Page 43 of My Forbidden Alpha

He smirks. “I was hoping for another kind of welcome but instead I get this,” he remarks, looking around. But in all honesty, he doesn’t seem bothered by getting the couch.

“Alright, you get an hour to eat, change and get ready for the hike!” Mama says, placing the bag with sandwiches down on thecounter.

“I think I’ll shower first,” Elijah says as he stands up and reaches for the hem of his shirt.

Oh, Goddess…

I avert my gaze as he pulls the shirt off, and I see his delicious abs from the corner of my eye. Yeah, I am not doing this right now.

I grab a couple of sandwiches and head to the bedroom where Indigo has already taken dibs on the window bed. I pause at the door, remembering how sexy he looked this morning and as he heads to the bathroom, I admire his broad back before I shake my head.

Yeah, he’s still ridiculously sexy.

The hike waspretty good, although Dad talked a lot and didn’t give us any time to just think peacefully. My muscles ache slightly from all the walking, but I genuinely enjoyed it.

The sun is setting as we stand atop the hill. Dad’s finally silent and I watch as the blazing sun dips into the horizon, casting a deep orange glow across the land before us.

The beauty of nature is incredible.

“Breathtaking,” Mama murmurs.

“It really is,” Dad agrees as he puts his arms around her. I smile faintly, watching them. Mama has found her happiness again. I don’t want that ripped away from her. It took years for her to be as open as she is now.

Elijah drops to the ground and Indigo jumps on his back before she sits down beside him.

Mama and Indigo’s dark hair shines in the glow of the setting sun and Elijah’s and Dad’s brown locks look almost golden. And then there’s me.

They are the perfect family. One that I sometimes feel like Iam not a part of…

I fiddle with one of the rings I’m wearing, taking a step back without realising when Elijah suddenly turns his head, his eyes find me and for a moment, time seems to still.

He suddenly blinks and turns away quickly, sending a small sting of pain through my heart.

I’m so foolish. For a moment, I had thought he’d call me over.

I look down at the grass that dances in the breeze before gazing up at the setting sun once more as I raise my hand, watching the light seep through the gaps in my fingers. I’ll be ok, even if I don’t fit in. I’m a fighter, and even if I’m alone, I’ll be ok, because I was born to survive.

“Alright everyone, let’s head home. Time to get that barbeque set up. Oh, and I brought some board games for later, which we will play over Scarlett’s amazing hot drinks!” Dad says.

“As long as there’s Cluedo!” Indigo says.

“And no Monopoly, Red always wins,” Elijah adds as they both stand up.

“Yes, she cheats.” Indigo nods in agreement.

I cock a brow. “I do not! I’m never even the banker.”

“Yes, that is correct. She’s just good at the game,” Dad says as Mama laughs.

“I agree.”

“Or just lucky,” Elijah remarks.

I smirk back, rolling my eyes, but I don’t think he gets it. I’m anything but lucky.

Under the Moonlight

Elijah

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