The Forbidden Alpha

Gabe

Never have I ever seen Odis look as shocked as she does now. Paul hasn’t seen Odis yet, he’s too busy looking at Leo in awe. Odis came to a stop and I watched as his face went from one of shock to one of confusion. Every fiber in my body told me to get up and leave but I couldn’t, not yet.

A warm hand touched the top of mine and I turned to find Ady’s hand squeezing my own. Her mate stood by her side and stared at me with an understanding look. I swallowed back the sour taste of their pity.

I waited, I waited for something as I tracked his every movement and slight expression changes. I watched as Odis’s eyes left Paul and slowly slid to me. I don’t know what I wanted to see but what stared back at me wasn’t it. It wasn’t enough.

He took a step forward, his eyes searching my face as his lips parted. I don’t know what I expect him to say. At this point, I don’t know if I’m ready to hear what he has to say. What could he say that would make this make sense? Odis came to a stop by the couch Leo and Paul occupied.

“Paul,” Odis choked out.

My eyes filled and I realized I wasn’t even worth an explanation. He wasn’t going to try and explain. I continued to watch him as he turned his head away from me. His eyes landed on Paul again.

Nodding my head, I answered whatever question I’d had in my head. The sooner I faced the truth, the sooner I could move on from him. The sooner I saw last weekend for what it was, the sooner my heart could stop beating for him.

Hear his name called, Paul turned and finally noticed his father. The little boy jumped to his feet and ran to Odis with open arms. With happy eyes and a bright smile on his face, he didn’t bother hitting the breaks as he crashed into Odis.

Paul ran with his face first in his stomach. Odis immediately wrapped an arm around him. When Paul lifted his head and stared up at Odis, his eyes were warm and his smile genuine.

“Hey little man, what are you doing here?”

“I finished school early,” Paul said.

“Where’s nan?”

“She’s in the kitchen,” Paul answered.

Paul’s little arms were unable to wrap all the way around Odis, so his fingers clung to the fabric at Odis’ side. Odis gripped his hands and lowered himself to his knees until he was at eye level with Paul.

I was a bystander who was unable to look away. Odis proceeded to ask Paul about his day, their conversation continued. He didn’t spare me another glance and the mask I’d had in place for the little boy had completely slipped off. I was unable to hide back my feelings.

What did I think was going to happen? That the hopeful scenario I’d played out in my mind would happen? That he’d run to me and actually explain who Paul was, why I didn’t know about him, and beg to be in my life? I couldn’t help the chuckle that broke free.

Before you get all crazy on them, don’t you think you’re jumping the gun?

Are you actually telling me to remain calm right now, Felix?

There’s more to the story. Don’t you think? Why else wouldn’t you have known about our mate having a child?

How would I know IF NO ONE HAS TOLD ME ANYTHING?

You know what I mean. Don’t get curt with me. I’m in the same boat as you. She was my mate too.

I know…

Why don’t you wait until you guys can talk?

Why would I get my hopes up? We haven’t been able to. He said it was a mistake!

Gabe… Doesn’t Paul’s presence prove that there is more to his rejection?

We still haven’t been able to talk.

Why are you waiting for him to come and talk to you? We don’t need to wait for him to be ready. We can make it possible ourselves.

I don’t want to seem desperate. I won’t. I’ve already offered myself up to him and you saw how it turned out. It didn’t go well. I can’t go through that twice in less than a week.

Gabriel, we don’t kn-

I don’t care about what he has to say! I can’t… I won’t sit around here any longer.

Felix tried to say something else but I didn’t give him another second to try and convince me of anything. Squeezing Ady’s hand, I was up on my feet in a flash. Turning to face Ady by my side, I blow my head to her and her mate. I know she’ll understand why I have to leave.

I just need to get away from here, away from him and the boy with her eyes. Without bothering to look at him, I pass Ady, and head for the door.

I hear her calling my name from behind me but I keep going. My feet carry me to freedom, throwing open the door, I run outside and shift. I run past the packhouse area. I run until the buildings blend into a mixture of colors.

***

Odis

Staring at Paul, I try to focus on the conversation we’re having. He starts talking about a superhero I have to fight so he can see who’s stronger but I can’t focus. My attention goes to Gabe as he jumps to his feet and says goodbye to Ady. He forgets about his duty but Leo is here so she’s still guarded. I watch as he heads out the door without a second glance my way.

Plastering on a small smile, I drag my eyes from the door and focus on Paul. My wolf is screaming for me to run after him but I silence him as Paul’s nanny walks out. She’s holding a plate of Paul’s favorite foods he’s only allowed to eat on weekends.. Her eyes slightly widen but she gives me a nod in greeting.