UNEXPECTED

Blaire:

After two days of being hospitalized, I was back in the quarters with my emotions in disarray. I still wasn't sure how I was going to deal with the whole pregnancy revelation, but one thing that stood out for sure was the nagging fact that I had to speak with London, as he was the father of my babies.

Ugh!!!

I dragged a hand over my face, staring at myself through the mirror. My body was indeed an old shell of itself. I was growing thinner as the day passed and looked awfully pale. I had dull eyes that had dark circles circling them, and my raven black hair was almost faded. Red blotches sat on my cheeks, with pimples forming on my forehead. I looked worse than horrible.

With a resigned sigh, my eyes subconsciously dipped to gaze at my belly. My hands moved with uncertainty to rub my stomach. It was still hard to believe that I had twin babies growing in there, and now that I knew, how was I going to go about my daily routine?

It really troubled me because I didn't want anyone else to find out about my condition. The blowup would ruin my reputation and plunge me headfirst into chronic depression.

I sniffled, feeling my red nose. I really needed a break from reality; my life was hard, and as if that wasn't enough, it was hell-bent on getting harder. I frustratedly threw on my plain black gown, pulling my long locks into a messy ponytail.

Feeling satisfied with my appearance now, I tried to force a smile but failed terribly; it was plain obvious that even my body couldn't give in. There was nothing to smile about.

I patted down my gown, grabbing the black scarf I had brought out earlier with the intention of wrapping it around my neck or using it as a nose mask later today because I was on toilet duty.

Emmett had nagged me all night when I told her of my decision to resume my duties. She made every attempt to emotionally blackmail me, with my pregnancy being her trump card. But here I was on my way down the quiet hallway. I couldn't stay cooped up in my room; I'd die of depression. My job might be awful, but at least it was guaranteed to take my mind off my problems.

Emmett had explained to me that she had intended for me to see Dr. Anais, but apparently the man was unavailable, hence Dr. Miller had to handle my case. I heard from her that he was the senior doctor, trusted by the Alpha and two wingmen. I couldn't help wondering why my mate was looking for him yesterday.

I sighed, thanking my stars that Emmett wasn't around. I wouldn't be able to sneak out of her watchful eye if she were around.

The new head of domestics was Sue. She was a sweet young lady with a motherly heart. Her ability to be very understanding yet strict and firm when she felt needed, clever and swift, was impressive. I really admired her. I was glad I wasn't going to have to start giving explanations that even I would not understand. Added to that, she was rumored to be a healer.

"Blaire, how are you? You took a pretty long time off. Emmett was telling me yesterday evening that you'd be on an indefinite break. I didn't expect to see you back here so soon." Sue's warm voice and bright blue eyes made me force a small smile.

"I-uh didn't expect such a speedy recovery." I said, lying through my teeth.

I hoped she wouldn't perceive my lie and just brush it off, letting me resume my job. She eyed me down before gently clearing her throat. Carefully, she tucked her bright ginger hair behind her ear, rubbing her slender fingers against each other with a slight nibble on her bottom lip.

Suspiciously, I squinted at her with my eyes blinking slowly. I had a feeling that she was about to drop a bomb on me, and I had another heavy feeling that I wasn't going to like it.

"Is something wrong?" I decided to save us both the awkward tension and ask.

"Uh, you see, you've been quite unstable with your duties, and early this morning the Alpha came down here for a brief survey." She paused, smiling nervously. "You won't be working here any more, is what I'm trying to say."

I blinked at her, unable to understand anything she was saying or what she was implying. My head spun at the mention of the Alpha. Why would he come down for something as trivial as a survey? Reece usually handles that.

"What do you mean?" I hoarsely asked, my heart pounding.

"He requested all the maids to be made present. You weren't there, and he asked about it, so I told him what Emmett told me, that you're seriously sick and would be away indefinitely. He was silent for a moment before ordering me to change your duties." Sue calmly explained.

My heart raced, daring me to ask the question that thudded in my head, "Where would I be working now?"

She beamed at me, "since the workload here is too much for a sick person, I swapped you with Karla. You'd be cleaning the Alpha's room from now on."

My heart sank as cold dread washed over me. I couldn't believe this. I've been trying to bump into him, and ever since yesterday, he's suddenly been available and encroaching on my space. Why? Just why?

Why would he make Sue assign me to his room? Didn't he despise my presence? Even yesterday, when he walked in, I didn't sense any ounce of recognition or care from him. He didn't even acknowledge my sick-looking self on the bed. I didn't even know why I still hoped he'd care.

