Page 28 of My Ruthless Alpha

Looking both exasperated and unable to do anything about the situation, Beau approached me and began the introductions.

There were a handful of them, along with Zoe, so it was difficult for me to remember who was who at first, but the longer we stood there and talked, the easier it was to match names to faces.

Margo was as hesitant as I felt initially, but as the guys talked to her, she seemed to open up more. From what I could tell, she took to Sebastian well; before long, she had lots of smiles for them.

I was hesitant about letting people I had just met babysit my child, but given how Beau interacted with them and had been quick to call them for help, I could see how much he trusted them. That was something, at least.

“Hey, I know this must be overwhelming, but I promise your daughter will be safe with us,” Zoe said with a gentle smile as she approached me while the guys were busy keeping Margo preoccupied with making faces with her.

I did my best to open myself up to trusting them, and I mirrored her expression. “It is a lot, but I appreciate the help.”

“Of course. We’re always around to do whatever we can. And it’s nice to meet you, by the way,” she added, putting me more at ease with her gentle demeanor.

I returned the sentiment easily enough, thanks to her outwardly friendly nature, and I knew right away that Margo would like her a lot.

Even if I was unsure about everything, it was easy to see how quickly they all jumped to the task, even if babysitting Margo didn’t call for numerous shifters. Still, it was the thought that counted, and I could tell they were bound to keep her entertained beyond what we needed.

After everyone was situated and Margo seemed more than comfortable staying with the group, I hugged and kissed her, and then Beau and I were off.

The drive passed quietly at first since I was still anxious about everything going on, but after some time, Beau glanced over at me. “I’m sure it wasn’t easy for you to leave Margo with them, but I promise they’ll take good care of her while we’re gone. And at the very least, Zoe’s there to keep them all in line.”

I let go of a gentle breath. “I’m sure she’ll be fine…it was just a bit difficult leaving her since it has only ever been me and Margo. It’s rare for me to be separated from her.”

He nodded his understanding and focused his eyes on the road. “It makes sense…I imagine I’d feel the same in your place.”

“She’s been my everything since the day she was born…I just need to know she’s safe, regardless of what’s happening.”

My comment wasn’t meant to be a slight against Beau or his absence, but I could feel the guilt and regret surrounding him. He sighed gently.

“You’re a great mother, you know…she’s lucky to have you,” he said quietly yet genuinely. “I wish I could say the same for myself as her father.”

My features softened at that, and I kept my tone light. “You can’t exactly blame yourself for that…you didn’t know.”

“Maybe, yet I can’t help but wonder how things might’ve gone differently if I hadn’t left. If I had stayed and been there for you when everything happened.”

Something stirred in my chest then, and as much as I didn’t want to admit it, I often thought about the same thing. I always considered what it would be like if things happened in the way I always imagined they would. If we had been a proper family from the start, and if I never had to worry about being a single parent.

But it didn’t feel like the right time to admit that. Not when he was still visibly upset with himself.

A part of me was still frustrated that he could up and leave and not have to deal with any of the responsibilities I had to shoulder on my own, but at the same time, I had to consider there were aspects of his situation I probably didn’t know.

It didn’t happen how either of us would’ve wanted it to, but we could do nothing about it.

“Margo always asked about you,” I admitted, watching as the woods moved around us. “She didn’t know who she was asking about, of course, but she’s always been curious.”

His eyes softened fractionally at the mention, and he gripped the wheel a bit tighter. The thought was obviously both difficult and touching for him to hear. “What did you tell her?”

“I wasn’t as honest as I should’ve been. I’ve been deflecting the topic as much as possible since I never really know what to tell her…but I usually mention how her dad’s a good man, and he’d be there if he had the choice,” I explained, speaking despite the lump in my throat. “But I hope one day soon I can tell her the truth…tell her he’s right here.”

Beau swallowed hard, then glanced at me, almost surprised by the notion. “You’d be willing to tell her?”

Letting go of a quiet breath, I nodded. “She should know eventually, whenever it’s the right time. I don’t want her to be stuck with that question hanging over her head, and I don’t want Margo to be without her dad.”

Something moved through his gaze then that looked akin to gratitude, and he took a moment to compose himself as if the deeper implication of my words set in. “I’d appreciate that more than anything.”

Seeing how genuinely pleased he seemed by the words made me smile, and I knew they really did mean a lot to him.

He wasn’t just taking an interest in Margo because he felt like he had to. He seemed to really want to have a relationship with her, and I wasn’t going to complain about that.

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