Page 34 of The Alpha's Pretend Mate

Cassius cleared his throat, pulling back. "I, uh, I should get dinner started."

He retreated to the kitchen, leaving Alysa with a jumble of confused emotions.

This isn't real. Remember that. It can't be real.

But in time, the line between pretense and reality blurred more and more. Cassius started seeking her out for no reason, just to talk or share a quiet moment. He'd bring her coffee when she was still in his bed in the mornings, remembering exactly how she liked it.

When Pack members visited, his arm would snake around her waist, pulling her close in a gesture that felt far too natural. The nights were the worst, as she could barely bring herself to sleep beside his muscled, toned, hard body, even though all she felt of him was the head.

The bed was that BIG!

And although he kept his distance in the bed, she wondered how he could fall asleep so easily when there were only inches of space beside them each night.

One night, as they cleaned up after dinner, Cassius suddenly said, "Hey, I was thinking… there's somewhere I'd like to show you and Aurora."

Alysa looked up from the dish she was drying. "Oh? Where's that?"

A boyish grin spread across Cassius's face. "It's a surprise. But I think you'll like it. We could go tomorrow evening—watch the sunset. What do you say?"

The excitement in his eyes was infectious. Alysa found herself nodding. "Sounds perfect."

The next evening, they piled into Cassius's car, Aurora securely strapped into her car seat. As they drove, Alysa watched the scenery change from manicured lawns to wilder, more untamed forest.

"Where exactly are we going?" she asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

Cassius's eyes twinkled with mischief. "You'll see."

Finally, they pulled off onto a narrow dirt road. Cassius parked the car and came around to help Alysa out, Aurora already in his arms.

"It's just a short walk from here," he said, leading the way down a winding path.

As they rounded a bend, Alysa gasped. There, nestled high in the branches of an ancient oak tree, was a treehouse. It was bigger than she'd expected, its wooden planks weathered but sturdy.

"Is this…?"

"My childhood treehouse," Cassius confirmed. "My dad and I built it when I was ten. I used to come here all the time to think or just to escape for a while. No one but Aleksander knows of it."

Alysa's heart swelled at the thought of a young Cassius finding solace in this hidden sanctuary. "It's beautiful."

They climbed up, Cassius going first with Aurora, then helping Alysa navigate the ladder. Inside, the treehouse was cozy, with cushions scattered on the floor and strings of lights twinkling along the walls.

"I come here sometimes to clear my head," Cassius admitted as they settled in. "I thought… well, I wanted to share it with you."

The sun was just beginning to set, painting the sky in brilliant hues of orange and pink. They sat in comfortable silence, watching the colors change and deepen.

Aurora babbled happily, pointing at the sky. Alysa laughed, tickling the baby's tummy. "That's right, Sweetheart. Pretty colors."

She felt Cassius's gaze on her and turned to find him watching her with an expression she couldn't quite decipher. There was warmth there, and something else… something that made her pulse quicken.

"I'll be right back," Cassius said suddenly, getting to his feet. "I left something in the car. Mind watching Aurora for a minute?"

Alysa nodded, pulling the baby closer. "Of course. We'll be fine, won't we?"

As Cassius's footsteps faded, Alysa leaned back, letting out a contented sigh. This moment, right here, felt perfect. If only it could last forever.

The peace shattered in an instant.

A dark shape hurtled through the treehouse entrance, moving faster than Alysa's eyes could track. Her wolf senses screamed danger, and she instinctively curled her body around Aurora, shielding the baby.

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