I take a step back, needing the distance. Needing the space to think.
“There’s something I have to tell you,” I tell him. “And once I do, nothing will ever be the same.”
47
Sebastian
I can’t think of one thing that would change how I feel.
Not even one.
Is she about to push me away again? Because I won’t let her.
Forget about it.
I search Isla’s face, trying to read whatever truth is hiding there.
“You should sit,” she tells me.
“Is it that bad?” I ask her. “You’re scaring me.”
I do as she says, and Isla sits next to me on the fallen log. My hand is in hers, our fingers laced together, and I can feel the faint tremble running through her.
She’s scared.
Goddess help me.
Whatever she’s about to tell me has her frightened, and that makes my stomach tighten.
“What is it?” I ask when she doesn’t speak. The silence stretches between us, and I don’t like the look in her eye. There’ssomething guarded there. Something uncertain. “You can tell me anything.”
I shift so I’m angled toward her, giving her my full attention. The forest is suddenly quiet around us.
“Nothing is wrong.” She swallows hard. “It’s just that…the shifterfae scented something on me.” She licks her lips.
My blood chills. “Are you sick?” The words come out in a rush. My grip on her hand tightens. “If you are, we’ll face it together.” I bring her hand to my lips and press a kiss to her knuckles. “We’ll tackle anything together. I meant what I said, Isla. No more walls. No more being afraid.”
She shakes her head, and there’s something glittering in her eyes.
“I’m pregnant,” she chokes out.
I stare at her, my head reeling.
“You are the father,” she continues, her voice wavering. “I haven’t been with anyone else in a very long time. It’s very early days. I mean, my pregnancy might not even stick. These things are uncertain at this stage.” She trails off, her gaze searching my face.
I open my mouth, but no sound comes out.
It was the very last thing I expected her to say. Of all the possibilities I had considered, this never entered my mind. Not once.
“Say something. Please.”
“I’m…” I scratch the back of my head, struggling to find words. “I’m a little shocked. I…um… Wow! This is… It’s…”
She watches me, waiting. There’s fear in her expression now, clear as day. She’s afraid of how I’ll react. Afraid I’ll push her away again.
“I know what you’re thinking. You’re asking yourself how it happened.”
“I think I know how it happened, Isla.” I give her the ghost of a smile.
