Page 68 of The Alpha's Pretend Mate

Ragnar's booming laugh joined in. "Aye, that's our Cassius. Always has to do things the hard way." The large Alpha's eyes twinkled with mirth as he looked between Cassius and Alysa. "But I'd say it was worth it, eh?"

Alysa felt her cheeks heat up, but she couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face.

Worth it, indeed.

"I'm glad to see this settled," Aleksander said, his tone growing more serious. "The last thing we need is tension between the Packs."

Ragnar nodded in agreement. "Aye, with the threats we're facing, unity is more important than ever."

"And united, we'll remain," Cassius said firmly. "But for now, I think it's time we headed home. It's been… quite a day."

Alysa watched the exchange, her eyes flicking between the men. Cassius’s hand found hers, and she squeezed his fingers in silent agreement.

Aleksander's grin returned. "I'll say. Come on, I'll drive you two lovebirds back to the estate. You're in no shape to be behind the wheel, Cass."

As they made their way to Aleksander's car, Alysa couldn't help but marvel at the surreal turn the day had taken. Just hours ago, she'd been certain she was losing Cassius forever. And now…

The car ride back to the Whiteborn Estate was a blur of emotions for Alysa. She sat in the back seat, Cassius's head resting in her lap as Aleksander navigated the winding roads. Her fingers absently carded through Cassius's hair, marveling at its softness.

Is this real?

The thought kept circling in her mind, a mix of wonder and lingering disbelief. She glanced down at Cassius, taking in the lines of exhaustion etched on his face. He looked so vulnerable like this, so far from the imposing Alpha he usually presented to the world.

“Careful, Lovebirds,” Aleksander teased from the driver’s seat, breaking through her reverie, his voice full of amusement. “You’re gonna make me crash if you keep being so cute back there. Have you no shame?”

Alysa felt her cheeks heat up. "Oh, hush," she mumbled, but there was no real bite to her words.

“Get used to it, Volkov. We’re just getting started.” Cassius cracked open an eye, a lazy smile spreading across his face. "Or perhaps you’re jealous, Aleks?"

"Of you two? Please." Aleksander scoffed, but Alysa caught the fondness in his eyes as he glanced at them in the rearview mirror. "Though I have to say, it's about damn time. Do you know how long I've had to listen to my little sister pine over you, Cass?"

"I do not pine," Alysa grumbled, but her hand found Cassius’s, intertwining their fingers.

Alysa's heart skipped a beat at the casual intimacy of the gesture. "How… how long?" Cassius asked.

Aleksander's laugh filled the car. "Oh, years. Ever since she first saw you, since we were teenage—"

"Aleksander!" Alysa warned, but there was no real heat in her tone.

"What? I'm just telling the truth. You should have seen her, Cass. Like a lovesick puppy, always finding excuses to come to my room when you were visiting."

"You're one to talk," Alysa shot back. "Remember that time you nearly set the kitchen on fire trying to impress Sarah?"

It was Aleksander's turn to blush. "That was one time!"

The banter continued, filling the car with laughter and warmth. For the first time in what felt like forever, Alysa felt like she truly belonged.

As they pulled up to the Whiteborn Estate, a wave of exhaustion hit Alysa. The emotional rollercoaster of the day was catching up to her, leaving her drained but content.

Home.

The word settled over her like a warm blanket, and she exhaled slowly, letting the tension in her shoulders ease.

Abigail was waiting for them at the door, her face lighting up as she saw them approach. “You made it,” she said, her voice full of relief. “I knew you would.” Cassius nodded, offering the housekeeper a tired smile. "We're fine, Abigail. How's Aurora?"

Abigail smiled softly, her eyes flicking between them. “I’m glad. Aurora’s sleeping soundly in the nursery. There’s dinner in the microwave if you’re hungry. I'm sure you both want some time alone so I'll be heading out now, but I'll see you in the morning.”

As Abigail gathered her things to leave, Alysa felt a surge of gratitude for the older woman's steady presence.

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