Page 46 of Bullied Pregnant Mate

I ached for her. I looked forward to our time together and to the next time. I curled my hands into fists, taking a deep breath.

The thought of losing her put fear in me like no other, and the thought of her hating me because of a child made me angry. I shouldn't have slept with her. I should have waited until she was more settled and knew how she felt about me. This was all on me and me alone. I'd crossed the line.

I was falling in love and didn't know what to do. I knew how to do my job and keep my life organized, but I didn't know how to keep a woman, and I didn't know how to make her feel wanted.

That's what they would all say. I was too cold, too uncaring. I wasn't around as much as they would like. I didn't know how to open up and allow them in.

"Lucas, I'm talking to you," Ayden spoke up, his eyes narrowing at me.

I frowned, looking at him. I didn't know what to say, so I told him the truth. "She's pregnant, and I don't know what to do. He’s not wrong. Miles was poking at me like always, but this time, it seemed more true than any other time.

Ayden crossed his arms. "Still doesn't mean you get to start fights."

"I know that," I said, rubbing my eyes. "I know that," I repeat, unsure where I stand. I was so unsure about everything.

"Do I need to take you off work?" Ayden snapped.

"No," I said. God, if he took me off work, I wouldn't know what to do with myself. I'd probably fuck my life up even more than it already was.

"Then figure your shit out," Ayden growled, and the space fell silent.

"I don't know how to," I admitted, throwing my arms out. "I don't know what I'm doing."

Ayden's shoulders relaxed slightly. He looked away, running a hand over his face. "None of us do, Lucas. But you have to figure out what you want. And fighting isn't going to give you that."

"What if that's what I know best?" I asked, shaking my head.

Ayden shook his head. "It's not. If it was, you would have punched Miles a lot sooner." Ayden looked over. Everyone had cleared out of the room.

"And maybe you're wrong. Maybe Miles was right. I'm heartless. I hurt people around me. It’s what I know best."

Ayden scowled. "You're not heartless. You are calculated and headstrong. You are a lot of things, Lucas, but heartless isn’t one of them. A heartless person wouldn't have stopped until he was dead. And you and I both know you’ve never killed a person. You’ve come close, but you’ve not done that.”

I swallowed. Ayden knew me more than the others. He knew my secrets, including all my darkest secrets involving my past.

“Take the day,” Ayden said. “And tomorrow, have your head on straight.”

Chapter 19 - Gina

I stared at the pregnancy tests, unable to move. I slowly inhaled and swallowed as I reached for one, wondering which one was the best. I scowled, knowing if I was, it wouldn't matter. I knew the results deep in my gut.

I stared at it, wondering how my life had gotten here. How did I go from black sheep to knocked up? How did I get here? I had a plan, and it was so damn clear. Marry Lucas and get the house. Divorce him in a few months, and I was free.

Before I could really think, there was a hand pulling at my pants. I turned, spotting a little girl, only maybe five. She smiled at me, and I could see a sparkle in her eyes. Her long brown hair had been pulled back neatly in two pigtails, and she was wearing a simple blue dress.

"Do you want to see something cool?" she asked, a giggle in her voice.

I looked around, suddenly aware she was alone in the aisle with me. So, I bent down to her level. "Of course."

She giggled and pulled her hands out. They were bare, and then a small sparkle twinkled between her fingers. It was there for just a second before it was gone, but her giggle told me that was what she wanted to show me.

I swallowed, realizing she was a witch. This little child was a witch. I couldn't help but be shocked because they weren't allowed in North Town. Witches were always seen as dangerous and a threat to shifters.

"Poppy," a new voice called through the air, and a woman stopped at the front of the aisle. The woman sighed, looking relieved. "Poppy, I have told you so many times not to run off."

"I was showing her my new gift," the girl giggled, pulling her hands out once more, starting that sparkle. A twinkle gleamed in her eyes, so proud of herself.

The woman's anger quickly slipped away as she stared at her daughter. She walked over, placing a hand on her head, and then her eyes snapped to me. I stiffened, realizing she was a witch herself.

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