Pregnant By My Alpha Stepfather

Chapter 3

Cinder

As I dance with Pike, I wonder what made my mom marry him. I mean, they were only married for a year, but I never saw the love. Sometimes, I wondered if their relationship was all a lie - Pike is rich and paid all of my mom’s hospital bills. But somehow, I think Pike is smarter than that. He wouldn’t let himself be fooled, and my mom seemed very attracted to him.

I’m confused.

“Say,” I look Pike in the eyes as I speak. “Don’t you think it’s a bit too early trying to find a new Luna? Not judging. I’m just curious - didn’t your wife just pass away only three months ago?”

This is a very personal question. I realize that, but if Pike is my fated mate, then he should answer it honestly...right? I guess this is a test of sorts - to see how he handles ugly, uncomfortable questions.

I narrow my eyes, focusing in on his pretty face. It annoys me that he is attractive since it would be easier to ignore the mate bond. It isn’t entirely impossible to ignore the tingling in my body, though, considering the Alpha currently dancing with me is a jerk.

“I...” He opens his mouth, then closes it with his lips turning into a thin stretch. I realize he must be thinking about how to word himself.

I smile. “Come on, I’m your mate - don’t you think the best way for us to bond is for you to be honest?”

He arches a single eyebrow. “Right off the bat?”

I almost laugh at the face he is giving me. Almost.

“Yes,” I tell him. “That’s exactly what I expect.”

“Alrighty then,” he sighs. “Before my wife died, we...we made a deal.”

This piques my interest. “A deal?”

A sad smile I never expected to see on his face spreads over his lips. “She needed money to treat her Wolfiaros, and I needed a Luna. It was as simple as that.”

I don’t question him. It’s well-known that an Alpha is stronger if he has a Luna. I’m assuming that’s what Pike needed my mom for - strength. But I’m still shocked hearing his reason for being with my mom. He almost makes it sound as if he isn’t cold-hearted.

As we keep dancing, Pike continues his explanation. “I didn’t love my wife in a romantic way. We were good friends, and we had an understanding - she wanted to live longer, and I needed a Luna to grow stronger. It was a relationship beneficial to us both.”

I give him a faint smile, trying to take it all in. It’s a lot to process, but at least he is being honest with me. “And now that she is gone, you need a new Luna for your pack?”

He nods slowly, his eyes never leaving mine. “Yes, I do. Without a Luna, I’m not strong enough to protect the pack against all the other packs wanting our territory.”

My lips part in surprise, but not a sound comes out. Pike has never shown me this side of him before. I suppose that’s because he has no clue that I’m his Omega stepdaughter, whom he despises.

“I see,” I say as we move to a new slow song. “And this? The mate bond and dancing with me - are you just doing that because you wish to grow stronger?”

His eyes widen with both recognition and something looking an awful lot like curiosity. I’m shocked by it, especially when his lips curve in an amused smile, and he actually breathes a laugh like an actual normal person.

“You’re very brave,” he says. “A lot of people wouldn’t dare to speak that way to an Alpha. What pack are you from, Ella?”

All the blood drains from my face, and my wolf cackles inside of my head. ‘This ought to be good...’

“Oh, umm...” I swallow thickly. “The—” My eyes dart to the mooncakes, and I smile. “The Mooncake pack.”

Pike blinks at me repeatedly. “The Mooncake pack?”

Damn it. He must know that I made that up. It’s the most ridiculous pack name - what was I thinking? Still, I ought to play it cool. Maybe Pike will be fooled?

“Uh-huh,” I beam up at him while secretly sweating like heck in my dress. “Haven’t you heard of it before?”

A look of amusement crosses his face, but he contains the laughter shining in his eyes and asks, “No. I haven’t. Is it a very large pack?”

I shake my head, trying to hide my blush and the fact that I’m lying through my teeth. “No, it’s a small one. But we have the best mooncakes in the land.”

He chuckles softly. “Is that so?”

I nod, relieved that he seems to be buying it. “Yes, our pack is very skilled in making mooncakes. We have a festival every year where we showcase our skills.”

Pike nods slowly, his eyes still dancing with amusement. “Well, I’m sure they are delicious. Perhaps I’ll have to try one someday.”

I mentally facepalm. Of all the lies I could’ve made up, why did I choose something as ridiculous as the Mooncake pack?

But I decide to play along and keep up the facade, at least for now. “I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.”

We continue to dance, and I can’t help but wonder what kind of deal Pike will try to make with me. He needs a Luna, and now he knows that I’m his mate - I have a feeling he is going to try and make a deal with me.

