Page 10 of Found: Denver Alpha

“She’s your mate too isn’t she,” Mila comments, standing on the sidewalk in front of Jade’s apartment in her black and white kitten pajamas.

“How the fuck could you know that? I didn’t even flinch when she touched me,” I say in frustration, not sure what the hell to feel at the moment.

“You’re good at not showing it, and I’m pretty sure that Jade didn’t suspect it. But the way you looked at her when she wasn’t paying attention, like she’s the center of your world is a dead giveaway,” she explains and Scarlett nods her head in agreement.

Great, even the child knew the truth.

“Well it doesn’t matter. It’s obvious that Jade doesn’t want any wolf mates and she doesn’t need any pressure from me added to her situation,” I tell her, running my hand through my hair, not sure what else to do.

My wolf is driving me nuts, growling and howling in my head because our mate was so close and we just walked away. Trying to explain to him that now isn’t the time is like talking to a brick wall. He doesn’t understand the human side that well and some of that’s my fault, and how I was raised.

“Don’t worry I have a plan,” Mila says with a smirk and now I’m even more nervous. I don’t know her as well as Silas but from the stories he’s shared this little wolf is a wild card.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea Mila,” I reply, keeping my voice even.

“It’s a great idea, why do you think I planted myself on Jade’s couch? Not just because it’s like sleeping on a cloud but because I could help influence her decisions about Silas. Of course at the time I didn’t know that she would be the mate of all three of you but I think my plan will still work,” she explains and I’m a little taken back she thought that far ahead. I thought she just didn’t want to stay at the pack house because it’s where she was kidnapped from. Seems there is more to her than I originally thought.

“So what is your master plan?” I ask, and her face fills with a smug expression that makes me nervous and I’m not sure why.

“You’ll just have to wait and see,” she comments, giving Scarlett a hug and leaving me staring after her as she hurries into the building.

“That girl terrifies me,” I say and Scarlett just nods her head and smiles.

Taking her small hand I walk us down the street to where I parked the car earlier in a small lot that I’m sure a lot of residents use since parking in front of the buildings is limited. Unlocking the doors of my small SUV I help get Scarlett belted in the back seat before handing her my phone.

“How do you feel about stopping to get some ice cream on the way back?” I ask and she gives me a big thumbs up.

“What flavor do you want? I’m thinking hurricanes, it’s ice cream with crushed up candy or cookies in it,” I say and her eyes light up as if I said Santa was coming to town. Though after some of the things I’ve heard about her life I’m not sure she’d even know who that is.

I watch as she concentrates typing on the phone and then shows it to me.

“I’ve never had candy before, but some of the kids at the coven talked about it. You can pick for me,” I read out loud and my heart hurts for her once more.

“Alright I’ll get you my favorite and hope you like it,” I tell her loving the bright smile on her face as I close the door and take my seat in the front.

As I drive out of the lot I can’t help thinking this is what it would be like to be a parent. Kids have never been a high priority for me as I wasn’t sure I’d ever actually find my mate and I didn’t plan on having kids with anyone else but her. Though having Scarlett around has me wondering if maybe I shouldn’t have looked into adopting at some point.

There were always pups needing homes or really any supe child living in one of the orphanages. But I always put being a Beta ahead of everything, and I held myself back from having a full life to wait for a mate that might never come. It seems ridiculous now.

“I will take two small hurricanes with cookies please,” I say when I pull up to the window. I may be spoiling her but neither of us needed the large size treat this late. I already have a feeling I’m going to get chewed out by a certain Omega for having Scarlett out and about when they just escaped the coven.

It’s not like I’d ever let anything happen to her if I could help it. No child should have to suffer at the hands of family and I know that more than a lot of people.

“Thank you,” I tell the cashier, taking the small treats and passing one to Scarlett in the back before driving off.

It’s not that far to the pack house so I just put mine in the cup holder and concentrate on driving. I’d never thought having a kid in the car, even one that’s not mine, would make me more cautious while driving but the thought of her getting hurt from me being careless has me keeping both hands firmly on the wheel.

The ride is peaceful and I actually can’t wait to get back and see what Scarlett thinks about her new treat but I don’t have to. Suddenly the song Happy by Pharrell Williams starts blasting from my phone in the back seat. Glancing in the rearview mirror I see Scarlett dancing with her ice cream and I can’t help but chuckle. The song isn’t one of my favorites but I can’t help but bob along with the catchy tune seeing her really enjoying herself.

“You can’t tell anyone I did this,” I say before I start singing along with the song terribly but the smile she gives me is worth my small moment of silliness.

We’re pulling up to the pack house just as the song ends and I’m actually feeling pretty good until I spot Sam looking kind of pissed standing by the front door with his arms crossed.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen Sam look like that so I’m a little uneasy when I put the car in park.

“I think we’re in trouble kid,” I tell Scarlett before grabbing my ice cream and going around to help her out. She hands me back my phone still smiling and walks next to me still eating her treat as we make our way to the front door.

As soon as she spots Sam she runs over to him and immediately his frown turns to a smile when she throws her arms around his waist. Those two have definitely bonded, and I kind of hope it means that he and his mate want to adopt her. She deserves two loving parents, not a pack house full of idiots.

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