Chapter 252
\nMarked By the Pureblood Alpha (Deanna and Luis) novel Chapter 252<\/p>\n
**Chapter 252: Get Under My Skin**<\/p>\n
**Deanna\u2019s POV:**<\/p>\n
Luis\u2019s words exploded in my ears like a landmine, sending shockwaves through my mind. I felt my body freeze mid-struggle, my expression falling slack as if all the energy had been drained from me. He reached out, pinching my cheek playfully, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes.<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on, give me something\u2014any reaction, okay?\u201d he teased, his tone light but insistent.<\/p>\n
I swiftly pulled his hand away, forcing my face into a mask of indifference. \u201cWho you marry or un-marry is your business. Just put me down,\u201d I replied, my voice steady, though my heart raced beneath the surface.<\/p>\n
Even if Luis decided to cancel the alliance, a formidable entity like Mooncrown would undoubtedly line up another match for him. The reality of that fact loomed over me like a shadow, dark and unyielding.<\/p>\n
His deep, penetrating eyes remained fixed on me, unwavering. \u201cAbout that wedding you mentioned last time\u2026 I want to explain,\u201d he said, his voice dropping slightly as if sharing a secret.<\/p>\n
The mention of the wedding sent a jolt through me, memories crashing back like waves.<\/p>\n
His earlier hesitation had felt like a form of self-humiliation, and I recoiled instinctively. \u201cIf you\u2019re going to keep talking about that, I swear I\u2019ll get out of the car right now,\u201d I warned, my pulse quickening.<\/p>\n
Finally, he relented, backing off with a resigned sigh. \u201cAlright, fine. You\u2019re pregnant\u2014priority granted. I won\u2019t bring it up again.\u201d He unclenched his fists, as if admitting defeat on a battlefield.<\/p>\n
As we pulled up outside the grand Mistbane Mansion, I felt a mix of relief and anxiety.<\/p>\n
I opened the door, ready to escape, but he mirrored my action, stepping out to follow me.<\/p>\n
My eyes darted around the yard, anxious that Kathryn might spot us.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust go, Luis! You\u2019ve already dropped me off. Now leave,\u201d I urged, shoving him gently.<\/p>\n
But he lingered, his demeanor casual, a half-smile playing on his lips. \u201cOur little girl said she wants to see me for a bit longer. You can\u2019t deny her that,\u201d he said, his tone teasing yet sincere.<\/p>\n
\u201cDelusional,\u201d I muttered, stomping my foot in frustration.<\/p>\n
I could barely be considered an embryo in there\u2014this was utterly ridiculous.<\/p>\n
Then, without any warning, Luis dropped to one knee before me, his hands gently cradling my hips. He pressed his ear against my belly, a playful grin on his face.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, baby girl, don\u2019t be too naughty in there, okay?\u201d he said, transforming his playful tone into a mock threat. \u201cIf you misbehave, when you come out, Daddy will be the first to give you a spanking.\u201d<\/p>\n
He stood up, his amber eyes locking onto mine\u2014tender yet strangely intense, as if he could see right through me.<\/p>\n
\u201cDeanna, you don\u2019t have to answer my calls or texts, but just remember this: you\u2019re not alone anymore,\u201d he said, his voice softening, and for a moment, I felt a warmth spread through me.<\/p>\n
His gaze softened so completely that I forgot to look away. For a heartbeat, I melted under his intensity, feeling an unexpected connection.<\/p>\n
He wrapped his arms around my waist, leaning in closer.<\/p>\n
\u201cDeanna, I didn\u2019t want you to have a child alone at first\u2014it would be so hard,\u201d she said, her voice laced with concern.<\/p>\n
I ate the fish slowly, savoring the flavors while listening intently.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut since you\u2019ve made your decision, I\u2019ll support you. Even without Mooncrown\u2019s backing, we\u2019ll raise this baby ourselves,\u201d she continued, her determination evident.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re only two months along; no one notices yet. But by month five or six, it won\u2019t be hideable. I don\u2019t want you exposed to gossip. How about we go to Euron\u2014live with your aunt for a while? Start fresh,\u201d she suggested, her tone gentle yet firm.<\/p>\n
I understood her intentions.<\/p>\n
She wanted to create a new life for the two of us, somewhere quieter and away from prying eyes.<\/p>\n
I knew she meant well.<\/p>\n
She wanted to shield me from pack politics and whispered judgments that would inevitably arise once my belly began to show.<\/p>\n
I lowered my head, murmuring, \u201cWhat about Mistbane\u2019s malls and the business?\u201d<\/p>\n
Kathryn shrugged, her demeanor steady. \u201cAlthough Mistbane\u2019s malls were built with Stormhowl seed money long ago, Philip built it into what it is today. He\u2019s the one who made it thrive. I don\u2019t have much sentimental attachment to it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you agree, we can hand management over to professional asset managers\u2014Euron\u2019s packs often do this,\u201d she added, her voice filled with practicality.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-2334","chapter","type-chapter","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/icuow.top\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter\/2334","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/icuow.top\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/chapter"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/icuow.top\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/chapter"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/icuow.top\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2334"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}