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.

clear out two drawers for Zane and make room

the Queen sized bed I

large enough to fit us both but we would inevitably

man touching me in my

I readjust the pillows and

horizon and a

the thought enters my mind, the doorbell rings, my heart sinking

over to the door, taking a deep breath as I

Nikki and Micah waiting just

swallow hard, hoping my saliva will soothe my dry

each carry a single small bag with what I assume are their belongings

Kota cries, rushing up to the man with his arms

"You’re here!"

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

had only met this morning and Zane had already won Kota over.Would I fall so easily for him

to be strong

"Sorry we’re late,"

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

Agnes to her room while Micah and Niki begin unloading the shopping bags

room, I turn to Zane

is your

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

smiles kindly at me and I find it impossible to hate

her eyes widening as she

Zane and he

bouncy and comfortable it is, her hand feeling the soft

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

my arms around Agnes and

stares curiously at us, leaning

why she crying?"

for an explanation but he remains silent as

pink in embarrassment as she wipes her

turns back to the room and begins

say curtly, gesturing to

down and follows close behind me, Kota running down the hall to get his

with Zane, I force my thoughts elsewhere as I feel the urge

bond, I mutter to

my room and

and left some space in the closet for you to hang your things,"

I go to the closet

over there," I smirk, pointing

completely dumbfounded at the change

"What?" I shrug indifferently.

agreement states we share the ‘bedroom’ It did

I can only assume is annoyance and nods solemnly, knowing he could

making this small adjustment but

share my home with a wolf, a stranger no less, but I could not stomach the idea of sleeping

entire

the way, I will leave you to unpack,"

living room, Kota inspecting the tattoos in

He chirps as he

on his arm! Look!

at Micah's tattoos

cool," I say, forcing a smile for his

comes

friends were not who I thought they were.I

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

Zane and Agnes?" I ask, clasping and unclasping my hands

Nikki exchange glances before Niki sighs a

we know he's your mate

my skin, not at their lie but at the fact that I had never been truly free of

infecting every aspect of my life like

us?" Niki asks, a worried

harm," she adds quickly, as if to clarify that they were not

of hurting you or Kota." I

I won't hurt

they sank their teeth

not mad at you," I

can't change what you are.Besides, what's done is done." Niki shifts nervously on her feet

any packs nearby?" I ask, my

for me.I would

Micah shakes his

wolves in Poulsbo.Nikki and I are rogues just like

wanting to know exactly who l