Page 27 of Forced Pregnant Mate

I just don’t know how to be anything other than myself, and that has never been enough for anyone. Why would it be enough for Jack?

I meet him out front, and we get into the truck to head home. I wonder if it’s going to be another night of mostly awkward silence scattered with short bursts of lively conversation.

I know we get along. It’s just the physical chemistry… I feel like we have it, but if he felt something for me, surely he would tell me…

The problem is, I might not even believe it. Not after being so brutally rejected. It was bad enough being hurt like that and then not seeing him. It would be so much worse to bear that hurt while looking into his face every day, as well as knowing I would have to live through it for the rest of my life.

“I’ve got a bit of a surprise for you,” Jack says. My heart leaps and flutters a bit.

“What did you have in mind?”

“I organized a little date for us. I promised you I’d take you to the movies, remember?”

I can’t help smiling. “You did.”

“Well, I thought tonight might be a good time to fulfill that promise. It’s not fancy, but it should be fun.”

Even though I like the idea, I’m not sure I want to get stuck next to Jack, alone in a dark theatre for hours. My mind is reeling with thoughts, and my heart is being torn in two by conflicting emotions. It might be safer to burrow under the blankets on my bed and not come out for the entire weekend.

“I invited Gina and Bailey, too,” he says. “I hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all,” I answer, relieved. “That sounds really fun.”

After we get home I quickly have a shower and get changed before meeting Jack in the living room. His black hair is still damp from the shower and curling against the pale blue collar of his shirt.

Whenever I see those dark, unruly curls, I just want to run my fingers through them.

“Ready?” Jack asks. I smile up at him and nod, almost reaching for his hand. I stop myself just in time.

When we get to the theater, Gina and Bailey are waiting out front. Gina hurries over to give me a hug.

“It’s so good to see you!” she says. “How is married life?”

“It’s ah… going to take some getting used to.”

“I understand exactly what you mean,” Gina nods. “I had the same experience with Bailey.”

“You did?” I’m amazed that their relationship could have had a rocky start—they look so perfect together.

“Come on, I’ll fill you in a bit while we grab some popcorn.” Gina links her arm through mine, and we head inside. Jack and Bailey follow us, involved in their own conversation.

“It’s nice to get out of mother mode for a bit,” Gina says as we order snacks. “But I miss my little baby bundle already.” She chuckles, shaking her head.

“I never thought I’d see the day I’d be the mother of Bailey’s kid!”

“Why?” I ask, reaching for my soda so I can take a long sip.

“We… ah, had an issue in high school,” she says, grabbing some popcorn. “It wasn’t nice at all, and I left town for a bit. When I came back, I found out I was his mate, but I didn’t want to believe it at first.”

I’m struck by how similar the situation feels. Even though she hasn’t told me all the details, I can hear it in her voice.

“But you guys look great together, now?” I ask. Gina nods.

“It took some time for me to trust him, but I’m glad I did. The loyalty of a strong wolf is like nothing else in this world, and the mate bond is unbreakable.”

“Hey, girls,” Bae says, coming over with Jack. “Looks like you guys are going off to party without us! That’s hardly fair.”

Gina grins and nudges him with her elbow. He wraps an arm around her shoulders and gives her a squeeze. The way they look at each other makes me feel warm and fuzzy but kind of jealous, too.

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