Page 69 of The Alpha's Pretend Mate

What would we do without her?

Once they were alone, Cassius turned to Alysa, his eyes soft with an emotion that made her heart flutter. "Let's check on Aurora, then we can eat and… talk."

Alysa nodded, suddenly nervous. There was still so much to say, so much to figure out. But as Cassius took her hand, leading her up the stairs, she felt a sense of peace settle over her.

Aurora's nursery was bathed in the soft glow of a night light when they entered. Alysa's breath caught as she saw the baby sleeping peacefully in her crib, one tiny fist curled against her cheek.

Cassius moved to stand beside the crib, his expression so tender it made Alysa's heart ache. She joined him, leaning into his side as they watched Aurora's chest rise and fall with each tiny breath.

"She's perfect," Alysa whispered, unable to take her eyes off the sleeping child.

Our little girl.

She caught herself, it was too soon for such thoughts, wasn't it?

But Cassius seemed to read her mind. He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. "She is our little girl," he murmured. "And she adores you, you know. Almost as much as I do."

Alysa's breath hitched. She turned to look at Cassius, finding his intense blue gaze fixed on her. The air between them crackled with tension, with all the words left unsaid.

"Cassius, I—"

He silenced her with a gentle finger to her lips. "Let's eat first," he said softly. "Then we'll talk. I promise."

Alysa nodded, letting him lead her out of the nursery and down to the kitchen. As they reheated the meal Abigail had left—a hearty beef stew with crusty bread—Alysa's mind raced with everything she wanted to say.

They ate in comfortable silence, stealing glances at each other between bites. Alysa couldn't help but marvel at how natural this felt, sitting across from Cassius, sharing a meal after the chaos of the day. It felt… right.

As they finished eating, Cassius pushed his bowl aside and reached for her hand across the table. "Alysa," he began, his voice low and intense. "I owe you an apology."

Alysa's brow furrowed. "For what?"

"For everything. For pushing you away, for not being honest about my feelings sooner. For making you doubt yourself, doubt us." His thumb traced circles on the back of her hand, sending shivers up her arm. "I was a fool, and I almost lost you because of it."

Alysa swallowed hard, fighting back tears. "Why didn't you tell me?" she whispered. "All this time…"

Cassius sighed, running his free hand through his hair. "I was scared," he admitted. "Scared of my feelings for you, scared of complicating things with the Pack…” He trailed off, his eyes distant. "I thought I had to choose. Being an Alpha, being a father, or being with you. I convinced myself I couldn't have it all."

"And now?" Alysa asked, her heart pounding.

Cassius's gaze refocused on her, so intense she felt it in her very soul. "Now I know better. I want it all, Alysa. I want you, Aurora—everything. If… if you'll have me."

Alysa's breath caught in her throat. She stood, tugging Cassius up with her. "If I'll have you?" she repeated, a watery laugh escaping her. "Cassius, I've wanted you for so long I can barely remember a time when I didn't love you."

Alysa surged forward, capturing his lips in a searing kiss. Cassius responded immediately, his arms wrapping around her waist and pulling her flush against him.

The kiss deepened, months—years—of pent-up longing pouring out between them. Alysa's hands roamed Cassius's broad shoulders, marveling at the solid strength of him. His lips trailed from her mouth to her jaw, then down the column of her throat, eliciting a soft moan from her.

"Cassius," she gasped, her head falling back to give him better access. "I love you. I love you so much."

He growled against her skin, the sound sending a jolt of heat straight to her core. "Say it again," he demanded, his voice rough with desire.

"I love you," Alysa repeated, her fingers tangling in his hair. "I love you, I love you, I—oh!"

Her words cut off in a gasp as Cassius lifted her, setting her on the kitchen counter. He stepped between her legs, his hands running up her thighs as he captured her lips again.

Alysa lost herself in the sensations, in the taste of Cassius on her tongue and the feel of his hands on her body. This was so different from their previous encounter—there was no hesitation, no holding back. Just pure, unadulterated want.

Cassius’s hands slid under her shirt, his touch sending a jolt of electricity through her. “Let’s take this somewhere else,” he murmured against her lips, his voice thick with need.

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