The Lycan King’s Secret Child: Chapter 6
The soft hum of city traffic filtered through the open window of Amelia’s apartment, mingling with the distant sounds of life carrying on as usual. But for Amelia, nothing felt usual anymore. She sat at her small kitchen table, a steaming mug of tea untouched before her, and a small white stick resting next to it. Two pink lines stared back at her, confirming what she both feared and, deep down, already knew.
Her thoughts were a whirlwind. She picked up her phone, her finger hovering over Xander’s name. Memories of their tumultuous relationship flooded her mind—the passion, the secrets, the heartbreak. She set the phone down with a sigh.
Amelia: Whispering to herself ‘What am I going to do?’
The doorbell rang, jolting her from her reverie. She wasn’t expecting anyone. She walked to the door and peered through the peephole to see Sophie standing there, concern etched on her face.
Amelia: Opening the door ‘Sophie? What are you doing here?’
Sophie: Holding up a bag ‘I come bearing Chinese food and a listening ear. You didn’t show up for work today, and you weren’t answering your phone. I was worried.’
Amelia forced a smile.
Amelia: ‘I’m sorry. I should have called in.’
Sophie: ‘Can I come in?’
Amelia: Stepping aside ‘Of course.’
They moved to the living room, and Sophie began unpacking the food onto the coffee table.
Sophie: ‘I got your favorite—sweet and sour chicken.’
Amelia nodded, but her lack of enthusiasm didn’t go unnoticed.
Sophie: ‘Alright, spill. What’s going on?’
Amelia hesitated, biting her lip.
Amelia: ‘It’s… complicated.’
Sophie: Giving her a knowing look ‘Is it Xander?’
Amelia looked away.
Amelia: ‘Partly.’
Sophie: ‘I thought things were better between you two. You were working together, right?’
Amelia: ‘We were. But now… I don’t know where we stand.’
Sophie’s eyes narrowed with concern.
Sophie: ‘Did something happen?’
Amelia took a deep breath.
Amelia: ‘I’m pregnant.’
Sophie’s eyes widened.
Sophie: ‘Pregnant? Oh my god, Amelia!’
Amelia nodded slowly.
Amelia: ‘I found out this morning.’
Sophie: ‘Have you told Xander?’
Amelia: ‘No. And I’m not sure if I should.’
Sophie: ‘Why wouldn’t you? He has a right to know.’
Amelia: ‘It’s not that simple. Our relationship is… complicated. And with all the dangers surrounding him, I don’t know if bringing a child into that world is the right thing.’
Sophie’s expression softened.
Sophie: ‘I can’t imagine what you’re feeling right now. But you don’t have to go through this alone.’
Amelia: ‘I appreciate that. But I need to figure out what’s best for me and the baby.’
Sophie: ‘Whatever you decide, I’m here for you.’
Amelia managed a genuine smile for the first time that day.
Amelia: ‘Thank you, Sophie. That means a lot.’
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Sophie spoke again.
Sophie: ‘Have you thought about what you want to do?’
Amelia: ‘I have. I think… I think I need a fresh start.’
Sophie: ‘What do you mean?’
Amelia: ‘Maybe it’s time for me to leave the city. Go somewhere new, where I can figure things out without all the complications.’
Sophie: ‘You’re considering moving?’
Amelia: ‘Yes. I need space to think, away from all the chaos.’
Sophie: ‘I understand needing space, but running away won’t solve everything.’
Amelia: ‘It’s not running away. It’s giving myself a chance to start anew.’
Sophie: ‘What about your job? Your career?’
Amelia: ‘I can freelance. Write from anywhere. Maybe even finally work on that book I’ve always talked about.’
Sophie’s eyes searched Amelia’s face.
Sophie: ‘If this is what you truly want, I support you. But please, think about telling Xander.’
Amelia: ‘I will. Just… not yet.’
They spent the next hour discussing potential places Amelia could go, from quiet coastal towns to serene mountain villages.
Sophie: ‘You always loved the beach. What about somewhere along the coast?’
Amelia: ‘Maybe. The sound of the ocean could be soothing.’
Her phone buzzed, interrupting their conversation. She glanced at the screen—Xander’s name appeared.
Sophie: ‘Is that him?’
Amelia nodded, hesitating before answering.
Amelia: Taking a deep breath ‘Hello?’
Xander’s Voice: ‘Amelia, I’ve been trying to reach you all day.’
