“What?” my voice came out harsher than I intended.
Kade didn’t seem to mind. He ruffled Rowan’s hair gently. “Who’s his father?”
His question caught me off guard. Why was he asking? Did he know?
“Does it matter?” I shot back. “You rejected me, remember?”
Kade’s
eyes narrowed. “That’s not an answer, Mira.”
“And it’s not a question you get to ask.” I couldn’t help how defensive I sounded. He knows something. He definitely knows.
Suddenly, Rowan spoke up.
“Alpha Kade, can you be my dad?” he asked.
paused, noticing how hopeful his eyes were as he looked up at Kade. Kade smiled down at him softly and they both looked like the perfect father and son. I fell silent.
kade looked at me calmly. “Well, you’ll have to ask your mom first.”
Rowan turned to me. “Mom?”
My throat felt blocked and I pulled Rowan along. “We’re going back.”
“But I like it here,” he protested, leaning into Kade’s arms.
“Now, Rowan,” I said firmly, my voice trembling.
Rowan turned to Kade, who nodded. “Go with your mom.”
As I walked home, I couldn’t help remembering how happy Rowan looked with Kade. He wanted a father. And I was keeping his father away.
CHAPTER 11.
+10 Bouy
“Mama, I’ll be back soon. Muah!”
watched as Rowan ran off after blowing a big kiss my way. I didn’t have to ask to know where he was headed.
Kade’s house.
Recently, he was spending more and more time with Kade. It wasn’t planned. It just… happened.
The rogues had stopped their attacks suddenly and the pack was peaceful. And as if he had too much free time, Kade would show up out of nowhere, take Rowan on little walks, entertain him with stories, and then bring him back like it was the most natural thing in the world.
He didn’t say much. He also didn’t ask who Rowan’s father was after the last time.
It was like we’d come to an unspoken agreement. The truth was as clear as day but we all avoided it.
And every time–without fail–he’d leave a flower on the windowsill before he left.
f didn’t know what to do with them. I didn’t ask for them, didn’t want them, but I never threw them away either.
told myself I didn’t care. But I was lying.
Ugh,” I groaned in frustration. I tried to take my mind off Kade, but it felt like trying not to breathe. It was awfully hard.
That evening, I put Rowan to bed after Kade brought him back.
“Mama, he whispered, waking up just as I put him down.
Thummed in reply, brushing his hair gently. “I’m here. Long day?”
Yeah. We went hunting, and… and…” His words slurred, his eyes fighting to stay open.
fchuckled and patted him on the head. “Well, you’ll tell me about it tomorrow.”
He nodded, drifting back into sleep.
I smiled, my heart melting. Standing up, I headed back to the living room. Elma had gone to bed some time ago so it was just me awake.
A bright red object on the table nearby caught my eyes. A rose.
paused, my fingers brushing against the soft petals. Kade had left this out on the railing this evening. Usually, I’d ignore the flowers he brought. But I took this one in
This wasn’t a good sign. I was softening. I was letting my walls down for a man who’d hurt me, rejected me.
‘You’re such a fool, Mira, a voice inside said. And it was the truth.
+10 Banos D
<
CHAPTER 11.
I was so stupid to let myself still love Kade. But I couldn’t help it. No matter how much I refused to admit it, it wouldn’t go away. It was as if my love for him was engraved deep inside my soul.
A loud commotion snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked up instantly, the sound of rustling leaves catching my attention.
Curious, I stood up and headed towards the door. I could barely see the figure rushing past but the scent was more than familiar.
Selena.
C
She was heading in the direction of Kade’s house. I should have turned a blind eye and gone back inside, but my curiosity got the better of me.
Thesitated for a second before stepping out, locking the door firmly behind me before following.
i stayed hidden, allowing myself just close enough to see and hear. Like I’d guessed, she went to Kade’s house.
My heart surged with envy at how easily she pushed his doors open and stormed in. The window was open and I could catch a glimpse of them, their voices drifting out.
can’t believe you!” Selena’s voice was sharp, dripping with fury. “She shows up out of nowhere, dragging a fake child and you just accept it?! She’s obviously trying to manipulate you!”
i didn’t have to be told who the ‘she‘ was. Me. I clenched my fist tightly by my sides as I tried to calm myself down.
Kade seemed exhausted. “Stop it Selena. You’re overthinking things.”
I’m not. You don’t see things the way I do, Kade. She’s not good for you. I’ve been waiting for you for five years. Why does she get to mess things up? I love you, Kade.” Selena seemed on the brink of tears, her voice breaking.
“Enough!” He cut her off before she could say any more.
agreed to let her go five years ago because of the issues in the pack. Don’t think I don’t know the stuff you pulled to try to make her leave, Selena. Now she’s back, and there’s no way I’m letting her go again.” My heart stopped at his words. What issues?
He continued, “You have the position of Beta, don’t get your hopes higher than that. Now leave.”
“Kade-”
said leave!” he thundered.
Selena
went silent, and I could see her figure turn round and storm out of his house, heading to the pack house.
in my hiding spot, I couldn’t help my heart pounding. What issues was Kade talking about? I tried hard to rack through my memories for the events that happened when Kade was just sworn as Alpha.
But
I couldn’t remember anything. What the hell was he talking about?
“Are you done here?” I jolted at the deep voice that sounded nearby.
flooked
I up, my eyes meeting bright amber eyes that shone in the night. Suddenly, I felt embarrassed. I straightened awkwardly, wishing for the ground to swallow me alive. Um…. hi.”
