Page 53 of Rejected Mate's Baby for the Alpha King

“We’re a strange group. We’ve been through a lot, but I have a feeling that you could say the same of your little menagerie,” Anna said as she pointed to the path. “How long have you known Rhyson?”

Is this why she wanted to get me alone? She wanted answers? “Long enough to get pregnant,” I said truthfully.

“Vague,” Anna chuckled. “Look, I just want you to know that…”

“You’re a sanctuary, and I can stay if I’d like? I totally look like someone who’s been beaten and abused my whole life and totally needs rescuing?” I finished for her wryly. “You’re the third person to offer me that. Gosh, everyone is just so nice!”

“So you know you need rescuing,” she murmured. “And you’re offended.”

“I’m not offended, and I do appreciate the offer, but I don’t know any of you. I got here on my own steam, and if I wanted to leave, I could leave.”

“And die fairly quickly. Some rogues are not known for their kindness when it comes to unmated females, especially pregnant ones, although I’m sure you already know that. All I am saying is that there was a time when I was forced here against my will, and while it wasn’t ideal, I knew that it would be worse if I left. I want you to know that it might not be worse if you left than if you stayed here.”

Stopping short, I stared at her. “Are you kidding me right now? You’re mated to the alpha and judging from what I saw last night, the two of you are a team.”

“We are, and it took some time for us to get there,” she acknowledged. “Perhaps that will happen to you and Rhyson.”

Snorting, I starting walked again. “Please. I believed in romance at one time. Maybe even thought he’d be the one to save me, but pregnant women don’t have time for romance. Especially pregnant women in my situation.”

“And what situation is that?”

“The situation where I’m surrounded by people I don’t know who keep asking me personal questions. Look, there may have been a time when I was a victim, but I’m not that woman anymore. I don’t have the luxury of being that woman anymore.”

We walked a little farther, and I thought from her silence that I’d offended her, but it turned out that she was just thinking carefully. “Are you scared to be a mother?”

I glanced over at her. “I haven’t really had much time to think it over. So much has happened since I realized I was pregnant, but it really wasn’t even all that long ago. Are you?”

“I was, at first. Here, I’m lucky. I have a pack who will help me.”

“Well…I have a pack as well,” I lied. “Well, people. You don’t need to worry about me.”

A scream shattered the otherwise quiet of the forest, and my wolf surged forward. “What was that?” I gasped when Anna didn’t even twitch.

She studied me closely while I battled shoving my wolf back down. Now was not the time to lose control, unless I was walking into a trap. “That’s our witch, Irene. She’s been in a bit of a mood, lately.”

That was her in a mood? “Maybe now is not a good time to see her.”

“Unluckily for you, I don’t think you have the luxury of making an appointment. Especially if you let that feral wolf out onto my land.”

28

Maya

“She’s not feral,” I whispered as I curled my hands. “She’s doing the best she can. How can you tell?”

“My wolf can sense it,” Anna said calmly while she walked ahead. “Come on.”

So she wasn’t going to kill me on sight? I debated the decision I’d made in coming here. What if she was leading me into a trap?

“You want answers or not?” Anna asked impatiently. “I’m hungry. I’m not going to stand here much longer.”

Swallowing hard, I followed her. Anna banged on the front door. “Irene? It’s me. I’ve got company, and we’re coming in, so don’t throw any plates at my head.”

“Why would she throw plates at your head?”

“The only person who visits her right now is her mate, and he’s the reason she’s so mad all the time,” Anna whispered back.

“Wait, she has a mate? Like a werewolf?”

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