Page 4 of Bearly Taken

Though he wasn’t complimenting me, I was the reason that little boy was alive. I had suffered for him. I had fought for him. And I always would.

Reed

You told me you were on birth control

My forehead creased.

Me

The first time we hooked up?

I was, then

It gave me terrible side effects. I was only on it a few months. I tracked my fertility and you used condoms after that

No condoms had been used during the bond-sealing night, though. Which was a mistake.

Not that I regretted having Parker.

He was everything to me. I’d go back and do it all over again if it meant I got to hold my baby a little longer.

Reed

I didn’t know

I thought you were still on birth control and the condoms were just backup

Why didn’t you stop me or make me use one?

I glared down at the phone.

Me

Do you remember yourself that night? It was like you were possessed. There was no stopping you, and I didn’t want to. I knew we were both clean, and my period had just ended. I wasn’t fertile. No one had warned me that bear shifters can force ovulation. Having sex without protection still wasn’t a good idea, but if you were human, I definitely wouldn’t have walked away pregnant. As far as I knew, there was no need to stop you

Reed didn’t answer right away.

When he did, the message didn’t do anything to wipe away my glare.

Reed

You should’ve gone to the clan and filled out the paperwork. They would’ve paid you

Me

And expected me to sign half of my rights over to the man who ditched me. Not a chance. I grew my baby—I’m not letting you take him from me. If that’s where this conversation is going, you might as well call a lawyer, because I’m done.

Reed

I would never take my cub from his mother by force. My dad forced me to spend half my time with him. I’ve never forgiven him for it. Probably never will.

The message shouldn’t have calmed me.

It could’ve been a lie.

But somehow, his admission made breathing just a little bit easier.

Reed

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