Chapter 173
Iris
Arthur turns to me as we pull up to my apartment building later. “They seemed to like you.”
“Your parents?” I ask, glancing at him. “Yeah, they were nice. Especially after that awkward first meeting.”
He makes a noncommittal sound, staring out the windshield for a moment before turning off the engine. His profile is sharp in
the dim light from the street lamps, his jaw tense.
“What?” I ask, sensing there’s something he’s not saying
Arthur sighs, turning to face me. “My parents aren’t exactly what they seem, Iris. They’ve always been very… politically minded.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning that their interest in Miles might not be entirely innocent. They’re shrewd Alphas. Always calculating, always planning
ten steps ahead.”
I frown, thinking back to their questions about Miles, their eagerness to meet him. “They seemed genuinely excited about having a grandson. Is that really so suspicious?”
“I’m just saying you should be cautious with how much you share,” he says. “Particularly about…”
His voice trails off, and I nod slowly, pressing my lips together. “You think they’ll judge Miles because he’s not…” I make air quotes with my fingers. “Normal‘.”
Arthur’s eyes widen. “I didn’t mean-
“No, it’s okay,” I cut him off, touching his arm. “I kind of figured. But we can’t keep it from them forever. Everyone notices.
eventually.”
He looks at me for a moment, his mouth opening and closing a couple of times, then nods. I know he’s not ashamed of Miles, though, so I don’t blame him. It’s a sensitive subject, especially with people from an older generation.
Arthur walks me to my door, his hand resting protectively on the small of my back. The memory of those same hands on my bare skin just hours ago makes my heart thrum. We still have so much to figure out between us, so many conversations to have.
As I unlock the door, Arthur asks, “Would it be alright if I stayed tonight? After what happened…”
I hesitate with the key in the lock.
“For security,” he adds quickly, mistaking my silence for reluctance. “I’d feel better knowing you and Miles are safe.”
decides
The mention of Miles decides it for me. It’s probably for the best if we don’t take things further than we did earlier, but the idea of having Arthur close after everything that happened does comfort me. “Okay,” I say, pushing the door open. “You can take the
couch.”
1/2
+20 Bonus
Inside, I find Alice asleep on the sofa, a book resting on her chest. Miles must be in bed already. She stirs as we enter, blinking sleepily.
“You’re back,” she mumbles, sitting up and yawning. “How was the gala? Anyone kill you?”
I laugh despite myself. “Almost. I’ll tell you all about it tomorrow.”
Alice gathers her things, eyeing Arthur. “You’re staying?” she asks him directly.
“If that’s alright with you,” he replies with a snort.
She shrugs, shouldering her bag. “Your mate, your business.” With a quick hug for me and a nod to Arthur, she’s gone, leaving us alone in the suddenly quiet apartment.
“I should check on Miles,” I say, setting my purse down.
“Can I join you?” Arthur asks.
“Of course.”
Miles‘ room is dimly lit by his night light, casting blue shadows across his sleeping form. He’s completely sprawled out, legs going in opposite directions, one arm thrown over his head and the other dangling toward the floor. The blanket is completely discarded, sitting in a pile next to the bed.
He looks ridiculous. And utterly adorable.
As I move to pick up the blanket, Miles stirs, his eyes fluttering open. “Mommy?” he mumbles sleepily.
“I’m home, bud,” I say softly as I lay the blanket over him. “Go back to sleep.”
But Miles‘ gaze has already shifted to Arthur, who’s standing behind me. “Daddy?” He sits up, suddenly more awake. “You’re still here!”
“I am,” Arthur says. “I’m staying tonight. Is that okay with you?”
Miles nods enthusiastically, rubbing his eyes with small fists. “Can you read me a story? Please?”
