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

happy dance and spinning his

please!". I don’t know the first thing about making pancakes but I would figure it out if it killed

I find a box of pancake mix

mix them all up in a

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

smell of burnt batter fills my

rush to the griddle and flip

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 amused by my lack of

a few deep breaths, I pour out the batter

slide the spatula under the pancake and lift up for the

for a second when the

in delight and I

serve him my perfect pancake and he eats it gingerly, giving me a thumbs up with his approval.I make a few more pancakes for Talia just in case she wishes to

to work packing his and Talia's lunch, cutting up fruit, slicing up cheese, and making

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

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

and place it in her lunch anyways, knowing she would

with her hair tied up

keep her from seeing my blush and force myself to focus on anything else to

kiss her good morning, Talia inspecting

she says nonchalantly,

have to list you as a guardian at

hair.By the time I finish, Talia has already placed Kota's dishes in the sink and stuffed the lunch

She sighs, grabbing her keys and

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

at it for a moment before

nervously at her feet and sticks out her hand to me, refusing to meet my

sparks tingle up and down my arms and I feel her shiver

might, she

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

reminded me of the one my mother

bought it without a second thought, knowing such a pretty bracelet could only belong

see her wear it like an informal mark

the bracelet, Talia rolls her eyes

me to

"Can we go now?"

my thumb across the back of her hand and

so often to see a bird

daycare building is only two blocks from the house and before

on the cheek

gone, Talia pulls her hand from my grip and leads

woman

Mrs.Henry," Talia

guardian for Dakota," she says,

it and begins filling out a

relationship of the gentleman to the

Mrs.Henry asks.

Talia's smile widens.

and nanny." Mrs.Henry lowers her spectacles and