Page 54 of Match My Fall
“Dammit,Thorne,”Cassandraspat in an exasperated tone. “I’vehad enough with your prejudices.Youstep into our lives after all these years and suddenly want to be a father toPaige.Ilet you, asIthought it was good for her, but if you’re going to act like this, that’s going to change.BecauseIdon’t want her to be around someone who’s going to poison her mind against others.”
“Likeshifters,” he muttered in distaste.
“I’mwithValennow,” she added.
“AndIdon’t like the way you talk to her,”Ideclared, my heart pounding against my ribs. “So, if you want to be around her and our child, you better treat her with respect.”
“Ourchild?”Thorne’seyes burned with fury. “Howdare you callmydaughteryourchild?”
Ohshit,Irealized my mistake in whatIblurted out.Hedidn’t know about the baby.MaybeCassandradidn’t want him to know.
“No,Thorne.I’mpregnant,”Cassandraadmitted with sagging shoulders.
Hestared at her in disbelief before he blinked slowly. “Yougot knocked up by an animal?”
“Easy,”Iwarned through gritted teeth.
“Ican’t believe this,” he muttered.Thenhe cast a disdainful glance at us both before he turned and stalked back to his car.
Ididn’t take my attention off him until he climbed in and drove away.Withthe threat gone,Iturned to check onCassandra. “Areyou okay?”Iasked her in a gentle tone.
Shenodded, but her expression remained tense. “I’msorry you had to see that.Hehas a way of bringing out the worst in me.”
“Ican see why.”Ihuffed. “I’msorryIspilled the news before you were ready.Youdid much better than me in keeping it together around that ass.Itwas a challenge not to tear him apart.”
Shereleased a low groan in acknowledgment. “Trustme,Iknow that feeling.”Shepushed her hair off her face. “Ithought you kept your composure well.”Shegrimaced. “He’sinfuriating.”
Itook her shoulders and stared into her eyes. “Cassandra,I’dnever let him hurt you.Iwill do whatever it takes to protect you and our family.”
Shesearched my eyes as if struggling to believe me.WhatcouldIdo to convince her thatImeant it?Theinstinct to keep her safe and care for her grew stronger every day.
Althoughshe still didn’t know it, she was my mate.Icouldn’t keep that from her much longer.I’dhave to tell her soon.
CASSANDRA
AfterIreturned from an appointment during lunch,Istopped byPandora’soffice but saw she had the phone to her ear.Sheraised her index finger, motioning for me to wait as she appeared to be finishing up a call, probably communicating with one of the many supernatural networks around the world.Herblack hair was piled up into a bun on the top of her head except for her bangs.Icouldn’t imagine having those with my curls.Myhair would not cooperate, and curls would spring in all directions from my forehead.
Thescent of cinnamon and sage perfumed the area, andIinhaled to breathe more in.
Sheended the call. “Howwas your appointment?”
“Themidwife confirmed it.”Ipatted my tummy and then sat in the chair across from her. “I’mgoing to have a baby.”
Sheclasped her hands together and smiled. “Oh, that’s wonderful.”Shetipped her head. “Isn’tit?”
Atwinge of excitement unfurled inside.Icouldn’t believe it—a baby was growing inside me. “Yes.”Irubbed the worry line between my brows. “Andterrifying.”Isqueezed my eyes shut, remembering the altercation withThornelast night. “Andunfortunately,Thorneknows.”
Shedrew her brows closer. “Youtold him?”
“Itwasn’t intentional.”Ithen described the incident last night.
Shegroaned. “MaybeIshould have agreed to put a hex on your ex when you first suggested it.”
“Ha, yes.”Igave a rueful laugh. “Somuch is happening so quickly, andIdon’t know how to deal with it.”
“Yes, it’s a lot, but you’ll adjust to everything with time.”Pandoragave me a reassuring nod.
Ihoped so.DealingwithThornehad triggered a new wave of doubts about what was best for the baby and me.Ichewed my bottom lip.
