Page 28 of Fated Secret Baby

She’s really upset. While she’s been awful to me, I saw how sad she looked when he told her off the other night. I know their history, and that Orion is really the only family she has. She’s absolutely controlling, but she’s his mom. I can’t be the one who comes between them.

Sadly, I look over at Juniper. She’s happily snacking on the apples now, looking out the window at the shapes retreating as they walk away.

Orion isn’t going to want me after I tell him about her. Not when I did the exact same thing to him that his mom has done… not when I didn’t tell him about Juniper. Because that’s just another form of control. I didn’t tell him because I couldn’t handle his reaction.

It’s not the same type of control his mom had, sure, but it’s controlling him just the same.

“Mommy, are we going back to Auntie Amara’s?”

I start the truck, the rumble of it harsh in my ears. “No, baby. We need to pack.”

“Pack?”

“I think it’s time for us to get ready to go,” I say sadly.

“Why?”

I don’t answer her. I know that she’s going to pester me with questions, but I don’t have a response.

I was stupid to think Orion would see past my mistakes and my manipulations. He’s smarter than that.

I’m going to tell him about Juniper. But beyond that?

The hope I had for us is gone. It was a foolish dream, anyway.

Like always, it’s time I deal with the reality of my mistakes instead.

Chapter 8

Orion

I’m early. Again.

I don’t really care, though. Calista asked me over for dinner, and I figured that we could cook dinner together as part of the whole experience. Kid included, of course.

Calista and I are going to be together. I don’t care that she has a kid. I don’t care that the kid is from another male. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to be Calista’s mate.

I just want her. However that is, whatever that looks like, I want us to be a family.

I have more flowers in my hand as I walk up to the rental unit. More ranunculus for Calista, and then a colorful bunch of gerbera daisies for the daughter. I have no idea if she likes those, but they seemed fun and child-like at the store.

I’m not nervous this time, which is great.

When I ring the doorbell, I can’t wait for Calista to answer. I try the door, opening it slightly. “Hello?”

“Orion?” Calista’s voice is slightly panicked.

“Hey,” I say. “Sorry I’m early, but I thought we could?—”

She skids in front of me—with a suitcase in hand.

My heart skips. “Calista?”

We’re both staring at the suitcase.

Calista looks up at me. “I was going to tell you.”

“Tell me what?”

---