When I returned to the Alpha's Den, my heart was still throbbing from what happened in the alley. My wrist, though unbruised, felt like it still carried the Alpha's grip. When I arrived inside my room, I didn't sit. I couldn't.

Instead, I walked straight to the veranda while pushing the curtains aside and stepping out into the sunlight. The view from here was breathtaking, in a way that felt unfair. The marketplace looked so normal from above with some colorful tents flapping in the breeze and the people were moving like ants in the distance. The training fields beyond it were also full of noise and motion.

I wrapped my arms around myself and leaned against the rail and slowly closed my eyes. What am I really doing here?

I barely had time to catch my breath when I heard the door creak open behind me.

"Lot 18?" It was Nora's voice.

I turned quickly while dropping my arms. "I'm here, Nora."

She stepped into the room and gave me a once-over, concern carved across her face. "The Luna's asking for you. The physician has arrived."

My stomach grasped. "Now?"

"Yes, dear. She's waiting at the infirmary."

I rubbed my gown with a shaky hands. "Okay. Let's go."

We walked in silence through the Den. I tried not to look too closely at the guards or the doors we passed. Every time I thought I had already adjusted, something new knocked the air out of me.

The infirmary was lodged at the far end of the west wing of the Den.

When we stepped in, Luna Ashley was seated on a cushioned bench while wearing a sweet smile on her face. On the other hand, Alpha Brent stood beside her with his arms crossed. I tried not to make eye contact with him. Of course.

"There you are, sweetheart," Luna Ashley greeted me warmly while reaching out to squeeze my hand. "The physician's just arrived. You'll be examined here, both of you."

I faintly raised an eyebrow. "Both?"

She gave me an encouraging look. "It's just a routine compatibility evaluation, darling. Physical, emotional, and biological. Alpha Brent will be evaluated too. Don't worry, he hates this kind of thing."

Alpha Brent said nothing.

Luna Ashley stood up and turned to him. "Be nice." She leaned up to kiss his cheek and turned to face me. "You'll be in good hands."

After a while, Luna Ashley was gone. Leaving me in a room with Alpha Brent and a physician I hadn't met before.

The physician finally stepped forward. He was a tall man in his sixties with a calming presence and silver-streaked hair. "Good morning. I'm Dr. Elric." He gestured to the cushioned exam chairs. "Please, sit."

I obeyed without question, but Brent didn't move.

The doctor noticed. He smiled politely and looked between us. "I'll keep things brief. This isn't an invasive checkup. I'll be collecting some information and conducting basic scans. But more importantly, this is a preliminary evaluation of emotional compatibility."

My heart skipped. "Emotional?"

"Yes. Successful surrogacy in our species, especially between an Alpha and a surrogate, relies heavily on emotional cohesion." He began pulling tools from his satchel and placed a small device on a nearby table. "High emotional stress between you two could affect the success rate."

Brent still hadn't said a word.

I could feel his presence beside me. I was afraid to even look in his direction.

Dr. Elric glanced up at us. "I'm sensing tension."

I said nothing. Neither did Brent.

"Forgive me, but if I may speak honestly, this process is not just about bloodlines or legacy. It's about safety, for the surrogate, and for the unborn child. Your emotional connection, or lack thereof, will influence everything. Hormone regulation and mental health. Even the developing heir."

I heaved a deep sigh. "I understand."

Brent exhaled, finally. "She's just here because the Council needed a womb."

I flinched.

Dr. Elric paused while his eyes narrowed slightly. "With all due respect, Alpha, that kind of language is exactly the issue. You may not need to be in love with each other, but you must build trust and respect. You need emotional cooperation, not hostility."

I didn't dare lift my gaze and my fingers faintly twisted in my lap.

"I'm sorry," I uttered while unsure who I was apologizing to.

Dr. Elric turned to me. "There's no need to apologize, Lot 18. I know this situation was forced upon you."

Brent only sighed but said nothing.

The physician stood up. "Let's begin the scan. It won't take long."

I nodded numbly.

After a few seconds, the machine finally buzzed to life and the doctor began his procedure but I just kept my eyes locked on the floor. Alpha Brent stood behind me like a wall. He was cold and unwilling. Right now, all I could think about was how on earth I was supposed to carry his child.

As soon as the scan ended after almost 20 minutes, Alpha Brent didn't say a single word. He simply turned on his heel and left the infirmary.

I stayed seated for a moment while letting my shoulders droop with that tension finally breaking.

After a few seconds, I finally found my voice. "Doctor..."

He looked up. "Yes?"

"Is there... is there any other way?" I asked. "For the surrogacy to be successful, I mean. Without—" I paused while choosing my words carefully. "Without having to get along with the Alpha?"

He stopped what he was doing and looked at me properly this time. "I'm afraid not, Lot 18. I wish I could give you a different answer."

I lowered my gaze. "What if it's one-sided? What if only one of us tries?"

"Then it will take longer. Maybe even fail."

I heaved a deep sigh.

I let out a shaky breath and smiled bitterly. "Then I guess I'm doomed."

He tilted his head slightly. "Forgive me if I'm being too direct, but if the Alpha doesn't like you, why did he bid for you in the first place? That wasn't a small investment. It was the highest bid in over a decade."

I looked at him while startled. "You know about that?"

He chuckled. "News like that spreads fast in our world, especially among the old wolves."

I turned away and gave a dry laugh. "I wish I knew the answer, Doctor. Because I don't. He told me himself that he should've never bought me."

Dr. Elric let out a long sigh. "Whatever the reason, you're here now. And for what it's worth, I think you've already shown more resilience than most would. But if you want this process to move forward, to finish and be free, you'll need to find a way to keep your relationship with him, cooperative, at the very least."

I nodded slowly. I knew he was right. The longer things were like this, the more painful it would be. For me. For the child. For everything.

"Thank you," I murmured as I stood.

He smiled and gave me a small nod. "Take care, Lot 18. And don't lose yourself trying to survive him."