Page 58 of Forced Pregnant Mate

But Lena hasn’t stopped talking. She hasn’t even slowed down.

“I think it’s best if we just decide right now. I don’t blame you at all for anything you feel, or what you want to do. I don’t even know what I want to do, so I don’t expect us to agree. The point is, I understand. I know this isn’t the life you wanted, and I won’t force it on you. I can’t be what you need—”

“Lena!” My voice comes out much louder and sharper than I intended it to be. It cuts through her cascade of words, and she stops abruptly, shock on her pale face.

I shake my head, still trying to find the right words but knowing that I have to. “I don’t know where you got all of these ideas from. But I want this baby, desperately. I’ve been hoping for this from the second we got married.”

“Really?”

“Really. I don’t want a docile, quiet wife, and I sure as hell don’t care about a family’s social standing. I was pushed into marriage, that’s true, but I chose you.”

“You did what?” she asks, eyes wide.

“Decker tried to bargain after your father made a scene, but once I saw you, I knew that this was meant to be. I told them if the marriage was going ahead, then it had to be you, and I didn’t want anyone else.”

She’s watching me with those big, deep green eyes, her face slack with shock. She shakes her head a little as I take her hand.

“I’d rather have a quick-witted, sharp-tongued little spitfire like you than a demure lady any day,” I say, grinning. I give her hand a squeeze, and she squeezes back, a smile starting to dawn on her face.

I move my chair a little closer so I can wrap my arms around her. I rub her belly gently, still feeling complete awe at the situation.

“I can’t tell you how much I want this baby, Lena. It scared me to the core when it sounded like you didn’t want it. I want you, and our kid. Together, forever.”

Tears spill down her cheeks as she reaches up to touch my face. “Oh, Jack,” she whispers. “I was so scared. I didn’t know if you wanted me to be the mother of your child.”

“Lena.” I brush her hair back, trying to impress upon her how important she is to me. “You’re the only one I do want.”

“I thought the elders chose for you. I didn’t think you had a choice. I was so afraid you got stuck with me against your will.”

The idea is so preposterous I laugh softly. “Lena, I’ve wanted you since the first moment I saw you! If it wasn’t for the threat to the alliance, I would have never left your side. I was only trying to give you your best chance.”

She shakes her head a little, snuggling against my chest.

“When I realized you could be my wife, I acted immediately. There was no way I was going to let you go. I convinced the others that it had to be you. You didn’t know?”

“No,” she whispers. “I didn’t know. I felt like I was being sold, like a piece of meat or a farm animal, and you didn’t like the price or the product.”

I grab her shoulders and kiss her fiercely, wrapping my arms around her and holding her as tightly as I dare. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry you felt that way, my love. I thought you’d never forgive me for rejecting you, no matter what silly reasons I had. I should have fought for you. I realize that now. But all I have wanted to do for the last few months is make it up to you.”

She shakes her head. “You thought I didn’t want you? But I’ve never stopped thinking about you! You’re the only one I’ve ever wanted. I’ve never even had another boyfriend.”

I look into her eyes, cupping her cheek with one hand. “I love you, Lena. I love you with my whole heart. I always have, and I always will. I can’t wait to meet our child—you make me so happy, I don’t know how I ever lived without you!”

She clings to me, holding onto my shirt as she looks into my eyes. “I love you, Jack. You’ve changed my life more than you could possibly imagine. You’ve shown me love, safety, and what it means to have a real family. I knew that I loved you, and I’d be happy if you wanted me, too—I just didn’t expect to be welcomed into your family as well.”

I smile gently as I stroke her hair.

“They all love you as much as I do,” I say softly. “And wait until Mom finds out. She won’t leave you alone for the whole nine months.”

She giggles, resting her head on my chest. “I hope not. Your mom is awesome. Do you think she’ll cook for me?”

I can’t hold in my laughter. “Try and stop her!”

Lena laughs, too, and I hold her in my arms, feeling the love between us growing by the second. The emotion between us is pure magic, and it never fades. Every time I look into her face, it’s like seeing her for the first time. My heart leaps in my chest, my breath feels short and my head swims as I lose track of my thoughts.

All I want is to spend the rest of my life making her happy, and I’ll do anything to make sure that happens.

Chapter 23 - Lena

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