AlishaThough I had my doubt, I had been convinced by Simon to go for the date. In fact he had all but strong armed me into it, guilting me by asking, “What would Derek think when he waits for you and you don’t show?”He had given me that grave look of disappointment when I tried and failed to explain that Derek might not have really cared if I didn’t go for the date. It was hard to say no to Simon, just like it was hard to say not to Melissa and Derek.So here I was, stood in front of him at the forger of the large mansion called his home, dressed as nicely as I could manage with this big belly of mine. And trying so hard to not give in to the bone deep tiredness i felt.“You look amazing, darling,” he said to me and made heat rush to my face, just like always. I was still very unused to receiving compliments from people, much less him.“It’s nothing,” i managed to mumble before clearing my throat. “You look good too.”As he always did, i reckoned. With his dark shirt and jeans that

Derek:Shit.This was the worst time for Alisha to be near here right now. I turned and could see her floundering, looking caught.“Uh… well-“ she stammered.What do I do?“Alisha, dear,” i heard my mother and saw her walking up behind Alisha.Gerard noticed her as well and I could hear him shift beside me.“Melissa- i mean…” Alisha looked uncomfortable, but relaxed visibly when my mother put an arm on her shoulder.“I’m sorry for stressing you out this morning to come over quickly. I know you have to go to work,” my mother emphasized, giving me a look. And I caught on.“How did the checkup go?” I asked, and Alisha turned to look at me with bewildered eyes. “Well?” I asked her seemingly impatient. “Derek, don’t be rude,” my mother cautioned me, playing along. “She said I was getting better. So don’t be up in arms over it. I’m only grateful she could come over on such short notice to check on me this morning.”It was then I saw Alisha take the hint and she nodded awkwardly.“Right,” s

AlishaI worked absentmindedly, waving goodbye to the last patient to leave my desk. And with a sigh, i began to note down the date of the next appointment on the patient’s folder. Even as I did, I couldn’t stop thinking about him.I had never been on a date before last night. When I had been with Sebastian… i had not even been granted the mercy of being recognized as his mate. So it was a new thing to me to be courted, or rather to go on a date and slowly build a relationship. That had been Simon’s advise to me last night, as he implored me to meet with Derek.I usually didn’t want to raise my expectations but… i couldn’t help thinking about how perfect last night was.Dining in the courtyard, under the stars… and then being able to be embraced by him.Even though I didn’t want to give in to Derek due to our past issues, it was becoming harder and harder to stay aloof.He was winning and I liked that he was.“You’ve had a smile on your face since morning, Alisha,” i looked up as I he

Alisha“No.” I replied without thinking.My refusal immediately brought a wave of upset voices as I expected. Simon and Melissa both gave me disapproving looks and the loudest of the protesters was my own mate.“What are you saying, Alisha?” Derek clasped my hand with his, sounding extremely tense. “You can’t stay here anymore.”“And it’s safer with us,” Melissa argued, although her voice was calmer. I could see the lines between her brows and how tense edge and Simon were.I couldn’t help but feel touched at their concern for me, which was clear as day. However I couldn’t bring myself to accept their offer.Finding out about Gerard and his daughter Lila, who was obsessed apparently with Derek… it was too much to bear and it just made me feel like…“What if that makes things worse?” I asked softly. “I have to put my babies first, no matter what. Right now, all they did was send some maid to spy on me. The Beta may have suspicions but he likely has no evidence. He can’t come to any con

AlishaI opened my eyes to the sound of birds chirping at my window.This time, instead of the anxiousness I felt at staying in Derek’s home like last time, there was nothing but leave and feeling protected from the ills of the outside.I closed my eyes again, relishing in the soft sheets and the sunlight streaming into the room through the window.This was going to be a beautiful day. It was a new start for me, and for Derek. And I felt blessed to have come this far.Fully awake now, I sat up slowly, suddenly aware of an aroma in the air. I sniffed, turning my head only to meet the eyes of Derek who was seated in an armchair.“Good morning,” i softly said.Then I noticed the tray of food beside him. That had to be where the aroma was coming from, i deduced, standing up slowly. The weight of my pregnant belly had changed my center of gravity ever so slightly that getting out of bed was getting difficult.Regardless the food was calling out to me with its aroma, and I was salivating at