But for now, I’ll just enjoy the moment and try not to think about it. As we sway to the music, Pike’s hand on my lower back sends shivers down my spine. Despite his cold exterior, there’s something about him that draws me in. Maybe it’s the way his eyes soften when he looks at me or the way his hand feels against my skin. Whatever it is, I can’t deny the pull between us.

As the song ends, Pike leans in close to me. “Would you like to take a walk with me, Ella?”

I hesitate for a moment, wondering if it’s a good idea to be alone with him since the clock is approaching midnight - I will turn back into my normal self once that happens. But then I look at Pike, see his beautiful eyes, and I can’t help but say. “Sure,” and take his outstretched hand.

“Cool,” he says. “Let me show you my private kitchen.”

I smile even though I’ve seen his kitchen before - I live here, and I know that Pike is very interested in cooking - he is talented too. But since he doesn’t know that I’m Cinder, I just play the part of young, dumb, and naive.

Pike leads me down the corridor into his large kitchen. There are no guests here. They are all dancing in the main hall and are prohibited from entering the house part of the mansion.

Pike pulls out a chair for me and gestures for me to sit. He then moves around the kitchen, grabbing ingredients and utensils from various drawers and cabinets.

“What are you making?” I ask, watching him move around the kitchen with ease.

“Just a little something I came up with,” he says, a mischievous glint in his eye. “A special dish for a special occasion.”

I watch as he mixes various ingredients together, his movements quick and precise. There’s a certain grace to the way he moves, a fluidity that’s almost mesmerizing.

“So, Ella,” he says as he works. “Tell me more about this mooncake festival.”

I flush, realizing that I’m going to have to keep up the lie for a while longer. “Well, it’s just a small celebration we have every year. We make different kinds of mooncakes, and people come from all over to try them.”

“That sounds lovely,” he says, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. “I’d like to try one someday.”

I smile back at him. “I’ll make sure to bring you some next time I visit.”

“Next time?” he smirks. “Does that mean you wish to see me again, Ella?”

I feel a blush rising up my cheeks as I realize how that could have been taken. “I just meant, you know, if I ever visit again...”

Pike chuckles, his fingers moving deftly as he continues to cook. “Relax, Ella. I’m just teasing you.”

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding and try to compose myself. It’s not easy when I’m sitting here with my stepfather, who also happens to be my mate. And not just any mate - an Alpha who is ridiculously attractive.

“Do you have any plans for the future?” he asks, his eyes flicking up to meet mine for a moment before returning to his cooking.

“Um, not really,” I say, feeling awkward and out of place. “I’m still trying to figure things out, you know?”

He nods, his focus still on the dish he’s preparing. “I understand. It’s not easy figuring out what you want to do with your life.”

There’s a comfortable silence between us as he continues to cook, and I watch, feeling more and more out of place. But then Pike turns to me, his eyes meeting mine with a serious expression. It makes me feel naked, and even though it’s ridiculous, I worry that he can see through the magic. That he can tell who I am.

“Are you ready to taste the most delicious dish that you’ve ever had in your entire life?” he asks, reaching for a spoon.

“Never been more ready in my entire life.”

Pike spoons up something that looks a lot like fish and herbs. I expect him to hand the spoon over, but wait...ugh...is he going to spoonfeed me? I would laugh if any other man had done that, but with Pike, it feels different. Intimate, even.

He brings the spoon to my lips, and I part them slightly, allowing the food to enter my mouth. The flavors are explosive, a mix of sweet and savory that I’ve never tasted before. It’s incredible.

I can’t help but let out a moan of delight as I savor the dish. Pike smirks, clearly pleased with my reaction.

“What do you think?” he asks, his voice low and husky.

“It’s amazing,” I say, still savoring the taste on my tongue. “You’re quite the chef.”

He chuckles, his eyes sparkling with satisfaction. “I have my moments. But I have to say, having you here to taste my food makes it all the more satisfying.”

There’s something in his tone that makes my heart skip a beat. Is it possible that he’s flirting with me? I mean, I know he’s my mate and all, but I never imagined that he would be interested in me like that.

Before I can think too much about it, Pike moves closer, his hand coming to rest on my thigh. My heart races as I feel his touch, my body responding to him in ways I can’t control.

“Ella,” he says, gripping my thigh lightly with his elegant fingers. They are strong, and a whiff of his cologne hits my nose when he leans closer. “There’s something I want to ask you.”

I swallow, suddenly nervous. “W-what is it?”

“Do you want me as much as I want you?” he asks, his eyes intense as he looks at me.