Page 21 of Forced Wolf Bride

"It's all going to be alright, Quinn," she says soothingly. "This is Diego we're talking about. He's the alpha; he protects the people he cares about. It's literally in his DNA. He loves you—it's obvious." She pauses before adding, "Don't worry, this might actually make things better. Babies have a way of bringing people together. Perhaps you'll be able to speak to your friend Gina."

My tears start falling as she puts her arms around me. I'm so grateful for the kindness despite the fact I must be gross after being sick. I haven't known Saffy long, but she's such a kind, sweet soul. I know she's a true friend.

She pulls back from the hug and looks at me sympathetically. "Let's try to get some food in you, or at least some water." She pours me another glass, "Do you have any crackers or something plain?"

I stand and get some biscuits out of the cupboard for us. Saffy takes over stirring the pans while I sit and nibble on one.

"Let's see if you keep those down before we attempt that cake." Saffy laughs light-heartedly.

I nod gratefully, feeling a little better with Saffy's kind words and support. As we sit in the kitchen, my mind races with thoughts of the future. What will happen once Diego finds out about the pregnancy? Will he be happy, or will he be upset and angry? I can't bear the thought of losing him, but this pregnancy feels like the end of my friendship with Gina and her pack.

Saffy notices the worried look on my face and places a reassuring hand on my arm. "Don't worry, Quinn. Everything will work out in the end. You'll see."

I nod, but I'm not sure I believe it. The situation is too complicated, and there are too many unknowns. I can only hope that Diego will understand and that this development may change things somehow, but I can't help fearing the worst.

Suddenly, we hear the sound of the security system disabling and the door unlocking. I freeze. It's Diego. He's home.

Saffy jumps and grabs her bag, stopping to check the stove one more time while I take a deep breath, preparing myself for the conversation that needs to happen.

As Diego walks into the kitchen, Saffy gives me one last hug and then heads out after briefly greeting Diego. As soon as he enters the room, his eyes find mine, and he immediately seems to pick up on my nervousness.

Damn mating bond.

"Is everything okay, Quinn?" he asks, stepping toward me.

I hear the front door shut, and I nod, opening my mouth to say something, but he interrupts. "Are those the steaks? It smells amazing in here. You look a bit pale, though. You okay?"

It's on the tip of my tongue to tell him, but I plaster on a smile and say, "Of course. I'm just hungry."

He laughs. "I'd better dish this up, then. You sit down—you did all the hard work."

I smile as I take a seat, feeling a bit bad for taking credit as Saffy ended up cooking most of this meal.

I will tell him. When I find the right words.

Chapter 11 - Diego

Walking into the cabin and seeing Quinn looking settled with Saffy, coupled with the warm, inviting smell of home cooking, sends a wave of emotions racing through me. I hadn't even realized how cold and lonely my world had become before Quinn came into my life.

I've been feeling more and more like a jerk, keeping her locked in the house while I'm out seeing to the pack. After coming back to find her like this, I feel even worse. I know we can't go on pretending this situation is normal. I can't be her lover and her kidnapper.

I have to choose. I guesswehave to choose.

I know I'm never letting her go, though. As soon as I walk into the room, my eyes find hers, and my wolf practically clammers to be near her. I hear Saffy's greeting, but my response is distracted as I notice Quinn looks a bit pale.

"Is everything okay, Quinn?" I ask, stepping closer to her and feeling irrationally concerned.

My eyes turn to the feast she's been making, my mouth watering in anticipation. I'm suddenly grateful I asked Saffy to drop off the cake she'd talked me into buying. Really, I'm just glad that Quinn and Saffy seem to be friends. I know Saffy's jumpy around me—hell, she's jumpy around everyone. But she and Zack are the closest thing to family I have left, and it makes me happy to see her with Quinn.

Quinn smiles and insists she's okay, but I can see the weariness in her eyes. I offer to serve up the amazing dinner, hoping that a good meal will help her feel better. She agrees with a grateful smile, and I quickly dish up the food, keen to get her to eat something and hoping it makes her feel better.

The food tastes just as wonderful as expected, and bit by bit, I start to see some color come back into Quinn's cheeks. But she doesn't eat much, and something still seems off—I can feel it in the air between us. There's something unsaid between us, despite me trying to fill the silence. We normally don’t struggle to talk, so I'm at a bit of a loss.

I wonder if it's because she wants to talk to her friend Gina. I know she's really missing Gina and wants her to know she's safe. I also suspect she's scared to tell her friend about us being mates. I know I should let Quinn contact her friend if I'm serious about making this work.

Deep down, I'm scared she'll run the first chance she gets.

My mind races with possibilities as I consider the best way to handle the messy situation we're in, but before I can say anything, my phone rings. I try to ignore it, but it starts ringing again as soon as the first attempt stops. I quickly look at the screen and see it's Zack, so I apologize to Quinn and pick up.

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