Page 59 of The Alpha Wolf's Pregnant Bride

It’s my cue to continue. “Secondly, I’m here to explain myself to you.”

“There’s nothing to explain. Your mother—”

“My mother knew only as much as I told her. Before what occurred between us,” I interject quickly.

“It changes nothing,” Cassandra says flatly, lifting her head to meet my eyes with a stubborn stare.

“It changes everything…” I admit. “Before you, I was a womanizer.” It pains me to confess this, but I push through and continue. “... I guess I was distracting myself all along. Every time I tried to hurt you, it was only because I was attracted to you.”

Cassandra’s eyes soften now, recognition and realization dropping her shoulders as if she’d just turned pliant.

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because…” I whisper earnestly, reaching across the table and folding her hand in mine. The relief that washes over me deserves a moment of appreciation as I let it sink in that I’m holding the hand of the she-wolf who I can no longer stay away from. The one who brings me peace and soothes my brokenness.

“... I want you to come back with me.”

“Cyrus, I—” She shakes her head and tries wringing her hand away.

It only makes me hold her hand more tightly, unwilling to give up on what I’d set out to do tonight.

“I know that there’s a lot to consider, but there is no doubt in my mind. I want you as my mate. And you do not have to give me an answer yet. Just come home.”

Cassandra stares at me for a long while, the deep, earthly depths of her eyes glowing with wonder as she considers my determined statement. Even her fingers grow vulnerable in my hand.

“Are you—Are you sure that’s what you want?” she asks hesitantly, brows furrowing.

I nod my conviction. “You’ve made me realize how wrong I was in my ways.” I sigh, stroking the pad of my thumb across her knuckles. “For the longest time, I was convinced I didn’t need a mate, a Luna for the pack. When my father died…” I gulp at the mention of my father, the recollection leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

“You don’t have to speak about him…” Cassandra assures me, but I shake my head softly.

“I must,” I relent, straightening my spine. “When he died, I felt lonely. I felt the absence of having no siblings. That void left me determined never to find a mate if it meant that I’d be convicting a child to the same loneliness I felt growing up. I realize how wrong I was because the truth is, I need a Luna by my side.”

“Wh—why me?” she asks softly, and I squeeze her hand in gentle reassurance.

“It’s always been you, Cassie,” I confess. “Every time I uttered bitter words at you, it was only because I was denying the inevitable. If there’s anyone who should be my mate, it’s you.”

Another moment of silence stretches, and I see the memories of my past behavior flashing before Cassandra’s eyes. She doesn’t say anything, but she doesn’t need to. I feel her fingers tensing in my hand.

So I fold my other hand over hers, guilt brimming to the surface.

“I’m sorry for everything I’ve done. Will you find it in your heart to forgive me?”

“I forgive you, Cyrus,” she relents immediately. “But I’m not sure if I can trust you…”

I open my mouth to dispel her concerns when the waiter comes back with our meals. We end up eating in silence that hangs densely in the air around us. A few stolen glances at Cassandra, and I can see that she’s deep in thought. Processing everything I’ve said tonight, she eats her meal with little eagerness.

As the Alpha, I could demand that she come back with me. I could demand that she accept my offer to be my mate. It’s my birthright to command whatever decisions I make.

Coming out here tonight, I thought I would do just that. I thought I’d voice my commands, and naturally, she’d just follow my orders.

But seeing her again made me realize that I couldn’t force her into anything. My heart squeezes in my chest, bursting with a sense of remorse for everything I’ve put her through. I had never felt undeserving of anything in my life, except now, while Cassandra silently laments her choices.

I wouldn’t blame her for choosing never to come back. I’d walk away, following my previous decision to never have a mate.

If I can’t have her, I won’t have anyone else. She needs to know that.

Picking up a napkin, I’m about to pat the corners of my mouth before embarking on a confession to Cassandra when a mind link pushes through my mind.

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