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“Well, maybe those dreams will come true,” I say, my voice low and husky, even as I will my dick back under control. “If you do what you’re told and hand over your baby without making a fuss.”
She scowls harder. “If you want that baby to grow up healthy and strong, he or she will need a mother. Deprive the child of that, and you’re setting yourself—and an innocent kid—up for failure with a side of misery and pain.”
“Children are more resilient than you give them credit for,” I say. “They need safety, security, and one person they know loves them to distraction.”
She arches a challenging brow. “And you’re going to be that one person? No offense, but you seem about as capable of love as that ugly vase in the bathroom.”
“My aunt picked out that vase.”
“Your aunt has hideous taste in vases. And nephews.”
My lips curve in a hard smile. “Perhaps. But my terms aren’t up for debate. Sleep on it, little wolf, and in the morning, if you decide you can’t stomach giving your baby to a man who will offer it every creature comfort, every opportunity, and every spark of his devotion, then by all means…be on your way.”
Her eyes shoot emerald daggers into mine. “We both know that if I do that, the baby won’t live to be born.”
I tsk softly, insincerely, and release her hair.
I sift my fingers slowly through the silky strands as I murmur, “Then it seems your decision isn’t all that hard, after all.”
“You’re—”
“Watch it, little wolf,” I cut in, waving a warning finger back and forth in front of her livid face. “I’ve been patient with your insults, thus far. But if you keep at it, you’ll become sufficiently irritating that I might rethink my decision to offer you shelter. Let alone accommodation in my consort quarters with luxurious sheets, a stunning view, and my aunt’s vase.”
The muscle in her jaw forms a tight little knot before it relaxes as she sighs, “Of course, thank you so much. I appreciate your…” She presses her lips together for a beat before she adds with a tight smile, “forthrightness.”
I return the smile. “Forthright. Excellent word. I am most certainly direct, blunt some might say. I find it saves time. And what’s more precious than time?”
She crosses her arms as she says in a cool voice, “I can think of a few things. Human life, for example.”
“But we aren’t humans, little wolf. The sooner you remember that, the sooner you’ll realize just how lucky you are to still be alive, even if you aren’t getting everything your greedy little heart desires. Sleep well.” I turn and move toward the sitting room, striding through the cozy space to the front entrance to the suite without another word.
And without looking back.
Yes, a part of me would like another glimpse of the curvy woman standing by the window, with her pretty mouth hanging open, but I’ve already wasted enough time tonight.
In four weeks, maybe sooner if her courses start before then, Willow Astor will be out of my life for good.
Best if I don’t grow any more interested in her than I am at the moment, which is already far too interested indeed.
Chapter 6
Willow
I’m not pregnant.
I know I’m not. There is absolutely no chance in heaven or hell that I’m going to give birth anytime soon.
I didn’t have sex with Pax.
I haven’t, in fact, had sex with anyone. Ever.
I’m still a virgin. Not because I haven’t had the urge or the opportunity to get naked and horizontal with an interesting man or three, but because virginity until marriage for female pack members was decreed law by my Alpha. And yes, loads of women and girls break that rule, getting around it by being careful with birth control and not getting caught, but my family was already existing on the fringes of Victor’s patience.
He was looking for an excuse to hurt my father and punish my family.
I was terrified he’d insist on a physical exam before my mate claiming ceremony, I’d fail, and then he’d torture my father right in front of me before selling me into sex slavery to the creepy vamps that run the bondage club down by the waterfront.
I’m interested in bondage, but not in fangs and bondage, and I knew I’d never forgive myself if I was the reason my father had to suffer more abuse at Victor’s hands.
