Page 51 of The Alpha's Auctioned Pregnant Mate

There was a lot he was uncertain about. But for now, in this quiet moment, he allowed himself to simply be—not theAlpha, not the leader, just a man lying beside the woman who had unexpectedly captured his heart.

Chapter 17 - Wren

"So, what's it really like over there?" Martha, the housekeeper, asked as she dusted the ornate mantelpiece in Articus' living room. Her eyes were alight with curiosity.

Wren paused, considering how to describe her former home to someone who had only ever known the peaceful side of the mountain. "It's... different," she said finally. "Rougher. Everyone's just trying to survive day by day."

Martha nodded, her dusting slowing as she became engrossed in the conversation. "I've heard stories, of course. Rogues running wild, no law or order. Is it really that bad?"

"Not exactly," Wren replied. She sat down on the plush sofa, gathering her thoughts. "There are rogues, yes. But most of us just want to live our lives in peace. We form our own communities, look out for each other when we can."

"But what about the violence? The snatchings?" Martha pressed, moving to polish a nearby mirror.

Wren sighed. "Those things happen, I won't lie. But it's not constant chaos like some people seem to think. We have our own sort of order, even if it's not as structured as things are here."

Martha's eyes widened. "I can't imagine living like that. Always looking over your shoulder, never knowing if you're safe."

"You get used to it," Wren said with a shrug. "It's all I've ever known. This place..." She gestured around at the opulent room. "This feels stranger to me than anything on the other side of the mountain."

"I suppose it would," Martha mused. She hesitated, then asked, "What about your family? Are they still over there?"

Wren felt a pang in her chest at the mention of her parents. "No," she said softly. "They died when I was fifteen. I've been on my own since then."

Martha's face fell. "Oh, I'm so sorry, dear. I shouldn't have pried."

"It's okay," Wren assured her. "It was a long time ago." She managed a small smile. "Besides, I'm not alone anymore."

Martha's expression brightened at that. "No, you're certainly not. The whole town's been buzzing about you and Articus. It's not every day our Alpha brings home a bride!"

Wren felt her cheeks warm. "I'm sure it's quite the scandal," she said dryly.

"Oh, not at all!" Martha exclaimed. "Everyone's excited. It's like something out of a fairy tale—the handsome Alpha rescuing the beautiful rogue and bringing her home as his wife."

Wren couldn't help but laugh at that characterization of events. If only they knew the full story. "I'm not sure 'fairy tale' is quite the right description," she said.

Martha waved a hand dismissively. "Details, details. The important thing is, you're here now. And from what I've seen, you've been good for Articus. He seems happier, more relaxed."

Wren felt a warmth bloom in her chest at Martha's words. She'd noticed changes in Articus too—the way his smiles came more easily now, how he seemed more at ease. But to hear someone else had noticed it too... it made everything feel more real somehow.

"He's been good for me too," Wren admitted softly.

Martha's eyes twinkled knowingly. "I can see that, dear. Now, why don't you tell me more about life on the other side? I'm sure you must have some exciting stories."

As Wren began to share some of her experiences, carefully editing out the more harrowing details, she found herself relaxing. Martha was easy to talk to and genuinely interested in learning about Wren's background without judgment. It was a refreshing change from the wary looks she sometimes still got from others in town.

Their conversation meandered through various topics—the differences in cuisine between the two sides of the mountain, the challenges of adapting to pack life, and Martha's own experiences growing up in Articus' pack. Before Wren knew it, nearly an hour had passed.

"Oh, goodness!" Martha exclaimed, glancing at her watch. "I've let the time get away from me. Articus will be back soon, and I haven't even started on the kitchen yet."

"I can help," Wren offered, standing up.

Martha waved her off. "Nonsense, dear. You're the Alpha's wife, not the help. You just relax and wait for Articus to return."

As Martha bustled off to the kitchen, Wren found herself mulling over her words. The Alpha's wife. It still felt strange to hear herself described that way. Their marriage had been so unconventional, thrust upon them by circumstances neither of them had chosen. And yet...

Wren's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the front door opening. She turned to see Articus striding in.

"Wren," Articus said warmly, his eyes lighting up as he saw her. He crossed the room in a few long strides and pulled herinto a brief embrace. "I hope you weren't too bored while I was gone."

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