FIFTY-ONE
HANNAH
Remus dumpsme on Mom’s back porch like I’m a package he’s delivering, and honestly? That’s probably the most honest interaction I’m going to have all day.
I immediately press my hand to my stomach. Whatever happens next, I’m not raising a child around that level of violence. I don’t care if it comes out with wings and fangs—it’s still mine, and I’ll protect it. Even from its father if I have to.
“What is this place?” Remus eyes Mom’s little suburban house with obvious disdain.
“My mom’s house,” I say, pulling the ancient apron tighter around myself.
“I’ll wait in the trees until you come to your senses.” He steps off the porch with that predatory grace they all have.
“Don’t waste your time. I’m not going back.”
He shrugs like it’s no big deal. “Don’t go back then. Come with me instead. Be my consort. We’ll raise the kid together.”
I almost choke. “Yeah, right.” I try to laugh it off because surely he’s joking.
But suddenly he’s right in my face again, that manic grin spreading wide. “Excellent! I’ll make you a perfect nest while we wait for the baby.”
“I was kidding because I thought you were!” I shove him away. “Jesus Christ, Remus. I’m a pissed-off pregnant woman, and if you try to kidnap me, I will find a way to end you in your sleep.”
His grin gets wider. “You’re only making me want you more.”
Of course, he’d be into that.I roll my eyes and head for the door. “Thanks for the ride,” I toss over my shoulder before slamming it shut.
“Who’s there?” Mom calls from the living room, startled.
“It’s me, Mom.” I head toward her voice, bracing myself for whatever reaction awaits.
She’s on the couch where she always is, TV remote in hand. But she’s not alone.
Drew is sitting there like he owns the place. What on Earth is he doing here?
I freeze in the doorway as Mom jumps up and rushes over, her eyes scanning me from head to toe with obvious confusion.
“Hannah? What are you wearing?” Then her eyes widen as she really looks at me. “Oh my God.” Her voice breaks. “I can’t believe it worked. You’re... you’re actually beautiful.”
The words hit me like a slap.Actually beautiful.Like I wasn’t before.
She pulls me into a hug, and for one pathetic moment, I let myself feel the approval I’ve craved my entire life. But when she pulls back, her eyes glistening with joy, the next words out of her mouth destroy any warmth I might have felt.
“You and Drew are going to have such a perfect life together now. Thank God.”
My heart shrivels. This woman who gave birth to me could never see the person I was inside. She only ever saw mydisability as something broken that needed fixing before I could be worthy of love.
“But I don’t understand—how?” she asks, still staring at my straight spine like it’s a miracle.
Before I can answer, Drew is there, wrapping his arms around me in a possessive hug that makes my skin crawl.
“None of that matters. She’s home where she belongs.” Into my hair, he whispers, “I forgive you for leaving.”
He forgives me?Like I did something wrong by refusing to be his project anymore.
The next halfhour is a masterclass in gaslighting, and I’m apparently the star pupil.
Mom makes me shower and change clothes while she and Drew have what I can only assume is a strategy session downstairs. When I come back down, things have somehow gotten worse.
