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.

to my imperfect speech, instead playing with his hands and grinning happily at me with no judgment in

a happy dance and spinning his

thing about making pancakes but I

into the kitchen and search the cupboards until I find a box of pancake mix with instructions

the necessary ingredients and mix them all up in a bowl until

cooking spray so the pour out the batter.I leave it for a while, searching the cabinets

the smell of burnt batter fills my

a panic, I rush to the griddle and flip the pancake, revealing a

bursts into laughter at the hideous pancake and I scowl at him as I

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

I pour out the batter again,

brow as I slide the spatula under the pancake and

heart stops for a second when the pancake

howls in delight and I can't

him my perfect pancake and he eats it gingerly, giving me a thumbs up with his approval.I make a

up fruit, slicing up cheese, and making

to Moon Goddess

their sandwiches and snacks packed into small paper bags, I find a pen and notepad to write

Grayson says as he troll my eyes and place it

hair tied up in a neat ponytail and her face made

the ground to keep her from seeing my blush and force myself to focus on anything else to slow my racing

and kiss her good morning, Talia

she says

you as a guardian at Kota's school, otherwise they won't let you

my hair.By the time I finish, Talia has already

her keys

see her lunch on the counter and grab it as I pass by before

at it for a moment before reluctantly taking

and sticks out her hand to me, refusing to

arms and I feel her shiver against

as she might, she could

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

mother used to wear when I

a second thought, knowing such a pretty

her wear it like an informal mark claiming her

at the bracelet,

me to wear

"Can we go now?"

my thumb across the

his mother, pausing every so often to see a bird in the trees or to point at a snail

daycare building is only two blocks from the house and before long, the sound of children playing

turns to kiss his mom absentmindedly on the cheek before running to the playground to join his

from my grip and

tall, slender woman with thick spectacles greets

Talia

new guardian

name is Zane White." across it and begins

the relationship of the gentleman to

Mrs.Henry asks.

Talia's smile widens.

Mrs.Henry lowers her spectacles and