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 his blue and

shouts, doing a happy

about making pancakes but I would figure it

until I find a box of pancake mix with instructions on the

up in a bowl

double burner griddle on the stove and Kota hands me cooking spray so the pour out the batter.I leave it for a while, searching the cabinets for Kota's plates and cups

of burnt batter

and flip the pancake, revealing a charred black

hideous pancake and I scowl at him as

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 again, waiting patiently until

of sweat trickles down my brow as I slide the

second when the pancake

delight and I can't help

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

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

pray to Moon Goddess that she won't throw

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

troll my eyes and place it in her lunch anyways, knowing she would hate me no matter what I

in, looking absolutely beautiful with her hair tied up in a neat ponytail and her face made

blush and force

to meet his mother and kiss her

says nonchalantly, wiping

list you as a

and run to the 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 stuffed the lunch in his

She sighs, grabbing her keys and holding

it as I pass by before handing it

for a moment before reluctantly

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

and down my arms and I feel her shiver

she might, she could not ignore

notice she’s still wearing the gold While out shopping yesterday, I came across a jewelry store

reminded me of the one my mother used

without a second thought, knowing such

heart soar to see her wear it

me staring at the bracelet, Talia rolls her eyes at

asked me to

"Can we go now?"

my thumb across the back of her hand and pull

so often to see a bird in

the daycare building is only two blocks from the house and before long, the

his mom absentmindedly on the cheek before running to

grip and leads me into the building to

tall, slender woman with thick spectacles greets

Talia

new guardian for Dakota,"

is Zane White." across it and begins filling out a small

of the

Mrs.Henry asks.

Talia's smile widens.

new housekeeper and nanny." Mrs.Henry lowers