Page 61 of Bullied Pregnant Mate

I raised an eyebrow. "You're not from here?"

Cayden shook his head. "No. I was pretty much looked at like the black sheep by my parents, but not because I was weak. I'm the middle child. My older brother and little sister are both married with children, and I haven't even found my mate, and not for the lack of trying. I understand the pressure and the constant looks."

I was surprised. I hadn't ever spoken to someone who understood what it felt like to be looked down on.

"Lucas won't understand that. He will try, but he won't," Cayden added. "But that doesn't mean he won't care. Give him a chance. You might be surprised."

I thought about it. I swallowed, wondering if maybe I had been overthinking everything. Was it really just that simple,that easy? Lucas offered to marry me. He offered to help me get this house. He'd been there every step of the way. He'd even been worried about me. Was this maybe everything I had been wanting and more?

Chapter 24 - Lucas

I cursed as I burned my finger, quickly waving it to subside the pain. I pulled my gaze away from the candles to the rest of the room. The living room and entryway were covered in flowers and candles. The lights were off, giving the space a romantic feel.

"This is the stupidest thing I've ever done," I grumbled, still can't believe I was pulling it all off. But Cayden promised it was a good way to win her over. A way to really show I cared.

I ran a hand through my hair, looking over my outfit. I made sure to put something nicer on. I was wearing nice jeans and a navy blue button-down shirt.

Things had been off between Gina and me for a while now, and it was time we talked about everything and spoke about what we wanted. She was my mate, and I wanted what was best for her. I wanted her to have an easy life. I wanted her to be happy, and I hoped I was part of it. I wanted to be a part of it.

My phone rang, and I turned, seeing it was Cayden. I answered it and sighed. "Yes?"

"So, did you set it all up?"

"Yes," I said, surveying the space again. "And when she comes home, she's going to think it's the stupidest thing ever. I don't know why I even listened to you."

"She is not. She's going to love it. The grand gesture."

I pinched my eyes, thinking of our fight and her questions. Did I see myself as a father? It was hard to picture, considering I never knew if I really was father material. I didn't like a mess and couldn't stand loud noises—all parts of having children.

"Just take a breath. She will be home, and you guys will make up."

I scowled, wanting to ask him what she'd told him. I'd sent him over last night because I didn't want her to be alone. But I knew he wouldn't tell me. Cayden didn't tell anyone secrets even if you begged. It was why we got along so well.

"If this goes south, I'm coming for you. I'm blaming this all on you."

Cayden snorted on the other end. "And you and I both know how that would go down."

We did. Unlike Miles, Cayden was raised in a shitty pack. Where drawing blood in a fight won you a medal. A lot like mine, it was kill or be killed.

"Just be honest for once," Cayden added. "If you want a future with her, you need to open up. You both need to just open up and be honest with each other."

I heard the door latch turning, and I quickly ended the call and turned on my heels. Gina stepped into the house, and her eyes widened in shock. She took in the flowers and the candles. Her eyes snapped to the living room, where I had even more candles lit. Her mouth opened slightly, and she looked at me.

"I'm sorry for the fight the other day," I said, unsure of how else to start the conversation.

She just blinked in shock. She slid her shoes off, walked over to the small table that sat under the chandelier, and reached a hand up to the boutique I had in a vase.

"You could have just said that instead of this," she said, waving a hand.

I frowned. "So, you don't like this?"

She shook her head, waving her hands. "No, that's not what I'm saying. I meant you could have just said that. You didn't have to go to this extreme."

I frowned, suddenly feeling insulted. I knew this idea was dumb, and I felt a sudden anger to throat punch Cayden. It was his stupid idea, and I shouldn't have listened to him.

I turned to start cleaning it up when she moved. "No, don't…I…god…" She ran a hand through her hair. "This is beautiful, Lucas. It is, but I don't think you're doing it for the right reasons."

"Which would be what?"

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