Chapter 47

It was becoming increasingly difficult to keep my secret from Amy. She had been acting strangely, undoubtedly feeling the pressure of Armand’s distance, and I couldn't shake the feeling that she was plotting something against me, specifically. As I caressed my slightly rounded belly, I knew I had to protect my unborn child at all costs.

One evening, as I walked through the vast garden that connected our house with Armand’s mansion, I overheard whispers carried by the wind. It was Amy, talking with Bob. My heart pounded in my chest as I hid behind a tree, listening intently, déjà vu making me slightly dizzy.

I hadn’t realized I had walked so far. I wasn’t safe here, but I had to know what they were saying. I stayed as quiet as I could and crept closer to the voices.

"I heard rumors that Beryl might be hiding something," Amy said in hushed tones. "Something that could ruin everything. I need you to find out what it is, and we’ll figure out how to deal with it.”

“I’ll do what I can, but my sources are running dry. I’m afraid they know something. Do you think we should lie low for a bit?” Bob replied, and I could hear the tension in his voice.

“No, we need to act now, before everything we’ve done so far is lost. Now, go.” I heard a rustle and assumed it was Bob walking away.

My breath caught in my throat. Did she suspect I was pregnant? Who had told her? Panic surged through me as I realized the danger my child was in.

I waited until I heard her walk away, and then I hurried home as fast as I could. I had to tell the triplets and prepare myself for whatever Amy had in store. The suspicion that she knew about the pregnancy was confirmed, when the miscarriage attempts began.

As days passed, Amy's attempts to make me miscarry grew more frequent, but the triplets, were vigilant in protecting me and our baby. Their love and care surrounded me, shielding me from harm. Despite her persistence, Amy's efforts remained futile.

One afternoon, she attempted to slip a harmful concoction into my drink, hoping it would end my pregnancy. However, Nicholas noticed her suspicious behavior and managed to switch our drinks before I could take a sip.

Nicholas sniffed my glass, his nose crinkling, “Wolfsbane…” he whispered, his eyes wide. Across the table, Amy feigned innocence, and Armand looked shocked.

In another incident, Amy tried to cause me to trip and fall, but Cheney caught me just in time, avoiding any harm to me or the baby. Not bothering to deny her actions, she sent a scathing look in mine and Cheney’s direction and ran from the area.

It was evident that Amy's desperation was escalating, and I feared what she might do next. The triplets agreed and were doing everything they could to keep me and their baby safe.

One night, as I waited nearby for the triplets to finish a meeting with Armand, I heard muffled voices outside the window. Curiosity getting the better of me, I crept closer to the door to listen.

It was Amy, confiding in Bob about her fear of losing Armand and her desperation to get rid of me and our baby.

"We need to do something soon," Bob urged. "Armand's starting to suspect something is going on. We can't afford any more mistakes. You’re actions are getting reckless, and people are noticing.”

“Shut up! I know what I’m doing! Just do what you’re supposed to do and I’ll do what I need to do.” Amy hissed back at Bob, anger thick in her tone, her voice almost crazed.

I clenched my fists, my heart pounding with both fear and determination. I knew I had to protect my mates and our pack from this treacherous scheme. Armand had to accept the truth.

The following morning, as the sun rose over the pack's territory, I sat down with the triplets and shared what I had overheard. Their expressions darkened with anger and concern as they vowed to do whatever it took to convince their father.

Their investigation into Amy and Bob intensified, and they discreetly gathered information from various pack members to take to Armand.

Bit by bit, they pieced together the puzzle of their sinister plot. It seemed that Amy and Bob were trying to weaken Armand, isolating him from the pack and undermining his authority.

The more people we talked to, the graver the truth became. Amy and Bob were within days of being able to attack the mansion and steal the title of Alpha King from Armand.

We had to do something soon, but we had yet to find the one damning piece of evidence. “We haven’t tried one thing yet.” I spoke hesitantly because the triplets had argued against this idea once already.

“Beryl, there’s no way. Bob has his own personal guard, and there’s always one stationed outside his study. We’ll never be able to get in.”

Brian, being the calmest in all situations, spoke to me because the other two had already said their piece against the idea. Regardless of their feelings, I pushed.

“I realize that, but if you let me help, I’m sure there’s a way for one of you to get inside.” They were each already shaking their heads, but I didn’t let that deter me.

“Amy and Bob both think I’m a weak, pitiful thing, right? So their guards must think that as well. They don’t know me like our guards do. What if I had a fainting spell outside the study, with no one else around?”

The triplets exchanged looks, “And what makes you think that they’ll do anything to ‘help’ you?” Cheney, always the critic, asked sarcastically.

“They want to keep up appearances. They need to. They’re too close not to.” I was getting frustrated. “Come on! We could at least try it!” I was whining now, and I hated it, but I had to get them to see reason.

When they all sighed, I knew I’d gotten my way, and we made our way to the hallway were Bob’s study was. Just like I had said it would, it worked.

As the guard outside of Bob’s study rushed to my side, and carried me to the infirmary, I watched over his shoulder as all three of my mates snuck inside.

Later, when we were all back together again, I could tell by the triumphant smiles on their faces that they had found what we needed.

Cheney, loudest and most excitable, almost shouted with joy. “It’s time to set a meeting and get this mess over with!” His joy infections, we all embraced, and could feel a sense of peace and hopefulness for our, and our baby’s, future.