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.

and grinning happily at me with no judgment in his blue

shouts, doing a happy

making pancakes but I would figure it out

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

necessary ingredients and mix them all up in a bowl until I get

batter.I leave it for a while, searching

burnt batter

griddle and flip the pancake, revealing

the hideous pancake and I scowl at him as I toss

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

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

trickles down my brow as I slide the spatula under the pancake

second when the pancake flips

in delight and I

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

eats, I get to work packing his and Talia's lunch, cutting up fruit, slicing up cheese, and making Kota a

BLT and pray to Moon Goddess that

I find a pen and

eyes and place

hair tied

my blush

kiss her good morning, Talia inspecting

she says nonchalantly,

though.I have to list you as a

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

She sighs, grabbing her

grab it as I pass by before handing

stares at it for a moment before reluctantly

feet and sticks out her hand to me, refusing to meet my eyes.I gulp, wiping my clammy hand on my jeans

down my arms and I feel her shiver against

might, she could

out shopping yesterday, I came across a jewelry store and saw the

reminded me of the one my mother used to wear

knowing such a pretty bracelet

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

bracelet,

to wear it,"

"Can we go now?"

anymore, I run my thumb across the back of her hand and pull

hums 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

his mom absentmindedly on the cheek before running to

hand from my grip and leads

a tall, slender woman

Mrs.Henry," Talia smiles

here to register a new guardian for Dakota," she says, pointing to

is Zane White." across it and begins filling

of the gentleman

Mrs.Henry asks.

Talia's smile widens.

and nanny." Mrs.Henry lowers her