Page 51 of The Alpha's Pretend Mate

Cassius dragged himself out of bed, his body feeling like lead. The cool floor beneath his feet grounded him, if only for a moment. His muscles were tight, coiled with tension that refused to release.

He caught sight of himself in the mirror and winced. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and his usually neat blonde hair was a disheveled mess.

I look like hell.Fitting, since that's exactly where I am.

As he stumbled into the shower, letting the scalding water cascade over his tense muscles, Cassius tried to convince himself he'd done the right thing.

It's better this way.

He repeated the words like a mantra. He was certain Alysa deserved better than a man with more baggage than the airport lost and found.

She has her future ahead of her, I won’t rope her into taking care of me and my kid.

But even as the thought crossed his mind, doubt gnawed at the edges of his resolve. He clenched his fists under the sprayof water, the heat doing nothing to thaw the icy chill settling over his heart.

There had been a moment, just after he’d said those words, where her eyes had darkened with a hurt so deep it made his wolf restless.

Maybe I was too harsh.

He forced the thought away, tightening his jaw. The more he entertained the idea of softening his stance, the more he risked crumbling. Alysa was better off without him.

Cassius went through the motions of his morning routine, his movements mechanical and devoid of their usual purpose. He nicked himself shaving, barely registering the sting as a droplet of blood welled up on his jaw.

Focus.

But as he knotted his tie, his fingers fumbling with the familiar motions, all he could think about was the way Alysa's smaller hands had pulled off his shirt just days ago, her touch sending shivers down his spine. The memory of her smile, soft and shy, made his chest ache with a longing so fierce it nearly brought him to his knees.

Cassius shook his head, trying to dispel the image.

You made your choice. Now live with it.

He straightened his shoulders, forcing his face into a mask of calm indifference. He had a Pack to lead, a daughter to raise. He couldn't afford to wallow in regret.

But as he made his way downstairs, each step felt heavier than the last. The house seemed eerily quiet, devoid of the warmth and life Alysa had brought into it. Cassius paused at the bottom of the stairs, his enhanced hearing picking up the soft sounds of movement from the kitchen.

Alysa

His wolf whined, eager to see her. Cassius tamped down on the surge of hope that rose in his chest.

She probably doesn't want to see you.

Taking a deep breath, Cassius steeled himself and walked into the kitchen. The sight that greeted him made his heart stutter in his chest. Alysa stood at the counter, her back to him as she prepared Aurora's bottle.

After last night, you're lucky if she speaks to you again.

Her chestnut hair was pulled back in a messy bun, exposing the graceful curve of her neck. She wore a simple T-shirt and jeans, but to Cassius, she'd never looked more beautiful.

"Good morning," he said softly, his voice rougher than he'd intended.

Alysa stiffened, her movements faltering for a moment before she resumed her task. "Good morning, Alpha," she replied, her tone carefully neutral. She didn't turn to face him.

The formal title stung more than Cassius cared to admit. He moved further into the kitchen, drawn to her like a moth to a flame despite his better judgment. "Alysa, about last night—”

"Don't," she cut him off, finally turning to face him. The pain in her eyes made his breath catch. "Please, just… don't. I think you made yourself perfectly clear."

Cassius opened his mouth to argue, to explain, to say something that might ease the ache in his chest. But before he could form the words, Alysa spoke again, her voice quiet but firm.

"I'm leaving, Cassius."

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