Origins: Silver Mountain

Chapter Seven

Renée

True to her word, I had not been alone. Selene was always around giving advice. My belly grew daily. These twins were not playing.

I started going with Augustus to work. There was nothing to do. Silver Mountain was the equivalent to a small town. This day was no different. I was bored out of my mind. Augustus had gone to meet with some of the new warriors and instructed me to stay in his office. He had some big guy keeping an eye on me.

“What’s your name?”

“Brighton.”

“Take me on a tour of the packhouse, young fellow.” I stood. He raised his eyebrows as I waddled toward the door. I turned and tilted my head to the side. He followed me out of my mate’s office as I closed the door and locked it with the spare key that I was given.

Brighton glanced around nervously.

“Do not worry about my mate. He’s a teddy bear.”

Brighton chuckled nervously and proceeded with the tour. We stopped a few times so I could catch my breath, but it was a pretty good tour. Brighton might have a career in pack hospitality.

I noticed he had skipped a corridor, so I paused and waited for him to notice. He turned and shook his head.

“I absolutely cannot take you there.”

“Why not?” I glanced toward the dark hallway.

“It’s where we keep prisoners.”

“How many?”

“I’m unsure. I don’t work there.” He seemed hesitant, almost scared, to even get close. I scoffed and began walking down the hall.

“Miss? Miss! I can’t let you go alone!” I heard Brighton’s quick footsteps behind me.

“You’re going to get me in huge trouble with Sir Augustus.”

I smiled to myself. Augustus knew who he was mated to. He wouldn’t be as worried as Brighton believes.

The cells were mostly empty. It didn’t seem much like a prison. A door at the very back caught my attention. White light streamed out from under the door. A very large man was standing against the wall like a stone statue. I strolled up to the door and stood on my toes to peer inside. A small, blonde woman was seated on the bed with her hand pressed to her abdomen. She was very much pregnant, like me. This must be the witch, I thought to myself.

“Open this door, please.”

I looked up at the very large man who frowned down at me.

“Can’t.” He looked forward again.

“Surely the King will not be thrilled to hear you have denied my request. I am going to have this rectified immediately.” I turned on my heel and heard a lock click.

“Make it quick, lady. I do not want to deal with the King today.”

Boom.

I turned back around and walked in. Brighton was on my heels. The woman was looking at me with curiosity.

“Hi, there. I’m Renée. Are you familiar with my mate, Augustus?” She slowly shook her head.

“Well, that’s ok. I’ve heard about you. Poor thing.”

She glanced down at her hands.

“Do you have a name?”

“Emmeline.”

“That’s pretty. Just like you.”

I tucked a few strands of her hair behind her ear and cupped her chin in my hand to have her look at me. Her eyes were red and puffy. I looked away, glancing around the room as I stood up straight.

“This is no way to live. Especially not in your condition.” I held my hand out. She frowned and hesitantly placed her hand in mine.

“I think some fresh air would be good for you and your baby.”

Brighton was nervously watching as I pulled her along toward the door.

“King Lukas—“

“King Lukas will find us when we are finished. There is no harm in taking care of the mother of our future King or Queen.” I cut Brighton off and cut my eyes at big guy.

“Gentleman, be easy.” I took her to the showers first so she could clean herself up. Thankfully, there were always fresh towels in the closet for visitors. I was also thankful I had started keeping a change of clothes in my mate’s office just in case I spilled lunch on my blouse or something. I sent Brighton upstairs to get my long-sleeved jumper. He returned and handed it to me. I slipped into the bathroom and set it down on the counter as Emmeline showered.

I left her to finish up and stood outside.

“You know, you’re a bit of a troublemaker.”

I laughed and shrugged. I heard the shower turn off and waited and waited. It seemed like hours later, but maybe because I was eager to get outside.

Emmeline finally emerged with a shy smile. The jumper was a little big on her, but she was adorable.

I hooked my arm around hers and led her from the packhouse. As soon as we were outside, she inhaled deeply and sighed. I watched her closely.

“What are you doing, Renée?” I heard King Lukas’s disapproving voice. I turned and eyed him for a minute.

“Your heir is just as imprisoned as their mother. They need fresh air. It’s good for growth.” I was rubbing my own belly for dramatic effect. He glanced down and back up.

“Carry on then.” I pulled Emmeline along. I could feel King Lukas’s eyes on our backs as we moved farther away from the packhouse. Brighton stayed close as we walked the pack lands and I pointed everything out to her.

As we got to know one another, I decided she would be my new companion. We could do this pregnancy thing together. I had been considering talking to the King about keeping her caged up anyway. Now, I could really sell my point. He easily allowed me to take her from the packhouse. It might be easier to convince him to move her out of that cramped, little room.

***

By the end of the day, Emmeline had turned into quite the chatterbox. She gushed about her family and the boyfriend she had back home. We talked politics, food, pregnancy, baby names, and complained about the boring little pack.

King Lukas was standing on the porch when we walked up.

“Emmeline, you look well.”

“I think a room on your floor should be prepared for her. More space and comfort will work wonders for a pregnant woman. Baby will be strong and healthy too.”

King Lukas stared at me like I had grown another head.

“My apologies, King. My mate is never the one to hold in her thoughts.” Augustus appeared behind the King. I rolled my eyes.

“No, Augustus. She is right. I think it’s time to move my pregnant witch upstairs. Would you like that?”

He turned his attention to Emmeline. She was chewing her bottom lip.

“Emmeline?”

She shook her head and nodded.

“Good. You will have a room upstairs effective immediately. Rita!”

The young omega who was basically attached to his hip came hurriedly down the stairs.

“Get the guest room on my floor prepared for my offspring’s mother.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” She rushed back up the stairs.

“I will see you both tomorrow. Thank you again, Augustus. Renée, it’s always a pleasure.”

I smiled at King Lukas, grabbing Emmeline’s hand and giving it a light squeeze. She smiled and waved. Augustus and I walked hand in hand to our home.