Chapter Three- Blood & Beginnings

“Surely not!” The loud disruption caused a few people to jump, startled at the intrusion. Lenora eyed the person who spoke, realizing with disdain who it was. Jasper Levine. Second in line to the Levine dynasty and also Ares' younger brother. “Ares has been comatose for a little less than a year. Surely it is not possible to conceive,” The man stammered. Luna didn’t even bother with a backwards glance, merely chuckling at his words. The woman did not come here to listen to reason. She had a goal in mind and it would be carried out. “Do not trifle yourself with thoughts such as that. The Levine dynasty needs an heir and that heir must come from Ares. Daughter or not. I will have a grandchild.” Everyone fell silent once more at those words, knowing Luna was not up for debate. Lenora glanced around the room, noting the way several people slumped in their seats, dismayed at the prospect of getting the wealth being snatched out of their hands right in front of them. Even Jasper, the petulant younger child that he was, sulked quietly in the corner.  Once again, everyone settled onto Lenora, waiting for her to seal their fate.  “So sorry to interrupt. But isn’t Lenora still in college? I’m sure it would disrupt everything for her to be attending classes while pregnant.” This time it was Jasper’s fiancee speaking up, Claire Goodacre. The woman was naturally inclined to side with her beau but her intent was clear to everyone in the room. The concern in her eyes was fake but the stress was more than real.  The mere mention of a child sent everyone into a frenzy and Luna was all too aware. One single icy stare was all she needed to send in their direction. The look was more than enough to quell the onslaught of questions that were on the tips of their tongues. Luna was a clever woman. She didn’t build this empire in a day.  No. It was all a chess game to her. A battle of strategy and she would be a fool to let it all crumble by giving it to her youngest son and his ditsy fiancee. “Come my dear. Let me know your thoughts. What do you think? If my poor Ares doesn’t get any better… well I dread to think of what would happen. Would you be willing to have his child?” It was a lot to ask of someone. Lenora was aware of that. But she was also aware of the fact that this was the new normal now. Lenora was a Levine now. She had to get used to all of this. Ares was the rightful heir and since she is betrothed to him, it only makes sense she takes his best interests to heart. Especially since those interests will benefit her greatly. With one last look around the room, Lenora plastered that practiced smile on her face. “Of course. Whatever will help Ares and you.”   Lenora nearly scoffed to herself at the thought. The money didn’t matter to her. It was just an excuse to rub Liam’s nose in the biggest fumble of his life.   Regardless, Luna wasn't a woman to be messed with. She appeared as if she took great concern but only to things that cost her. She didn’t care for people's opinions, not unless they served her purpose. Lenora knew that she was just a pawn to her mother-in-law, another chest piece to move about and if Lenora didn’t listen, she would be sacrificed.  The smile on Luna’s face causes Lenora’s heart to ease its furious beating. “I knew when I first saw you that you were a smart girl. You know exactly what needs to be done. I’m glad my future grandchild will come from you.”   That was more than enough signal for everyone to pack their bags. The meeting had officially ended without any proper goodbye. At least it was on a good note for me, Lenora thought to herself. ***** Stepping out of the mansion and into the cool air was a moment of delight for Lenora. The young woman smiled upon seeing James approach her. She knew he would soon become her confidante. He was loyal to Ares and now he was loyal to her. It was a great reprieve in this game of people backstabbing you and ruining you beyond repair. “Shall we be on our way, Mrs Levine?” James asks politely.  Lenora nods, coming down the stairs and ready to go back to what is now our home. “Lenora. Wait. Please. Just one second.” Lenora stops exactly at that moment, her body freezing in response. James shares a meaningful glance with the young woman but she shakes her head. “I’ll handle him, Miss.” Lenora raises a hand and shakes her head. “It’s fine. I’ll just be a moment.” Lenora didn't wait for a response and merely turned to her left, walking to the gardens. She knew the man was falling behind her like some puppy begging for a treat. Lenora almost wished they could speak publicly, she thought it would've been great for someone to witness Liam Levine being put in his place. Turning around, she barely misses the anxious and panic riddled expression plastered on Liam’s face. She takes a weary step back, keenly aware of Liam’s awful habit of not knowing what personal space is. “Lenora, baby. Why did you agree to that atrociousness? It hurt me deeply to see you say that. The woman I love agreeing to bear another man's child. My cousin's child at that.” Lenora nearly rolled her eyes then and there. She wondered how she ever loved the sniveling and conniving man. He was like a rat trying to weasel his way into every aspect of other people’s lives.  Lenora looked at him down her nose, disgust visible. “Now, why wouldn't I? Do you have any idea how powerful I would become by bearing his child? Everything would practically fall right into my hands. My child and I would have a safe and secure life. What’s not to like?”   Liam gaped blatantly at Lenora, not understanding where this thirst for power came from. “But that’s not the kind of life you would want. I could give you a better life. So much better. You would be a Levine. A proper Levine with me by your side. Sure, Luna will be annoyed for a bit but she’ll eventually get over it. We’df finally be together.” Lenora sighs despondently, wondering how her old self ever felt for this barrage of blatant lies. “This is the last time I’ll say it Liam. You and I are over. Don’t get ahead of yourself. Think of where you are in life now and then reassess yourself. You desperately need to do so. The Levine family is intouchable. Only because of Ares. If you want even a semblance of that, you’d do well to keep your enemies close.”   Liam was stunned, still unable to wrap his head around it all. How did he let everything turn to crap so fast? Ares had many enemies. Liam wasn’t sure how to cope with that thought alone.   “Make sure you bear that in mind,” Lenora quipped.   “Don’t you worry. As soon as Ares wakes up. I’ll save you,” Liam tried lamely once more causing Lenora to laugh. “Oh but I’m counting down the seconds till he wakes up.” With that, Lenora turned her back on a speechless Liam. For once in a very long time, she felt like she was her old self again. Liam was left flummoxed and increasingly weary. Only a few people wanted to see Ares awake. Dangerous people. It seemed another person was added to that list.   **** The ride back was pleasant until James opened his mouth, announcing that they had already called a doctor to the mansion. Lenora was slightly rattled at the thought of having a child so soon but then cooled her nerved. Expect the unexpected. ‘This is your life now, remember it.’ The doctor was standing waiting for the young woman. Doctor L’estrange was a pleasant man, keen to help and answer any questions as he conducted his routine checkup. Lenora was made aware that this was Luna’s personal doctor. The man was incredibly diligent and so she kept her guard up, not wanting to let anything slip. The doctor’s examination was quick but thorough, soon confirming that she would know quickly whether or not she was medically fit to be impregnated via in vitro fertilization.  “How long will it take to confirm the pregnancy?” Lenora hesitantly asked. This was all happening too fast and although she put up a front, Lenora couldn't shake the feeling off. She was soon going to be a first time mother.