Abel
The diner's back office was cramped and smelled of old coffee and grease. I sat across from Millicent at a scarred wooden desk, trying to maintain some semblance of control while my wolf clawed at my insides. She looked exhausted, defeated, but there was steel in her spine as she faced me. Alicia stood by the door like a sentinel, while Betty Clyde hovered protectively near Millicent's chair.
I ignored them both, focused entirely on the woman carrying my child. My heir. The mate I'd rejected without knowing the full truth.
"Start from the beginning," I said, keeping my voice level. "I need to understand everything."
Millicent's laugh was hollow. "Of course you do. Still need all the facts filed properly in your mind." She settled back in her chair, one hand resting on her belly, a
