Page 136 of The Alpha's Uncovered Mate

Adam is silent for a few seconds. "Norman was sighted in Detroit this morning. There's a networking event amongst packs in the city next month, and chances are he came here for that. Ever since Father disappeared, he's taken over the company. I didn't think he would show up for this event, but it makes me uneasy having him in the same city as you and Riya."

My nails dig into my palm. "If Norman finds out about me and Riya, he won't let it go. He's depraved. I can't… He can't find out about where we are, Adam. You have no idea what he'll do.You don't know the kind of things he had planned if I ever had a daughter."

I'm progressively getting more and more worked up, and Adam covers my hand with the large bear paw. "I have my people looking for him. In the meantime, I'm increasing security around your apartment."

"What kind of security?"

He hesitates and then says, "I've not told anyone this, but I don't want to keep any secrets from you now. For a couple of years, around the time you left, I reached out to a somewhat illegal organization that has shifters fight each other for money."

"Isn't that a human thing, these underground cage fights?" I ask.

"Money can motivate anyone," Adam responds. "This organization is out of my jurisdiction, but their fighters have slave contracts."

I hiss, bile rising in my throat. "You didn't buy slaves, did you?"

"No." Adam shakes his head. "I bought their contracts and freed them. I also offered them stable salaries and housing if they would choose to work for me as my private team of soldiers. Seventeen of them accepted while the remaining three chose to leave. The ones who chose to stay went through rigorous training, and I trust them completely. They look rough around the edges, but they're skilled fighters and are able to stay out of sight. I'll be putting five of them around your building and apartment. Three of them are scouring for Norman as we speak. You have nothing to fear now. Nobody's going to uproot you this time from the home you've built. You are the alpha's mate, Cynthia. It's my job to keep you safe."

I try to pretend not to be affected by his words, but they do make me feel reassured.

My wolf feels anxious as well, but some of the fear has abated after listening to Adam, and it rumbles in approval.

Make up your mind. I feel annoyed by its flaky behavior. Either he's a backstabbing jerk or he's a good mate.

Our animals are simple creatures. Unlike our human selves, their emotions aren't as complex. While my wolf has been downtrodden, the more time Adam has been spending around me, looking after me and Riya, the more active it's becoming. The fact that I managed to scarf down a huge amount of food is a testament to that.

"I know you're worried," Adam says when I don't respond.

My fingers play with the rose in my hand, touching the soft petals.

He reaches for the head of the bear as if to take it off, and I immediately say, "Don't do that."

"Why not?"

"Just…" I wish I had a proper reason. "It's easier to talk to you like this."

"You don't have a mascot fetish, do you?" He sounds alarmed, and I glare at him.

"Shut up, Adam."

"I'm just curious. Because if it's your preference, I can get some––"

"I swear to God, Adam," I begin, only to hear him snickering.

"You're such an ass," I mutter, refusing to let myself be amused. However, my lips curve slightly.

It's hard not to let myself be swept away when he's around. I don't know if it's the mating bond between us or that I never stopped loving him, but when he's cooking in the kitchen, talking to Riya, or telling me about a recipe he found that will be good for me, I feel happy. I try to hide it. There are moments when I want to remain angry and just stew on my hurt feelings, but then there are days like today when my heart feels light, and I can't explain it.

"Can I bring the cake tonight?" Adam asks after a couple of minutes.

"Sure." I shrug. "Bring party favors as well, if you want. We're ordering pizza."

"So, it's okay if everything is a little over the top from my end?" Adam asks, and I detect the hesitation in his voice.

"Riya is your daughter as well," I reply, my eyes on my baby as she hops from one foot to the other, waiting for her turn. "And you missed out on all her other birthdays. So you can have free rein on this one."

He seems surprised. "Really?"

"Go nuts," I encourage him. "Get her some crazy gifts and some over-the-top cake. I won't say anything."

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