Three months of freedom have passed, and though I've missed Rylan more than words can express, I remain convinced that my escape was the right decision. He was stubborn, unwilling to change, and the life he offered was one I couldn't accept. However, the choice I made, the one I thought was purely for my own freedom, has grown more complex with each passing day.

My hand rests gently on the small bump that has formed on my stomach, a testament to a night of passion that brought about unexpected consequences. If I had known about the child growing within me at the time of my escape, I never would have left. My priorities have shifted, and now it's about safeguarding the future of my child, a future that deserves both parents, despite our differences.

My heart aches for the man I left behind, even with all his flaws. I miss his presence, his embrace, his love. I'm haunted by the knowledge that he is the father of my child. While I may despise some of his methods, I know he would ensure our safety and protect our child.

My escape went smoother than anticipated. Soon after leaving the castle, I encountered other human rebels who guided me to the base. They were allies of Ethan and had been expecting my escape. Upon reaching the rebel base, I was astonished by its intricacy and sophistication. Ethan, who had made it back safely, welcomed me into his small cottage. He has been my guardian during these past three months, the only one privy to the secret of my pregnancy. We've chosen to keep the fact that I am the alpha king's mate concealed, except from the leaders of the rebellion. My pregnancy, however, is a hidden truth from everyone that I fear won't stay concealed much longer. Ethan fears it may be seen as a political opportunity, and has vowed to protect both me and my child, no matter the cost.

Ethan's unwavering support has been a lifeline during these three months of escape. He treats me with kindness, respect, and genuine adoration. He has been a friend, a protector, and a confidant, but something crucial is missing in our relationship. Despite his noble intentions and his unrelenting care, my heart remains tethered to Rylan.

The mate bond, that inexplicable force, keeps my emotions locked away, a barrier that seems insurmountable. I see the goodness in Ethan, and I appreciate him for all that he's done, but I can't seem to muster any romantic feelings beyond friendship. He has been patient and understanding, never pushing his feelings onto me. His proposal to protect me and my child within the camp, offering to marry me and raise the child as his own, is a thoughtful plan. If only my heart were free to love him as he deserves.

But I can't bring myself to marry him, even if it would provide safety and stability. Ethan understands my hesitation, and he has promised to protect us regardless of the circumstances. It's a cruel twist of fate that he loves me, a woman torn between loyalty to the cruel and brutal Rylan, who still holds her heart, and a good man who deserves a love I fear I may never be able to give.

I find myself sitting in the cozy cottage, my thoughts drifting towards the uncertain future with my child. It took me a while to acknowledge the signs, and Ethan had noticed it before I did. But now, this child growing within me is my love, my life.

Ethan has a knack for maintaining his cheerful demeanor despite the grim circumstances that surround us. He enters the cottage with a bright smile, and I can't help but return it.

"Hello, Aurora, and hello, baby," he greets my belly with a warmth that makes me giggle. "How has your day been so far?" he asks, genuinely interested in my well-being.

"It's been fine," I reply. "I was helping with some tasks around the camp with the other women, but I suddenly felt tired and thought it best to rest."

Ethan looks at me with concern, his eyes filled with genuine care. "You shouldn't exert yourself too much, Aurora. I know you've always wanted to contribute to the camp, and the insights you've given us have already been invaluable. Please, prioritize yourself and the little one."

I let out a sigh, having heard this advice from Ethan before. My desire to help remains strong, but I understand the importance of taking care of both me and my unborn child.

Changing the subject, I ask, "How was your day so far?"

"Endless meetings," he responds, a hint of exhaustion in his voice.

Ethan has risen through the ranks within the rebel camp, earning a great deal of responsibility and trust. In contrast, my role within the camp is not as defined. Despite sharing crucial information with the leaders and receiving their gratitude, I haven't been immediately integrated into the inner circle. The leaders are well aware that I am Rylan's mate, and there's a lingering fear that he may discover my whereabouts. For everyone's safety, it's best if I don't know too much about the rebellion's plans. Although part of me is hurt by their lack of trust, I also understand the complexity of the situation. I continue to assist in any way I can, sharing my insights whenever they consult me on various matters.

