Page 33 of The Alpha's Addiction
Instead, I walk over, press a kiss to her mouth, and whisper, “Hi, gorgeous.”
“Hi yourself,” she murmurs, smiling against my lips.“Your son’s been kicking like crazy.”Her hand moves from my chest to cover her belly.
I glance down at her round stomach, a rush of pride and awe moving through me.Our third baby.Another boy.He’ll be here in a few short weeks.
“Are you okay?”I ask, brushing my fingers down her arm.
“I’m good.A little tired, but happy.”
“Mommy made cookies, too,” Rosie pipes up from my arms.
Adeline laughs.“Snitched one, did you?”
“Maybe two,” Rosie admits, grinning.
“Where’s Alec?”I ask, glancing toward the living room.
“He’s outside with Camden.They’re helping bring in firewood.He insisted on doing it all himself.”Adeline’s eyes crinkle with amusement.“I think he’s trying to prove he’s strong enough to be Alpha someday.”
I smile, that familiar warmth swelling in my chest.Alec is four, as stubborn as hell, and already showing signs of shifting early.He’s got my eyes, my temper, and Adeline’s soft heart.The pack adores him, just like they adore Rosie and her mama.
Adeline hands me a steaming mug of coffee, then leans against the counter with a tired sigh.I wrap an arm around her waist and pull her into my side, careful of her belly.
“You sure you’re feeling okay?”I ask again, quietly this time.
She nods and peers up at me.“I’m more than okay.I was just thinking this morning how lucky I am.”
I huff.“You?I’m the lucky one.”
Adeline smiles, and I feel that tug in my chest that’s never faded since the day we met.If anything, it’s grown stronger with every passing year.
Five years ago, she didn’t think she belonged here.She didn’t think she could be a good leader, or mate, or mother.She doubted herself at every turn, afraid she’d never be enough.
Now?
Now she’s the heart of the North Pack.The one everyone comes to for advice, comfort, or dessert.She remembers birthdays.She organizes fundraisers and pack dinners.She stands at my side during every full moon run and every meeting.She listens.She cares.
And somehow, she still finds time to bake.
Addeline never stopped working with the restaurants in town—her pies, cookies, and tarts are in constant demand.And last year, she and Holly launched their online bakery business,Sweet Moon Confections.Orders have been pouring in ever since.I’ve never seen Adeline so lit up—watching her do what she loves, side by side with her best friend, has been its own kind of magic.They’re even talking about opening a small storefront in town next year, with a café attached.Adeline says it’s still a dream, but I know her.If she dreams it, she’ll make it real.
“You smell like chocolate and sugar,” I murmur into her hair.
She hums.“I’ve got three dozen brownies cooling on the rack.Want one?”
“Only if you eat one with me.”
Rosie squirms out of my arms and bolts toward the back door.“I’ll get Alec!”
The screen door bangs shut behind her, and I chuckle, shaking my head.
Alone now, I turn back to Adeline.I slide both hands around her belly and pull her closer.“I missed you this morning.”
She tilts her head, a soft smile playing on her lips.“Even after all these years?”
“Especially after all these years,” I murmur, pressing a kiss to her temple.“I don’t know how I got through my day without seeing your face.”
Adeline leans her head against my chest and lets out a sigh that sounds like pure contentment.“You’re getting sappy in your old age.”
