Page 31 of The Alpha's Forbidden Heir

The mate bond flares so violently I feel like I can’t breathe, the pieces of the last five years crashing together in a way that makes horrifying sense.

I stare at Aria, my voice barely more than a rasp. “Aria. What the hell is going on?”

And she doesn’t answer.

Chapter Ten

Aria

Istep in front of Elias, my arms instinctively spreading out as if I can shield him from the storm brewing in Bane's eyes. My heart thunders in my chest so loudly I can barely think, let alone breathe.

“Aria.” His voice is low, deadly. A predator’s growl just before the kill. “What is going on?”

I don’t answer right away. My throat feels like it’s closing up, panic clawing at the edges of my mind. Deny it. Deny it, Aria.

“He’s…” My voice falters, and I clear my throat, willing the words to come out steady. “He’s my son.”

Bane’s eyes darken, narrowing in on me like twin storm clouds. “I’m not blind. That’s not what I’m asking.”

“I don’t owe you an explanation.” My voice sounds stronger than I feel, but even as the words leave my mouth, I know they’re the wrong ones.

His jaw tightens, his nostrils flaring. “Don’t you dare play games with me right now, Aria.” He takes a step closer, towering over me, his presence overwhelming. “Whose boy is he?”

“He’s mine,” I snap, holding my ground.

“That’s not what I asked,” Bane growls, his voice a dangerous rumble that sends a shiver down my spine. His gaze flickers to Elias, who is staring at us with wide, curious eyes, and then back to me. “Say it, Aria. Say it out loud.”

I can’t. I won’t.

“He’s not—”

“Don’t lie to me!” His voice cracks like thunder, and Elias flinches behind me. I whip around to crouch down, brushing my hands over Elias’s little shoulders.

“It’s okay, sweetheart,” I whisper, forcing calm into my tone. “Go to your room, okay? Mommy’s fine.”

Elias looks between us, his small brow furrowing. “But, Mommy—”

“Now,” I insist gently, turning him toward the hallway. He hesitates before walking away, and I wait until I hear the soft click of his door shutting.

The moment he’s gone, Bane’s presence looms over me again.

“Aria.” His voice is quieter now, but no less dangerous. “You’re going to tell me the truth, or I’ll—”

“Or you’ll what?” I snap, standing to face him. “Hurt me? Scare me? Guess what, Bane? You’ve already done that.”

He flinches like I slapped him, but his expression hardens again almost immediately.

“Don’t turn this around on me,” he snarls. “That boy has my eyes, Aria. My blood.”

I press my lips together, refusing to confirm it.

But Bane’s too sharp for his own good. His gaze burns into me, searching, demanding. “How old is he?”

“Five,” I whisper before I can stop myself.

His breath leaves him in a sharp exhale, his hand dragging down his face as he takes a step back. “Five,” he echoes, the word dripping with disbelief. His head snaps up, his eyes locking with mine. “So, what? You were pregnant? And you didn’t think to tell me?”

“I didn’t have a choice,” I fire back.

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