Page 83 of The Alpha's Pretend Mate

Aurora's excited babbling greeted Alysa as she entered the nursery. The toddler stood in her crib, green eyes sparkling with delight at the sight of her mother. "Mama!" she cried, arms outstretched.

Alysa's heart swelled as she scooped up her daughter. "Good morning, my little moonbeam," she cooed, peppering Aurora's chubby cheeks with kisses. The girl's laughter was music to her ears.

As she changed Aurora's diaper and dressed her for the day, Alysa marveled at how quickly the child was growing. It seemed like only yesterday that Aurora had been a tiny, helpless infant. Now, at eighteen months old, she was a bundle of energy and curiosity.

"Dada?" Aurora asked, her little brow furrowed as she looked around the room.

"Daddy's making breakfast," Alysa explained, smoothing down Aurora's blonde curls. "Should we go find him?"

Aurora nodded enthusiastically, practically bouncing in Alysa's arms as they made their way to the kitchen. The sight that greeted them made Alysa's breath catch in her throat.

Cassius stood at the stove, flipping pancakes with one hand while balancing a stack of reports in the other. His brow was furrowed in concentration, a pencil tucked behind his ear. He looked up as they entered, his face breaking into a wide smile.

"There are my girls," he said, setting down the reports and holding out his arms.

Aurora squealed with delight, practically launching herself from Alysa's arms into her father's embrace. "Dada! Pan-cake!"

Cassius chuckled, lifting Aurora high above his head before settling her on his hip. "That's right, princess. Pancakes for my little wolf."

Alysa's heart melted at the sight of them together. His gruff exterior softened whenever Aurora was around, his love for his daughter evident in every gentle touch and patient word.

As they sat down to breakfast, Aurora babbled happily, her vocabulary growing by leaps and bounds. "Mama eat," she said, pointing to Alysa's plate.

"That's right, Sweetheart," Cassius praised, his chest puffing with pride. "You're getting so smart."

Alysa couldn't help but smile at his reaction. "She certainly is. I think we have a future Alpha on our hands."

Cassius's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Or maybe a diplomat. Did you hear her negotiating for more syrup earlier?"

Their laughter filled the kitchen, a perfect start to what promised to be a busy day. As Alysa watched Cassius clean syrup from Aurora's chin, she felt a wave of contentment wash over her.

This is home.

Cassius took to fatherhood with a dedication that never ceased to amaze her. Despite the demands of his position as Alpha, he always made time for Aurora, cherishing every milestone and new discovery.

As if sensing her gaze, Cassius looked up, his blue eyes meeting hers. The love and contentment she saw there made her breath catch.

How did I get so lucky?

A sharp kick from within her belly drew Alysa's attention. She placed a hand on the swell of her stomach, a mix of excitement and nervousness fluttering in her chest. They hadn't told Aurora about the pregnancy yet, waiting until Alysa was further along. But at five months, it was becoming harder to hide.

Cassius noticed her movement, concern flickering across his face. "Everything okay, Love?"

Alysa nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Just a little restless today. I think… I think it might be time to tell her."

Understanding dawned in Cassius's eyes, followed quickly by a flash of excitement. He whispered something to Aurora, who giggled and toddled as they made their way over to the couch.

"Mama okay?" the little girl asked, placing a small hand on Alysa's knee.

Alysa's heart melted at the concern in her stepdaughter's voice. "I'm fine, Sweetheart. But there's something Daddy and I want to tell you. Something exciting."

Aurora's eyes widened with curiosity. "What, Mama?"

Cassius joined them on the couch, lifting Aurora onto his lap. "Well, princess," he began, his voice gentle, "you know how much Mama and I love you, right?"

Aurora nodded solemnly. "Lots and lots."

"That's right," Alysa continued, taking Aurora's hand and placing it on her rounded belly. "And soon, we're going to have even more love to share. You're going to be a big sister."

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