Page 25 of The Alpha's Forbidden Heir

“Like candy?”

“Exactly. And broccoli.”

“Eww! I don’t like broccoli!” He sticks out his tongue, covered in foam, and makes a face in the mirror.

I laugh, shaking my head as I hand him a cup of water. “Rinse, you silly boy.”

He does, and as he spits into the sink, I notice his pupils flash gold again, just for a heartbeat. My stomach clenches, but I force my face to stay neutral.

“Alright, hop down. Time for a bath.”

“Can I bring my boats? Please?”

“Of course. Captain Elias needs his fleet.”

He runs to grab his toys, and I turn the water on, letting the warmth chase away the chill of the morning. My hands shake slightly as I adjust the temperature. The flashes of gold are happening more often. I’ve seen them enough to know what they mean.

Elias is a wolf like his father.

The thought sends a pang through me, a bittersweet ache I’ve carried for years. I haven’t let myself think about Bane in a long time, at least, not intentionally. But Elias makes it impossible to forget.

“Mommy, can I come in now?”

“Yep, the water’s ready.”

Elias climbs into the tub with a splash, his boats immediately taking over the space. “I’m the captain, and the shark is gonna get the bad pirates!”

“Yes, you are,” I sit on the edge of the tub as he narrates an elaborate rescue mission involving sharks, pirates, and a very brave rubber duck.

By the time we’re both dressed and ready to leave, the house feels alive with the sounds of Elias’s endless chatter.

“Mommy, why’s the sky blue?”

“Because of the way sunlight scatters in the atmosphere.”

“What’s a ‘mosphere?”

“It’s the air all around us.”

“Can we touch it?”

“Nope, it’s too high up.”

“That’s not fair.”

I laugh, ruffling his curls. “Life’s not always fair, baby. But you make it fun anyway.”

He beams at me, and my heart feels lighter than it has in days.

The drive to school is very short. Every place in this town is within a very short distance. When I came here 5 years ago, I knew immediately it would be the perfect place for me. But I wonder how long before it is no longer accommodating. How long before they raise sticks and stones against my child.

Elias leaps out of the car as soon as I unbuckle him and runs toward the entrance with his backpack bouncing against his back.

“Wait for me, Captain!” I call, laughing as I hurry after him.

His teacher, Miss Clara, greets us at the door with a warm smile. “Good morning, Elias. Ready for another fun day?”

“Yeah! I’m going to build the biggest tower in the block corner today!”

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