Forged in the Flames by Karima Sa'ad Usman

Chapter 74 Dealing With The Crazies Part 2 (Nikolas POV)

I stared at my mother, waiting for her to say what she wanted to say.

I knew it might have something to do with Aliana because I could see her calculating her approach, but I decided I would not interrupt her so she could finish.

The encroaching headache did not help matters either. However, holding out a bit longer was possible as long as she did not push me over the edge. I was standing too close and could fall off at any moment.

“Son, I am sorry for everything you have gone through. Believe me or not, I want to see you excel,” She said, and I got impatient.

“Please get to the point. I have so much to do, and I still have to take the prince sightseeing,” I said to her, sounding more impatient than I intended.

My tone had hurt her feelings. I could see it, so I exhaled to calm down.

“I am sorry, Mother,” I managed to apologise, and she nodded with misty eyes. Her tears did nothing to me, but there was no need to rub it in.

“That girl isn’t good for you, Niko. She will cost you everything. You wouldn’t know what I just found out,” She said, and I wanted to shut her up, but I chose to hear it all first.

“What did you find out about Aliana now, Mother?” I asked her, and she sighed.

“I know you have said you will settle down with a Lycan when the time comes, but it seems this girl does not plan to walk away when the time is due. She wants to remain in your life permanently. I mean like a leech,” She said, and I was getting to my limits with her because of her choice of words, but I still chose to remain calm.

“I do not plan to release her, either, so get straight to the point,” I said, sounding bored. Her countenance changed, but she tried to mask her anger.

I did not need to pretend with her anymore. She had failed at the one task I needed her for, so her opinion did not matter anymore.

“There is a rumour that she might be pregnant. I know she is on birth control. Doctor Newton confirmed it. I think she hasn’t been taking her meds. I think she is doing this deliberately. You need to have her tested to be sure because if it is true, then getting that crown would be a thing of the past. Fredrick will come after you, Niko. I am sure she knows and wants to get revenge for what you did to her father,” my mother said, and I wondered where my mother had heard the rumour from.

“Who told you this?” I asked her, and she was reluctant to respond.

“Does it matter, dear,” She said, and I banged my hand on the table before I could get a grip of myself.

“Of course, it matters, mother. It matters a lot,” I said through gritted teeth, and she nodded quickly, getting scared.

“Erica heard people talking about it, so I reached out to Dr Newton this morning, and he said it wasn’t possible because she was on birth control, but if I can talk to you so he can run an examination on her, we would know.

I told him to go ahead, but he refused, saying that is your call to make. That is why I am here. I think we need to know so we can stop this madness before it gets out of hand. If it turns out negative, then we can stop the rumour with the facts,” she said, and Bane began to growl. She actually believed she was making sense and doing the right thing. My mother was living inside her head because she would know I was getting angry if she was sensitive.

I planned to deal with Erica mercilessly. I remained silent while my mother waited for a response.

Soon I controlled myself and leaned forward to speak to her.

you do not learn to mind your business, I will send you to Snow, where you belong,” I told her,

had no idea how much anger I had pent up, and now I had to deal

had told her. I meant it, really.

protect your interest.

about my choices. We might not be able to be together because of the unity law, but I love her still. If you truly love me, Mother, you will stop looking for ways to be rid of her. You will stop trying to hurt her at every given opportunity. I love her, mother. Nothing in my life has ever made sense like it does with Aliana. You need to stop this nonsense,” I told

was in complete shock. Utterly speechless, and

and amidst the pyramid of problems I had, all my mother cared about was

at

attack us,” She said,

whoever I damn, please. I might not be allowed to be with her, but I can love her. I need you to stop looking for ways to be rid of Aliana. She has done nothing to you. She wasn’t even conceived at the time of the uprising. She is innocent, so please stop. I do not want to hear anything about Aliana from you again. If you do not like her, you can do me a favour and keep your opinions to yourself and keep your distance,” I said, and she

in,

at her and was surprised to

out of this, Niko,” my mother pleaded silently, but she was in the middle of it. “Good morning, Alpha?” Erica said, sounding nervous, and I did not bother to respond to her

you heard rumours about Aliana being pregnant. Where did you hear this?” I asked her, and she looked at my mother,

save you from me, Erica, so it is best you tell me the truth now”, I warned

she suspected that Aliana was there for a pregnancy test,” she said, and

news,” I said, and she shook her

Luna, Alpha. I did not tell anyone.” She said, and I linked Qusack to join me in my office. I planned to make an example of

works at the werewolf clinic?” I asked, leaning back on my

name?” I asked

said on the

you start making friends with half- breeds?” I asked

find it odd that you have a half-breed friend, Erica, knowing how horrible you are to them,” I

are just acquaintances,” she

corrected her, knowing

her in exchange for the information?” I asked her, and

wasn’t as easy

get you into trouble. Gezel was smart enough to walk away, but you remained. What did my mother promise you, Erica, and what have you been

asked me to watch Aliana when you were travelling to Snow. That day I followed her and found that she had visited the clinic. I managed to ask Kristine to monitor her and report her activities at the clinic to me. I

away,” My mother said, trying to justify her

in exchange for this level of loyalty?” I asked Erica,

will have Qusack force it out of you, and we both know he can be merciless like me. Now, mind you, I will know if you are lying,” I

and she kept looking at

but my mother had

how quickly my mother could

transpired in the past. It was clear she wasn’t loyal. I wondered how deep her