Chapter 22

Bella's POV

"No Dad. I… I just realized I have something I need to do in my room. Can I be excused?" My voice quivered slightly, and I tried to hide the unease that threatened to bubble to the surface.

He gave me a puzzled look but nodded. "Of course, Isabella. We can continue this later."

I barely managed a smile before quickly retreating to my room. Once the door was safely locked behind me, I sank onto the edge of my bed, my thoughts racing.

Alpha Max was someone I had been running from, trying to get away from him. And now it seemed nature wanted us to be together by all means. Hearing that he'll be here made me tremble unconsciously. What would he do if he saw me? How would he react? And the baby?

As I stared out of my window, I remembered that day all too vividly. The way Jessica poisoned me, the way the rogues chased me, the way he trapped me with that contract… I can't bear to face him again. Before I knew it, tears started streaming down my face as I clutched my belly.

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