Page 24 of The Alpha's Pretend Mate

"No one will think less of you," Aleksander said softly. "If anything, they'll probably wonder what you saw in this idiot." He jerked a thumb at Cassius, trying to lighten the mood.

Alysa didn't smile. She looked between the two of them, her expression unreadable. "I need some time to process this."

Cassius nodded, his chest tight. "Of course. Take all the time you need. We can figure out the details later."

Aleksander stood, clearly sensing it was time to leave. "I should head home. Alysa, do you want me to stay?"

Alysa shook her head. "No, I… I think I’m fine."

"Of course," he said quickly. "You have your room. Or… or my room, if you prefer. For appearances' sake."

A faint blush colored Alysa’s cheek. "My room is fine. Thank you."

Aleksander nodded, heading for the door. He paused, looking back at his sister. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Alysa managed a small smile. "I'm fine, Aleks. Really. I just need some time to think."

With a final nod, Aleksander left, the sound of his car starting up and driving away filling the sudden silence.

Cassius and Alysa stood in the living room, the air between them thick with unspoken words and emotions. Cassius opened his mouth to speak, but Alysa held up a hand.

"Not now, Cassius. Please. I just… I need some space."

He nodded, his heart heavy. "Of course. You know where everything is. If you need anything…"

"I know," she said softly. "Goodnight, Cassius."

As she disappeared up the stairs, Cassius sank onto the couch, his head in his hands. The scent of her lingered in the air, a constant reminder of what he'd done and what he stood to lose.

What have I gotten us into?

The next two weeks stretched out before him, filled with uncertainty and the tantalizing possibility of something more. But as he listened to Alysa's soft footsteps above, one thought overshadowed all others:

Please, don't let this ruin everything between us.

Chapter 6 - Alysa

Alysa's eyes snapped open, her heart pounding against her ribcage. For a blissful moment, she forgot why she felt like she'd run a marathon in her sleep. Then reality crashed over her like a tidal wave.

Cassius had claimed her as his mate.

Mate.

She groaned, burying her face in her pillow. The events of the previous night replayed in her mind, each detail as sharp as broken glass. Cassius's voice was firm and unyielding. Her brother's shocked expression. The weight of their gazes as they dropped the bombshell that had turned her world upside down.

Sunlight filtered through the curtains, painting patterns on her bedroom floor. Alysa stared at them, willing time to stop, to give her a chance to process the chaos swirling in her mind. But the light kept creeping across the hardwood, indifferent to her inner turmoil.

With a sigh, she dragged herself out of bed. Her reflection in the mirror looked as frazzled as she felt—hair a tangled mess, dark circles under her eyes.

Great.

She looked like she’d been dragged through hell. Fitting, since that's exactly how she felt.

She splashed cold water on her face, trying to wash away the remnants of her restless night. As she brushed her teeth, her mind raced.

How am I supposed to face Cassius after this? How am I supposed to face anyone?

The house was quiet as Alysa made her way downstairs, each creak of the floorboards under her feet sounding like a gunshot in the silence. She held her breath, listening for any sign of Cassius. Nothing. Relief washed over her, followed quickly by a pang of… something else. Disappointment?

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