table suggested. Everyone within their group turned to the left, listening to the elder.

"The succession of leadership had always come from the main family of the Stones. Having an heir as soon as possible signifies stability and continuity of power," the elder elaborated.

"We know that our Alpha is strong, and we believe that he can win the war, but remember how Alpha Kevin left us?" The elder emphasized, referring to Kieran's father. His eyes went from one table to another. "It came unexpectedly, and no one was prepared for it, but it was fortunate that Alpha Kevin and our former luna had Alpha Kieran early, for he is the rightful leader of our pack. He inherited his father's strength and ability to heal faster."

"Hmmm." Alexia heard Kieran say. Then, he asked, "Who else thinks your alpha should have a successor soon?"

"I think the elder is right," Jaxon remarked.

"The elders are always right," another pack member suggested.

Mara smiled and revealed, "I just want to deliver our alpha's child."

More and more of the present pack members gave their two cents, all in favor of Kieran and Alexia having a child. It all the more made Alexia nervous.

"Hmmm," Kieran yet again acknowledged.

Before Kieran could answer, Alexia heard him mindlink with her. 'Did you hear that, Alexia? We may not have a choice here.'

'What?' Alexia was shocked. 'What is he saying? What does he mean we did not have a choice?'

"Then," Kieran answered. "I shall consider your proposal, but ultimately, it is up to your luna to decide if she is ready."

'What? What just happened? He practically handed the responsibility to me? What about the terms of our contract?' Alexia silently asked herself.

Alexia did not get her answers at that time, but she meant to speak to Kieran about it the next day.

The gathering lasted for an hour longer. After which, Kieran ordered the attending warriors for a quick meeting. Since Alexia was not part of it, she chose to rest for the night, tired from her training.

Before she left, she said to Kieran, "Can I be excused, Kieran?" She yawned and added, "I'm exhausted."

"You may," Kieran replied. However, just before she stood up, he held her wrist and warned, "Alexia, I heard from the maids that the floor in your room had drag marks. Have you been moving your dresser?"