Page 13 of The Alpha's Pretend Mate

He shrugged, trying for nonchalance. "It's just a guest room."

A guest room you spent three days redecorating.

The space was large and airy, with a plush queen-sized bed and a sitting area near the window. Soft gray and lavender tones dominated the decor, with pops of silver in the fixtures.

Alysa handed Aurora to him and then ran her hand over the dresser, her fingers tracing the intricate woodwork. "It's beautiful. Thank you."

Cassius cleared his throat, suddenly aware of how close they were standing. "The bathroom's through there," he said, gesturing to a door. "And you have a small balcony overlooking the garden."

She moved to the French doors, pushing them open. The scent of roses wafted in on the breeze. "It's perfect," she murmured.

Cassius watched her, struck by how at home she looked—like she belonged here, in his house, in his life.

Dangerous thoughts, Cassius.

He stepped back, putting some distance between them. "I'll let you get settled. When you're ready, we can go over your duties and the household routines."

Alysa turned, something flickering in her eyes before she nodded. "Of course. I'll be down in a few minutes."

***

Cassius sat at his desk, a stack of papers in front of him. Alysa perched on the edge of a chair, her posture straight, attentive.

She looks like she's at a job interview. Which, I guess, this kind of is.

"So," he began, all business. "Your primary responsibility will be caring for Aurora. Feedings, diaper changes, playtime, naps—the works."

Alysa nodded, her expression serious. "Of course. What's her current schedule like?"

Cassius handed her a printed sheet. "Here's her usual routine. It's flexible, but try to stick to it as much as possible."

Their fingers brushed as she took the paper. Cassius pulled back quickly, ignoring the spark of warmth that shot through him.

Professional. Keep it professional.

"You'll also be responsible for preparing Aurora's meals and keeping the nursery tidy," he continued. "Abigail handles the rest of the cleaning and laundry. She's here from early morning to late evening."

"I understand," Alysa said. "Is there anything else I should know?"

Cassius hesitated. "I… I work long hours. Sometimes, I have to leave at odd times for Pack business. I'll try to give you as much notice as possible, but…"

"But the life of an Alpha is unpredictable," Alysa finished for him, a small smile on her lips. "I grew up with Aleksander and my dad, remember? I know how it goes."

He nodded, grateful for her understanding. "Right. Of course."

She gets it. She gets you.

The thought was both comforting and terrifying. Cassius couldn’t ignore the fact that Alysa was more than just a caregiver for his daughter. She was someone who knew him—who had known him for years. And that made this situation infinitely more complicated.

As the day progressed, Cassius found himself constantly aware of Alysa's presence in the house—the sound of her laughter mixing with Aurora's happy squeals; the scent of her shampoo lingering in the hallway.

He tried to focus on his work, burying himself in reports and Pack business. But his eyes kept drifting to the security feed on his computer, watching as Alysa played with Aurora in the living room.

She's good with her. Really good.

The realization brought both a sense of relief and a strange pang of… something. Jealousy? Longing? He pushed the thought away.

When lunchtime rolled around, he emerged from his study to find Alysa in the kitchen with Aurora balanced on her hip as she prepared a bottle one-handed.

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