Page 43 of Bred By the Beast

“Your mouth and my private areas.”

He smiled.

“Well, I’m going to have to cut you off.”

Now he frowned, twisting around to face her, looking like a little boy deprived of his favorite toy. “Why? Don’t you like it?”

“I love it, Wilder. But I don’t know how else to get you to talk to me. Really talk to me.”

He exhaled.

“I’m just worried,” he said.

“About the bear?”

“No, about you.”

“Me?” That was the last thing she expected to hear.

He took her hands in his, looking oddly solemn. “Poppy, you’re pregnant.”

“What? I am? How do you know?”

“I just know,” he said. “We can sense these things.”

She was taken aback by the news. Why hadn’t he told her sooner? This was the last thing she thought was on his mind. Why wasn’t he happier? Was this a good or bad thing?

Poppy never expected to become a mother, but the thought wasn’t awful, it was beautiful. She’d love to have a baby with Wilder, her one true love. They could have a simple, perfect life out here in the wilderness. Wasn’t building a family the ultimate goal?

“And you’re not happy about the news?”

“Poppy, nothing could make me happier, but Alder told me he’d be back if I bred a human. I don’t want him coming back to hurt either of you.”

She thought about it. If she was already pregnant, they’d figure things out. There were no other options. She’d protect her baby to her last breath, and she knew Wilder would do the same.

“We’ll deal with anything that happens. I’m not going to live in fear,” she said.

“There’s more.”

“Okay...”

“I don’t know anything about mixed species matings. I’m not a human male, Poppy. I don’t want to put you at risk.”

“A little late now. I wouldn’t be able to get pregnant if we weren’t compatible,” she said. “Isn’t that how nature works? Everything will be fine.”

She put her hand over her lower stomach. This was all unbelievable. The thought of a little life, half Wilder and half her, growing inside of her was a miracle. He’d be an amazing father, she had no doubt about it. Calm, patient, strong, and capable.

“We don’t know that,” he said. “I can’t risk losing you.” He cupped her cheek and kissed her forehead. “You’re all I have.”

“I love you, Wilder. We’ll be a real family. You, me, the baby, and the dogs.” She put her hand over his. “Have a little faith.”

Chapter Sixteen

Have a little faith.

Wilder hadn’t believed in faith for a long time. The weeks ticked on by, and he couldn’t help but admit they were the best moments of his life. Even before his parents passed, he never felt like this. It was consuming.

He woke up every morning, and when he turned to see Poppy, she calmed the beast within him. Wilder always thought he controlled the beast, but the truth was, Poppy did. His bear found a sense of peace with Poppy he’d never experienced before, and it felt incredible. Every second with her was a breath of fresh air.