The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation novel Chapter 1

01. MY LIFE IN A LIE
VALERIA

"Are... are you sure, Esther?" I ask with a broken voice.

My heart races, filled with happiness.

"Very sure, Luna. You're pregnant."

"Why haven't I been able to smell it, or his father?" I ask, worried.

"It's very recent, perhaps that's why. Give it a few more days and you should be able to sense the pheromones."

She replies, and I nod, my eyes blurred with tears.

I am the Luna of the "Autumn Forest" pack.

Three years ago, I married the man I love madly, despite not being destined mates, my Alpha Dorian.

I've given everything to be the perfect Luna, the pillar he can lean on. However, a shadow looms over my marriage—the topic of an heir.

I've never been able to get pregnant, and I admit I don't share the bed with Dorian as often. But I know his duties as Alpha keep him extremely busy and stressed.

"Please, don't tell anyone in the pack. I want to surprise my husband."

"Don't worry, Luna, I won't say anything. Congratulations!" She smiles at me, and I return the smile, overflowing with excitement and happiness.

Despite being a foreigner, not originally belonging to this pack, ever since my parents died and the previous Alpha took me in, I've never felt rejected or looked down upon.

That's why I've devoted myself fully to my duties as Luna.

I'm grateful for my life and the wonderful man I'm married to.

*****

"What's with all this food? Is there going to be a party?"

"Hands off!" I swat away the greedy claws of Sophia, my best friend, who sneaked in through the back kitchen door.

"But wow, puff pastry tart and everything!" she says, sitting on a stool.

Honestly, I may have gone a bit overboard with the dishes, but I'm so happy I want everything to be perfect.

All my Alpha's favorite foods are ready!

"Well, today is Dorian's and my anniversary. I want to celebrate with an intimate dinner," I say, turning back to the caramel on the stove.

I don't hear her respond, so I turn halfway, curious.

"What's wrong?"

"N-nothing, nothing... I just heard the Alpha had an emergency today. Didn't he tell you?" she asks, and I frown.

Actually, Dorian doesn't usually explain much about his work.

I guess it's to avoid worrying me.

"No, but he'll come back anyway. He knows today is special."

I respond, completely convinced.

She looks at me strangely.

Lately, I can't quite understand her, but she's the first person who approached me in this pack and has always supported me.

I value her greatly as a friend.

"Sophie, there's something I want to tell you, but... I'll tell you tomorrow. It's very important to me," I say suddenly, wanting to share the good news with her, but not before confessing it to Dorian.

"Really? Can't you tell me now?" she asks, gossip-mode activated, leaning over the counter while munching on a homemade cookie.

"No, no. Tomorrow. I promise you'll be the second to know," I reply, and I can feel my happiness radiating from every pore.

"Fine, I'll leave you with your mystery then. I've got things to do. Happy anniversary night," she grumbles, frustrated I didn't spill the secret, and leaves the same way she came.

I check the clock. There's still time.

I take off my apron and head to the second floor to shower and get dressed nicely.

Everything has to be perfect tonight, celebrating with my beloved mate.

*****

I glance at the clock for the thousandth time, sitting on the sofa. It's past midnight, and Dorian hasn't arrived.

I look at the cold dishes on the dining table and get up, resigned to reheating them again.

I'm in the middle of that task when I hear the front door open and close.

His delicious scent tingles my nose, warming my stomach.

I glance at my burgundy dress, smoothing it out and fixing my hair in the hallway mirror.

My jet-black hair is tied in a high ponytail, and my intensely blue eyes, highlighted with makeup, stare back at me.

I step into the foyer, watching my imposing Alpha enter the door.

"My love, how was your day? Lots of work, right?" I grab the coat he's holding to hang it up.

I see him clutching some documents, but I assume they're pack matters.

I move closer to kiss him, but he steps back.

"I'm sweaty and dirty from the road. Don't contaminate yourself," he says, his piercing honey eyes staring at me—eyes I adore despite their constant coldness.

It's just part of his nature.

He carries too many responsibilities after inheriting the role so young when his father died.