Chapter 2 I woke up in the werewolf hospital , and the second my hand brushed over my now - flat stomach , panic surged through me . " My baby - what happened to my baby ?! " A nurse gently held me down , her voice soft and steady . " Don't move . You're still recovering - your body's weak after what you went through . The baby's in a nutrient pod , stable for now . " But something in her tone felt ... off . Nocked eyes with her , and after a beat of hesitation , she sighed . as most newborns . She'll need a lot of care . " " The pup was born premature . And with the trauma you both endured ... she's not as strong The knot in my chest loosened slightly . I could handle that . I'd fight for my child with everything I had . After thanking the nurse , the door creaked open - and in walked Xander . He rushed to my bedside and helped me sit up , eyes full of something that looked like guilt . " Natalie ... you went through so much . I'm so sorry . " " I stopped by The Velvet Cup this morning , " he added , pulling out a box . " Got your favorite - blueberry cake . " The Velvet Cup was on the other side of town . He must've gone out of his way , Only ... blueberry wasn't my favorite . It was hers . His omega . I loved strawberry . Xander frowned when I didn't say anything and pulled me into a hug . " Babe , I'm sorry . It's all my fault . My wolf only lets me take control when things get dangerous - when you're hurt . I should've done better . " He suddenly slapped himself . Hard . More than once . Didn't even care that his face was already bruising . That tomorrow , he had a major pack council meeting . Once upon a time , I would've stopped him . Would've begged him not to blame himself . Now , I just watched . Cold , numb . " Bring Skye in . " I then demanded . Her ankles were swollen red , and she glared at me with venom in her eyes . Xander didn't hesitate - he kicked her to the ground and forced her to her knees . " Do you have any idea what could've happened ? If something happened to Natalie or the baby , your worthless life wouldn't be nearly enough to pay for it . " She looked away , s still fuming . " You're still glaring ? Fine . One night in the dungeon . Maybe that'll help you think . " It was all just noise to me now . Empty threats , dramatic gestures . I was too exhausted to care . Lying back against the pillows , I felt my throat tighten . " Xander ... " I whispered . " Do you really love me? Is there something you're not telling me ? " He gave a dry chuckle , brushing a hand through my hair like I was a child . Chapter 2 " Of course I love you . Why else would I force my way through my wolf's control to get you here in time ? But ... Natalie , why would you think I'm hiding something ? " I shook my head weakly . " Just asking . Don't mind me . " He leaned in with a familiar smile . " We've been together since we were kids . Ten years . Don't overthink it . Rest , okay ? I'll try to push my wolf back more often . " With that , he stood and walked out . I closed my eyes . Ten years . From adulthood to sealing the mate bond . A decade of history - and still , none of it could compare to a moment of excitement with someone else . He was still lying . And I was done pretending it didn't hurt . Later that night , I dragged my aching body out of bed . I needed to see my baby . As I passed by another room , I caught a glimpse through the open door . The lights were still on . Xander was sitting at Skye's bedside , gently massaging her legs , whispering comfort into her ear . Of course . He probably told her his wolf had taken control again , that he'd only said and done those things because he " wasn't himself . " I turned away and kept walking toward the nursery . My daughter lay in the pod - so tiny , her skin pale , lips barely pink . She was sucking on her little fingers like she didn't even realize she'd been born into a world like this . My heart ached just looking at her . I traced her outline through the glass and whispered to her in my heart , " Hang in there , sweetie . Three more days . Mama's gonna get us out of here . " That night , I dreamed of the man I used to love . Eighteen - year - old Xander , glowing with pride after finding his wolf , smiling down at me . " Natalie , you're my mate . I'll love you forever . Stay by my side " Twenty - year - old Xander , shielding me with his body as rogue wolves tore into him . " She can wear whatever she damn well wants . That doesn't give anyone the right to touch her . " Twenty - four - year - old Xander , down on one knee with a ring in his hand . " Natalie , be my Luna . Let me spend my life loving you . No one else . Just you . " Then came twenty - eight - year - old Xander , arms wrapped around Skye as he looked down at me with disgust . " Ten years ? So what . I'm over it . Skye's the one I love now . " Then soft edges of the dream dissolved - came the sting . A slap , real and burning hot . His face twisted in anger . " Natalie , how could you be so cruel ? " " Skye already apologized . And you made her stand outside in the rain all night ? Do you have any idea how close she came to losing the baby ? " My mind reeled , and I saw two enforcers stormed in , baseball bats in hand . Chapter 2 In "CEO, The Maid is Your Stunning Wife" by CrushReel, a gripping tale unfolds as an adopted daughter faces a life-altering decision. To save her grandmother, she enters a marriage of convenience with a wealthy but paralyzed elderly man. However, a twist of fate, coupled with her severe myopia, leads her to mistakenly identify the wrong groom on the wedding day. This modern romance novel delves into themes of sacrifice, family bonds, and unexpected love connections. As the protagonist navigates the complexities of her unconventional situation, readers are drawn into a web of secrets and revelations. The unique blend of billionaire intrigue and sweet romance sets this story apart in the genre landscape. "CEO, The Maid is Your Stunning Wife" offers a refreshing take on contract lovers and secret identities, crafting a narrative that captivates with each turn of the page. Dive into this ongoing series at CrushReel for an engaging read that promises to keep you hooked till the very end.