He didn't even bat an eyelid my way, and here I am, hearing that I'd now be cleaning his room? After shaping my hatred towards him, he now wants me to clean his room. It made me wonder what he had up his sleeves.

London wasn't exactly the easiest person to read. He was very good at tucking away any hints about his next action, and I guessed that was the major reason why he was feared and revered by many. No one dared oppose him or stand in his way.

And Fuyu? He was just like London, or perhaps worse. His bloodlust was raging, carefully wrapped in a blanket of mystery and insanity. Both of them were a lethal combination.

I wasn't sure what would happen to me if I were to be in his space twenty hours a day. He might either kill me or break me emotionally and psychologically. I might not survive it either way. And now that I was pregnant, I was still contemplating breaking the news to him, but after picturing a million ways he'd react, my decision was slowly shifting towards keeping it a secret.

And if I was going to keep it a secret, being around him would be the least sensible option. He'd sniff me out in a second. I've noticed him to be extremely observant and aware of his surroundings.

I took deep breaths to calm my head because my thoughts were leading me nowhere except down the deep end. It was tearing my sanity apart.

"Sue, I'm fine now… You don't have to swap my duties." I was desperate. I couldn't bear to be around London's intimidating presence and dangerous aura.

Despite being a devil, he was also a very fine man. His mouth-watering and brain-numbing scent of sandalwood and masculinity was enough to drive any woman to her knees. He had jaw-dropping looks and a cool aura that would make women beg for him to claim them.

I, for one, have refused to admit to myself the frustrations I've felt every night I sleep and am awoken by liquid dripping down my legs as a result of the obscene dreams caused by the sinful things he had done to me the first night we met. Everything about him was tortuous.

Sue blinked at me, gently shaking her head negatively, "I'm afraid I cannot help you. It's an order from the Alpha; we both have to obey. Besides, cleaning the Alpha's room is the most stress-free yet dangerous of all maid assignments because if you do not obey, he could either kill you out of anger or just scar you emotionally with whatever he's going to say to you."

Just perfect. And I was supposed to be the new person working for him?

"What about Karla? Won't she be mad that I'm taking her spot? Since it's stress-free?"

Sue waved it off: "The Alpha can decide to have a new maid any day. It's how he is. No matter how good you may be, he never keeps one made for too long; he always changes them whenever he likes."

A loophole, huh? Perhaps I just have to stay out of his hair till he gets tired and wants to change me.

"Or he's just trying to look out for you. He could have chosen anyone else to work for him, but he didn't. Didn't you hear her say his room was the most stress-free?" Hera piped up in awe.

I rolled my eyes at her because no matter what she says to ease my worry, I'd rather throw myself on a bed of blazing hot coal than believe London was being nice. Nice did not exist in his dictionary.

Sue turned to me, her t-shirt tucked partly into her jeans and pants, "His breakfast is ready; please go serve him."

"What about the rules that guide the maid who works for him?" I rushed out.

"Those will be given to you by the Alpha himself, so please pay rapt attention because he'll only give them once. Try not to piss him off and obey his every instruction, and you should be fine. Now hurry along before you piss him off." Sue slapped my back playfully.

Oh, dear goddess, I don't know what you're planning, but my fate is in your hands. Save me!

I said a silent prayer, grabbing hold of the trolley. I carefully began pushing it down the kitchen hallway and up the stairs, my heart pounding with each step I took.

I remembered the direction that I had heard from Emmett about where his room was. I climbed up the stairs leading to the upper wing, mentally preparing myself for meeting him.

I kept walking till I reached the end of the well-furnished, dark hallway that had paintings and sculpted vases neatly and strategically placed. The silence that enveloped the space made tension hover in the air, along with his tempting scent. I could feel that he was around.

Was I ready to meet him?

"It would be fine, Blaire, our mate; it won't hurt us." Hera spoke.

I rolled my eyes at her blind fate and the trust she had for him. "You worry me. Seriously, you do."

Hera wagged her large tail, urging me to go ahead and knock.

"I'm scared. I don't know what to expect." I confessed.

"We'd be fine; he won't hurt us." Hera recited again.

My feet paused in front of the big black door at the end of the length, and my heart resumed its frantic thudding. With a deep breath, I raised my hand and sealed my fate with a knock. I honestly hoped she was right and I was wrong.