Page 24 of Bully Alpha's Secret Baby

Margaret reaches across the table and rests her hand on mine. “It’s not personal, really. I hope things work out for you.”

“Thanks,” I say, standing up and motioning for Penny to follow. “I appreciate it.”

Penny scrambles to her feet, and we head for the door. The bell chimes as we step out into the sunlight, and I take a deep breath, trying to shake off the sting of rejection.

“Why are you so sad, Mama?” Penny asks.

“Oh, it’s nothing, sweetie. I’m not sad, just tired.”

We keep walking, and I try not to let the disappointment settle too deep. But it’s hard. Every door that closes feels like another reminder that I don’t belong here. That no matter howhard I try to move forward, my past will always be there, lurking in the shadows.

As we pass another shop—this one a bookstore—I think about giving it another shot. But then I stop myself. What’s the point? It’s the same story everywhere. Everyone knows who I am. Everyone remembers what happened. And no one wants to take a chance on the witch who could bring trouble to their doorstep.

Still, I can’t just give up. Not for me, and definitely not for Penny.

We keep walking, the sun shining down on us like it’s mocking my bad mood. I glance at Penny, and her little legs are working overtime to keep up. I could take a lesson from that kind of determination, I decide.

I’m not going to let this break me. If I can’t find a job here, I’ll find one somewhere else. Hell, I’ll go work for another pack if I need to.

***

Hours later, the sun’s beating down harder now, and Penny’s skipping ahead. I’ve been rejected more times than I care to count, and it’s getting old fast. Every rejection feels like another door slamming shut on the life I’m trying to rebuild. But I keep moving, keep pushing forward, because giving up isn’t an option. Not for me, and definitely not for Penny.

We turn the corner and head toward the park, and that’s when I spot them—two guys leaning against a truck parked near the café. And not just any guys. Of course, it has to be Damien’s old crew.

Great. Just what I needed to cap off this already stellar day.

Jeremy and Trevor. The ones who used to trail after Damien like eager puppies, always ready with a snarky comment or a well-placed jab. Back in the day, they had no problem making fun of me for anything and everything, from my weight to my braces, and now? Well, I doubt much has changed.

I grip Penny’s hand a little tighter as we approach, hoping they won’t notice us. But that hope dies a quick death when Trevor’s eyes land on me and light up with recognition.

“Well, well, look who it is,” Trevor teases, pushing off the truck with a grin that makes my skin crawl. “Jade Thornton, back from the dead.”

Jeremy snickers beside him. “Didn’t think we’d see you around here again. Thought you’d run off for good.”

I force a tight smile and try to ignore the way my stomach clenches. “Guess I like proving people wrong.”

“Is that what you’re doing?” Jeremy’s eyes flick to Penny, and something in his gaze sharpens. “And who’s this little one? Don’t tell me you’ve got a mini-you running around now. She’s not as chubby as you used to be, at least.”

Penny clings to my side, and her tiny hand grips mine like a lifeline. I can feel the tension in her body, how she’s trying to make herself smaller just like I used to around these guys, and it makes my blood boil. They might think they can mess with me, but they don’t get to touch her. Not even with words.

I kneel down to Penny’s level and brush a strand of hair behind her ear. “Why don’t you go play on the swings for a minute, sweetheart? I’ll be right here.”

She hesitates, glancing up at the guys with wide, uncertain eyes, but I give her a reassuring nod. “It’s okay, baby. Just for a minute.”

Penny nods and runs off toward the swings, her little legs pumping hard as she goes. I straighten up and turn to face Trevor and Jeremy head-on.

“Is there something you need?” I ask, my voice clipped.

Trevor smirks. “Just catching up. You know, it’s funny. Damien never mentioned you were back.”

“Well, he’s got bigger things on his mind,” I snap, trying to keep my cool. I won’t let them get to me, not today. Not with Penny so close.

Jeremy’s eyes follow Penny as she reaches the swings. “Cute kid. You babysitting or something?”

“No. She’s mine.”

“Yours, huh?” Trevor drawls, exchanging a look with Jeremy. “Didn’t think you’d find someone to settle down with. What, some poor sap finally took a chance on you?”

---