Page 45 of Fated Alpha Baby

It shouldn’t be so hard to forgive the woman I’ve always loved. But I still don’t understand why she did what she did, why she left. Or why she was angry enough with me to keep Clarissa a secret from me.

Sighing discontentedly, I close my eyes and let myself bask in the aftermath of our passionate tryst, wondering if it will be enough for us to overlook whatever happened between us. Fate gave us a nudge toward each other for a second time, but there are things that we need to sort through.

***

My eyes spring open by the time the morning sunlight warms the room, a few rays peeking through the blinds, kissing my cheek.

I groan and stretch my arms over my head, and it takes a second for me to realize that Hannah is no longer lying beside me.

My heart sinks.

She must have run off as soon as she woke up, which wasn’t too long ago; I can tell by her warmth still lingering beside me and on her pillow, and the scent of lavender hanging in the air.

I sigh, sitting up and cracking my neck from side to side before wiping a hand over my face. My hair hangs like a mask over my forehead, covering my eyes, and I stare through the dark veil cast by my dark locks.

Of course, she ran away! I think, disgruntled. I was hoping we’d wake up together and finally talk.

But she had to run away, probably too ashamed of what she’d done, and too ashamed of what happened between us. It doesn’t change things, but it should have led her to open up to me.

With a yawn, I climb out of bed and prepare for the start of my day. After washing off all traces of Hannah from my skin, I’m left with the memory of her lips, her body pinned under me, her pleasure at my fingertips.

“Hannah Young…” I murmur and scoff as I pull a sweatshirt over my head, covering my chest that has since healed thanks to the mate bond. Though it has been completed now with consummation, it’s only our souls and bodies that have been united.

Our hearts remain at war with each other, my mind unable to grasp the things she did.

Well, if I can’t get through to her, then the least I can do is try to forge a relationship with my daughter.

I step out into the hallway, and a burst of light flashes from the door to Hannah’s bedroom. She steps out and doesn’t notice me, so I clear my throat to get her attention.

She looks up with wide eyes, like a deer caught in the headlights, her face paling as if she was hoping she wouldn’t see me. I notice the bob in her throat when she gulps before she straightens up and faces me fully.

“Good morning, Conan,” she says in a flat tone, her expression bland.

I take a deep breath before marching down the rest of the hallway, stopping a few feet away to gauge what the mood is right now. I’m not sure if she’s going to open up or put her walls up again.

But when I get closer, and she presses her back rigidly against the wall, I know it’s the latter.

“Good morning, Hannah,” I return with a curt nod, but it’s met with silence. So, I decide to break the ice.

“Would you like some breakfast? I am quite hungry.”

Hannah shakes her head tightly. “Don’t worry about us,” she says. “I’ll prepare breakfast for Clarissa and me.”

She’s about to turn away, her statement made with finality, but I grab her wrist to stop her. I’m instantly hit with the awareness of the mate bond coursing through my veins, igniting my powers in my nerve endings, my inner wolf stirring and wanting out.

Hannah feels it too, and snatches her hand away, glowering at me with accusation. But she doesn’t spit venom at me.

“There is no need for you to take care of us, Conan. We can take care of ourselves.”

“I want to—”

“Don’t. Please,” she pleads, her brows furrowing now with worry. “Please don’t tell her.” Hannah shakes her head. “Please don’t tell her yet. Give her some time to adjust to the valley before you tell her. She’s spent nearly eight years without a father. Don’t just spring this on her.”

I nod slowly in thought, glancing at the door to Clarissa’s bedroom. From here, I can smell her wolf distinctly, and I frown.

“How come I wasn’t able to smell her wolf before?”

Hannah gulps. “I’ve been hiding her wolf from the coven since she was born. It was better that no one asked questions.”