Page 27 of Alpha's Runaway Mate

“Can I stay the night?” he whispered into my hair.

A wave of sleepiness washed over me, and I nodded, wishing to savor this moment a little longer before it slipped away. Before I drifted off to sleep, I heard Kaine’s voice, low and sincere, as he murmured, “I love you, Lyra. Toodamnmuch.”

Chapter Eleven — Lyra’s POV

My heart swelled, threatening to explode from my chest in a rush of warmth. The mix of Kaine’s deep rumble and Leo’s light, carefree laugh was the most comforting sound I’d heard in a long time. I slipped off the dish gloves, hung them to dry, and made my way toward the living room. Stopping at the kitchen doorway, I leaned against the door frame to watch the scene in front of me. It was better than any play I’d ever seen. There, on the floor by the coffee table, Kaine and Leo were engrossed in an old puzzle game I used to play with my father all the time.

I couldn’t help but laugh quietly when Leo eagerly said, “I’m going to beat you this time, Dad!” Hearing him call Kaine “Dad” felt like the most natural thing in the world, like everything had finally fallen into place. For so long, I’d carried the guilt of keeping Leo from his father, thinking it was the right choice given the circumstances. But now, watching them bond easily after I’d told Leo the truth this morning, made me feel relief, like a weight I didn’t know I was holding had finally been lifted. Leo had been surprised at the revelation of Kaine being his father at first, the shock quickly melted into a wide grin, and he’d thrown his arms around Kaine with pure, unfiltered joy.

They had connected instantly when he found us in the forest, and now, knowing that the man who saved us was indeed his father made Leo happier than ever. I was worried that he might be upset with me for keeping the truth hidden from him, but there was no trace of resentment. Still, I made a mental note to have a personal conversation about this with him when he got back from school today.

Kaine’s deep chuckle filled the room, his eyes warm as he leaned closer to Leo. “We’re on the same team, remember? We have to build this puzzle together.”

Leo paused, as if considering the idea of teamwork, before nodding eagerly. “Okay, let’s do it! What are we building?”

Kaine showed him the picture in the puzzle box. “This is one of our pack’s ancestors. His name is Fenris—the first Alpha of Ironclaw pack.”

Leo’s small hand grabbed the pieces, his concentration intense. “Fenris? Was he a big wolf?”

“One of the biggest,” Kaine replied with a small laugh. “And he was strong. They say his howl could be heard for miles and he could see in the dark better than anyone.”

“Do you think I could be like him?” Leo beamed, his eyes gleaming with that unspoken hope of being like his father—like every great Alpha before him.

Kaine smiled softly. “Even better.”

I could stand here all day watching them and not get tired. But reality called. We had other things to do. Leo had to get to school, and I had a long day ahead with my retribution task looming.

Clearing my throat, I pushed away from the doorframe, drawing their attention to me. “I hate to cut the fun short, but it’s time for you to get ready for school, buddy.”

Leo’s mouth twisted in a pout, then he turned to Kaine and asked, “Are we going to continue building Alpha Fenris when I get back from school?”

“Of course. But you better hurry now, or you’ll be late for school.”

Leo nodded, jumping to his feet and racing off to get ready, leaving Kaine, me, and the unspoken deed of last night.

When I woke up this morning, I’d wanted to reprimand myself for allowing my emotions to take over last night. But when I turned and saw Kaine in my bed, bathed in the soft glow of the sunlight streaming through the window, with a peaceful smile on his face, I remembered how right it had always felt to wake up beside him—like it was where we were meant to be. I had quietly slipped out of bed to check on Leo, and not long after Kaine joined me. Together, we told Leo the truth.

But now, with just the two of us in the room, and memories of last night flooding my senses, I felt a sudden shyness creep in.

Kaine approached me with a smile on his face, and the shyness doubled. “I never got the chance to kiss you good morning,” he murmured, sliding his hands around my waist and pulling me close till our bodies were pressed together. His finger gently lifted my chin, and then he kissed me—slow and sweet, the kind of kiss that had my thoughts spinning for a moment.

When he pulled away, he tucked strands of my hair behind my ears with a grin. “So, are you ready for today?”

“I guess,” I mumbled, the uncertainty clear in my voice.

“Don’t you worry, I’ll be right there with you.”

After dropping Leo off at school, Kaine and I headed to the pack headquarters, where several of the pack had already gathered, waiting for me to begin my retribution. I spotted some familiarfaces—Mr. Mason, Mrs. Carter, and some other customers I’d occasionally served in the diner.

Apprehension twisted in my gut at the thought of standing in front of everyone and apologizing. But laws were laws, and I had no choice but to follow them if I wanted to avoid putting those who supported me, like Mr. Randolf, in difficult positions. Kaine, sensing my apprehension, clasped my hand, tracing soothing circles over my skin. He gave me a reassuring smile, and I returned it, though I felt anything but calm.

He guided me to the center of the gathering, where all eyes were locked on me. I sucked in a deep breath, the words I’d practiced on the way here swirling in my head. Then, avoiding their stares, I began.

“Six years ago, I abandoned you all—my pack. A wolf never abandons his pack, his family. But I did. I ran away not because I wanted to betray you, but because I was scared. Scared of what would happen to me, to my child, if I stayed.”

I glanced up briefly, meeting the disapproving stares of the crowd, but I forced myself to press on. “There are no excuses for what I did. I broke the bond that ties us as a pack, and for that, I am truly sorry. I know trust isn’t something that can be repaired overnight, but I am here to earn it back. To make things right.”

Another deep breath. “I am willing to face the consequences of my actions, because this pack is my home. You’re my family and I want to fight for that again.”

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