Page 74 of Alpha's Unclaimed Mate

SEREN

“So it’s safe to say you’re not returning to New York for at least six months?”

I frown at the screen, glancing at Jane while keeping an eye on my son. His little footsteps patter rhythmically on the bathroom tile as he arranges his plushies on the vanity. He’s decided he wants to decorate the bathroom vanity with all his toys. “It’s their room,” he insists. I’ll have to wash them all later.

“Nothing is set in stone, really,” I answer honestly. “I’m just trying to figure out a way to get some regular cash flow here. I’d hate to dip into my savings.”

Jane checks the temperature of the two milk bottles before she hands them to the nanny. Her babies are just a few weeks old. “Want me to keep an eye out for remote work until then?”

“I’m actually on the fence about starting my own consultancy here. Mammoth Lakes is filled with small-scale businesses. If I’m not on retainer, I could take on projects. I just want to gauge the market first.”

Jane squints at me, the silence on her end only interrupted by the soft coos of the two babies in the background. “You know, maybe that’s not a bad idea. You control your timing, work from home, and avoid any bloodsucking bosses. Sounds perfect!”

I giggle at her enthusiasm before glancing at the clock. We need to leave in five minutes, and Leon is still popping in and out of the bathroom with plushies. “I hope Gunner has finally stopped bothering you.”

Since catching him cheating, she’s tried to cut him out of her life, but he refuses to stay away.

I frown when I see her blush at my question.

“Listen, don’t hate me…” She hesitates and I roll my eyes, guessing where this is going.

“You’re back with him, aren’t you?”

She groans, covering her face with her palms. “I know, I know. It sounds insane, but hear me out. He showed me this crazy security footage that shows what really happened that night. Turns out, the girl literally threw herself at him. It’s like she set him up. And that video isn’t doctored. I verified it.”

I run a hand through my hair. “After everything he did, you’re really buying that?”

She looks up at the screen again. “I love him, Seren. And when you’re with someone long enough, you just know when they’re telling the truth. And I know he isn’t lying about this.”

Her conviction makes me wince. How can she be so sure? For all the years I lived here, I could never figure out whenTheron was lying. But then, he never loved me, so does it even matter?

Jane gives me a sheepish grin and quickly changes the subject. “What’s going on with you and Ethan? How’s the long-distance thing working out?”

“It’s not,” I answer with a sigh.

Her eyes widen and she whispers, “What did you do this time?”

“I have to prioritize Leon now,” is all I manage to get out. The truth is I don’t know when I’ll be back in New York, and keeping someone waiting indefinitely is just cruel. Ethan doesn’t deserve that. And after that exchange with Titan, thinking about Ethan makes me feel guilty.

Jane nods. “Makes sense, though I can’t believe you’re letting such a great guy go. He’s literally your soulmate.”

I’m spared from commenting since Leon barrels over to me, his tiny body slamming against my legs as he announces, “Done. Let’s go.” The sense of accomplishment on his face is clear.

I quickly end my call with Jane and get my baby ready for the dentist. He’s been complaining of a toothache since last night. With how he’s acting this morning, the pain seems to have disappeared, but I’d still like to get it checked out.

The driver is waiting by the porch. The two warriors on our security detail are already seated in the car behind us. As I’m checking the seatbelt locks for Leon, out of nowhere Theron slides into the passenger seat.

I almost do a double take as he buckles his seatbelt. Doesn’t he ever have to be at work?

Neither of us say a word to each other but of course, Leon pipes up.

“Mama, it’s Daddy.”

I wrinkle my nose. This need to state the obvious must be in the Blackwood blood.

There’s a tense silence inside the car, so I play Leon’s favorite Miss Rachel videos on the iPad for him. The soothing sound of her voice floods the car, and soon Leon is giggling and repeating everything she says.

Everything is fine until we hit a deep pothole on the road. We all get a good shake-up, and Leon and I are giggling, but I notice the body language shift between Theron and the driver.

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