Page 73 of His Bullied Fated Mate

I paused at her question, and she picked at her nails. “You yelled…and I understand being a little upset because you thought I would leave, but you yelled. And…”

I nodded. “It is. I’m not sugar coating that. Hiding things doesn’t help. I'm trying to get better at my emotions.”

Her fingers wrapped around mine, and I felt that soothing feeling settle over me. I knew she was using her magic. A sweetness filled the air.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize.” I moved onto the bed, pulling her into my arms as I held her. “I can’t blame my anger all on the bond. It doesn’t help, but I’m still a person and should know self-control. I don’t ever want you to be afraid of me.”

“I’m not afraid of you.” She settled her head against my chest. “I’m just scared.”

I kissed the top of her head. “I know.” I didn’t admit I was as well because she needed me to be strong. She needed me to be the Alpha. “Everything is going to be okay.”

That was a promise I planned to keep no matter what.

Chapter 20 - Janella

“Do you want pickles on your sandwich?”

I scrunched my nose up, feeling my stomach churn at the idea. “No. I'd rather not vomit again.”

I could hear Kyla chuckle in the kitchen before she came back into the living room. “Alright, I ordered them. They should be here in twenty minutes.”

She threw herself on the couch across from me and smiled. “I still can’t believe you're pregnant. How do you feel? Do you feel different?”

“Like I can’t hold any food down and am fat.”

She snorted. “You’re not fat. You’re not even showing yet.”

“I’ve gained three pounds already.”

She smiled. “So, things must be good with you and Riley. You guys even redecorated in here. Which I should add, I love how you did it. Nice colors and this new couch. So comfy.”

I thought of how caring he’d been since he found out. I was on bed rest for a week, where Riley tended to me. I could see how tired he was after a long day, but he made me food and rubbed my feet. He always smiled when he saw me, not showing any signs of regret. He'd been the perfect dotting husband.

“We’re doing well. We're getting into a new rhythm, and it's been nice.”

“So, have you guys picked out anything for the nursery yet? Talked about names or anything? Oh, have you picked out a theme? Oh my god, I love themed nurseries.”

I shook my head. “No, it’s still pretty fresh. We’re still digesting the news. I'm only maybe a month ago right now.”

“I get that. God, I need a man in my life. Someone to take care of me when I'm feeling under.”

I chuckled. “Are you sure? They require a lot of attention.”

She laughed. “True, but then you have someone to rub your back when you feel sick and love you when you first wake up in the morning. They see all your flaws and love you anyway.”

I thought of Riley holding my hair as I threw up. He rubbed circles on my back as I heaved. He’d carried me back to bed countless times and apologized when something that smelled made me sick. He'd been attentive and trying to learn what I could eat and what to avoid.

“Yeah, maybe some are worth the trouble.”

I heard the front door open, and Riley stepped into the house. He paused when he spotted us. “Oh, Kyla. I didn’t realize you were here.”

“Hey, Riley. Janella and I were watching a movie. Congratulations on the news. You must be so excited.”

Riley smiled, and I could see the sparkle in his eyes. If there was one thing I could believe, it was how much he looked forward to having a baby.

“Thanks.”