Page 20 of Forced Wolf Bride

When I was at the store the day before, visiting Saffy, I picked up some amazing steaks. My plan is simple and appeals to Diego’s most basic instincts. Feed him everything he seems to love, make sure he's in a good mood, and then broach the subject of Gina again.

I mentioned her a few days ago, and I could see he was wavering more. I think he’s scared to break the bubble we’re in. I am, too. I don't think my friendship with Gina and her pack can withstand my relationship with Diego, but neither my wolf nor my human self will ever give him up.

My friendship with Gina means everything to me, though. She’s been the closest to a wolf family I've had.

I can't win.

Rising from my seat in the window, I tear my eyes away from the autumnal scene and head toward the kitchen, where I'm thawing the steaks. The kitchen is stunning—a modern cabin design with warm maple cabinets, floating shelves, and a beautiful apron-front sink. The quartz countertops are a mix of white and gray, while stainless steel appliances give it an industrial edge. The huge island sits in the middle of the room, with four burners for cooking as well as additional storage and high stools for informal dining. The large windows offer beautiful views of the surrounding woods. A massive panoramic window on one wall gives me a glimpse of the meadow and the forest beyond.

The scents of steak, onions, garlic, and rosemary fill the air as I prepare dinner. I know itshouldsmell amazing, but something feels off. My stomach rolls slightly, and I put the A/C on, wondering if I'm too hot with the cooking. There's some fresh bread on the side, so I butter some and take a few bites to settle my stomach.

I stir the pan one last time and am about to add the vegetables, but suddenly, the cooking scents become too much and another wave of nausea rises up inside me. Twisting away from the heat, I make a mad dash for the downstairs bathroom, barely making it in time before my stomach empties itself into the toilet and I sink onto the cold tile floor.

With each heave, I moan and gasp for breath, my head swimming with dizziness until there's nothing left inside me. Perplexed, I collapse onto the bathroom floor, wondering what on earth has caused this sudden illness.

With my head resting against the cool tiles, I place my hand on my churning stomach for a moment. Suddenly, a thought slams into me. I haven't had my period since I've been here, and it's been nearly two months now.

Counting back, it hits me like a ton of bricks—my period is at least three weeks late. I've never been late.

I'm pregnant.

I'm pregnant.

The gravity of the situation hits me like a ton of bricks, and sheer terror radiates through my core.

My heart races faster and faster as the ramifications of this decision become clear. Diego's pack is at war with Gina's. Even if Diego lets me contact her, she'll have to disown me now. I don't even know what my life here looks like long-term. Diego and I haven't talked about it. Does he even want me, or is he just using me to maintain the strength he gets from the bond?

I’m certain we have a connection that runs far deeper than the mating bond. I also know I have feelings for him, but I don’t know what he’s thinking or planning.

And if he attacks Silverstar wolves again, and people I know are hurt, how can I stay with him?

Then it occurs to me that Diego could be killed in an attack or challenge, too. I'd lose him, and our baby would grow up without a pack, just like I did. I couldn't stay here, not with Marcus around. I have no doubt he's a threat.

Sorrow chokes my throat as tears rush down my face, each carrying a million unanswered questions that seem to grow more daunting by the second.

I'm splashing cold water onto my face, trying to calm down, when I hear the security system beeping. Someone is approaching the door. Terrified it's Diego and he'll find me like this before I'm ready to talk, I quickly dry my eyes and rush out of the bathroom.

As I cross the lobby, I see Saffy approaching the door, carrying a heavy bag and waving with her phone to her ear. As she stands on the porch, the door unlocks. "Okay, Diego, I'm here now,” she says into her phone.

I realize that Diego has remotely unlocked the door for her. I smile in greeting, but Saffy doesn't miss my disheveled state as her eyes go wide. She's still holding the phone. "Um, yeah, sure. She's fine, I'm with her now. Hey, Quinn."

She's covering for me, and I release a sigh, grateful that she didn't mention to Diego that I look a complete mess. She hangs up and rushes over to me, putting the bag down and touching my shoulder.

"Are you okay, Quinn? You look so pale." She guides me to one of the stools in the kitchen.

"W-what are you doing here?" I ask, trying so hard not to let out the tears that are threatening to fall.

She's still watching me, concerned. "We got these cakes in at the store and some more of those firelighters. I was heading home, so Diego asked me to drop them off here. I was going to suggest we go right ahead and open the cake. You look like you could do with it."

The thought of cake, combined with the cooking smells in the kitchen, turn my stomach again. Before I can say anything, I'm rushing back to the bathroom to be sick.

Saffy's waiting for me outside the bathroom with a fresh towel and a glass of water. "You poor thing. I'll call him back and tell him you're sick."

"No!" I shout in panic as she reaches for her phone.

"Ok, okay." She puts it away. "You're not hurt, are you? Tell me what's wrong."

I take a deep breath, then tell her about the pregnancy and how scared I am. She looks at me in shock before pulling me into a big hug.

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