SHE WOKE THE FOLLOWING morning with her emotions torn. She should leave today. Today would be her third day in the same place, and every moment that passed made it easier for him to find her.

But the thought of leaving this beautiful house, with this gorgeous, caring, attentive man made her want to weep. She didn’t know if Carter was like this with everyone, or if it was just her, but it didn’t even matter. In a matter of days, she’d gone from being terrified and alone, to feeling safe and cherished, and he was the one who’d done that for her. She didn’t want to go on the run again, knowing her baby was growing bigger inside her every day, that every day brought her a day closer to when she’d give birth.

Wouldn’t it be the safer thing to stay here?

The temptation lured her in, but it wasn’t possible. Her belly was growing bigger, and it would be impossible to keep her pregnancy a secret for much longer. Carter was sure to notice. Besides, he’d definitely notice when she went into labor and a baby suddenly appeared. She couldn’t put that on him. What the hell would a hot, twenty-eight year old, motorcycle riding alpha want with a mother and a newborn baby? The moment he found out she was pregnant, he would run a mile. Or else he wouldn’t, and would let her stay on, but only because he felt pity for her. She didn’t want that either.

No, she needed to keep moving. Maybe Carter would lend her some money, so she could at least find a motel room when the time came. She’d make sure she paid him back every cent, though at the moment she had no idea where she’d get any money. She’d make it work, though. She had to.

Piper hauled her expanding bulk out of the bed, sad to leave it behind. She wanted to take a hot shower—she didn’t know when she’d get another one. She locked the bathroom door. She didn’t think there was much chance Carter would walk in on her, but she didn’t want to risk it. Peeling off her clothes, she stood naked in front of the mirror. The bump of her belly was unmistakable now.

She missed shifting into her wolf form, but she couldn’t risk being seen. Her swollen stomach would be obvious without any clothing to hide it, and what if something happened and she was forced to shift back to human without any of her clothes nearby? People would ask questions of a pregnant wolf shifter without a pack, and word would soon spread. She couldn’t have the news getting back to him.

Piper took her shower, taking time to enjoy the fragrant soaps, washing her blonde hair, and finger combing the knots from the long strands. Her thoughts went to Carter as she showered, thinking of the wall of photographs in his office, all those family members now gone. Just like her, he was all alone, yet when she’d mentioned him having his own family one day, he’d shut her down. Perhaps he was one of those guys who saw themselves as a permanent bachelor. Hell, maybe he hated kids.

Once she was out, dried, and dressed, she stuffed the couple of changes of clothing Carter had found her into a bag she’d located in the closet. She hoped he wouldn’t mind her taking it, though she felt bad even about that.

Stupidly, nerves fluttered around her stomach. Could she just creep out? Would Carter fight her about leaving again, or had she already outstayed her welcome? He might even be pleased to see her go and have his house to himself again. But no, she couldn’t sneak out. He’d been kind to her, and she owed him the respect of saying thank you and telling him she was leaving.

Piper took a deep breath and headed to the bedroom door. As soon as she opened it, the heady scent of bacon frying and fresh coffee brewing reached her nostrils. Damn. That man was making her want to stay by his cooking alone, and he sure seemed to like his bacon. She’d lost her taste for coffee since becoming pregnant, though for some reason she still enjoyed the smell. A part of her couldn’t wait to have the baby so her body felt like her own again, but every time she thought such a thing, guilt swamped over her. For the moment, the baby was safe inside her. Once he or she was born, they’d be exposed to the dangers of the outside world, and Piper was terrified she wasn’t strong enough to protect them.

She headed downstairs, the bag clutched at her side. Carter was in exactly the same position as he’d been yesterday, cooking at the stove. She stood for a moment, appreciating the sight of his broad shoulders in his t-shirt, and the way his jeans molded perfectly to his ass. Her stomach flipped, and a surge of adrenaline pulsed through her. She’d never been attracted to a man in such a way before. The relationship she’d been in had nothing to do with attraction, and he’d made sure to keep her away from anyone who might catch her eye. She was young, and a sudden sadness filled her that she’d never gotten to experience this, and perhaps she never really would. Her best years would be behind her, and soon she’d have a baby to think about, and she knew she’d always put her child before any man.

He glanced over his shoulder, and she did her best to wipe her thoughts from her face.

“Hey,” he said. “How long you been standing there?”

She smiled, but the expression felt tight on her face. “Not long.”

“I was gonna bring something up to you. Figured you must be still sleeping.” His gaze dropped to the bag at her side and he frowned. “What’s that?”

She lifted it higher. “I hope you don’t mind. I’ll return it the first chance I get.”

His frown deepened. “I don’t give a fuck about the bag, Piper. Why do you look like you’re going somewhere?”

“I stayed the extra night, like we agreed. But I have to go now.”

“You got a pressing appointment you need to be at?”

She shook her head, her face burning. “No, nothing like that.”

“Then what’s the rush?”

“I’m sorry, Carter. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, but I need to leave now.”

“Leave? Leave to go where?” He looked baffled at her insistence.

“I don’t know,” she admitted, sudden tears filling her eyes. “I don’t have anywhere to go.”