Chapter Eleven : Deception in the Shadows NICOLE I shouldnt have agreed . Every fiber of my being screamed at me as I stepped into the sprawling hall of Nathans territory . Daniels small frame pressed tightly against mine as I prepared . to introduce him to his father for the first time . The weight of my decision crushed me , sharper than Nathan s cutting words from just days ago . Agree to my terms , or Ill take him from you . Those words echoed in my mind like a haunting refrain . And the worst part ? I knew Nathan had the power to make good on that threat . It was exactly why Id kept Daniel a secret in the first place . But now , looking at it from another angle , his involvement could mean more than just 50 % 11:38 1/6 Chapter Eleven : Deception in the Shadows . keeping Daniel safe . His power could save my pack , which was hanging by a thread . I sighed , holding him closer as we reached Nathan s study . One of the guards stationed outside inclined his head slightly . Hes expecting you . !! I swallowed the lump in my throat and squeezed Daniel a little tighter , not knowing if I was reassuring him or myself . I pushed the door open , bracing myself for what awaited us on the other side . The moment I stepped in , Nadia rose from her seat with a sickly sweet smile plastered across her face . Before I could react , she was already moving toward us , scooping Daniel out of my arms with a falsely cheerful tone that grated on my nerves . There he is ! My little nephew , she cooed , spinning Daniel around in her arms as if theyd known each other for years . Ive been so excited to meet you . 50 % 11:38 2/6 11:38 48+ Chapter Eleven : Deception in the Shadows The audacity nearly made me laugh . Wasnt this the same woman who had called me a manipulative liar just days ago ? I clenched my jaw , fighting the urge to rip Daniel out of her arms , when my eyes landed on Nathan . He was seated behind his desk , his expression unreadable as he watched the scene unfold . But there was something in his eyes a softness Id never seen before . My chest tightened , guilt creeping in uninvited . I shoved it down as quickly as it came . He caused this , not me . Then accusing me of cheating which I never did . Clearing my throat , I forced my voice to remain steady . Id like to keep this introduction brief . So if youd hand my son back , Ill introduce him to his father . Nadia gave a fake laugh , handing Daniel over with exaggerated reluctance . Of 50M 11:38 3/6 ( ( + 48+ Chapter Eleven : Deception in the Shadows : course , Nikki , she said , her tone dripping with false innocence . Im just so thrilled to finally have a nephew . Ill leave you three to it ! With an unnecessary bounce in her step , she left the room , practically humming as she went . I ignored her entirely and then walked towards Nathan placing gently on Nathan s table , watching Nathan stare at him like he held the whole world in his little body . I whispered , Alright , sweetheart . This is your fath- I hadnt even finished speaking when Daniel wriggled free of my grip and crawled across the desk toward Nathan . My breath caught as Nathan froze , his eyes . wide as Daniel reached for the chain around his neck and gave it a curious tug . Nathan looked completely lost , his hands hovering awkwardly before finally settling on Daniels tiny frame . He lifted him onto his lap , his movements stiff and uncertain , as though he were afraid he might break 50% 11:38 4/6 Chapter Eleven : Deception in the Shadows him . Hi , Nathan whispered , his voice. unsteady . Something shifted in me at that moment , a strange , unfamiliar ache that I couldnt quite place . I backed away , needing to put distance between myself and whatever emotions were clawing their way to the surface . Ill be right back , I muttered , turning to leave . Nathan didn t even glance my way , his full attention fixed on Daniel . For some reason , that brought a faint smile to my face . As I walked down the familiar hallway , nostalgia washed over me like a wave , pulling memories Id rather forget to the forefront of my mind . I was so lost in thought that I almost didnt hear it- Nadia s voice , sharp and low , coming from just around the corner . Increase the dose . Its taking too 50 % 11:36 5/6 Chapter Eleven : Deception in the Shadows long , she hissed . I froze , my blood turning to ice . A male voice responded , equally hushed . The healers said he wont last a month . Her reply was venomous . A month is too long . I want him gone , and I want him gone now . My blood turned to ice as the meaning of her words hit me . The sound of footsteps . snapped me out of my thoughts . They were getting closer . I ducked into a nearby alcove , pressing myself against the cold wall as two questions thundered in my head : Who was Nadia trying to kill ? And was I going to tell Nathan ? 50 % 11:38 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!