Page 41 of Forced Pregnant Mate

Now, we are one.

After a few seconds, Jack’s breathing settles and he curls beside me, holding me against his chest. He strokes my arm gently, and I know that now, I have to open my heart. There can be no secrets between us ever again.

“Jack?”

“Yes, my love?”

“I’m so sorry about my father.”

Jack’s arms tighten against me. “So am I. No one should be treated that way.”

“I… he was always this way, I think. I don’t really remember what it was like before Mom died, but he married Kelly pretty quickly, and they were both hard on me and my baby brother.”

Jack just listens, stroking my arm gently.

“Father can’t survive unless he’s trying to get power over everyone he sees. I’m only just beginning to realize how bad it is. I suspected he was doing something illegal for a long time, so I wasn’t shocked when you told me, but still. It upset me.”

“I’m so sorry, Lena. I can’t relate. My family is awesome—I’ve always been loved and supported.”

“Your mom is pretty awesome.”

Jack chuckles. “She’s got a very good heart, and she just wants everyone to feel safe and wanted.”

A sigh eases through my chest, and Jack kisses my forehead.

“What is it, love?”

“It’s my brother. I’m just hanging on for a bit until he graduates high school. He can go on to college and make something of himself. He can get away from Father, I know it. He just needs a bit of help to get there. I have to protect him.”

Jack holds me tightly against his chest, rocking me a little. “I swear, my love. We will protect him. I won’t let Peter or Kelly destroy what we have or hurt the alliance. Just trust me, and everything will be okay.”

I cuddle against his chest, feeling very loved and safe. Carla has obviously passed her compassion on to her children. Even though I have never felt so supported, there is a trickle of fear running through me that I can’t escape.

I’m sure Father is already planning something. But what is it?

Chapter 16 - Jack

The next day, I head out fairly early to talk to Bailey. Before I left, I told Lena to sleep in a bit. She happily curled up in the blankets, smiling contentedly as she snuggles in.

I hurry over to Bailey’s and find him sitting on the couch, feeding Natalia a bottle. He looks ragged, with dark circles under his eyes and wild hair.

“Whoa, buddy. What happened to you?”

“You should see the other guy,” Bailey mutters.

“What?”

He sighs. “Jenks challenged me to a drinking competition last night. It went on for some time. I think I won. I’m not sure. Being a damn fool doesn’t get me out of dad duty, though. You’re up early, so something must be up. What’s wrong?”

“There’s no easy way to say this, so I’ll just get into it. Over a year ago now, you told me to stay away from Peter and his family, including Lena. I had a nasty fight with him.”

“Yes,” Bailey says. “I remember. Decker assured me it was an isolated incident, and that Peter would take serious offence if he ever saw you again. He is an elder, from the founding wolves. These matters need to be handled with care.”

“But you saw how he abused Lena, right in front of the council.”

“I did,” Bailey agrees, a dark frown on his face.

“It’s far worse than it looks. He’s been abusing the entire family for years. He is a brutal sadist that should be locked up. I fully believe he is still up to his neck in illegal activities, too.”

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