Page 51 of Fated Alpha Baby

“Good night, Conan.”

There’s shuffling as Clarissa settles underneath the blanket, and Conan sighs before he rises to his feet and walks toward the door. He turns the light off, then steps outside, stopping when he finds me in the hallway.

“Don’t worry, I didn’t tell her anything,” he says, eyes sad.

“I know,” I whisper back, my heart lurching from hearing him tell our daughter that tale.

No one trusts a liar…

It couldn’t be truer for either of us.

And perhaps that’s why we can’t even look each other in the eye now. We’re both wallowing in regret, and my heart aches from the distance between us.

It shouldn’t be like this.

“That’s not why I came here,” I admit as I hang my head, wringing my hands together nervously. “I think it’s time we talked. Like adults. For her sake especially.”

Conan nods, then sighs. “You’re right. Let’s have a drink in the dining room.”

I nod in agreement, then follow Conan down the hallway to the dining room, hope sparking in my chest.

Perhaps we can finally put our differences aside and be the parents Clarissa deserves. Just be amicable for her sake.

Even if deep down, I wish we could have been more.

Chapter 15 - Conan

Though I remain fractured from everything that’s happened, it’s time Hannah and I talked without it turning into a screaming match between us.

Calling Heinrich and Annika over must have been a good decision. I was able to speak to the other alpha, get his perspective, and also realize that he’s always been on my side.

Even when I was being a hard-head and an insufferable member of the Bitterroot Valley Council.

I sigh as I pull out the bourbon from the cabinet and start pouring it into two glasses. I hadn’t realized how much of an asshole I was being throughout the years, all because my heart was broken.

It still is, made worse by Hannah’s deception. But just like Heinrich advised me this morning, I need to give her a chance to explain why she did what she did. Hear why she ran away. Listen to her.

Really listen, without becoming defensive.

It’s the only way we’ll ever get anywhere.

“Here you go,” I say as I pass Hannah the first glass and pick up mine.

She takes it, but I notice the way her fingers tremble around the glass, the way her bottom lip quivers with worry, and something inside me flips.

It’s my inner wolf, picking up on her nervousness and seeking a way to give her comfort. Despite the deception, the lies. Despite everything my mind tries to make sense of, it fails.

And I can’t take it any longer.

I want to reach out and wrap my arms around her and provide her with the comfort she needs to soothe her worries.

“About what happened last night,” she begins nervously without lifting her head. She remains staring into her glass, at the drink she hasn’t touched yet. “I think it’s best if it doesn’t happen again.”

I gulp hard, then take a sip of my drink to douse the flames of the anger that threatens to explode inside me.

I need to remain calm.

Listen.