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

my belly as I stare at the Queen sized bed I was expected to share with a

both but we would inevitably

this man touching me in my pajamas

I readjust the pillows and an idea pops into my head, making me laugh knowing he would hate me for

on until the sun begins to set in the horizon and

as the thought enters my mind, the doorbell rings,

cleaning up the bed and rush over to the door, taking a

at me, Nikki and Micah waiting just behind

my dry throat,

each carry a single small bag with what I assume are their belongings while Niki and Micah carry what appear to be shopping

the man with his arms

"You’re here!"

large man throws his bag over his shoulder and bends down flip at the sight of my son running

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

to be strong for

"Sorry we’re late,"

town to go shopping for more clothes.They...they didn’t

while Micah and Niki begin unloading the

to Zane and have

your room" I

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

find it impossible to hate her.She was not my mate.She had not forced

eyes widening as she takes in

and he smiles

her hand feeling the soft fabric of the

me, my body stiffening It was just a simple room with a large window

what else to do, I wrap my

leaning his head against

crying?" He asks

Zane for an explanation but he remains

away, her cheeks flushed pink

to the room and begins unpacking

me," I say curtly, gesturing to Zane

and follows close behind me, Kota

my thoughts elsewhere as I feel the urge

bond, I mutter to

arrive at my room and I point to the

hang your things," I shrug.I turn to find him staring at the bed and feel

bedding arrangement, I go to the closet and

sleeping over there," I smirk, pointing to the

dumbfounded

"What?" I shrug indifferently.

It did not specify that we had to

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

almost feel bad for making this small adjustment but

bad enough I had to share my home with a wolf, a stranger no less, but I could

entire species

will leave

away with Micah in the living room, Kota inspecting the tattoos in Micah’s

look!" He chirps as he hears me walk

a wolf on his

glance at Micah's tattoos

forcing a smile

Nikki asks as she comes in with

friends were not who I thought they were.I decide to bite the bullet and ask for

I gulp, looking over at Kota who continues to

and Agnes?" I ask, clasping and

glances before Niki

know he's your

lie but at the

were everywhere, infecting every aspect

with us?" Niki asks, a worried look on her

meant you or Kota any harm," she adds quickly, as if to clarify that they

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

I won't hurt

sank their teeth into your back when you weren't

I

what's done is done." Niki shifts nervously on her feet and I

there any packs nearby?" I

for me.I would need to leave at

shakes his

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

pry, wanting to know