Page 10 of The Alpha's Pretend Mate

Images of Cassius flooded her thoughts—his laugh, the way his eyes crinkled when he smiled, the quiet strength he carried even in the hardest moments.

She lay awake for hours, memories playing through her mind like a bittersweet movie.

The first time she saw him, standing in her family's living room. He'd been all awkward limbs and shy smiles then, so different from the confident Alpha he'd become.

Her eighteenth birthday party, when he'd danced with her out of obligation. She'd been floating on cloud nine while he'd looked like he couldn't wait for the song to end.

Cassius at Aleksander's Alpha ceremony, his eyes shining with pride for his best friend. He'd barely spared a glance for Alysa.

How can I do this? Live with him, see him every day, knowing he’ll never feel the same way?

Each memory was a dagger to her heart, reminding her of all the ways she'd fallen short in his eyes.

He doesn't see you,that inner voice taunted.He'll never see you as anything but Aleksander's clumsy little sister.

But maybe… maybe this was her chance to change that. To show Cassius the woman she'd become.

Or to torture yourself by being so close and still so far,the voice countered.

Alysa groaned, burying her face in her pillow. This was insanity. Living with the man she'd been in love with for years, helping to raise his child… it was a recipe for heartbreak.

But what other choice did she have? Her savings were dwindling, and good jobs for wolves were hard to come by. She could swallow her pride and work for the Pack, but the thought made her skin crawl.

At least with Cassius, she'd have a purpose. And maybe, just maybe, she could prove to herself that she was worth something.

You're setting yourself up for failure,the voice warned.

Maybe. But at least I'll have tried.

At least this job offered a chance, even if it meant being close to the one person who had always felt just out of reach.

"I can handle this," she whispered into the darkness, as if saying it aloud would make it true.

Decision made, she reached for her phone and shot a text to her brother.

"I'll do it."

The next few days passed by in a whirlwind of preparation. Alysa threw herself into research, reading every childcare book she could get her hands on. She scoured her closet for clothes that were both practical and flattering—no easy task when dealing with a teething toddler.

As the day of her move approached, Alysa's nerves frayed. She stood in front of her mirror, scrutinizing her reflection.

You can do this.

She told herself firmly. She would do her best to make sure Cassius saw that she was smart, capable, and good with kids.

But doubt crept in, as it always did.

He'll see right through you. He'll realize what a mistake he's made.

Alysa shook her head, banishing the negative thoughts. She couldn't afford to second-guess herself now.

With one last deep breath, she grabbed her bags and headed out the door.

Chapter 3 - Cassius

Cassius paced the length of his study, pausing to adjust a pillow on the couch for the third time. His eyes darted to the antique clock on the mantel. 9:47 AM. Thirteen minutes until Alysa's arrival.

Get a grip. She's here to help with Aurora, not to judge your interior decorating skills.

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