Shattered by the Alpha Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 80

Chapter65

“That’s quite a combination, Jovi – sports star, horse whisperer, and wannabe cowgirl!” I chuckled, wiping happy tears from my eyes.

Deckard chuckled, shaking his head. “That’s my Jovi – always on the go, always pushing boundaries.”

Jovi beamed, pleased with herself. “Hey, someone’s gotta keep things interesting around here!”

“Alright, that’s enough for now, Dad needs to talk to Karry,” Deckard said, attempting to gently intercept Jovi’s verbal marathon,

She rolled her eyes good–naturedly, a mischievous smirk spreading across her face. She leaned in, whispering something in Deckard’s ear. For a fleeting instant, his expression transformed from patient father to flustered adult. A hint of surprise and embarrassment

danced across his features.

“Jovi, get out of here!” he playfully exclaimed, chuckling.

Jovi giggled, unfazed. “Bye, Karry! Talk to you soon!” She blew a kiss and disappeared from view, leaving Deckard and me alone on the call.

He shook his head, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “Sorry about that. She’s a handful sometimes.”

I laughed. “I think that’s what makes her so lovable.” Locking eyes with him I queried playfully “What did she say?”

He smiled, shaking his head. “Nothing, just Jovi being Jovi.”

His expression then softened, his gaze turning serious. “Karry, how are you really doing? Jovi’s antics aside, I want to know.”

His expression shifted, concern etching onto his features. “But seriously, Karry, why did you look like you were about to cry earlier?” He leaned in, his face inches from the screen, as if bridging the distance between us.

His eyes never left mine, waiting for an honest answer. The silence between us grew, beavy with unspoken emotions,

“Yes, no, I mean I’m fine,” I stammered, attempting to brush off his concern.

“You’re just being a worrywart,” I added, forcing a playful scoff, hoping to lighten the mood.

But his expression remained unyielding, his eyes piercing with a deep–seated concern. He didn’t laugh or smile, his gaze holding mine with an unnerving intensity.

“Karry,” he said softly, his voice low and gentle, “I know you. Don’t do that. His tone was firm but tender, a delicate balance that made my defenses waver.

The silence between us grew thicker, beavy with unspoken emotions and the weight of his scrutiny. I felt my resolve crumbling, the facade of “fine” threatening to crumble.

His words wrapped around me like a gentle embrace, his voice a soothing balm to my fragile emotions. His eyes, warm and understanding, held mine, conveying a deep sincerity.

“I don’t want to push you, but you should know that if you need someone to talk to without them being advising or judgmental or being intrusive, I am here.” His tone was a gentle coaxing, a reassuring promise of safety and acceptance.

The lines on his face softened, his expression a testament to his genuine concern. The warmth of his gaze created a sense of shelter, a refuge from the complexions brewing inside me. As I met his gaze, the tension in my shoulders began to case, my defenses slowly laying down under the assurances of his compassion.

The words tumbled out of my mouth like a confession, unplanned and unstoppable. “I am pregnant.” The declaration heavy with vulnerability

An oppressive silence descended upon us, a notable divide between his anticipation and the reality I’d just revealed. His gaze, once warm and inviting, turned inscrutable, a mask of neutrality. Then, like the gentle lapping of waves, concern etched onto his features. His eyes softened, filled with empathy, as he searched mine for confirmation. I didn’t realise panic was taking over me until I realize I wasn’t breathing

Chapter 65

GoodShort

“Breathe, Karissa, deep breaths.”

His calm voice pierced through my escalating panic. The gentle urgency in his tone stirred me, guiding me back from the precipice.

I felt my chest constricting, my breathing shallow and rapid. His instruction was a balm to my frazzled nerves. I focused on his voice, letting his calmness seep into me.

“Count with me,” he coaxed. “One… two… three…” His counting was steady, reassuring,

I joined in, synchronizing my breaths with his count. Four… five… six… As the numbers rose, my tension began to ebb.

Seven… eight… nine… ten.

With the final count, my lungs expanded, and air filled my chest. My heart rate slowed, the panic receding like a retreating tide.

In that moment, the distance between us dissolved. I felt as if I was holding his hand, his presence wrapping around me like a sheltering cloak. My gaze locked onto his, and I saw understanding, compassion, and unwavering support etched on his face.

“I don’t know what to do now,” I exasperated, a desperate admission of uncertainty. His sigh mirrored mine, a harmonized expression of shared concern. His eyes, filled with empathy, held mine, as if searching for a solution to the puzzle I’d just presented.

His gaze intensified, the lines on his face deepening with thought. His brow furrowed, and his lips pressed together, forming at determined line. His eyes never lett mine, a silent promise of support and guidance, as we waded through the uncertainty together.

“Just follow your heart, okay? His gentle tone infused confidence, urging me to trust my inner voice.

“And know that you have many people who care for you,” he continued, “whatever you decide, we’ll all understand and respect it.” The emphasis on “we” encompassed a network of support, a safety net of loved ones.

His gaze softened further, addressing my deepest fear. “So will Keith, I don’t think be’s that inhuman to force you into anything.” Deckard’s assessment of Keith’s character offered a glimmer of hope.

His words were a masterful blend of consolation and pragmatism, delivered with an openness that put me at ease. The gentle cadence of his voice calmed my rading thoughts. With each sentence, the weight of my dilemma slowly lifted, replaced by a sense of clarity and agency. His guidance empowered me to confront the uncertain road ahead.

Checterss