Chapter 1：The Wolf in a Golden Cage
970words
Finally pregnant. Three years of waiting had been worth it.
I hurriedly dialed James's number. "Darling, I have amazing news!"
"What is it?" His voice sounded distracted.
"I'm pregnant!"
There was silence on the other end for a few seconds. "Really? That's... great."
No wild joy as I had expected, just a flat response.
"Let's have a family dinner tonight to share the news with everyone."
"Fine, I'll let them know."
After hanging up, I stood by the window, my hand gently caressing my abdomen. As a werewolf, my gestation period is shorter than humans.
In six months, my child would be born.
Would my child be a werewolf? Or an ordinary human like James?
Either way, this was the fruit of our love. At least, that's what I'd always believed.
For dinner, I dressed up carefully, hoping this special night would be perfect.
Victor and Helen—James's parents—arrived precisely on time, with Noah trailing behind them.
My sister Aria showed up last, wearing a simple white dress that somehow managed to draw everyone's attention.
"I have wonderful news to announce," I said with a smile. "I'm pregnant."
The reaction around the dining table left me cold inside.
Victor merely nodded. Helen forced a smile. Noah looked completely unconcerned.
"Congratulations," Helen said dryly, then immediately turned to Aria. "Sweetie, you must try this salad."
I watched Helen serving food to Aria with her own hands, her eyes brimming with affection.
"Aria, how's that design competition of yours coming along?" Victor asked enthusiastically.
"I've made it to the finals," Aria replied with a smile, her gaze lingering on James's face for just a beat too long.
"That's wonderful!" Helen cheered. "I knew you would succeed!"
No one asked about my morning sickness. No one seemed to care about my health.
I was just an ATM for this family, a reproductive tool.
"Emma," Noah suddenly spoke up, "has your company's quarterly report come out yet?"
Of course. They only cared about my money.
"It won't be released until next week," I answered calmly, my fingers unconsciously drifting to my abdomen.
James sat beside me, yet felt miles away. His gaze kept drifting toward Aria.
I endured the discomfort and forced myself to eat a few bites of dinner.
"You okay?" James finally noticed my expression.
"Just a bit of morning sickness," I answered softly.
"You should have said something earlier," Helen frowned. "You need to rest more during pregnancy."
It was the first concerned remark she had made to me all evening, yet it carried obvious reproach.
After dinner, I headed to the kitchen for water but froze when I heard voices in the hallway.
"Son, are you sure you want to have a child with Emma?" Victor said in a hushed tone.
I stopped dead in my tracks, holding my breath.
"After all, she is... different."
"Dad, Emma is loaded," James replied, without the slightest attempt to defend me.
"Her company is funding your new project, remember?"
My heart sank. So that was it.
"Besides, with a child, Emma will be more dependent on us. That can only benefit the family."
My nails dug into my palms. Three years of marriage, just a business transaction.
Back in the bedroom, I locked the door, and tears finally broke through the dam.
In the mirror, I was still beautiful, but the sparkle in my eyes had vanished.
I gently caressed my abdomen, where new life was growing.
"Don't worry, baby," I whispered. "Mommy will protect you, no matter what it takes."
Outside the window, the new moon curved like a sickle. I was a wolf imprisoned in a gilded cage.
But a wolf remains a wolf. One day, I would make them realize they hadn't caged a pet, but a predator.
A gentle knock on the bedroom door. "Emma?" It was Aria's voice.
I wiped away my tears and composed myself. "Come in."
Aria pushed open the door, concern written on her face. "Are you okay? I saw you slip away from the table early."
"Just a little tired," I forced a smile.
She sat down on the edge of the bed and took my hand in hers. "Congratulations on your pregnancy, sis. I'm truly happy for you."
Her gaze seemed sincere, her voice gentle. She was the only person tonight who appeared genuinely happy for me.
"Thank you," I said softly, the bitterness in my heart easing slightly.
"Oh, right," Aria suddenly perked up. "I have an idea. Next week is my birthday, and I want to organize a family trip to that resort by the lake. What do you think?"
"Next week?" I frowned. "But that's close to the full moon..."
"Oh," Aria blinked. "I completely forgot about that. But that resort is absolutely gorgeous, and I've already made reservations..."
A flash of something I couldn't quite read crossed her eyes.
"We can reschedule," I offered.
"But this is my birthday wish," she said softly, tears welling up in her eyes. "I just want to celebrate with the whole family."
I looked at her disappointed expression, struggling internally. Was I being too sensitive? Maybe she really just wanted to spend time with family?
"I'll think about it," I finally said.
Aria hugged me happily, her perfume overwhelming my sensitive werewolf senses.
"You're the best sister ever!" she whispered in my ear. "I promise, this will be a perfect trip."
After she left, I stood by the window, watching as clouds slowly obscured the new moon.
A sense of foreboding crept through my heart.
My phone vibrated with a text from an unknown number:
"Dear Luna, the full moon approaches. Your wolf pack needs you, while your 'family' will betray you. Be careful."
