The Silent Alpha

***Natalia*** 

Zane leaves to collect his things and Agnes from Nikki and Micah's place, giving me the chance to really think about what I just agreed to.I head to the bathroom to splash cool water on my face and neck, letting out a huge sigh as I wipe the sweat from my brow.

My reflection mocks my pathetic situation, laughing at me for accepting yet another wolf into my life.

‘Don't let him get too close" I remind myself.

' Every kind gesture, every kiss, every gentle caress of my face...it will all be a lie.He doesn't really love me.He doesn't care about me no matter how much he says he does"

Tears spring to my eyes as I think about all the times Christian looked me in the eyes with such false sincerity, professing his undying love for me all the while f*****g my sister behind my back.

Wiping the tears that stain my cheeks, I inspect my reflection, my eyes scrutinizing every imperfection.

Dark circles hug my eyes from my restless night.

Fearful that Zane would find me, I called out of work this morning, keeping Kota home instead of taking him to daycare.

Of course, my attempts proved futile.

The wolf found me without much effort.

‘I am not good enough to fall in love with anyways" I shrug to myself, drying off my face.

‘I couldn't even keep my husband interested in me before he looked elsewhere...Perhaps Zane will also find me inadequate as a mate and move on as well.." I nod at my reflection reassuringly.

‘Yes.Sooner or later, he'll stop liking me and I'll be free"

Having given myself the pep talk of the century, I hurry to find little Kota playing in the backyard and call him to me.He happily waddles over to me with a grin on his face.

"Where's Zane, mommy?" he asks, looking behind me into the living room.

"Can he come play with me?"

I crouch down and lift him into my arms, carrying him over to the living room and sitting him down on the sofa.I smooth down his hair and cup his chubby cheeks in my hands.

"Kota," I say, forcing a smile for him.

"What do you think about Zane staying with us … just for a little bit?"

His eyes widen with joy.

"Yeah!" He cries, jumping up on his feet and clapping his hands.

"Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!"

"You like that idea?" I ask, raising an eyebrow at him.

Kota jumps onto the couch and bursts into laughter.

"Yeah," he giggles, resting his chin in his hands.

"And what about Agnes? Can she stay here too?" I ask.

Kota bounces on his toes, shooting his fingers up in a happy I pout at him.

"I thought I made the best cookies..."

"No," he grins, shaking his head and jumping up like a rabbit.

I feign hurt at his honesty and he rushes up to kiss me square on the lips.

"But Mommy makes the best pancakes!" He chirps.

Kota suddenly stretches out his arms like a plane and flies over to his toy chest, pulling out his favorite toy train and action figures.

"What are you doing?" I ask as he makes a small pile of toys.

"To play with Zane," he shrugs as if that were the most obvious answer.

Worry fills my heart as I realize that Kota would be affected by Zane’s imminent departure.

I would need to do everything in my power to make sure Zane rejects me quickly and leaves us both in one piece.

"Remember, Kota," I sigh, crawling over to him.

"He’s only here for a little while.He won’t be here forever.Entiendes? understand ?"I ask.

He nods and continues to make a pile of toys for Zane when he arrives.

Seeing no point in explaining any further, I rush off to the guest room and ensure it’s comfortable for Agnes, changing the sheets and myself to share my space with a man.

for Zane and make room in the closet for his

I stare at the Queen sized bed

us both but

me in my pajamas

would leave me be and not punish me so! I readjust the pillows and an idea pops

on until the sun begins to set in the horizon and a small part of me hopes perhaps Zane had changed his

doorbell rings, my heart

bed and rush over to the door, taking a deep

his mother smile politely at me, Nikki and Micah waiting just behind them to

dry

with what I assume are their belongings while Niki and Micah

the man with his arms

"You’re here!"

throws his bag over his shoulder and bends down flip at the sight of my son running into Zane’s arms so

this morning and Zane had already won Kota over.Would I fall so

have to be strong for

"Sorry we’re late,"

we’d take her to town to go shopping for

nod silently and lead Agnes to her room while Micah and Niki begin unloading the shopping bags in

to Zane and have him translate for

your room" I

some towels on the bed.The bathroom is down the hall to the left," I say, pointing down the hall to

hate her.She

you,"she signs, her eyes widening as she takes in

something to Zane and he smiles

shocked by how bouncy and comfortable it is, her hand feeling the soft fabric of the

to hug me, my body stiffening It was just a simple room with a

I wrap my arms around

at us, leaning his

why she crying?" He

for an explanation but he remains silent

cheeks flushed pink in embarrassment

turns back to the room and begins unpacking her

curtly, gesturing to Zane

down and follows close behind me, Kota running

as I feel the urge to

I mutter to

room and I

two drawers for you and left some space in the closet for you to hang your things," I shrug.I turn to find him staring at the bed and feel my cheeks

to clarify the bedding arrangement, I go

sleeping over there," I smirk, pointing to

at me completely dumbfounded at the change of

"What?" I shrug indifferently.

‘bedroom’ It did

only assume is annoyance and nods solemnly, knowing he could not force me to share

bad for making this small adjustment

no less, but I could not stomach the idea of sleeping in

and his entire species

the way, I will leave you to unpack," I say, stepping

the living room, Kota inspecting

look!" He chirps as he hears

his arm! Look! Look!"

Micah's tattoos and

forcing a smile for

she comes in with the

friends were not who I thought they were.I decide to

you....Are you also ..." I gulp, looking over at Kota who

I ask, clasping

Nikki exchange glances

know he's your mate

not at their lie but at the

every aspect of my

you upset with us?" Niki asks, a worried

never meant you or Kota any harm," she adds quickly, as if to clarify that they were not

would never dream of hurting you or Kota." I almost scoff

I won't hurt

their teeth into your back when you weren't looking.I

you," I reply coldly with

what you are.Besides, what's done is done." Niki shifts nervously on her feet and I ask

nearby?" I ask, my

for me.I would need to leave at once if that

shakes his

are the only wolves in Poulsbo.Nikki and I are rogues just

pack?" I pry, wanting to know exactly who l am dealing