The Silent Alpha

 ***Jane*** 

I gasp in fright when I wake up to a bucket of cold water being tossed on my face, Natalia smirking triumphantly at me as she stands by the side of the bed . I wipe the water from my eyes and realize it's 6:45 am.

"Wake up sleepy head," She chirps, already showered and dressed in a pair of teal medical scrubs.

"You have to wake up the gremlin and get him ready for school today." I feel like a ton of bricks are sitting on my chest, my body still exhausted from the lack of sleep.I could not complain, however, knowing I had gotten away with murder by sharing the bed with her.

With great effort, I climb out of bed, my t-shirt clinging to my wet chest.

Talia giggles hysterically as I waddle past her, a part of me happy to see her having fun, even at my expense.

I head for the bathroom first to wipe off the water and brush my teeth before I waddle down the hall until I find Kota's room.

There’s no response when I knock on the door so I slowly turn the knob and tip toe inside.I find Kota curled up in a ball, his dinosaur pajamas messily clinging to his tiny body.I sit on his bed and push back his hair, exposing his forehead.

He sleeps so peacefully, it feels like a crime to wake is it in silence for a moment, letting him enjoy a few more moments of blissful sleep.I could not explain why, but he made me feel so safe with just his presence, like nothing could disturb us.

He stirs slightly as I stroke his hair and even curls up closer to me.

Remembering my task however, I decide it's time to wake him.I tap his shoulder and his cheeks but the boy only groans and swats at my hand.

Looking around the room to ensure we are truly alone, I lean close to his ear.

My mouth hangs open for a second before I finally find my voice.

"K-Kota," I hiss, feeling my heart race in fear Talia would come in and hear me speak.

I tap his cheek frantically.

"K-Kota.P-please wa-wake up..."

"Five more minutes," he groans, squeezing his eyes tightly.

Unsure what else to do, I wiggle my fingers down his sides and he screams with laughter, kicking his legs about.He writhes against the tickles until he finally sits up.

"G-good morning, K-Kota," I whisper so quietly, he doesn't hear me over his own laughter.

"Hi, Zane!" he laughs, cupping my cheeks in his small hands.

He squishes my face, genuinely happy to see me and throws his head back in laughter.

"Hi, Zane!" I stare at his pretty eyes and feel my body relax.

"H-hi K-Kota."

"H-hi," chuckle, ruffling up his hair.

"Hi!" he squeals, jumping into my lap.

I find his game amusing and carry on for another 10 hellos before I throw the pup over my shoulder and take him to the bathroom.I help him wash his face, brush his teeth for him, and even put together a simple outfit that I hope is to Talia's liking.

He insists on combing his own hair but as I watch him struggle, he finally hands me the comb and lets me comb his hair.

Pleased with my work, I crouch down to his level and offer him a toothy grin that he reciprocates.

"w-what wo-would you like for bre- break- breakfast?" I ask him, my cheeks flushing at my severe stutter.

hands and grinning happily at me with

doing a happy dance and spinning

pancakes but I would figure

until I

up in a bowl until I get a

so the pour out the batter.I leave it for a while, searching the cabinets for Kota's plates and cups sol can pour out a

burnt batter fills

and flip the pancake, revealing a

at the hideous pancake and I scowl at

into a shapeless mass all over the griddle.I want to give up but Kota seems to be

few deep breaths, I pour out the batter again, waiting patiently until the

as I slide the spatula under the pancake and lift

stops for a second when the pancake flips perfectly, revealing

in delight and

up with his approval.I make a few more pancakes for Talia just in

work packing his and Talia's lunch, cutting up fruit, slicing up cheese, and making Kota a small PB&J

make Talia a BLT and pray to Moon Goddess that she won't throw it

small paper bags, I find a pen and notepad to write Talia a little note with

she's going to kill you for writing that, Grayson says as he troll my eyes and place it in her lunch anyways, knowing

tied up in a neat ponytail and her face made

from seeing my blush and force myself to

and kiss her good

she says nonchalantly, wiping some syrup

you as a guardian

room to change into a t-shirt and jeans and comb my hair.By the time I finish, Talia has already placed Kota's dishes in the sink and

her keys and

it as I

at it for a

me, refusing to meet

down my arms and I feel

as she might, she

can’t help but notice she’s still wearing the gold While out shopping yesterday, I came across a jewelry store and saw

one my mother used to wear when I

such a pretty bracelet could only belong to

heart soar to see her wear it like an informal mark claiming her as

staring at the bracelet, Talia rolls her eyes

me to wear it," She

"Can we go now?"

to agitate her anymore, I run my thumb

as he skips happily beside his mother, pausing every so often to see

is only two blocks from the house and before long, the sound of children playing in the playground fills the warm

immediately turns to kiss his mom absentmindedly on the cheek before running to

Kota gone, Talia pulls her hand from my grip and

slender woman with

Mrs.Henry," Talia smiles

a new guardian for Dakota,"

name is Zane White." across it and

of

Mrs.Henry asks.

Talia's smile widens.

housekeeper and nanny." Mrs.Henry lowers her spectacles