Page 72 of Alpha's Unclaimed Mate

“I know I’ve not been involved for a year, but I want to meet Leon’s doctor and be more involved in his healthcare and education.”

I nod. “Absolutely.” We both agree he can start preschool in another six months.

“And I want to bring Ella back.” There’s a glint in her eyes as she says that, as if Ella is the only one on her team.

The thought makes me sigh. I realize how lonely she must’ve felt while she was growing up here. “I already checked,” I inform her. “Her mate’s been unwell and her son is away for training, but you’re free to double-check.”

As she nods thoughtfully, I propose what’s non-negotiable to me. “I’ve already assigned two warriors who will be in charge of your security. May I urge you not to step out anywhere without them?”

She raises an eyebrow, her lips curving into a slight smirk as she mutters under her breath, “May I urge you,” before snorting.

“Do you agree?” I ask, since I don’t think a snort is a conclusive answer.

“Yeah, okay,” she says, giving me a pointed look. “And while we’re at it, I was thinking, since you guys have hijacked my room, which I’m more than okay with since it’s your home, we need a single bed on the side.” She looks away as she says the last part. “Next time you won’t need to wait outside.”

I swear that line makes me want to bawl. But I hold back any expression of emotion and just nod. She is so fucking thoughtful it hurts to know I was so blind once.

“Anything else?” I ask softly.

“Yeah, I’ll be looking for a job locally, but I’ll figure out something that doesn’t take me away from Leon for long. I’ll still continue to contribute to Leon’s expenses.”

My eyes widen, since I never even looked into the bank account she mentioned in her letter, but I don’t mention that. She will take it as an insult. “What about the job in New York? Everyone’s working remotely these days.”

She chuckles. “Not for what I do. Not long-term, anyway.”

We both just sit there, looking at each other and thinking. I have an idea, but I’m afraid to even propose it.

“What?” she asks, frowning. “You’re been looking at me strangely.”

“I was thinking…we generally outsource all our legal work, but having an in-house company secretary…”

“Really?” The wooden legs of the chair screech against the floor as she creates distance between us. “Let me guess—this is for Blackwood Beverages?” All the playfulness, sarcasm, and lightness she had before immediately vanish. Her eyes flare with anger as her lips press into a thin line. “Was one time not enough for you?”

My stomach churns, but I take a deep breath and hold her gaze, hoping she can hear the sincerity in my words. “I know I’ve made mistakes. Many mistakes. And I realized that the day you left.”

“You mean after you fucked me and thought I’d be good as your side chick at home while you mark someone else as your luna?”

That makes me straighten up in my chair. “I never wanted anyone else. It’s something I realized too late. But I haven’tbeen with anyone else since you left. I am sorry. I know you may not believe me, but I swear it’s true.”

She rolls her eyes dismissively. “Well then, say hello to a life of celibacy. And while we’re discussing sex lives, I’ll be looking for a small home for me and Leon. You’re free to decide on the location, assign us as much security as you want, and visit every day, but I need my own space.”

This time I push my chair back. “You don’t want to talk to me? Don’t. You don’t want to work with me? Don’t. You don’t want me in your room? Fine. But I can’t have you and Leon moving away from here.”

She chuckles, the sound hollow. “Why? So you can keep me under your thumb like before?”

“No. It’s so I can keep you both safe, because if I lose you again, I don’t think I’ll survive.”

I leave the room before she can see the tears in my eyes. I shift into my wolf, racing to the lake. The first plunge into the icy cold water shocks my system, but by the third lap my movements turn fluid and I stop noticing the cold.

It’s almost eight by the time I get home, and I’m surprised to see my two heartbeats sitting on the stairs in the foyer. I’m glad I grabbed a pair of shorts from security on my way in.

“Mama, he’s here. Now we go for ice cream?”

I look at Seren, but she refuses to meet my gaze. “You missed dinner,” she says after a while.

“Uhm. Yeah, I wasn’t hungry.” Turning to Leon, I add, “But ice cream sounds great.”

His eyes twinkle as if I’ve gifted him the moon. “Let’s go.”

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