Page 24 of Alpha Wolf's Arranged Bride
I want it back—I really do!
“Did you hear that, Mom?”
“What, sweetie?” I ask, coming back to the conversation with a hard shock.
“Dad said there’s an art class at school, and Mrs. Florence would be happy to have me in it!”
“That’s great, sweetheart,” I answer, still feeling extremely weird at the sound of the word “Dad.”
“We can stop in there today, if you like,” Rex says. “The town is putting together a little fair, just so they can show you what we do here. But we can swing by the school right after.”
“A fair?” Jarrod asks. “Like with stalls and games and stuff?”
“You got it, kiddo,” Rex replies, making a pistol motion. “All for you and your mom.”
“That sounds cool!” Jarrod says excitedly. “When can we go?”
“As soon as you’re ready,” Rex answers.
Jarrod hurries to finish his breakfast, then runs upstairs to get changed. Rex sits back in his chair a little, watching me as he finishes his coffee.
“He’s a great kid,” Rex says.
“Yes, he is,” I answer, trying to keep my voice calm.
Rex gives me a hard look, and I frown back at him. The longer the two of them spend together, the harder it will be to keep the truth from them—but I just can’t bring myself to tell them.
And how do I know I can trust Rex? He ran out on me once. He could do it again.
The fact that he’s an alpha now means he’s much more likely to stay put, but I don’t really know. He ran out on me without a single word five years ago when I thought we were so close that we shared a soul.
Maybe running out on a whole pack would be even easier than leaving a lover for a deadbeat like him.
“I’m really trying,” Rex says softly. His voice carries a lot of weight, as if he intended to say much more, but thought better of it at the last minute.
“I’m glad you two are getting along,” I answer, meaning it.
Rex smiles, hearing the honesty in my voice. “It’s not difficult,” he replies. “Jarrod really is special. I have no problem raising him as my own. I just want you to know that.”
I nod, not trusting my voice. I feel like screaming at him that he left me once and could do it again, but I’m too afraid of the storm those words will unleash.
And I’m still not done worrying about my uncle. He’s always been selfish and manipulative, but it’s gotten worse over the last year. He could still come for Jarrod, and I’m almost positive his talk of sacrifices isn’t an empty threat.
“Hey, it’s okay,” Rex says suddenly. “I’m not trying to intrude on his father’s territory or anything. I’m just trying to do the right thing.”
I look up with some concern and see Rex clearing the table with a defeated look on his face. I realize he must have seen my pensive expression and misinterpreted it.
I could try to clear the air, but what’s the point? That’s just going to lead down the twisty trail of all the other lies and secrets, and I’m not going there.
“Thanks,” I say, hoping that will close the discussion.
While Rex is stacking dishes, Jarrod comes back dressed in jeans and a shirt, ready to start the day.
“Will there be ice cream?” Jarrod asks, taking Rex’s hand as we walk towards the front door.
“You bet! And fried cakes, cotton candy, hot dogs—the whole deal.”
“Cool! Do you guys have these often?”
