Page 69 of Alpha's Unclaimed Mate

Theron’s face snaps toward them, eyes wide. “I never promised a reward!”

Leon leans close to my ear and whispers, “Mama, I’m hungry!”

Gauging the situation, I smile at the three cooks before turning to the two men clearing the table. “Well, someone’s about to be very happy. Just leave all the dishes here.”

Theron pulls out the high chair, but Leon whines.

I kiss his cheek, whispering, “Don’t worry. We’re eating together.”

For the next half hour, Leon and I eat from the same plate as I feed him small bites of different things. There’s steak, lamb, venison, and lots of bacon, among other things. Over the last two years, I forgot what meals are like here. The food is mind-blowing.

I make it a point to praise the food, hoping Theron does reward the staff. I’m not able to eat much, since I’mdistracted by avoiding Theron’s gaze. The one time I do glance at him, I find him rubbing his eyes.

As I wipe Leon’s face, he lets out a loud burp, then hides his face in my neck, giggling.

“Mama, want to see my fish.”

I’m unable to stifle my yawn, so Theron jumps in to deflect. “They’re all sleeping right now, so you won’t be able to see them. How about we show them to Mama in the morning?”

“And blueberries also?”

“Yes, we’ll eat them tomorrow. But now, you’re off to bed.”

The way he talks to Leon, I realize Theron is quite actively involved in his routine.

I’ve made no effort to talk to Theron, not even to discuss logistics about where exactly I’ll stay. I’m not sure if my old room is available.

As if reading my thoughts, Theron clarifies, “Leon and me sometimes sleep in your room. If you’re not comfortable there…”

The information hits me hard. He’s been sleeping in my room?My room? Why? Does his room remind him of Vanessa?

I shake my head and smile at Leon. “We can sleep there. Right, Leon? Want to cuddle with me?”

Without waiting for Theron’s reaction, I make my way through what was once a dimly lit, imposing staircase. Now, bathed in warm light and adorned with a vibrantJungle Bookmural, it feels homey and whimsical. Strangely, I don’t feel out of place.

It would be an understatement to say my room looks lived in. Everything is the same, just slightly faded. A few pieces of furniture have been moved around. The bed is now by the window. There’s a Christmas tree in one corner with ornaments still hanging on it, even though it’s June.

A heaviness settles in my chest. Has Theron been staying here this whole time?

As Leon and I settle into bed, he squeals, “Mama, look, Simba.”

On the ceiling is a mural of my son’s favorite animated character. “It’s beautiful,” I whisper. I pull him into my arms and switch off the light.

The room is the same. Everything is. But it’s also different.

I eventually fall asleep to Leon’s soft snores.

Sometime in the middle of the night, Leon wakes up with a jerk and starts crying. I immediately turn the lights on and pull him into my arms.

“It’s okay, Leon,” I whisper, rocking him gently. “You’re safe. Mama’s right here.” I kiss his forehead, hoping to calm his stuttering sobs.

A second later, Theron bolts in as if he was waiting right outside.

If he came to comfort Leon, he makes no move to get to him. Standing by the door, he watches us while I slowly tuck Leon in again.

He doesn’t say a word, and neither do I. I just switch the lights off and pull on the blanket. This time, sleep comes quickly.

I wake up feeling better than I have in years. My son is still in my arms. The morning feels a little warmer than it should. As I try to move, I feel something hard poking into my back. I try to shove it aside, and then I hear a loud moan. The next moment, a heavy arm wraps around me, holding me in place.

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