The Forbidden Alpha

Adea

For a moment, Gabe and I stare at the little boy in shock. The last time I’d seen him had been a long time and it was before. Before Olivia, before the Ceremony, just before. When Odis showed up at the daycare with wide eyes and his heart thumping, I figured he was his little brother or a family member. I didn’t think of the color of his eyes and I didn’t try and piece together who he looked like.

It felt like I had slammed into a brick wall and Olivia wasn’t even my mate. I don’t know what this was doing to Gabe or what he was thinking. The woman hesitates and I realize she’d been talking. I didn’t hear her and when I turned to Gabe, he was still staring at the boy. So I knew he missed whatever she said too.

I apologized for my rudeness and asked her to repeat what she had said. The woman hesitated for a moment, her forehead crinkling, her eyebrows furrowing as she looked between me and Gabe.

She opened her mouth, closed it, and opened it again. The two of us are still and silent while we wait for her to speak. Leo is the opposite, he’s completely oblivious to us and the atmosphere as he starts to chow down on another panini. As the crunch of his bites fills the air, Gabe pulls his gaze from the little boy and looks to Leo before looking at the woman.

If this child was who we thought he was, why didn’t Gabe know of him? This woman had to know the connection between the child and Olivia. By default, she would know who Gabe is and what this child would mean to him.

“Do you mind if Paul sits here? I picked him up early from daycare and he hasn’t had lunch yet. I figure he’ll be safe here with the Luna and her bodyguards,” she said. “I shouldn’t be too long,” she said apologetically.

“Of course, we don’t mind at all. We missed breakfast and grabbed a late bite to eat. We are still eating and won’t be leaving anytime soon. Paul is more than welcome to sit with us. He’ll be safe with us,” I assure her. “We do have more than enough food though, they just made it for us and there is a lot to spare.”

“Oh no, Luna, it’s okay. I promised him chicken nuggets and fries. I’m going to throw some in the oven and will be right out,” she said. “Paul, greet your Luna.”

Paul looks at me curiously, dips his head, and keeps eye contact with me. Gabe is trying and failing to be indifferent about Paul. The woman leads him over to the spot next to Leo. He jumps onto the couch next to him and his blonde hair bounces up and falls over his forehead with the action.

His eyes trail over Leo and a look of wonder crosses over his features. From a child’s perspective, I can see why they would think highly of Leo but he definitely doesn’t need the confidence boost. Leo is still oblivious to Gabe’s reaction but flashes Paul a smile.

The woman excuses herself and dashes to the kitchen. After she disappears, I turn my attention back to Gabe. His face is a mixture of shock and curiosity. Gabe and I sit quietly and watch Paul as Leo pours him a glass of orange juice while he waits. They’re busy talking, Paul asking how he got so big and if he’s a superhero.

Leo throws his head back and a boisterous laugh leaves his chest and cuts through the air. I’m glad he’s good with kids because Gabe is still in shock. I pull myself together and clear my throat as I sit at the edge of my seat.

Leo tells him he is, indeed, a superhero but Paul can’t tell anyone. Paul swears on the Moon Goddess that he’ll keep Leo’s secret and I can’t help but melt. The pureness I see in Paul’s eyes is the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen.

“Hey, Paul,” I say in greeting. He turns to face me with his big gray eyes. The way he looks at me makes me feel like he can see into my soul. Children have that ability. I have. no idea how to talk to kids and I don’t know what to say. I do know that if Gabe wasn’t in shock, he’d want to know him, he’d have questions.

“Yes, Luna?” Paul asked, he tilted his head and blinked.

“You can call me, Ady,” I tell him. He smiles and the little dimple on his cheek makes me smile. He’s such a cute kid, I fight the urge to reach forward and ruffle his hair.

“Yes, Ady?”

“Do you remember me?” I asked him. He blinks before he nods furiously.

“Yep! You saved me from the stinky wolf,” he said. “I remember… he smelled me and was getting closer. It was a looooong time ago but I remember how happy Odee was.”

“That’s right, he was very happy you were safe.”

“Odee?” Gabe asked, his voice choked. He finally found his voice. Paul turned to look at him, his expression is curious.

“My dad,” Paul says. “He’s the best! He’s big and strong and has the biggest muscles I’ve ever seen. No one can beat him… but,” his eyes go to Leo, “I think the superhero might be bigger than my dad,” he whispers.

Gabe’s eyebrows furrow and I know he’s thinking all of the worst things. I decided against asking any more questions and am ready to ask him about school when Leo opens his mouth.

“Your dad’s name is Odee?” Leo asked. “That’s a weird name,” he laughs.

The door swings open again and in walks Ethan. Relief hits me and I feel myself physically relaxed knowing he’s safe, knowing that he’s home. My mate smiles as he makes his way to me. He doesn’t close the door and Beta Odis walks in behind me.. My eyes find Gabe and I don’t know what he’s thinking.