He shrugged. “Does it matter? People fall out of love, and some are incompatible to begin with. It makes sense to choose a mate who will give you stability and predictability. Don’t you think?”
“If that were the case, I might as well marry Catcher.”
Salem scratched the back of his neck. “How much do you know about this Vampire? Does he have a temper? Will it be a problem if your child has a skinned knee and he smells the blood? Does he even want children? People lie to get what they want, and we don’t know his motives. Maybe it’s infiltrating this pack to steal Tak’s land and money. I can’t in good conscience let you make a choice because you think it’s the only one you have left.”
“You don’t think someone could want me?” My lower lip quivered, and I hated him for planting those seeds of doubt.
“You know me, Joy. We’ve slept in the same bed for months. Have I ever once crossed a line or tried anything with you? Doesn’t that prove how much I respect your privacy?” He gestured to the room. “All of this, I’ve done for you. When I broke you out of that lab, I could have dropped you off at a motel and given you pocket cash, but I didn’t.”
“Because I was pregnant.”
“Exactly.”
“And you were curious about the baby. That’s your nature, Salem. You’re a man of science and medicine, and I know how much this unknown variable inside me fascinates you.”
He sat back and shook his head. “That’s not it.”
I scooted forward and pushed myself up. “You’ve always been good to me—that’s not something I’ve ever questioned. But I’ve always wonderedwhy.”
He hung his head. “Sometimes I wonder if I would have done anything if I’d known what was going on in that labfrom the beginning. Every day I question what kind of man I am.” He looked up at me, and his spirit was broken. “You’re my responsibility, and yes, I’m curious about the baby. Maybe understanding its condition will allow me to help it.”
Though Salem didn’t have the best delivery, I now understood his intentions. He wanted to be there in case my baby ever needed an expert who could help.
He wanted to atone for his past mistakes, and not just with me.
“Having you here in the pack is enough security,” I assured him.
“Youjusttold them about the baby and your wolves this morning. It hasn’t sunk in for everyone, and you don’t know if their minds will change after the baby’s born. If you leave this house, you’ll leave alone. But not if you have a mate—someone who understands how to help the baby. Someone you trust. Don’t pick a random suitor because you think it’s your only option.”
He stood and looked down at me with sullen eyes. Now it was clear he didn’t think my feelings for Atticus were genuine. He knew me better than anyone in this house and how guarded I was with my heart.
Salem offered me a rare smile. “I’ve given this a lot of consideration. The offer stands. Don’t make your decision in haste.”
“I don’t love you.”
“Love doesn’t matter. We get along, and you’ll never have to fret about uninvited attention in town. Have you considered how others might treat youandthe baby if you mated a Vampire? With me you’ll have a peaceful life. You won’t have to deal with public scrutiny.” He put his hands on my shoulders. “Do you really trust a Vampire with your child, Joy? One firm grip and he could inadvertently break an arm. They can’t help it. Does hehave enough control around a toddler throwing a tantrum or a ten-year-old who decides to push his buttons? I’m not reactive, but you’ve known him all of a week.”
That gave me pause. I’d never considered if Atticus was impulsive or had a temper. I thought about the guy he punched at the bar to protect me. Atticus could have easily shattered that man. Would I ever feel safe leaving the baby alone with a Vampire? On the other hand, who better to protect a baby than a Vampire? Atticus had assured me he had control over his gifts. I was torn.
Salem let go of my shoulders.
“Why would you want to be in a loveless relationship with me?” I asked. “I know why you think you need to do this, but what doyouget out of it?”
“Imagine the security benefits for each of us. Once I gain the trust in this town as a family man, that’ll lead to more jobs. I’m still trying to secure a role as the primary healer for an animal group. Most prefer Relics, but there aren’t many options around here. Maybe women will stop zeroing in on me as mate potential. I’ve had offers, you know.”
“Maybe you should consider them. I don’t want love to be transactional. Mating is for life.”
“Is friendship not enough? Look at the foundation for every relationship in this house. I can’t watch you throw away your life because you think you don’t have options. You should’ve talked to me first. Must you go through with this courtship? Think about it. I meant what I said. Every word.”
The bell rang for the gate.
Salem stepped back. “Do let me know when you’ve made your decision.”
When Salem made his exit, I was left staring at a vase of flowers with no absolute certainty of which direction to go. Itwasn’t about me anymore—I had to make the best choice for my baby.
And Salem made a compelling argument.
Chapter 22
