Page 9 of A Real Alpha
I put a small bit on the side to taste it, but I shouldn't have been shy. Maybe it was because I was hungry enough thatanythingwould’ve tasted good, but I was quite sure that it was the best thing I'd ever eaten.
I didn't realize how fast I was shoveling it in until I was near the bottom of the bowl and Oscar started scooping more rice and salad into it.
Swallowing a mouthful, I reached for the water and had to gulp some down before I could speak.
“I'm okay,” I managed.
“Don't be silly,” he said nonchalantly, “there's plenty here.”
He added more chicken and handed me the sauce. I didn't bother arguing this time, adding plenty of it on top, and laying into the second serving with gusto.
When I was finally felt satiated enough to noticeanything elsearound me but the bowl in my grasp, I glanced up and found that Oscar had his elbows on the table, hands clasped, and chin resting on them while he watched me with interest.
He smiled when our gazes met, not at all embarrassed to be caught staring. I was a little mortified. I’d been stuffing my face with abandon.
I cleared my throat, forcing myself to eat slower.
“Do you like it?” he asked, clearly knowing the answer from the small smile on his face.
“Yes, thank you.”
“Anytime,” he murmured.
We lapsed into silence for a moment, but I couldn't help breaking it.
“So, is this your thing?” I asked. “Taking in street people and feeding and housing them on cold days?”
He lifted a surprised brow and then laughed.
“Actually, no, not at all,” he admitted. “But you have Roscoe with you and when I saw you two out there... don't take this the wrong way, but you don't really look street-hardened, just down on your luck. I take it this is new for you?”
I glanced down at the last few bites of food on my plate, unsure what to say.
“I ran away today,” I finally admitted.
“From Roscoe's alpha parent?” he guessed.
“Yes,” I said, and left it at that, fearful I’d already said too much.
I expected him to push, to ask what I'd done, or maybe to suggest I go back rather than risk being homeless. Any sane person would ask me if I really knew what I was doing. Truthfully, I didn't, but I was willing to risk hardships in order to never go back there ever again.
“Do you want some more?”
Surprised by the question—or the lack of the expected ones—I glanced up, noticing he had the bowl of rice ready to go.
I shook my head. “No, I'm full, thank you.”
He nodded and rose, collecting dishes to take to the sink.
As far as I was concerned, an alpha doing his own dishes was a sight to behold. This time it was my turn to blatantly stare.Who was this guy?!
I stood up to help, but made a detour when Roscoe let out a fuss. I didn't blame him after checking. His diaper was full again.
“You said I could have the bedroom, right?” I asked.
“Yes, I did,” Oscar agreed, immediately stopping what he was doing to dry his hands with a dish towel. “Follow me.”
He led me out of the main living space, paused to show me the washroom and closet doors, and then opened the door to the bedroom for me to enter.
