Page 89 of The Alpha's Crimson Vow

He forces a small smile. “Yes. I remember that.”

I take a breath. “I noticed you didn’t say much about it. And it got me wondering.”

His expression tightens slightly. “Wondering what?”

I meet his gaze. “If the feeling is mutual. If it’s something you think about too.”

There’s pause. His eyes hold mine for a long moment, but then, he looks down, like he doesn’t have an answer. Or doesn’t want to answer.

I wait. When the silence stretches too long, I press again. “You’re not going to answer?”

His jaw tics. “What exactly are you asking me?”

I exhale sharply. “I’m simply asking if you want kids. If this thing between us is going anywhere, I think I should know.”

He drops his fork now and takes a deep breath. His voice is measured when he finally speaks. “It’s just not something I think about.”

Something inside me chills. I blink. “You don’t think about children?”

His voice is softer now, like he’s trying to keep things calm. “It’s not that… it’s just…” He exhales. “Katherine, I just got you back. And this moment—being here with you—it’s everything to me. I’m happy just being with you.” His eyes search mine. “You’re all the happiness I need.”

Something about the way he says it rubs me the wrong way. I sit back, crossing my arms. “Alex. I asked a simple question. Do you want children?”

His frustration flares now. “Why are we even talking about this right now?”

“Because it’s important to me. Because I want to know what we’re doing here.”

He shakes his head, exhaling sharply. “How does that have anything to do with us? Katherine, we don’t need children to be happy. I am the happiest when I’m with you. Am I not enough for you?”

I hate that. The way he turns this into something else entirely. I scoff. “Don’t do that. Don’t make this something else. Why is it so hard for you to answer?”

He looks at me, frustration in his eyes, but then he shakes his head. “Please. Let’s not do this right now.” His voice softens. “Let’s not ruin this moment.”

I let out a hollow laugh. It’s so clear now. He doesn’t want children. He never has. And, as always, he’s thinking only about himself.

I stand abruptly, grabbing my purse. “I don’t feel good. I’m going home.”

“Katherine—wait. Please.”

But I don’t stop. I don’t even look back. As I step out into the night, my heart heavy, I know one thing for sure: If Alex doesn’t want children, then we can’t be together. And this baby growing inside me, I will never allow it to feel unwanted, not by me and not by any parent it’ll have.

I’ll raise this child alone. I won’t even bother Alex with the news of it’s existence. If he doesn’t want children, then he doesn’t need to know he has any.

I’ll be everything my baby needs. Even if it breaks me.

Chapter Twenty Two

Alex

She doesn’t look back. She doesn’t even pause.

Her black dress sways behind her as she pushes through the restaurant doors, disappearing into the night.

“Katherine.” My voice is low, desperate, barely louder than the hum of conversations around me. I push up from my seat, but it’s too late. She’s already gone.

I sink back down, exhaling sharply as my hands drag down my face.

She doesn’t know.

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