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.

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

anger I had pent up, and now I had to deal with this

recovering from what I had told her. I meant it, really. Knowing

to me? I am just trying to protect your interest. I know you are

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

shock. Utterly speechless, and I did not care. She had it

with, and amidst the pyramid of problems

looked at

can’t love her; Fredrick will attack us,” She said, almost

She wasn’t even conceived at the time of the uprising. She is innocent, so please stop. I do not want to

walked in,

mother turned to look at her and was surprised

pleaded silently, but she was in the middle of it. “Good morning, Alpha?” Erica said, sounding nervous, and I did not bother

Aliana being pregnant. Where did you hear this?” I

you from me, Erica, so it is best you tell me

works at the Werewolf Clinic said she suspected that Aliana was there for

the news,” I said, and she shook her head

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 Erica and

my chair, and she nodded quickly. I could smell her fear

is her name?” I asked

on the

start making friends with half- breeds?” I asked her,

you have a half-breed friend, Erica, knowing how horrible you are to

are just acquaintances,” she

knowing she

exchange for the information?” I asked

as easy

to walk away, but you remained. What did my mother promise you, Erica, and what have you been giving this Kristine woman in exchange for information on Aliana?” I asked, and she shook

friend, Alpha. Luna 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

be sure she isn’t planning anything harmful while you are away,” My mother said, trying to justify her actions, and I reserved my

in exchange for this level of

answer, I will have Qusack force it out of you, and we both know he can be

rolled down her cheeks, and she kept

my mother to bail her out, but my mother had

how quickly my mother could abandon someone loyal to her

start carving a picture of what might have really transpired in the past. It was clear she