Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 44191 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 221(@200wpm)___ 177(@250wpm)___ 147(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44191 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 221(@200wpm)___ 177(@250wpm)___ 147(@300wpm)
“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.
Then of course, the problem. Alder had gotten into his head. Now as he looked at his woman, and the fact she grew bigger every single day concerned him. That worry was becoming bone-deep, and he couldn’t ignore it.
She was getting bigger and bigger, month by month. Their baby was growing, and she glowed. There were some nights he woke up in a cold sweat, because of the nightmares he had. The fear his child might tear through his woman’s body, killing her, terrified him. He found it hard to focus, and he knew he was upsetting Poppy with his lack of communication. What was he supposed to tell his woman? Pregnancy was an amazing time, a beautiful experience. Not one filled with fear as every second passed.
He didn’t go looking for Alder. Instead, he did something he hadn’t done in a very long time. He went in search of his parents’ belongings, looking for any source of diary, or anything that might help him to think, or figure this shit out.
Nothing was helping. His parents didn’t keep any journals, no notes of passing pregnant females. Many days Poppy was busy with the garden, as she’d taken to wild living so beautifully. Some mornings, he’d come back and find her canning and preserving their fruits and vegetables. They had yet to go into town, but they would need to soon, as they were getting low on staples. He’d make the trip alone as he didn’t want to worry Poppy with the poachers or push her body too hard in her condition.
Wilder stood out on the porch as Poppy’s arms circled his waist. “You know, you’re not fooling anyone,” Poppy said.
He tensed up.
“You’re wanting to go to the store without me because you’re worried I’m going to do too much.”
He turned and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “You’re right. That’s it.”
“Don’t worry. I know we’re going to need some stuff soon. I don’t mind staying here. I’m going to harvest some more pumpkins, and then I’ll grab the last of the cabbages. I’m thinking tonight we could have a hearty soup, what do you think?” she asked, moving away from him to grab her basket.
She was dressed in a flannel shirt and a large pair of sweats he’d gotten for her. She looked so cute with her Wellington boots, and she had a handkerchief on her head, holding her hair back. Poppy looked every part the country girl—ready, prepared, and pregnant.
Poppy reached out and took his hand. “You do know it’s going to be all right,” she said.
This was his curse. It had to be. He’d never cared about humans, and in fact, didn’t even feel guilty about killing them, yet he was looking at his woman, his reason for getting up in the morning, and breathing. She could die, and it might be all his fault.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.