Page 28 of Princess Redeemed

“Everything else looks great.The heartbeat is strong.”

“Then the baby’s healthy, right?”I ask.

“Yes.Just large.Are you sure?—”

“Of course I’m sure.I know when I’ve had sex, for God’s sake.”

“I didn’t mean to upset you, but I need to cover all my bases.”

“Yeah, I know.”But I’m still pissed off.

“Baby is doing well.Other than the advanced size, I see no issues.”

I huff.“Then why was I having pain?”

“Your uterus is stretching, Ms.Bates.Some discomfort is normal.”She removes the probe.“We’re going to have to keep an eye on you to monitor the baby’s growth.”

“Fine.”

She taps on her computer and then hands me a printout, smiling.“Something to put on your refrigerator.”

Tears well in the bottom of my eyes.

Get a grip, Hannah.

But no grip comes.This is my child.I can actually see the little peanut, and emotion rolls through me, nearly overwhelming me.

It’s hormones.Nothing but hormones.

The technician removes her gloves and tosses them in the wastebasket.“You can go ahead and get dressed, but I want to see you back in a week.In the meantime, I’ll check with your doctor to see what tests we should run.”

I nod.Once she’s gone, I wipe the goo from between my legs and quickly get dressed.

Rogan, where are you?

My father’s pheromone shot isn’t working nearly as well this time.Or…there is a war going.

Rogan could be…

No!I can’t go there.I can’t even think about going there.He may not be my mate, but he’s still the father of my child.

And I still love him, even though I wish I didn’t.

Whatever my father did to us became real for me.

I’ll never forgive him for manipulating Rogan and me.

He will pay.

When I leave the examination room, he’s gone.

Smart move.

16

I leave the hospital quietly,my belly still aching.

Hunger consumes me—that raw and painful hunger that only Rogan’s blood will satisfy.