Page 41 of Rejected By The Alpha Heir

Except…the letter was left out. Anyone could see it. Anyone could read it. If it were meant to be kept private, wouldn’t Yelena have taken it with her?

My curiosity is burning, and I carefully edge the paper out of the envelope. It’s probably nothing. Maybe a sweet farewell letter from Callie to Yelena.

I start to read, and my heart almost stops beating.

Your daughter will be the next Seer.

Holy shit.

I read the words over and over, but each time they say the same thing.

Yelena has a child. A child she never mentioned it to me.

A myriad of emotions washes over me. Anger, betrayal, sadness. It’s all jumbled in my mind. How could she not mention that she has a child? Is the child mine?

I think back to the night that Yelena and I were intimate.The only time. Depending on the age, her childcouldbe mine.If that child is mine, how could Yelena keep her from me?

Am I ready to be a father?

My mind is swirling with questions. I want to go to Yelena and demand answers, but at the same time, I know I have to tread lightly. I can’t afford to scare her off. Not like this. I quickly stuff the letter back into the envelope and fold it, tucking it into my pants pocket for safekeeping. I quickly send a text off to my beta, Vincent, asking him to look into this. I need information, and I need it now.

The envelope in my pocket feels heavy and I’m struck with a feeling of gratitude that my duties brought me back here, alone, to find that letter.

A child Seer.

Callie was right to warn her of the dangers. If our rival packs knew about this, they would try to snatch the child out of our grasp. No wonder Yelena looked terrified when she left here.

Yelena will have to come home and raise the child here. Under the pack’s protection. Whether Cleo is mine or not, I want them here.Under my protection.

There’s simply no other option.

As the future Alpha, my duties for the Farewell Rite are extensive. I’m responsible for bringing Callie’s body to the funeral pyre. I look over the body of Callie one more time, closing my eyes in a quick prayer, before carefully moving the amulets and trinkets to the side and wrapping her in the clean sheet.

Once she’s wrapped up, I lift her, carrying her in my arms toward the door where my men are waiting with the platform that we will carry her on.

The mood is solemn as our warriors bow their heads in acknowledgment of our beloved Seer.

Gently, I lay her body on the platform and take my place at the head of it, lifting the heavy wood onto my shoulder.

We march down the main road toward the community area. Pack members wait outside their homes, paying tribute to Callie by both young and old.

When we arrive, I make eye contact with my father. He comes down from his seat with my mother and greets me, taking his place next to me as we finish the walk to the pyre.

Together, we slide the wooden plank onto the pyre and step back.

“You’ve done well, son,” my father whispers, giving me an approving nod. I manage a grim smile back, bowing slightly to show my respect, before marching to my place next to Sylvie.

She grimaces at me but stays quiet.

My father begins the rite and I watch the crowd. Many are weeping, and the occasional howl breaks through as our pack listens to their Alpha commit Callie back to the Moon Goddess. My eyes find Yelena in the back. She’s dressed in black and carrying a small basket of wildflowers. I can tell she’s not trying to draw attention to herself, but I can’t keep my eyes off her.

Knowing what I know now, I can understand the many layers of grief that are written across her face. The loss of her beloved confidant and friend, Callie, the knowledge that her child is in danger, the pain of being back here and feeling like she has to hide from her own family.

It would be a heavy burden for anyone to carry. My wolf demands that I go to her, offer her my support, and care for her, but the timing isn’t right. There are still so many questions that need answers.

“Is this almost over?” Sylvie whines, poking her sharp nail into my side. I hiss in pain and turn to glare at her.

“Show some respect,” I demand with a growl.

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