Page 29 of Alpha Scorned

I groaned and shook my head at her crass sense of humour.

“...then you’re going to have to have ‘the talk,’” she used her fingers in speech marks.

“No, I don't, he's too young.”

Becca raised her brows. “If he’s old enough to ask, he’s old enough to be told something. And he’s got mixed blood. He’s growing quicker than any of the full shifter boys, both in mind and body, not to mention strength. You don’t know how his demon side is going to work, and he’s intelligent, not to mention curious. If the noise he no doubt heard last night goes on every night, he’s going to want to know that Mommy is okay and that Owen isn’t hurting her.”

I groaned and rubbed my hands over my face. “Do you think he heard us last night?”

Becca laughed loudly. “Why don’t you ask him?’

Devon barrelled back in, grinned, ran across the kitchen, then slammed his dinosaur onto the table top. “I heard you and O-wen, Momma.” He cocked his head and then said. “But s’okay, he no hurt you, so I go bed.”

My cheeks flamed, but I didn’t look away from my son. I wasn’t embarrassed, but how was I going to explain what Owen had done to me with only five minutes before we had to leave for daycare? Becca’s mirth was hard to ignore, especially when she snorted and wheezed with suppressed laughter.

“That’s right. Owen didn’t hurt Momma. Did you see him and Momma... cuddle?” I tried not to laugh. I was both mortified and amused that my son had worked out he shouldn’t disturb us.

He shook his head, his chestnut curls bobbing around his head. “No, I tired. I go sleep. We go see O-wen now?” he asked hopefully.

My heart lurched. “I’d love to, but I think he’s probably too busy for us.”

“No, I’m not,” said a deep voice from the direction of the front door. I straightened up, almost banging my head on a cupboard door that had been left open. Owen grinned, his eyes full of boiling intensity as he took me in. I suddenly lost my voice. Thank the Mother that my son hadn’t. He screeched and ran to Owen. Owen swung him up into his arms and settled him on his right hip.

“Hey,” I managed to croak.

Admiring all that panty melting maleness had always been a secret pastime, but now I knew what he could do with it all, well, there was no looking away. Desire tightened my still swollen core. Smirking, Owen strode over to me, his attention focused on my eyes. “Morning, beautiful,” he murmured, leaning in to kiss me. Not just a peck either, but a full-on sensual assault on my mouth.

Devon giggled happily and slapped our cheeks gently with his little hands. “No more kissing. Momma late,” he admonished.

I burst out laughing. He was right, Iwasgoing to be late. Owen stepped away from me a little, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Now we can’t have that, can we?” he said, and kissed Devon’s forehead. “Have you got everything you need, little man?”

“Din’saur.” Devon pointed at the toy on the table.

Owen put him down. “Good boy, go and get it, and then get your bag.”

My mouth fell open as Devon complied with no fuss whatsoever.

“Wow,” said Becca. “You can come every morning.”

Owen raised his brows, studying Becca intently. Jealousy stirred in my chest as she studied him right back. Oh, fuck no. She hadn’t dropped her gaze. Was she a compatible mate for him, too? My heart stuttered and Owen glanced at me, a slight frown on the bridge of his nose.

“Hi.” Becca grinned and walked closer to him, holding her hand out. “I’m Becca.” She inhaled deeply.

I curled my fingers into my palms as he took her hand.

“Hi. Owen,” he replied, smiling down at her.

It was all I could do to suppress the growl that bubbled from deep inside my chest. Both of their gazes flew to me. I flushed. I guess I hadn’t suppressed it after all. Becca dropped Owen’s hand at the same time as he took a step back from her. I didn’t look at his face, I just grabbed my bag and jacket and called Devon. He ran in and went straight to Owen.

“I guess I’m coming with you,” Owen said with a smile.

I glanced at Becca to tell her not to come, but she was already putting her arms through her jacket and smiling at Owen. My stomach twisted. Surely my best friend wouldn’t make a play for Owen? She knew he was my soulmate, that I’d never wanted anyone else. My gut twisted painfully. Owen had slept with a lot of women. Would he want Becca too if he sensed she was a compatible mate? I watched as Owen held the door open for her.

“After you,” he said, but he didn’t follow her, he waited for me. “You coming?”

I bit my bottom lip and nodded. He waited until I was next to him then leaned in. “Jealousy looks good on you, Kerores, but it’s totally unnecessary. Now that I’ve tasted you, I will never want another.” He kissed my cheek. “Now show me where this little troublemaker goes to daycare, and then you can show me where you work before I need to interview the next person on my list about Shane.”

Relief made my eyes burn. His words soothed my worry, but still, I hadn’t expected my best friend to be a potential match for my soulmate. Nor had I expected her to make that fact quite so obvious. Owen moved to one side and took my hand. I looked down. I’d never walked along holding anyone’s hand before. My life before the prison had been one of human foster parents and then the streets; boyfriends had not existed for me.

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