Page 147 of Rejected and Pregnant By the Alpha King

How he found out about Raine carrying my child is beyond me—but that may be a question I’ll have to look to Daniel to answer. He seems more involved with this puzzle than all of us originally thought.

“He can’t, Raine. That baby is mine,” I tell her.

“Not if you rejected me. Not when you still have those fake letters ‘proving’ that it’s someone else’s.”

My teeth grind together. “You’re being ridiculous.”

“No, I’m just telling you that this is how it’s going to be. You want this baby so badly? You’re going to have to wait until it’s born to lay claim to it. Nyx already wants it and has been helping me through this pregnancy, unlike you.”

“Who the hell is going to decide who gets to keep it? You?”

“I’m sure both of your elder councils can work it out. After all, that’s why you have them, right?”

I rub my hands over my face. This entire thing is ridiculous. I always knew Raine would be stubborn, but I didn’t think she’d actually be delusional in thinking Calloway would have her best interests, or the baby’s, at heart.

She has to know this was all a setup. That he’s simply using her in order to plot a bigger scheme.

“Raine, he doesn’t want our baby to raise it. He’s going to try to use it against me. That’s why he wants it.”

She rolls her eyes. “Well, considering he didn’t even knowyouwere the father until two hours ago, I’d say that’s not exactly accurate.”

Alright, now I’m even more confused.

She continues, “Anyway. You’re going to stay here if you want to try to claim the baby. If not, you need to leave.”

“I want you too, Raine. Not just our baby.”

She falters for a second, her eyes widening at my confession. Just as soon as that happens, her gaze hardens once more. “I wish I could trust that, but I can’t. I’m sure you’ll change yourmind on a whim again. I need to protect myself and my baby. And right now, Nyx is taking care of us.”

“Let me.” I slide off of the bed, reaching my hand out to her. “Come home with me to Pollis. I’ll show you that you’ll be safer there.”

“No, Aiden.”

“Raine, please,” I beg.

I can’t leave here without her. It’ll kill me, especially now that I know Calloway is gunning for our child and her.

“I was stupid to let you go. Please let me make up for that.” I get down on my knees in front of her, pleading.

She stares at me with wide eyes, uncertain.

“Please,” I repeat. “I’ll do anything.”

“Anything?” she murmurs.

“Yes.” I reach for her again. This time, she allows me to take both of her wrists. “Anything, Raine.”

Her eyes watch me carefully for a long moment, both of us simply existing inside of the same room with nothing but our shared breath breaking up the tense silence. She seems to be searching for something in my expression.

I wish she would let me in so I could reassure her that I mean it. I mean all of the words coming out of my mouth. My life has been a mess since I let her go, and I don’t intend to do it a second time.

Letting her leave was the biggest mistake of my life, and I intend to grovel for it for the rest of our lives.

“Prove it,” she finally says to me.

Confused, I ask, “What?”

Raine gently tugs herself out of my grip. “Prove to me that you mean it. And maybe I’ll change my mind.”

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