Page 161 of Rejected and Pregnant By the Alpha King

“I am sorry I was pulled away,” he says softly, tracing his finger underneath my chin.

“Aiden?” I ask, my voice cautious.

“He has asked to speak with us. All of us.” He says evenly, his demeanor becoming more serious.

“Are you worried?” I ask, noting the tension in his shoulders.

“No,” he says, reaching out to run his fingers through my hair. “Not where you are concerned, and you should not be worried either. I won’t let him hurt you ever again.”

His assurances make my insides melt, and that only makes this discussion more difficult.

“About…that,” I say, watching his gaze shift. “I’ve been thinking—and might have a way out of this. One where everyone wins.”

I don’t miss the way Nyx’s jaw tenses.

“Aiden Summers does not deserve to win anything, as far as I am concerned.”

I sigh, leaning into his space. My fingers trail over his jaw as I implore him with my gaze.

“And what would you rather do, Nyx? Fight? Send armies and resources, place strain on your attentions and me?”

His hand settles at my hip, his gaze dark and inviting. It is almost as if he is searching for something in the depths of my soul that even I am unable to understand.

“What do you think a war would do tome?” I ask.

Before Nyx can speak, I press a finger to his lips. “I know you and Aiden know how to fight. But perhaps, instead of fighting, we canuniteour kingdoms...”

Nyx stands up straighter. “Unite?”

I nod. “There is no denying this child’s blood. Just as there is no denying that you and I will raise this child with the love he or she deserves.” I stand tall, my heart beating faster now as the words come of their own accord.

“You were thrown into your kingship so long ago, but you, of all people, must know what it is like to be under such scrutiny. Such pressure to become agoodking. A feared one.”

Nyx lets out a deep growl as he grinds his jaw. “I have not forgotten, I assure you.”

I move closer into his space. “Then you can understand that Aiden has far more to lose than just me,” I say.

Nyx grunts out a sound as he advances on me, his dark gaze full of so many unspoken things.

“Aiden is of no importance to me.” He growls.

I purse my lips.

“No, but your people are. I am. Of importance to you.”

Nyx grabs my throat, running his thumb over his mark. His gaze flashes to me.

“You are more than important to me,” he says, his voice dropping an octave. His touch is reverent but not gentle in the least bit.

It is possessive and warm. I can’t fight the pull between us, so I don’t even try.

“I want to propose a treaty. Aiden has already rejected our bond. Therefore, this child is the product of an unsanctioned union.”

Nyx growls, his gaze dark. I place my hand on his chest. I can feel his steady heartbeat beneath my palm.

“Which means that even if he wanted them to, his child could never claim his throne.”

Nyx sighs. “Then what does he have to gain from atreaty? Why align himself with this kingdom? What is in it for him?”

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