Secrets and Rage

Skylar's POV

Last night, as Cain's text pierced through the quietude of my new life, panic rippled through me. The dread that he had uncovered my escape from Nampa clawed at my insides. How did he know? Had my aunt told someone, or did he return earlier than planned? The weight of the questions hit me like a ton of bricks. I checked the date, and a grim realization settled in—yesterday marked one month since he left. Deep breaths were my only refuge; even if he knew I left, it didn't necessarily mean he knew where I was.

Flashback

Yesterday, seeking solace, I wandered to a nearby park. The tranquility of the surroundings enveloped me as I sat on a bench, absorbing the peaceful scene. The park exuded a quiet charm, with scattered benches, swings swaying in the breeze, a monkey bar, slides, and vendors peddling childhood delights.

Amidst the serene backdrop, a piercing scream shattered the calm. My eyes darted around, discovering a little girl sprawled beneath the monkey bars, her mother rushing to her aid. The scene unfolded with the mother inspecting a cut on the girl's knee, cooing and comforting her on a nearby bench. As she applied a plaster, the little girl joyfully sprinted towards the swings.

At that moment, my mind drifted to my unborn child—my little jellybean. A surge of questions flooded my thoughts. Could I care for my baby like that? Could I protect them and ensure their happiness?

End Of Flashback

Cain's P.O.V

One month later (Skylar is two months pregnant.)

Frustration erupted as my fist collided with the office table. No, frustration was an understatement; I was engulfed in seething rage. A month had passed, and Skylar remained elusive. A knock on the door interrupted my turmoil.

"Enter," I barked, and my beta, Jace, entered with an exuberant grin.

"Welcome back. How was your trip?" I inquired, my curiosity tinged with impatience.

He shrugged nonchalantly. "So, why the infectious happiness? Is Cathrina pregnant?" I probed.

"No," he replied, "I found her!" he shouted, the revelation reverberating through the room.

"Found who?" I demanded, utterly confused.

"Skylar!" he declared, the words punctuated with fervor. "Cain, I found Skylar!"

I arched an eyebrow, gesturing for him to continue. Jace spilled the details of his encounter in Chicago, spotting Skylar in a park. Doubt crept in, prompting me to ask why he initially questioned if it was her.

"Well," he began, avoiding eye contact and rubbing the back of his neck, "her scent—it changed."

"Changed? How?" I demanded.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say it changed because she's pregnant."

Pregnant? The growl that escaped me was primal, uncontrollable. I stood abruptly.

"Come on," I commanded.

"Where are we going?" Jace asked.

"To get my mate."