Page 62 of My Shy Alpha

“I love that. What types of tasks?”

“Even before we lost Ritchie, Noah was our rainbow baby after his sister’s loss, so I understood grief on a level many can’t without experience.”

I clench my jaw, stifling the sharp pain in my chest. So they lost Noah’s older sister during pregnancy? I have a million questions and heartaches, but I wouldn’t dare interrupt Lilian.

Her voice rings with confidence, no matter how quiet. “I visit grieving wolves and check in with them, ensuring they feel supported. We have a network of wolves bringing grieving pack members daily meals and comforts.”

My heart pounds. “I wish I had a community like that when I lost my parents.”

She places her hand over mine, her comforting scent washing over me. “Now you do.”

With loosening shoulders, I smile away the threat of tears. “Thank you, Luna.”

“You’re welcome, my dear.”

Lilian gives me an honest, shy smile, and the atmosphere in the whole restaurant lifts. I finally feel safe enough to take another bite, feeling Noah’s wolf relax with mine.

But then Noah stiffens. I look up to find Lilian glaring at him. He won’t even look at her.

Turning to Lilian, Rainn’s whisper is surprisingly sharp. “We’re eating.”

But Lilian doesn’t even look at her daughter, locking her focus onto her rigid son.

After a fiery silence, Lilian shakes her head with a scoff. “Oh, enough of this. If you won’t even talk, why are you here? Look at how uncomfortable you’ve made your poor mate.”

“Mom, don’t drag her into this.”

“I’m doing this for her sake! Especially since she’s a sweet girl, and I’m unhappy with you for a reason.”

Noah slinks into himself, and my heart breaks into a sprint.

“What are you even talking about, Mom?” Rainn rubs my arm, her protective, nurturing pheromones flooding my nose.

Lilian leans toward me. “I do think you’re a kind wolf, Aliya, but I’m not sure anyone is cut out to deal with my eldest. This pack is doomed without my mate.”

I can’t help it - I’m furious. I grip my napkin, focusing as hard as I can on keeping my voice neutral. “I’m sure things are different when any leadership changes, and I know it must’ve been horrific for your family. But I don’t appreciate how you’re talking about Noah. I’m not ‘dealing with’ your son. I’m his mate.”

“And a pity it is for you.”

Noah’s chest puffs, and I wrap my arm around his bicep. Through the shared pain in our bond, Lilian’s words sting me too.

But Lilian grips the table, ready to dig further. “He’s quiet. Guarded. So inflexible with his personal opinions about traditions to the point where he’s always clashing with respectable wolves. A bad name for Alphas everywhere.”

Noah scoffs, but I speak my mind before anyone else has a chance to talk over me.

“Because he cares about the pack. Like you do.”

“No one would know it. Hardly says a word. You didn’t see me stop talking when I was traumatized.”

Is Lilian implying that Noah stopped talking after a traumatic event? That’s not her information to share. I’m so shocked by her callousness that I can only stare; my thoughts whir too fast to form words out of them. Rainn’s wide eyes only sting my heart harder - the disappointing reality settling in.

Panic shoots through our bond. Noah jerks upright, bumping his thighs into the table and spilling my water glass all over me. He catches it, but it’s too late to keep me from being drenched, ice cubes toppling out after the frigid drink douses my thighs.

Noah gasps. “I-I’m s-sorry!”

I quickly soak most of the water with Noah’s napkin. “It’s okay! It just was an accident–”

Guilt seeps into our bond as he dries my wet lap, his face bright red. Then he turns to leave like his life depends on it.

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