Page 77 of The Alpha's Pretend Mate

Alysa grabbed her phone, her fingers trembling slightly as she dialed her brother. The moment he picked up, she could hear the sleepy bemusement in his voice. “Alysa? What’s going on?”

“We have news,” she announced, a grin spreading across her face as Cassius leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear.

“Yeah? Spill it!” Aleksander’s curiosity was palpable.

“We’re mates now,” Alysa interjected, her heart racing with anticipation.

There was a beat of silence on the line before Aleksander erupted into laughter. “No way! You two finally made it official?”

“Yeah, it’s true,” Cassius said, his voice steady but tinged with humor. “You’re going to have to get used to your new family.”

Aleksander burst into laughter. “Wow, look at you, big guy! You finally claimed my sister, huh?”

Alysa’s laughter mixed with Cassius’s as they shared a knowing glance, their joy palpable. “Yes, he did. Now it’s your turn; when will you get a mate?”

“It’s about time, don’t you think?” Cassius chimed in, nudging Alysa playfully. “Maybe then he’ll stop being a grumpy Alpha all the time.”

Aleksander feigned outrage. “Hey! I’ll have you know I’m not grumpy; I’m just naturally intense.”

“Right,” Cassius replied, his tone teasing. “Intensely in love with yourself.”

The playful banter continued, their light-heartedness enveloping the conversation like a warm blanket. It felt liberating to share this news with Aleksander, a piece of their joy interwoven with his playful jabs.

As the call ended, Alysa felt lighter. The teasing and laughter were moments she would cherish, knowing that they had officially begun this journey together.

They spent their last day at the hotel doing everything they could to soak up each precious moment. They wandered through the charming streets, exploring the local cafes, their fingers entwined as they laughed over shared pastries.

Cassius insisted on treating her to everything, and she felt a flush of warmth every time he glanced at her with that soft, adoring gaze.

In the afternoon, they found a quiet spot in the park, where they lounged under a shady tree, Cassius’s arm draped casually over her shoulders. The world felt like it had faded away, leaving just the two of them in their bubble of happiness.

“Do you think Aurora will love the stories I tell her?” Alysa asked Cassius, who was looking at her with a spark of mischief in his eyes.

Cassius laughed, resting his head against her shoulder. “Of course! She’ll be the most well-read child in the Annex Pack. I can’t wait to see her grow up,” he mused, his voice taking on a softer tone. “To share everything with you both.”

She nodded, feeling a swell of emotions as they talked about their dreams. The connection between them deepened, not just as lovers but as partners ready to navigate the complexities of life together.

When night fell, they returned to their hotel room, the air charged with anticipation. Cassius looked at her, his gaze smoldering, and Alysa felt a rush of heat surge through her.

Tonight would be special, another step deeper into their bond.

“I want to take the lead tonight,” she whispered, her voice low, almost shy. It was a challenge, and the thrill of it sent a shiver down her spine.

Cassius raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “You sure about that?”

“Absolutely.”

“I want to remember every moment,” he murmured, brushing his lips against her forehead.

“Me too,” she replied, her heart racing at the thought of their intimacy.

That night, a naked Alysa sported a wicked grin as she turned to face him, kneeling on the plush carpet.

Cassius lay before her, a mixture of trust and tension in his muscular form. His wrists were bound to the bedframe, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips as if daring her to take control.

This was uncharted territory for Alysa. She’d never been the one in charge before. But something inside her—the thrill of dominance—surged forward, fueled by the knowledge that Cassius had willingly given her the reins.

I can do this.

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