FORTY-FIVE

"I look pregnant." I looked down at my tummy which my figure-hugging dress could not hide.

Despite knowing I was overeating, I continued to eat because the food was just too good. Valens, rather than caution me, encouraged me to eat and eat until I became too full to even have a sip of water.

"You will look good with my pups." His eyes fell to my stomach and a spark of possessiveness lit his eyes but they faded fast. "I am uncertain I can have kids." He looked away from me, pain in his voice.

"Why not?" I took his hand in mine. We sat in his car, still in the restaurant's driveway.

"It is a part of my curse. My lineage ends with me." He shook his head and my heart fell to my stomach but I refused to believe that. I knew it deep in my heart that we would start a family together.

"You told me you'd give me twins. A boy and a girl," I reminded him. It was meant to be reassuring but it failed. It seemed as if I'd reminded him that he could not always carry through with all his promises.

H