Page 60 of The Alpha's Forced Pregnant Mate

“That’s fine. If she roams, I’ll roam with her.”

Hector took a swig of his beer. “Not the best practice for an Alpha.”

“I’ll figure it out.” I drank too, the liquid cold in my throat. “What I can’t figure out is how to make this hurt less for her. It’s fucking killing me to see her hurting so much about leaving.”

The Silverfang Creek Alpha gave me a side-eye glance. “You can’t. She might make a home in whatever hovel you’ve got your pack in, but this is also her home. She’s going to be split for a long time.”

“First, it’s not a hovel. Second…fuck.”

“You know,” Hector’s tone was casual…way too casual for what he was about to say. “She might feel more secure in all of this if you made things official.”

I tapped my bite mark with my beer bottle. “We’re both marked, my man. It’s official.”

“No…I meanhumanofficial. Marry her. Make her a wife and a mate. Trust me, it makes a difference.” His voice went wistful, no doubt thinking about his wedding to Faye. “And the honeymoon. Whoo boy. Make sure you stretch beforehand.”

I was silent, mulling over his words. A wife and a mate.

I wanted to give Whitney anything and everything I could. If the title would make her happy, then so be it.

Whitney Payne. My wife. If I had been possessive before, that thought ratcheted it up tenfold.

Chapter 23 - Whitney

Faye and I had coffee—decaf for me, what a shame—on her porch while we watched the men load the small trailer attached to my Outback. I’d cried all my tears for the Silverfangs, my people, and my home, and now it was all just acceptance.

I was going to be a Reckless Stalker. That was done. But there were still more mysteries in my life that needed to be dealt with, and it just so happened that the woman next to me could help in a big way.

“Faye,” I started. “I had this vision when I was knocked out before the battle. I spoke to…I guess a goddess? I don’t really know, but it felt like a true vision. She told me I needed to embrace my witch’s blood so I can be a good teacher for my child. Would you…would you train me after the baby is born?”

Faye smiled, and it was soft. “Of course I will, Babe.”

It felt like a weight was lifted from my shoulders. “Maybe Sienna and I can be in class together. I promise not to cheat off her papers.”

Faye laughed, but then she looked thoughtful. “I’ll keep that in mind and make sure to warn her. But Whitney…I think I might not be the best first choice for you. Something tells me there will be another powerful witch much closer to you and Julian that can train you.”

My immediate thought was that blue-haired amateur, Erin, and wrinkled my nose. “I’m not so sure…”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be here if it falls through, but just keep an open mind and heart, okay?” Faye leaned in and kissed my cheek. “I’m really excited to be an auntie.”

I laughed, and we stood up together to hug each other tight. I still had my doubts about this whole training thing, but at least Faye was supportive.

It was time to leave. I wasn’t ready. Clutching Faye tighter, I whispered, “What if I changed my mind? What if I stay?”

She laughed gently, tears in her voice. “You won’t. I’ll see you soon, Whit. Be good.”

“I won’t.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too, Faye.”

***

I lied earlier. I cried for a solid hour, leaving Silverfang Creek territory, which made Julian look like he was going to throw himself out of the car, but eventually, I settled and slept for most of the drive. It helped that Laura was driving down next week to spend some time with me and help me figure out where to put a nursery. It was a little bit of normalcy to look forward to.

I only woke up as we hit the dirt road leading to the cabin campsite, and found that I was actually glad to be back. The rustic little homes and the peace of the forest had their own charm, and I knew I could make it fit me better with each passing day.

But the cabins weren't the only things waiting on us. Naomi and Danny were there, too, leaning on their truck and waiting on us. I quickly looked at Julian, but he was just as shocked as I was.

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