A Broken Contract (Alpha's Secret Regret)

"He's right. It really is a short house."

"Alex, go back to bed!" I yelled before adding,

"Do you need something? Look, if this is about earlier, it was your idea that he calls you daddy -"

"You'll get a new neighbour soon," he cuts me off. "Maybe in the coming week."

I was confused as he pointed across the street from me. The car Lindsey drove with her partner laid parked by the curb.

"It's not Lindsey though," he supplied. "The ones coming will handle nights till mornings... and weekends. About those silly paparazzis yesterday, I don't want you to worry. It's already taken care of."

"You're leasing the house across the street?" I asked finally.

"More like buying," he replied. "For security reasons."

"How long will this go on?"

"What? Keeping you both safe?" His tone took an edge.

"No. Having us constantly babysitted?"

"Always!

Look, Sara. Things are going to keep changing. And fast. For instance, you and I know... Alex shouldn't live... HERE in this tiny house. Your father knows this too. That's why he hates me." "We both know why my father hates you. And keep your voice down!" I snapped. "He lives where I live. Is that all you came to tell me?"

"I'm going to say something, and I hope you won't take it as a threat. You're right. Our son lives where you live. But we both know where you live isn't up to his standards, so it's temporary," he said. "Whether you're part of the pack or not... you're still a werewolf, Sara... And I'm alpha. You and I can't do anything about that. So why not let me take care of my family like only I can?"

He started to leave, then stopped. "Also, I figured out why you thought I invited your friend."

I waited. He seemed to be searching for words as a frown roughened his brow.

"We're not involved. She's... nothing to me. Never has been. And never will be." His eyes grew more intense.

I wanted to ask what he meant by never has been. But that could invite a conversation I wasn't sure I wanted to have.

"Why are you telling me that? It's none of my business," I replied.

"I'm telling you, cuz I don't want you misunderstanding me. You did see us... kiss that night." He let out a deep breath and rubbed his forehead.

I wanted to shut the door in his face, but I also needed him to go on with the explanation, so I waited.

"Things were bad between you and I. And I was feeling... very upset... I

wanted you to feel it too.

WhichProperty belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

dumb as hell! I was a fuas

His expression was pained as he said this.

I glanced behind me to check if Alex heard his dad's colorful language. He did, but I couldn't even complain about it. My throat felt too tight.

"So... you kissed her to hurt me." It

mean for my voice to sound

was an effort to speak and I didn't

it

did. Otried to swallow to clea when I spoke again.

"I wasn't thinking straight." Nick's tone soft. It sounded somewhat like a plea.

for

"Well... good for you. You achieved your goal. But all of that is in the past now! Your current relationship with her has nothing-"

"There is no current relationship!" He cut me off. "I told you. She's nothing to me."

"Well, tell that to someone who cares. Just make sure she and your Forest Mooners stay away from me and my child. That's all I ask."

"I promise she won't go near our son. But... she has to stay in town," he replied.

"No, she doesn't!"

"It's safer, Sara, trust me. It's better if

she's not around pack members. No amount of alpha-command can prevent words from slipping out if she is, you know this. She could say something to her mother, for

instance, that could raise her

suspicion. I don't want that."

"So she did see Alex?" My question was redundant but he replied.

He nodded. "My mother thought she already found out, but we were wrong. She only just saw him when you drove past.

I wanted to let you know that you'll see her often, but I promise she won't go near our child."

"Sara!" My dad called out in a harsh tone.

"Yes, daddy," I called back and started to close the door. "I'm coming."

To Nick, I said, "Thanks for letting me know."

He nodded once as I shut the door.

"You didn't want to talk to him on the phone, but you'd do so if he comes knocking?" My dad seemed angry.

"A member of the pack is in town, dad. He came to inform me," I replied.

My son now stood shamelessly with his door half-opened, looking from me to my dad.

"Alex, back to bed!"