Page 77 of Alpha's Impostor Bride

“Who’s your father, boy?”

“My name is not ‘boy.’ It’s Finn.” He’s trying very hard not to tremble in front of me. “And I don’t have a father.”

“What do you mean, you don’t have a father?” I stare at him. “What about Erik?”

“King Erik?” Finn blinks. “He’s mom’s friend. I don’t think he’s my dad.”

“Dad?” I try to figure out what that is. “You mean father?”

He gives me a strange look. "Yeah. I asked Mom about my dad, and she said she forgot.”

“She forgot?” I stare at him. “And you bought that? Are you stupid?”

Finn bristles. “You’re stupid! And your face is stupid!”

I glare down at the boy. “Show some respect!”

“You called me stupid first!” He sticks out his tongue at me, his previous fear forgotten.

“I’m not the one behaving like a child.”

“I am a child!” he retorts.

He’s got a smart mouth. “How old are you?”

This has him holding out his fingers, and he counts. “Seven.”

I crouch down next to him so that we are at eye level. “Boy, do you want to see something interesting?”

Finn gives me a suspicious look. “Interesting?”

I reach inside my vest and pull out a thin dagger. His eyes widen, and I hold it out to him. “Let me show you a trick. Children like tricks, don’t they?”

From the look in his eyes, he clearly knows better, but curiosity seems to be fighting for dominance. When he nods his head slowly, I feel a smug sense of satisfaction.

Got you!

Chapter 15

Leanna Avery

I’m running in the forest. The monsters are chasing me. I can see the Veil. But I’m too far away. And the monsters are gaining on me.

“Mom! Mama!”

I hear Finn shouting my name. I have to hurry! I need to get to him!

I feel a burning sensation on my back before I smell the hot, wet scent of my blood in the air.

I’m falling.

He’s screaming for me. “Mom!”

I can barely walk, crawling now. I have to get to my baby. I have to protect him.

But I’m surrounded. They’re approaching me now, vicious-looking monsters with terrifying faces and teeth so sharp, they’re the stuff of nightmares.

“Mom!”

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