Page 12 of The Alpha's Pretend Mate

Alysa shook her head, her eyes roaming the room. "I'm fine, thank you. Is Aurora awake? I'd love to meet her."

Right. Aurora. The reason she's here.

"Of course," Cassius said. "She should be up from her morning nap. I’ll introduce you to her soon. But first—there’s someone else I’d like you to meet. Follow me."

“You’ve been busy,” Alysa remarked, gesturing to the neatness of the space. Her eyes flicked toward a large portrait of Cassius and Aurora that hung over the mantle. Her face softened, the sight of the little girl bringing down her guard for just a moment.

Cassius swallowed. “It helps to stay organized with a Pack to run and a toddler to raise.” He stepped back and gestured toward the living room.

As they walked toward the hallway, Abigail Holloway, the estate’s housekeeper, appeared, wiping her hands on a dishtowel. “Ah, Miss Volkov, you’ve arrived,” she said with a warm smile. “I’m Abigail, the housekeeper. I’ll be handling the cleaning, laundry, and meals, but if you need anything during the day, just let me know.”

“Thank you, Abigail,” Alysa said, nodding. “I’m sure I’ll need some guidance in the first few days.”

Cassius observed their brief exchange. He had to admit, having Alysa here might bring some semblance of balance back into his life.

As they approached the nursery, Aurora's happy gurgles reached their ears. Cassius pushed open the door, revealing his daughter sitting in her crib, chubby hands reaching for a dangling mobile.

"There's my little moon," he murmured, scooping her up.

Aurora's face lit up at the sight of him, tiny fingers grasping at his shirt. He turned to Alysa, suddenly nervous.

What if they don't get along? What if Aurora doesn't like her?

But his fears evaporated as Alysa stepped forward, her face softening. "Hello, Sweetheart," she cooed. "Aren't you just the prettiest little thing?"

Aurora's eyes widened, fixated on this new person. Then, to Cassius's surprise, she let out a delighted squeal, reaching for Alysa.

Well, I'll be damned.

Cassius hesitated for a moment before passing Aurora to Alysa. His daughter settled into her arms like she belonged there, tiny hands exploring Alysa's face.

"Oh, you're a curious one, aren't you?" Alysa laughed, bouncing Aurora gently.

Cassius watched, a mix of emotions swirling in his chest. Relief that Aurora seemed to like Alysa. Gratitude for the way Alysa handled her so naturally. And something else, something he wasn't ready to name.

“She’s beautiful,” Alysa murmured, her voice full of wonder. She glanced back at Cassius, her smile widening. “She looks just like you.”

Cassius cleared his throat, his emotions tangled in a knot he couldn’t quite unravel. “She’s… everything.” It was all he could manage to say. Watching someone else care for Aurora stirred something deep inside him. Pride, yes—but also a twinge of discomfort.

This is good for her. For both of us.

He kept reminding himself of that, even as his gaze lingered on Alysa a moment longer than necessary.

They spent the next few minutes with Aurora, who babbled softly, her chubby hands reaching for Alysa’s face, and Cassius felt a pang of something unfamiliar.

After a few more moments, Cassius straightened. “Shall I show you to your quarters?” he asked, his voice more formal than he intended.

Alysa nodded, still holding Aurora in her arms as they followed him through the estate. Cassius led her through the grand hallways, pointing out various rooms, but his attention kept drifting to her.

The way her eyes brightened at certain details, the slight curve of her lips when she spotted the garden from the window. He felt an odd sense of satisfaction when he caught her admiring the estate.

Focus, Cassius. Boundaries, remember?

They reached the guest wing, and Cassius pushed open a door at the end of the hall. “This will be your room. You’ll have plenty of space here, and if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask Abigail or myself.”

Alysa stepped inside, her eyes widening. "Cassius, this is… it's too much." She shifted Aurora in her arms and gave him a small smile, one that sent a flicker of something unwelcome through his chest.

No. Keep it professional. She’s Aleksander’s sister.

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