Page 16 of The Alpha's Pretend Mate

Aurora's face lit up as Alysa entered. "Good morning, Sweetheart," she cooed, scooping up the baby. As she changed Aurora's diaper, Alysa marveled at how quickly she'd fallen into this routine.

Footsteps in the hallway made Alysa's pulse quicken. Cassius appeared in the doorway, looking unfairly handsome in a crisp white shirt.

His eyes softened as they landed on Aurora. "How's my little moon?"

"She's perfect," Alysa replied, passing the baby to him. Their fingers brushed, sending a jolt through her.

Get it together, Alysa.

Cassius cradled Aurora, pressing a kiss to her forehead. The tenderness of the gesture made Alysa's heart ache. Watching him be an amazing father was taking a lot of getting used to.

"I'll be leaving now," Cassius said, reluctantly handing Aurora back. “Reach out to me on my cell if you need anything.”

Alysa nodded, forcing a smile. "Of course. We'll be fine, won't we, Aurora?"

As Cassius left, Alysa tried to ignore the lingering scent of his cologne. She focused on Aurora, channeling her energy into caring for the baby.

Alysa sat cross-legged on the floor, Aurora giggling in her lap as they played with a set of colorful blocks.

"That's it, Sweetie," Alysa cooed, helping Aurora stack one block on top of another. "You're getting so good at this!"

The sound of the front door opening made Alysa's head snap up. Cassius walked in, his brow furrowed and his jaw set in a hard line. The tension radiating off him was palpable.

"Everything okay?" Alysa asked, her voice laced with concern.

Cassius's expression softened as his eyes landed on her and Aurora. "Just Pack politics," he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Nothing for you to worry about."

He crossed the room, crouching down beside them. Aurora squealed with delight, reaching for her father. Cassius scooped her up, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

Alysa's heart clenched at the sight.

They're so perfect together.

"How's my little moon?" Cassius murmured, bouncing Aurora gently.

"She's been an angel," Alysa replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "We've been working on her stacking skills."

Cassius's eyes met hers, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Thanks, Alysa. I don't know what we'd do without you."

The sincerity in his voice made her chest tighten. She tried to force herself not to read too much into it.

He's just being nice.

"It's my pleasure," she managed, forcing a smile. "Really."

Their gazes held for a moment too long, the air between them charged with unspoken words. Alysa broke first, looking away as heat crept up her neck.

Throughout the day, Alysa found herself hyper-aware of Cassius's presence. The sound of his voice on a phone call made her stomach flutter. Glimpses of him through open doorways sent her heart racing.

During Aurora's afternoon nap, Alysa tidied the nursery. She was reaching to place a toy on a high shelf when a warm presence appeared behind her.

"Let me get that," Cassius said, his chest brushing against her back as he easily placed the stuffed animal on the shelf.

Alysa's breath caught in her throat. She turned, finding herself trapped between Cassius and the bookshelf. His scent enveloped her, a heady mix of pine and musk.

"Thanks," she managed, her voice barely a whisper.

Cassius's eyes locked with hers, something flickering in their depths. For a heartbeat, Alysa thought he might…

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