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.

make room in the

stare at the Queen sized bed I was expected to

enough to fit us both but we

thought of this man touching me

punish me so! I readjust the pillows and

in the horizon

doorbell rings,

rush over to the door, taking a deep breath

Nikki and Micah waiting just

dry

Agnes each carry a single small bag with what I assume are their belongings while Niki and Micah carry

to the man with

"You’re here!"

throws his bag over his shoulder and bends down flip at the

and Zane had already won Kota over.Would

strong.I have to be strong for both of

"Sorry we’re late,"

we promised Agnes we’d take her to town to go shopping for more clothes.They...they didn’t bring much

lead Agnes to her room while Micah and Niki begin unloading the

room, I turn to Zane

is your room"

the hall to the left," I say, pointing down

and I find it impossible to hate her.She was not my mate.She had not forced me into this

eyes widening as she takes

something to Zane and he

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

wipes at her eyes and rushes to hug me, my body stiffening It was just a simple room with a large window looking into the garden and a comfortable

I wrap my arms around Agnes

stares curiously at us, leaning his head against Zane’s

crying?" He asks

for an explanation but he remains silent

flushed pink in embarrassment as she wipes

turns back to the room and begins unpacking

to Zane and turning to

down and follows close behind me,

I force my thoughts elsewhere as I

I mutter to

room and I point to

closet for you to hang your things," I shrug.I turn to find him staring at the bed and feel my cheeks heat

I go to the

sleeping over there," I smirk, pointing to

completely dumbfounded at

"What?" I shrug indifferently.

It did not specify

lips together in what I can only assume is annoyance and nods solemnly, knowing he

bad for making this small adjustment but it could not be

a wolf, a stranger no

entire

way, I will

chattering away with Micah in the living room, Kota inspecting the tattoos

as

has a wolf on his arm! Look! Look!"

glance at Micah's tattoos

cool," I say, forcing a smile

Nikki asks as she comes in with the final shopping

of last night and the possibility that my friends were not who I thought

also ..." I gulp, looking over at Kota who continues to stroke Micah's tattoos in

and Agnes?" I

exchange glances

know he's your mate

not at their lie but at the fact that I had never been truly free

infecting every aspect of

with us?" Niki asks,

Kota any harm," she adds quickly, as if to clarify that they were not the monsters they

you or Kota." I almost scoff at

won't hurt

sank their teeth into your

mad at you," I

Niki shifts nervously on her feet and I ask a question that kept

there any packs nearby?" I ask, my

Silver Crest wolves came looking for me.I would need to leave at once if that

shakes

the only wolves in Poulsbo.Nikki and I are

is your pack?" I pry, wanting to know exactly