Katie POV
Quinn left after sharing the apple pie she made with . And Stella fell sleep after that.
“Dammit,” I mumble when the doorbell rings. I quickly run to the front door before the second ring wakes up Stella.
After her visit yesterday, I kept thinking about the things she said about Mason. I know he is an alpha’s son – he told himself – but revenge? That does not sound like Mason.
“Oh, hi,” I stare at Mason in surprise. “You’re here ... again.”
“I said I would co visit,” he smiles. “Is this a bad ti?”
“Not at all,” I open the door wider. “But Stella’s asleep.”
“Today I’m here to see you,” he says as I let him inside. “To apologise for leaving in such a hurry yesterday.”
“You don’t owe anything,” I shrug, closing the door. “It’s none of my business.”
“I do,” he turns to , and takes my hand.
A familiar warmth jolts through my hand and up my arm. I look at him in anticipation. Does he feel it too?
“I lost soone close to last week,” his voice is hoarse with sadness. “Soone I loved dearly.”
“Oh, goddess, Mason,” I look into his sad eyes. “I’m so sorry.”
I feel like a worm for being nosy yesterday. He only needed space to grieve.
“Thanks,” he grimaces, as I guide him to the couch. “We haven’t talked in a while, but still. It’s hard to hear.”
“I wish I could do or say sothing to help,” I say sympathetically. “If you need anything, I’m here for you.”
“I appreciate it,” he smiles, and I am at a loss for words. I do not even know if I knew or had sobody who died. I cannot imagine how he feels or what he needs.
Stella’s muffled cries bring back to reality and on my feet.
“Let get her,” Mason says, standing up.
“Oh, no, you don’t ...”
“Please,” he cuts off. “You’re tired, and I want to.”
“Okay,” I give up, he is right. Even with Quinn’s help, I am exhausted.
Mason returns with Stella, holding my baby like it is the most natural thing in the world.
“It’s finally a little warr out,” Mason says. “What do you think about going for a walk?”
“That sounds wonderful,” I smile. It feels like I have been cooped up for decades. “I’ll grab a jacket and Stella’s stroller.”
A little while later, we drive down the road to a park between Stillwood and the Rogue territory where Mason lives.
“Everybody knows babies are work,” Mason says as he secures Stella in her stroller. “But by goddess, nobody told the load that’s involved with travelling.”
“It’s true,” I laugh softly. “Even a quick trip to the shop for milk beca a chore.”
Our conversation is fluent and light as we leisurely stroll through the park, and I am amazed at how natural things are between us.
An older woman passes us, and she leans over to admire Stella in her stroller.
“So beautiful,” she says, and my heart swells with pride.
“She looks just like Daddy,” she winks and walks away.
I stare at her, flabbergasted, while Mason laughs lightly.
“She’s obviously confused,” he teases.
Still speechless, I look at Stella and then at Mason.
“Oh, goddess,” I gasp. “She wasn’t wrong. I don’t know how I haven’t noticed it before.”
“Cut it out,” Mason chuckles.
“No, seriously,” I look at him suspiciously. “Is there sothing you want to tell ?”
“Co on, Katie,” he laughs heartily, and pushes the stroller again. “A newborn can look like anyone if you squint.”
“And you weren’t embarrassed by that?” I ask.
“Not at all,” he flashes his famous, charming smile. “It’s an honour to be associated with you.”
His words are a warm glow erupting from my chest and spreading to my fingertips. Everything feels perfect, even Lily stirs when he is near.
We return ho way too soon for my liking. The fresh air and exercise did the world of good. As well as Stella, because she passed out the mont after I fed her. I place her in the bassinet while Mason offloads the car.
“I’m going to get used to it if you keep this up,” I tell Mason as he carries the stroller inside.
“That’s fine with ,” he grins mischievously. “Because I don’t plan on stopping anyti soon.”
“Good to know,” I say, and I feel a blush creep up my neck.
“I’m drawn to you, Katie.” Mason looks intensely at as he takes my hands. “And to Stella. I’m sure you can tell by now. I know it’s fast, but I can’t help it. It’s like the goddess sent you back to .”
“Back?” I frown.
“Rember the night we t, and I asked if you were Elara?” He asks, scratching his neck.
“Yes,” I frown, crossing my arms. The conversation started so well, but I do not like the way it is going.
“I used to date Elara,” he explains. “But briefly. I fell in love with soone else, and ... okay, that’s besides the point. What I’m trying to say is, I screwed up with Elara.”
“Are you serious?” I glare at him, dumbstruck. “Telling a woman she’s second ...”
“No, no, no,” he cuts off, holding his hands up defensively. “That’s not what I ant. I’m not interested in you because you look like Elara. I like you for who you are, not because you look like her. Goddess, now I’m fucking this up too.”
He groans and rubs his hands over his face while I glare at him, arms crossed.
“Okay, let’s try again,” he exhales deeply.
“I royally screwed up with Elara,” he explains. “And even though I picked Alice over her, I felt bad for what I’ve done. So, when I lost Alice, it felt like karma. Like the goddess was punishing for breaking Elara’s heart. I had it in my mind that I would grow old alone, but then I t you. The goddess gave a second chance and an opportunity not to die alone.”
I stare at him as I register his words. I am not his redemption for Elara. I am a chance for happiness. Besides, I am pregnant with another man’s child. Changes are that I made horrible mistakes, too.
“Would you say sothing, please?” He asks pleadingly.
“Well,” I smile. “I wouldn’t object if you kissed right now.”
“You wouldn’t?” He whispers, reaching forward and brushing my hair back. Little jolts of electricity dance across my skin.
“No,” I mutter.
His face is so close, his full lips inches from mine. I close my eyes, anticipating his kiss. But a pounding on the door interrupts the mont, and my eyes fly open.
“What the hell?” I say, running to the door.
“Where’s Mason?” Asher darts past into the house. “Is he here?”
“Damn,” I frown. “Hello to you, too.”
“I’m serious, Katie,” he says frantically.
“In the living room,” I reply, following him.
“What the fuck, man?” Mason grunts. “You could’ve called.”
“No,” Asher says breathlessly. “They’re here.”
“What?” Mason’s face drains of all colour.
“The Alphas from Constantine,” he replies. “They’re in Stillwood.”
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