**Chapter 252: Get Under My Skin**
**Deanna’s POV:**
Luis’s 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.
“Come on, give me something—any reaction, okay?” he teased, his tone light but insistent.
I swiftly pulled his hand away, forcing my face into a mask of indifference. “Who you marry or un-marry is your business. Just put me down,” I replied, my voice steady, though my heart raced beneath the surface.
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.
His deep, penetrating eyes remained fixed on me, unwavering. “About that wedding you mentioned last time… I want to explain,” he said, his voice dropping slightly as if sharing a secret.
The mention of the wedding sent a jolt through me, memories crashing back like waves.
His earlier hesitation had felt like a form of self-humiliation, and I recoiled instinctively. “If you’re going to keep talking about that, I swear I’ll get out of the car right now,” I warned, my pulse quickening.
Finally, he relented, backing off with a resigned sigh. “Alright, fine. You’re pregnant—priority granted. I won’t bring it up again.” He unclenched his fists, as if admitting defeat on a battlefield.
As we pulled up outside the grand Mistbane Mansion, I felt a mix of relief and anxiety.
I opened the door, ready to escape, but he mirrored my action, stepping out to follow me.
My eyes darted around the yard, anxious that Kathryn might spot us.
“Just go, Luis! You’ve already dropped me off. Now leave,” I urged, shoving him gently.
But he lingered, his demeanor casual, a half-smile playing on his lips. “Our little girl said she wants to see me for a bit longer. You can’t deny her that,” he said, his tone teasing yet sincere.
“Delusional,” I muttered, stomping my foot in frustration.
I could barely be considered an embryo in there—this was utterly ridiculous.
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.
“Hey, baby girl, don’t be too naughty in there, okay?” he said, transforming his playful tone into a mock threat. “If you misbehave, when you come out, Daddy will be the first to give you a spanking.”
He stood up, his amber eyes locking onto mine—tender yet strangely intense, as if he could see right through me.
“Deanna, you don’t have to answer my calls or texts, but just remember this: you’re not alone anymore,” he said, his voice softening, and for a moment, I felt a warmth spread through me.
His gaze softened so completely that I forgot to look away. For a heartbeat, I melted under his intensity, feeling an unexpected connection.
He wrapped his arms around my waist, leaning in closer.
“Deanna, I didn’t want you to have a child alone at first—it would be so hard,” she said, her voice laced with concern.
I ate the fish slowly, savoring the flavors while listening intently.
“But since you’ve made your decision, I’ll support you. Even without Mooncrown’s backing, we’ll raise this baby ourselves,” she continued, her determination evident.
“You’re only two months along; no one notices yet. But by month five or six, it won’t be hideable. I don’t want you exposed to gossip. How about we go to Euron—live with your aunt for a while? Start fresh,” she suggested, her tone gentle yet firm.
I understood her intentions.
She wanted to create a new life for the two of us, somewhere quieter and away from prying eyes.
I knew she meant well.
She wanted to shield me from pack politics and whispered judgments that would inevitably arise once my belly began to show.
I lowered my head, murmuring, “What about Mistbane’s malls and the business?”
Kathryn shrugged, her demeanor steady. “Although Mistbane’s malls were built with Stormhowl seed money long ago, Philip built it into what it is today. He’s the one who made it thrive. I don’t have much sentimental attachment to it.”
“If you agree, we can hand management over to professional asset managers—Euron’s packs often do this,” she added, her voice filled with practicality.

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