Page 92 of Alpha's Forbidden Fate

After a while, when his tears have finally subsided, and his breathing has evened out, I gently suggest that we leave the trailer behind and find a place where Emmett can get cleaned up and eat a hot meal. I promise him that he’ll be safe with me, that I’ll do everything in my power to protect him.

But before we go, there’s one more thing I need to do. I pull out my phone and dial my sister Layla’s number, quickly explaining the situation and asking her to talk to Emmett. She has always been great with kids, and maybe her soothing voice will help him calm down.

As they speak on the phone, I watch them from across the room, feeling a strange mixture of sadness and relief wash over me.

As I listen to their conversation, his small form is huddled against the flickering light of the trailer.

I try not to eavesdrop, but I catch bits and pieces of the conversations. She reassures him that he will be fine and I will take care of him.

That he can trust me.

Something about how she talks to him keeps him calm and grounded.

Inwardly, I thank my sister.

Emmett deserves better than what life has thrown at him in his young life. I can’t explain it, but I feel like I need to be the one to show him life can be better.

I may never understand why they killed his family, but I make myself a promise that I will not let any harm come to him.

As we get into the car, I can see the exhaustion and hunger etched into Emmett’s features. I reach into the console and hand him a Snickers bar, offering a small smile. “Here, this should hold you over until we get to the hotel.”

Emmett’s eyes light up at the sight of the chocolate bar, and he eagerly tears into the wrapper, taking large bites as we drive. I watch him from the corner of my eye, feeling a pang of sadness at the sight of him devouring it so ravenously.

The drive to the hotel is quiet. The only sounds are the hum of the engine and the occasional rustle of the candy wrapper as Emmett eats.

When we finally arrive at the hotel, I park the car and lead him to our room.

The room is modest but comfortable, with two beds neatly made and a small table by the window. “Why don’t you go take a shower while I order us some food?” I offer companionably.

After Emmett showers, I take the opportunity to clean myself up, too. The hot water soothes my tired muscles as I wash away the grime of the day. By the time I emerge from the bathroom, Emmett is dressed and waiting at the table with the food that has arrived.

I gesture, giving him the go-ahead to eat.

Wasting no time, he begins to devour his food. “Slow down, kiddo,” I chuckle, taking a seat across from him. “You’ll make yourself sick if you eat too fast.”

Emmett looks up at me sheepishly, slowing his pace as he continues to eat. “Sorry,” he mumbles between bites. “I haven’t had a proper meal in days.”

I nod sympathetically, reaching for my own meal and picking at the food in front of me. “No need to apologize,” I assure him. “You’re safe now, and I’ll do what I can to make sure you have more proper meals from now on.”

As we eat, Emmett finally gathers the courage to ask me a question. “How did you find me?” he asks, his eyes searching mine for answers.

I sigh, not sure how much to tell him. “I’m a protector in the next town over,” I explain gently. “The sheriff sent me to track you down and bring you back.”

Emmett nods, seemingly satisfied with my answer.

A thought occurs to me then. “Would you... would you consider moving to a new town? My town?” I ask hesitantly. “I could help you get back on your feet and find a new life.”

He looks at me, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. “I don’t have anyone here anymore. I think I’d like that,” he says softly.

The drive back to town is quiet. Emmett’s nervousness is palpable, as he shifts in his seat, with his fingers fidgeting in his lap as he steals glances out the window.

“Hey, Emmett,” I say, breaking the silence. “I know this can be overwhelming, but I promise you, everything will be okay.”

He looks at me uncertainly, but he nods in response, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. I appreciate that small gesture of trust.

When we arrive at the sheriff’s station, Alyssa greets us with a warm smile. She apologizes for the tense atmosphere of our last meeting, and I nod in understanding.

“Any news on Marco?” I ask hopefully.

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