Page 55 of Match My Fall
“Yes, that’s whatIneed more of.Time.”
Asthe afternoon went on,the reality of my situation spiraled out of control.Therewere so many thingsIhad to consider when bringing a new baby into my home.DidIeven remember how to childproof?Likelyadvice had changed a lot over the last decade.Thenthere was the situation withThorneto add to the stress.
Ontop of all that,Ihad my relationship withValento consider.Withthis baby, we’d taken a giant leap from a fun encounter in the mountains to navigating parenthood together.Wouldhe soon tire of being here with me and want to return to his carefree life as a single shifter in his cabin?Wouldhe cheat on me likeThornehad done, breaking my already fragile and scarred-over heart?
Thisnew co-parenting relationship withThornewas already so draining.Andwith his animosity, it was even more difficult.WouldIbe adding another level of stress to my life with another baby daddy to deal with?
Bythe timeIfinished work,Iknew whatIneeded to do—what was best for the baby.Andwhat that meant was calming the environment howeverIcould.IfIwas an anxious wreck,I’dbe sending negative energy to my child.IaskedValento meet me for a walk along the shore.
Hewent to take my hand, butIavoided doing so by pushing my hair back from the sea breeze.
“Iwent to the midwife today,”Ibegan. “Sheconfirmed thatI’mpregnant.”
Hegrinned. “That’sgreat.”
Washe sincere? “Isit, though?Imean, becoming a father is going to alter your lifestyle.Whenyou return to the mountains, we’re going to have to figure out how we’re going to coordinate parenting this child together—assuming you want to be a part of the process.”
Heblinked twice. “OfcourseIdo.”
Itook a deep breath.WhenIexhaled,Isagged. “Valen,Idon’t mean to compare you toThorne, butI’vegone through this before.Heacted so excited when we found outIwas pregnant, but that didn’t stop him from cheating on me—and then abandoning us.Ican’t help but think this might happen again.”Witha shake of my head,Iadded, “AndIcan’t go through that emotional turmoil another time.”
Valenrecoiled, looking hurt but then pushing on a smile. “Iunderstand.Butgive me a chance.I’mnot him.Ican’t imagine leaving my child the way he did.”
Iwanted to believe him, but couldI?Grabbinga lock of hair,Itwisted it around my fingers.Therewas so much to consider. “I’mhaving a child with shifter blood and don’t even know what you look like in your wolf form.Couldyou show me?”
“Sure.”Heglanced around the seashore, which was barren since it was winter. “Isit safe to shift here?”
“Weshould probably go somewhere less exposed.There’sa park with plenty of woodland not far from here.”
Severalminutes later, we’d driven over to a park and walked a snow-covered trail into the woods.Theair was crisp with the scent of pine.Manyother types of trees within had lost their foliage, but we still had enough cover to avoid being seen.
Westepped into a clearing that was bathed in dappled sunlight.
Valensearched around and sniffed. “Ithink we’re alone.”Oncehe removed his shirt, my gaze locked onto his muscular chest.
“You’renot going to get undressed out here, are you?It’scold.”
“Itdoesn’t bother me.”Heremoved his boots and pants.
Igaped as he exposed more skin.Thenhe stood stark naked before me.
“Ready?” he asked.
Ibit my lower lip and nodded.Curiositysparked within me, and my pulse quickened with anticipation.
Energypulsed in the air between us.Asparkling iridescence surroundedValen’sbody as he began to shift.Musclescontorted and bones cracked.Limbselongated and fur sprouted from his skin.Withinanother blink, a massive gray wolf stood before me, staring at me from amber eyes that were so human and familiar.
Icouldn't tear my gaze away;Iwas captivated byValenin this form.AsItook a cautious step forward,Istretched out my hand, which trembled with a strange excitement.Thiswolf wasValen, the manI’dfallen for and the father of my child.Ourchild might also be able to take on this magnificent form.
Myfingers brushed along the fur on the top ofValen’shead.Itwas softer than it looked.Valenturned his head toward me, andItouched his cheek. “Amazing,”Iwhispered in awe.
Helet out a low rumble that sounded like he liked it.Icontinued to stroke his fur, fascinated by this experience.
Andterrified.
WhenValenshifted back a minute or two later,Icould barely speak.
“Areyou okay,Cassandra?” he asked as he dressed. “Youlook pale.”
