Page 43 of Rejected Broken Mate

What if he wanted nothing to do with Miles? What if he got mad at me for never telling him? What if Miles wanted custody of him?

"I don't know," I said simply. "I never thought I would be here."

"Well, take each day by day, and you know Wendy and I are here for you if you need a hand."

I felt tears build up, knowing they were. I couldn't remember the last time I had someone I could really lean on, someone who understood.

"Thank you. That means a lot."

I ended the call, headed back to bed, and found Michael awake. His eyes found me, and he sat up.

"Sweetie, you don't have to get up," I said, sitting on the edge of the bed.

Michael pulled the rag off his forehead. "Mom, do you wish you didn't have me?"

My mouth dropped open slightly. "Why on earth would you ask me that, Michael? Of course not."

Michael frowned. "Because you were crying. And I'm always sick. If you had someone else…"

I reached out, taking his hands. "Michael, you are the most important person in my life. I would never wish for anyone else." I swallowed. "And you're not sick, sweetie. You're just going through a phase."

He tilted his head. "I don't understand."

I sighed, deciding now was the time to tell him. "You know how Poppy is trying to fly because she's a witch?"

He nodded his head.

"Well, you're a shifter, sweetie. That's why you're hot, and your body feels off. It's why you hear that voice."

Michael's eyes widened a little. "A shifter?"

I nodded. "Yeah, so all of this is good."

Michael's shoulders sank. "But you're human."

I knew where the question was leading. "I know. You get it from your dad."

Michael chewed on his cheek. "We don't talk about him."

I gave him a soft smile. "Do you want to?"

He quickly shook his head. "No."

I moved over, crawling back into bed. Michael curled up next to me once more, and I brushed my fingers through his hair. "If you want to, we can if you change your mind."

Michael shook his head. "We don't have to. It's just us, and that's enough."

I swallowed, feeling a knot form in my throat. I would have felt proud if I had heard him say this months ago, but my stomach would have twisted up. I knew that Miles was someone different, and he wanted to be a part of this, but I wasn't sure Michael would want him to be now.

Chapter 16 - Miles

I looked at the time and then back towards the steps leading up to the second floor. I took a sip of my coffee, trying to act casual even if my mind was a mess. I was nervous and still a little angry.

Just then, Ayden came up the stairs. He paused as he looked at his phone and then up at the group. "Laura is going to be out today and tomorrow."

My stomach sank. How would I talk to her if she wasn't coming in?

Ayden eyed me for a second before turning towards his office. And then I heard him through my head.

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