Page 3 of The Alpha's Pretend Mate

Six months later

Cassius's eyes snapped open, his keen hearing picking up Aurora's soft whimpers before they escalated into full-blown cries. He groaned, rubbing his face as he glanced at the clock. 3:47 AM. Another night of broken sleep.

Fuck. When was the last time I slept more than three hours straight?

He pushed himself out of bed, padding quietly to Aurora's nursery. The moment he entered, her cries softened to sniffles. Her tiny hands reached for him, and despite his exhaustion, Cassius felt a familiar warmth spread through his chest.

"Hey there, little moon," he murmured, scooping her up. "What's got you all worked up, huh?"

As he changed her diaper and warmed a bottle, Cassius's mind raced through the day ahead. Pack disputes to settle, border patrols to organize, and a mountain of paperwork that never seemed to shrink. And the Alliance meeting.

Fuck me running.

Aurora settled against his chest, contentedly suckling her bottle. Cassius breathed in her sweet baby scent, trying to center himself.

How the hell am I supposed to do this? Be an Alpha and a father?

The question haunted him as he put Aurora back to bed and tried to catch another hour of sleep before his day truly began.

The shrill beep of his alarm dragged Cassius from his fitful sleep. He groaned, swiping at his phone to silence it. 6:00 AM. Another day, another battle.

He stumbled to the kitchen, the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee hitting his nostrils. Abigail had already arrived and was bustling around the kitchen.

"Morning, Alpha," she said, sliding a steaming mug across the counter to him. "Rough night?"

Cassius grunted in response, downing half the mug in one gulp. The scalding liquid burned his throat, but he welcomed the pain. It meant he was awake.

"Aurora's still sleeping," Abigail continued, unfazed by his lack of response. "I've laid out your suit for the meeting and prepared a quick breakfast."

He nodded, grateful for her efficiency. "Thanks, Abigail. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Probably drown in diapers and paperwork.

As if on cue, Aurora's cries echoed through the house. Cassius moved to get up, but Abigail waved him off.

"I've got her, Alpha. You focus on getting ready for your meeting."

Cassius hesitated, torn between his duties as a father and as an Alpha. But Abigail was right. He had a Pack to lead and an alliance to maintain. Being an Alpha means making hard choices.

Even when it comes to your own pup.

He finished his breakfast quickly, then dressed in the dark gray suit Abigail had prepared. As he adjusted his tie, he could hear Aurora's giggles mixing with Abigail's soothing voice.

At least someone's having a good morning.

Cassius paused by the nursery on his way out. Aurora was in Abigail's arms, her tiny hands reaching for a colorful toy.

"Da!" she exclaimed, her face lighting up as she saw him.

His heart clenched. "Hey, little moon. Be good for Abigail, okay? Daddy's got to go to work."

He pressed a kiss to her forehead, breathing in her sweet scent one last time before forcing himself to leave.

The garage door opened with a low rumble, revealing Cassius's prized possession, a sleek, obsidian black Audi RS7. It was a refined machine with 591 horsepower under the hood, blending luxury with raw performance.

As he slid into the driver's seat, the leather cool against his skin, Cassius felt some of the tension leave his body. Here, in this space, he was in complete control.

The engine roared to life, a sound that never failed to send a thrill down his spine. He peeled out of the driveway, tires squealing against the pavement.

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