Page 12 of Surprise Baby for My Fated Alpha

Finally, I spoke. “You ever wonder if you’re making the right choices, Jake?”

He didn’t respond immediately. He knew better than to offer an opinion unless asked. Instead, he moved to the sideboard, pouring himself a glass of water. I knew he never touched alcohol on duty, another testament to his unwavering discipline.

When he finally turned back to me, his expression was calm, open, and ready to listen.

“Every day, boss,” he said simply, taking a seat in the chair opposite mine.

I let out a humorless laugh, swirling the wine in my glass.

“It’s funny, isn’t it? All this power, all this control, and yet … I feel like I’m standing on the edge of a cliff, about to fall. For the first time in a long time, I am struggling to think logically.”

Jake remained silent, his gaze steady, waiting for me to continue. He was good at that—letting me talk, letting me get it all out, without judgment or interruption. That’s why I valued him so much.

“It’s Luna,” I confessed, the words feeling heavier than I expected. “She’s … she’s all I think about. She’s beautiful, Jake. Smart. Strong. She makes me feel things I haven’t felt in years. But she’s young … too young. And then there’s Miranda.”

Jake didn’t flinch, didn’t show any surprise. He knew everything that went on in my life, but always remained discreet.

I sighed and leaned back in my chair, staring up at the ornate ceiling.

“How would Miranda take it if I … if I pursued something with Luna? Luna is her best friend. She’d never forgive me, Jake. I could lose her.”

Jake took a sip of water, his eyes never leaving mine. He didn’t offer advice, didn’t try to fix the problem. He was just there, letting me work through it. It was one of the things I appreciated most about him. He never pretended to have all the answers, but he was always willing to listen.

“How do I explain that to Miranda? How do I look her in the eye and tell her that I’m in love with her best friend?”

Jake set his glass down on the table, leaning forward slightly.

“You’ll figure it out, boss,” he said softly.

It wasn’t much, but it was enough. The way he said it, the certainty in his voice, made me believe that maybe, just maybe, I could.

I nodded, finishing the last of my wine before setting the glass down.

“I hope so, Jake,” I said, more to myself than to him. “Because if I don’t … this could destroy everything.”

While we were talking, Jake got a phone call and excused himself, and I was left alone with my thoughts, the fire still burning low in the hearth, and the taste of Luna lingering on my mind, like the last drop of wine on my tongue.

“Sir, we need to talk,” he said, walking closer.

I nodded, gesturing for him to sit, but Jake remained standing. That only made me more uneasy.

“What is it?” I asked, leaning forward. “More bad news?”

Jake sighed, running a hand through his hair. “We’ve identified a few of the traitors. But it’s worse than we thought. They’reusing your lack of a male heir to rally support against you. They think you’re weak because you don’t have a successor.”

I clenched my jaw, the fury boiling just beneath the surface. “Who are they, Jake? Give me names.”

Jake hesitated, his eyes flickering with a mixture of anger and regret. “Thomas. Martin. And … and there’s a rumor that Marcosias might be involved, too.”

“Marcosias?” I growled, slamming my fist onto the desk. “Being the leader of the rival pack, I should have suspected him from the very beginning.”

Jake lowered his gaze, his voice softening. “He’s been meeting with some of the rogues. We’ve had eyes on him for days now. The two men Luna overheard talking were Castro and Kilon. They work with the logistics department. It’s only a matter of time before we have proof.”

“Find the proof Jake! Find it! And as for Castro and Kilon, keep watching them and don’t let them suspect that we know anything. I want them to continue working here. It’s best to have your enemies close.”

“Okay sir,” Jake said, and left.

Immediately after Jake left, an excruciating pain pierced through my chest, sharp and relentless, as if something vital had been torn away. I clutched at my heart, trying to steady my breath, but it only worsened.

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