Amelia: ‘I’m sorry. I needed some time.’
Xander: ‘Is everything alright?’
She glanced at Sophie, who gave her an encouraging nod.
Amelia: ‘I’m fine. Just dealing with some personal matters.’
Xander: ‘Can we meet? There’s something I need to discuss with you.’
Amelia’s heart skipped a beat.
Amelia: ‘I don’t think that’s a good idea right now.’
Xander: Concern evident in his voice ‘Please, it’s important.’
She hesitated, weighing her options.
Amelia: ‘Alright. Tomorrow afternoon?’
Xander: ‘Thank you. I’ll text you the details.’
Amelia: ‘Okay.’
She ended the call, exhaling slowly.
Sophie: ‘What did he want?’
Amelia: ‘He wants to meet.’
Sophie: ‘Maybe he’s got good news.’
Amelia: ‘Or maybe more complications.’
Sophie: ‘You’ll never know unless you go.’
Amelia nodded, her mind already racing with possibilities.
—
The next afternoon, Amelia arrived at the agreed-upon location—a quiet park nestled away from the city’s bustle. She spotted Xander sitting on a bench under a large oak tree. His expression was unreadable as she approached.
Amelia: ‘Hi.’
Xander: Standing up ‘Thank you for coming.’
They sat down, an awkward silence stretching between them.
Xander: ‘I wanted to apologize for everything. For the way I’ve handled things.’
Amelia: ‘Xander, we’ve been through this.’
Xander: ‘I know, but I need you to understand that I was trying to protect you.’
Amelia: ‘By pushing me away?’
Xander: ‘Yes. The threats haven’t stopped. If anything, they’ve escalated.’
Amelia: ‘I can take care of myself.’
Xander: ‘It’s not just about you anymore.’
She looked at him sharply, wondering if he somehow knew about the baby.
Amelia: ‘What do you mean?’
Xander: ‘The rival faction is becoming more aggressive. They’ve targeted others close to me. I can’t risk you getting hurt.’
Amelia: ‘So your solution is to distance yourself? We’ve already tried that, and it didn’t work.’
He ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident.
Xander: ‘I don’t know what else to do.’
Amelia: ‘Maybe we need to stop trying to solve everything alone. Have you thought about reaching out for help?’
Xander: ‘From whom? The Council has their own agenda.’
Amelia: ‘What about other allies? There must be someone who can assist.’
He sighed.
Xander: ‘There might be one person. An old friend who owes me a favor.’
Amelia: ‘Then contact them. We can’t keep going in circles.’
He looked at her, a softness in his eyes.
Xander: ‘You amaze me. Even now, you’re thinking of solutions.’
Amelia: ‘I care about you. Despite everything.’
He reached out to take her hand, but she pulled back subtly.
Xander: ‘Is something wrong?’
She hesitated, debating whether to tell him.
Amelia: ‘There’s something I need to tell you.’
He leaned in, concern etched on his face.
Xander: ‘What is it?’
Her heart pounded. The words caught in her throat.
Amelia: ‘I… I’m leaving the city.’
He blinked, taken aback.
Xander: ‘Leaving? Why?’
Amelia: ‘I need a fresh start. Away from all the chaos and danger.’
Xander: ‘Amelia, running away won’t solve anything.’
Amelia: ‘It’s not running away. It’s protecting myself and… and someone else.’
His eyes narrowed slightly.
Xander: ‘What do you mean?’
She took a deep breath.
Amelia: ‘I’m pregnant.’
Silence settled between them like a heavy fog.
Xander: ‘Pregnant?’
She nodded, watching his reaction carefully.
Amelia: ‘Yes.’
He stood up abruptly, pacing.
Xander: ‘Why didn’t you tell me sooner?’
Amelia: ‘I just found out myself. I needed time to process.’
Xander: ‘Amelia, this changes everything.’
Amelia: ‘I know. That’s why I need to leave. To figure things out.’
He stopped pacing, turning to face her.
Xander: ‘You can’t just leave. We need to handle this together.’
Amelia: ‘Like we’ve handled everything else?’
He flinched at her words.
Xander: ‘I deserve that. But I’m willing to make things right.’
Amelia: ‘I don’t know if that’s possible.’
He knelt down in front of her, taking her hands in his.
Xander: ‘Please, give me a chance. Let me be there for you and our child.’
