Mywolf caught on to the announcement beforeIdid.Hebounded around with giddiness.
Iran my hand over my beard. “Howis this possible?”
Shetilted her head. “Areyou really so surprised?Imean, you asked me if it was a possibility the other day.”
Thatwas true.Shewas right—Ishouldn’t be so shocked.Thatwas why her scent was different; she was pregnant.Shewas carrying my child.Ourchild.WhenI’dasked her if it was possible, she’d brushed it off.
Afterthe initial surprise settled, a small beam of light seemed to spread inside me.Igrinned at her; my mate would soon be the mother of my child.
Wait, she didn’t even know that secret.Ihad to tell her—but not now.Sheappeared overwhelmed as it was. “Thisis wonderful news.”Ireached out and took her hand, squeezing it gently. “Howare you feeling about this?”ThenIassessed her, noting her eyes creased with worry. “Howare you feeling in general?”
Hereyes gleamed with tears, and she blinked them away. “Idon’t know;I’mscared.I’mnot ready to do this again—alone.”
Ipulled her into an embrace. “Youwon’t be alone.I’mhere for you and our child.”
Cassandrapulled away. “How?You’llbe in another state.”Hermouth curled downwards. “Withother women.”
Isnapped back.Wheredid that come from? “Whywould you say that?”
Shepushed her bouncy curls back over her shoulders. “Comeon,Valen.Iknow how we met.I’msureI’mnot the only single woman who visited the resort who found you attractive.”
Iwinced at the harsh assessment.Althoughshe wasn’t completely off-base, it bothered me that she thought so little of me. “Icame toSalemto see you,Cassandra.Iwanted to see where this goes.”
Shebit her lower lip. “Ibet you weren’t expecting this,” she grumbled.
“No, not exactly,”Iadmitted. “ButI’mthrilled.It’sa sign we’re meant to be.We’regoing to start a family.”
Cassandrastared at me, appearing conflicted. “Idon’t know how we’re going to manage it.”
Isqueezed her knee. “We’llfigure it out.”ThenIleaned over and kissed her. “Together.”
CASSANDRA
Onthe drive back from helping a family find a magical heirloom in their house north ofBoston,Ithought of the conversation withValenlast night.He’dtaken news of the pregnancy better thanI’dexpected.Actually,Ihadn’t known what to expect.Wedidn’t know each other well and were now having a child together.Itwas a lot to adjust to.
Ipicked upPaigefrom school and drove us home. “Whatdo you think ofValen?”Iasked here.
“He’snice.”Thenshe told me about her day.
Ismiled to myself at her sign of approval.Afterwe returned to the house,Paigeread in her room whileIprepared homemade mac and cheese and baked carrots for dinner.
Anurgent knock on my front door startled me.
“Iknow you’re home,Cassandra,”Thornesaid. “Weneed to talk.”
Theunexpected sound of his voice crawled under my skin.Itried to remain calm asIopened the door. “Whatdo you want,Thorne?”
“Where’sPaige?”
“Inher room.Why?”
“Good, she doesn’t need to hear this.Comeoutside.”
Ihuffed. “Sayingplease wouldn’t hurt.”Istepped outside and made sure the doorknob wasn’t locked beforeIclosed the door. “Ihope this is quick.”
“Iheard you tookPaigeto meet your new shifter boyfriend.”Hismouth curled as if the words left a bad taste in his mouth.
Irolled a shoulder. “There’snothing wrong with that.”
