Annie's POV:
"Alright." I looked down, my voice soft. "I need to think about it."
I hadn't thought about the word "mate" since Louis died.
Five years ago, when Louis's warmth drained from my arms in the mud and rain, my hope of ever loving another man or building another future died with him. My wolf went silent, and I believed that part of my life was over.
Living alone with Jack had been hard, but it was quiet.
I didn't need a man's protection. I didn't need false warmth. And I certainly didn't need a relationship built on lies.
But Jasper's words had lodged themselves in my mind like a thorn I couldn't pull out.
Marry him.
Become his wife.
Let Alexander's child carry his name.
The idea was insane. But it was also the safest way out I could see.
"You don't have to answer me no