She looked into his eyes, torn between hope and caution.
Amelia: ‘How can I trust that things will be different?’
Xander: ‘Because I won’t make the same mistakes again. I promise to protect you both, no matter what.’
She searched his face for sincerity.
Amelia: ‘I want to believe you.’
Xander: ‘Then let me prove it.’
She sighed softly.
Amelia: ‘Alright. But we need to set some ground rules.’
Xander: Nodding eagerly ‘Anything.’
Amelia: ‘No more secrets. No more pushing me away when things get tough.’
Xander: ‘Agreed.’
Amelia: ‘And we make decisions together.’
Xander: ‘Of course.’
She squeezed his hands gently.
Amelia: ‘Okay.’
Relief washed over his features.
Xander: ‘Thank you.’
They sat back on the bench, a tentative peace settling between them.
Amelia: ‘So, tell me about this friend who might help.’
Xander: ‘His name is Elias. He’s a mediator of sorts, respected by different factions. If anyone can broker a truce or offer assistance, it’s him.’
Amelia: ‘Then we should contact him as soon as possible.’
Xander: ‘I’ll arrange a meeting.’
She leaned back, gazing up at the leaves rustling in the breeze.
Amelia: ‘It’s strange. Despite everything, I feel a bit hopeful.’
Xander: ‘Me too.’
He reached over, placing a hand on her still-flat stomach.
Xander: ‘We’re in this together now.’
She placed her hand over his.
Amelia: ‘Yes, we are.’
—
Later that evening, they returned to Xander’s estate. Marcus greeted them at the door, his expression guarded.
Marcus: ‘Xander, we need to talk.’
Xander glanced at Amelia before responding.
Xander: ‘Anything you need to say, you can say in front of Amelia.’
Marcus hesitated, then nodded.
Marcus: ‘There’s been movement from the rival faction. They’ve been spotted near the northern border.’
Xander: ‘Any signs of aggression?’
Marcus: ‘Not yet, but it’s unusual for them to be that close.’
Amelia listened intently.
Amelia: ‘Could it be related to us?’
Marcus: Acknowledging her ‘It’s possible. They’re unpredictable.’
Xander: ‘Increase the patrols. I don’t want any surprises.’
Marcus: ‘Already done.’
He glanced between them, sensing the shift.
Marcus: ‘Is there something else I should know?’
Xander exchanged a look with Amelia before speaking.
Xander: ‘Amelia is pregnant.’
Marcus’s eyes widened slightly.
Marcus: ‘Congratulations.’
Amelia: ‘Thank you.’
Marcus: ‘This makes things… more delicate.’
Xander: ‘I agree. Which is why we need to contact Elias.’
Marcus nodded thoughtfully.
Marcus: ‘I can reach out to him. Set up a meeting.’
Xander: ‘Do it.’
Marcus excused himself, leaving them alone.
Amelia: ‘He took that well.’
Xander: ‘Marcus is steady. He’ll do whatever is necessary.’
She looked around the grand foyer, suddenly feeling overwhelmed.
Amelia: ‘This place feels different now.’
Xander: ‘How so?’
Amelia: ‘I don’t know. Like it’s not just your home anymore, but ours.’
He smiled softly.
Xander: ‘I like the sound of that.’
—
Over the next few days, preparations were made to meet with Elias. Amelia settled into the estate, getting used to the new surroundings. One afternoon, she found herself wandering into the library, rows of books stretching up to a vaulted ceiling.
She ran her fingers along the spines, pausing at a particularly old volume. Pulling it out, she opened a page depicting ancient symbols.
Amelia: Muttering to herself ‘Fascinating.’
Xander entered quietly, watching her.
Xander: ‘I see you’ve found my favorite room.’
She turned, smiling.
Amelia: ‘It’s incredible. I’ve never seen such a collection.’
Xander: ‘Feel free to read anything you’d like.’
She held up the book.
Amelia: ‘What do these symbols mean?’
He stepped closer, looking at the page.
Xander: ‘They’re part of an old language, used by my ancestors.’
Amelia: ‘Can you read it?’
Xander: ‘Some of it. It speaks of bonds and legacies.’
She raised an eyebrow.
Amelia: ‘Sounds relevant.’
He chuckled.
Xander: ‘Indeed.’
They spent the afternoon exploring the library, sharing stories and learning more about each other.
—
That evening, Marcus informed them that Elias had agreed to meet. They would travel to a neutral location the next day.
