He blew out a sigh. An intense feeling of loss slammed into her. Her heart broke. But these weren’t her feelings. She knew how she felt. These were someone else’s feelings. Someone who was sad and bewildered at the same time.
Is this what Talen felt for her? Was she somehow able to feel what he was feeling? If she was, he was not just sad, he was unsure how to proceed with her and wanting to do things to make her happy. Those were the strongest feelings she got at that moment. Great, she was not just pregnant, she was also delusional.
“Look, Talen. I admit I feel more than just attraction for you.” Okay, a lot more, but she’d start with that. She eyed a snack food restaurant across the way. “Let’s get a hot dog and talk where it’s quieter.”
Inside the small eatery, Cassie picked a booth while Talen got the food. He sniffed then scowled on his way to her. “Do you know what this meat smells like?”
Cassie put her hands up and waved them, along with a head shake. “Don’t tell me. I want to enjoy them still.”
“You should be safe. Under the chili, cheese, relish, mustard, and onions, the smell is covered.” His brow went up. “Still, I’ll watch you to make sure nothing harms you from this meal.”
TWENTY-FIVE
She scowled back. “Yeah, yeah. Just give it here. I’m starving.”
They ate in silence, Cassie not knowing what to say. She wanted Talen, but was afraid of all the change that would follow, along with the consequences for a wrong decision. Especially now. Dear god. Now she had a child to think about. If that didn’t send her into an instant panic attack she didn’t know what would. A child that depended on her to make the right choices for him or her. She couldn’t fuck up now.
“Talen, why did you leave the castle that next morning? Why didn’t you stay with me?” Dammit, she shouldn’t ask, but she really wanted to know. That morning she’d felt so much and him leaving had really hurt her. Then the fact he sent someone to remind her it was just sex had stomped any feelings blooming in her heart for him.
He sighed and took a moment before he answered. Was he preparing a lie? Thinking up an excuse to make it seem she wasn’t just a booty call. But that was all she was after, wasn’t it? Fuck, she was so confused.
“I had a situation at home that needed my attention. I planned to come back after you had awakened, but I was badly injured—”
“Injured? Talen, what happened?” Her belly flipped and she now wished she hadn’t eaten. The image of him bleeding and hurt tore at her insides.
“I hoped to not worry you with this. But there are no secrets between mates. My brother Paxten is sabotaging everything I do. I believe, no, I’m damn sure he wants control of the clan, but he won’t do what’s required to earn that position. He’s angry and resentful, and has caused conflict in the clan. Conflict we haven’t had in the time I’ve been in charge.”
“What kind of conflict?”
“The moment I woke beside you that morning, I was the happiest I have ever been in my life. I had you in my arms and we would be together forever. But my brother, who was under guard at the castle, escaped. He’s turned my world to hell since I’ve been leading the clan. I had to find him before he hurts someone like Bella or the babies.”
Cassie sucked in a hard breath. “He wouldn’t dare. Alyx would skin him alive.”
“I couldn’t take that chance. I went home and found the clan office being torn apart by three who followed Paxten. His delusional ideas are popular amongst the younger clan members. When I approached, they attacked me and my second-in-command.”
Pain entered his eyes. She saw the love for his people shining through the sadness. He had a huge heart, strong heart. Maybe he did care for her like he claimed. Maybe this could work. Hope started to grow in her wary heart again.
He looked at the half eaten meal, burying his eyes from her sight. Cassie lifted his chin to meet his eyes. “You had to protect yourself, Talen. Put any ache out of your mind. I see why you had to leave. You made the right choice.”
It made sense now that he left.
“I came back a few days later, after my healing sleep, but you were already gone.“ Cassie put her finger over his lips.
“I understand.” And she did. He hadn’t wanted to leave her. But what about that guy? So at least she knew she hadn’t been just a one-night stand. Was there a future between them? That was another story. “I have put everything together from Gerri introducing us to why you are here now. You don’t have to be here, baby or not. But you are. Even leaving your people in possible danger.” He sighed and nodded.