Page 61 of Mating Mia
Ash is fully awake now, his cries growing more insistent. I can't stop to comfort him, can't pull over to check if he's okay. I have to keep going. We need to lose this guy.
“I know, pup, I know,” I say, my voice strained as I navigate a particularly sharp turn. “We’ll be home soon, I promise. Just hang in there for Daddy.”
Ash’s cries have subsided to whimpers, his natural curiosity overriding his fear as he watches the trees flash by outside his window.
In the rearview mirror, I can see his eyes wide with something like excitement rather than terror. He trusts me completely, has no concept of danger beyond the immediate discomfort of being startled awake.
The responsibility of that trust weighs heavier than any burden I've ever carried.
I reach another intersection and turn right without slowing, the car fishtails slightly before I regain control. The sedan is still behind us, but farther back now, its headlights more distant in my mirror.
Another sharp turn, this one leading to a narrow track that looks barely wide enough for our vehicle. It's tight, branches scraping the sides of the car as we push through, but I know it connects to a larger road that will eventually lead us back to civilization.
I glance in the mirror. The headlights have disappeared. Either they've fallen too far behind to see, or they've given up the chase. Neither possibility allows me to relax yet.
Ash babbles something from the backseat, apparently having decided this wild ride is some kind of game his father has invented for his amusement. The innocent sound makes my chest ache with fierce love and protective rage.
We’re almost through, the trees thinning slightly as we approach the junction with the larger road. Just a few more minutes and we'll be back on pavement, able to make better time toward home.
As we break free of the forest track onto the wider gravel road, I slow slightly, checking all directions for signs of pursuit. Nothing. No headlights, no sound of an engine beyond our own.
We’ve lost them, at least for now.
I pull off to the side, cutting the engine. For a moment, I just sit there, hands still gripping the wheel, heart pounding in my chest. Then I turn to check on Ash properly for the first time since our wild flight began.
“You okay back there, little wolf?” I ask, my voice rough with the aftermath of adrenaline.
Then, as if the entire high-speed chase through forest roads was nothing more than a mildly interesting diversion, he smiles and begins playing with his fingers, completely unconcerned.
A startled laugh escapes me, the tension draining from my body in a rush that leaves me light-headed.
“That’s my boy,” I say, reaching back to touch his cheek. “Cool under pressure, just like your old man.”
sixteen
. . .
Mia
The rice simmers on the stove, steam rising in gentle clouds that fog the kitchen window.
I stir it absently, watching the grains swirl in the bubbling water while the oven timer counts down the minutes until the fish is done. The scent of lemon and herbs fills the kitchen, mingling with the earthy aroma of cooking rice.
Through the open doorway, I can see Jace sprawled on the living room floor, his golden hair falling across his forehead as he dangles a stuffed wolf over Ash’s reaching hands. My son squeals with delight, his chubby legs kicking against the carpet as he tries to coordinate his crawling toward the toy.
“Come on, little wolf,” Jace encourages, his voice playful as he wiggles the stuffed animal just out of Ash’s reach. “Show me those alpha hunting skills.”
Ash responds with a determined grunt, his eyes narrowing with concentration as he pushes himself forward on pudgy arms. He’s already showing the stubborn determination that marks him as their son.
I check the oven timer. Fifteen more minutes before the baked salmon is ready. Plenty of time to finish the rice and mix the salad I’ve prepared.
Cooking still feels like a novelty to me—a skill I’m slowly developing after years of surviving on ramen noodles and whatever I could afford on my meager budget while with my ex-boyfriend Justin. With having everything that I need now, I’m finding it fun to cook and experiment on my alphas. Even though the food might taste a little rough at times, they would still gush over how great my cooking is.
A triumphant squeal pulls my attention back to the living room. Ash has captured the stuffed wolf and is now gnawing on its ear with his two tiny teeth, drool soaking the gray fabric.
“That’s my boy,” Jace praises, ruffling Ash’s dark hair. “Nothing escapes the mighty hunter!”
I’m about to turn back to the stove when strong arms wrap around my waist from behind, pulling me against a solid chest.