As they prepared for the journey, Amelia felt a mix of excitement and apprehension.
Amelia: ‘Do you think he’ll help us?’
Xander: ‘If anyone can, it’s Elias.’
Amelia: ‘Then let’s hope for the best.’
He took her hand, squeezing it reassuringly.
Xander: ‘No matter what happens, we’ll face it together.’
She nodded, finding comfort in his presence.
—
The next day, they arrived at an old manor nestled in the countryside. The air was crisp, and the scent of pine filled their senses. Inside, they were led to a grand hall where a tall man with silver hair awaited them.
Elias: ‘Xander, it’s been a long time.’
Xander: Shaking his hand ‘Too long, Elias.’
Elias turned to Amelia, his gaze piercing yet kind.
Elias: ‘And you must be Amelia.’
Amelia: ‘Yes. Thank you for agreeing to meet with us.’
Elias: ‘Any friend of Xander’s is welcome here.’
They sat around a large wooden table.
Elias: ‘So, tell me how I can assist.’
Xander explained the situation—the rival faction’s aggression, the threats against Amelia, and their concerns for the future.
Elias listened carefully before speaking.
Elias: ‘These are troubling times. The factions grow restless, and alliances are fragile.’
Amelia: ‘Is there a way to broker peace? To make them back off?’
Elias: ‘Perhaps. But it would require concessions.’
Xander: ‘Such as?’
Elias: ‘An agreement to share resources, territories. They may demand certain things… sacrifices.’
Xander’s jaw tightened.
Xander: ‘I won’t put my family at risk.’
Elias regarded him thoughtfully.
Elias: ‘Family changes everything, doesn’t it?’
Amelia glanced at Xander, then back at Elias.
Amelia: ‘What would you suggest?’
Elias: ‘A gathering. Bring the leaders together under a truce. Open dialogue can sometimes achieve what force cannot.’
Xander: ‘It’s a risk.’
Elias: ‘Yes, but one worth taking.’
Amelia reached out, touching Xander’s arm.
Amelia: ‘We have to try.’
He looked into her eyes, seeing determination mirrored there.
Xander: Nodding ‘Very well. Arrange the gathering.’
Elias smiled subtly.
Elias: ‘I will send out the invitations. In the meantime, you should prepare.’
Amelia: ‘Prepare how?’
Elias: ‘Strengthen your alliances. Ensure your defenses are solid. And perhaps most importantly, be united in purpose.’
They thanked Elias for his help and began the journey back to the estate.
—
As they traveled, Amelia gazed out the window, deep in thought.
Xander: ‘Penny for your thoughts?’
Amelia: ‘I’m just hoping we’re making the right decisions.’
Xander: ‘Second thoughts?’
Amelia: ‘Not about us. Just about the path ahead.’
He took her hand.
Xander: ‘We’ll navigate it together.’
She smiled softly.
Amelia: ‘I know.’
—
Back at the estate, they began preparations. Meetings were held with key allies, and strategies were discussed.
One evening, as Amelia stood on the balcony overlooking the gardens, Marcus approached.
Marcus: ‘Mind if I join you?’
Amelia: ‘Not at all.’
They stood in silence for a moment.
Marcus: ‘I wanted to say that I admire your courage.’
Amelia: Surprised ‘Thank you.’
Marcus: ‘Xander is important to me. Seeing him with you, it’s clear how much you mean to each other.’
Amelia: ‘He’s important to me too.’
Marcus nodded thoughtfully.
Marcus: ‘If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask.’
Amelia: ‘I appreciate that.’
He gave a slight bow before taking his leave.
—
As the days passed, the date of the gathering drew nearer. Tensions were high, but amidst the uncertainty, Amelia and Xander found solace in each other’s company.
One night, as they sat by the fireplace, she rested her head on his shoulder.
Amelia: ‘Do you ever think about the future? About what life might look like after all this?’
Xander: ‘I do. I imagine peace. A family. Happiness.’
She smiled.
Amelia: ‘That sounds perfect.’
Xander: ‘And you? What do you see?’
Amelia: ‘Much the same. Maybe a little house by the sea. Writing my book. Watching our child grow.’
He kissed the top of her head.
Xander: ‘I would like that very much.’
—
Despite the challenges ahead, hope blossomed between them. Together, they were ready to face whatever came next, with the promise of a new beginning on the horizon.