A knock at the door interrupts our conversation, and Ethan gets up to answer it. I hear him address the visitor, "What can we do for you, Nolan?"

Nolan Steele, the head of the rebels, stands before us. He is a formidable man, and while he has been kind to me, I remain uncertain about his true intentions. In moments when Ethan is not around, Nolan's words and actions can convey an unsettling interest in me. He's an extremely dedicated individual, much like Rylan, and his devotion to the cause sometimes feels unbounded by moral constraints. It makes me uneasy, as if he would go to any lengths to further his agenda.

"Ethan, nice to see you. I was wondering if Aurora was around and would care to go for a stroll. I have some inquiries for her."

Nolan's request to spend time with me clearly unsettles Ethan. His unease is palpable, a mixture of jealousy and protectiveness. I check to ensure that my small bump is well hidden beneath my clothing and then make my way to the door. "That sounds lovely, Nolan. I could use a nice stroll," I reply, leaving with him after giving Ethan a reassuring peck on the cheek.

As we walk away from the sophisticated camp, headed toward a nearby pond, I ask, "What can I help you with, Nolan?"

Nolan's response is candid, "Well, I must be honest. I had nothing specific in mind; I just found myself craving your company." His words leave me with mixed feelings. In a different time and circumstance, I might have been interested in him; after all, he is a very attractive man. But my situation with Rylan is incredibly complicated, and I can't fathom giving anyone else a chance, let alone a new suitor.

"How are you settling here, Aurora? I know it's no castle, but we do our best," he says, trying to make light of the situation. I manage a small smile and reply, "It's a beautiful camp with wonderful people. I'm sorry if I seem distant. I believe the mate bond won't let me fully relax unless I'm with him, but being with him means being trapped with a man who stands for everything I'm against."

Nolan expresses his disdain for the mate bond and continues, "I know it must be hard, but please remember, the mate bond is a gift to their kind, not ours. You must not let it get a hold on you." His words carry a sense of concern, and I offer a polite smile and nod in response.

After engaging in casual conversation with Nolan, I dismiss myself and can't help but reflect on the profound transformation I had undergone. The girl who once naively believed that life in the camp could be peaceful amidst the surrounding carnage was no more. The crucible of my experiences had forced me to grow, to mature in ways I had never imagined.

My influence over the Alpha King, though limited, marked a significant achievement. It was a subtle shift, but it was a crack in the formidable facade of werewolf dominance. My education had deepened, and I had acquired a wealth of knowledge about the world I inhabited. What's more, I had formed genuine friendships with werewolves, a feat I never thought possible.

The memory of my daring escape from the royal castle still sends shivers down my spine. The audacity to break free from the chains of oppression, to seek refuge in the rebel cause, was a testament to my newfound courage and resilience.

And now, the most profound change of all loomed ahead: I am to become a mother. The prospect of nurturing a new life fills me with both awe and trepidation. I had grown immeasurably in just a few short months, and the responsibility of motherhood demands even more growth.

Yet, I find myself at a crossroads, unsure of the path ahead. Ethan's concerns about the danger my pregnancy might bring are valid, but the idea of marrying him is a bridge I can't cross. The love in my heart still belongs to Rylan, despite his flaws.

Returning to Rylan is a notion that grows increasingly distant. The mate bond remains a powerful force, but the divide between us seems insurmountable after my escape. I fear the consequences of my actions and hope he hasn't unleashed his wrath on innocent people.

Faced with these complexities, I consider an alternative, a dream of escaping the conflict altogether. The thought of finding a secluded haven where my child and I could live peacefully, far from the strife of the werewolf-human world, holds an irresistible allure. It is an ideal that whispers to my heart, promising the tranquility I crave.

As the days pass, I remain conflicted, my heart and mind wrestling with the uncertainty of the future. The path I chose will define not only my destiny but that of my unborn child as well, and the weight of that responsibility weighs heavily upon me.

A/N: This is how I picture Nolan but feel free to use your imagination!