The Forbidden Alpha

Odis

Luna Adea and Ethan were making eyes at each other as they slipped into their own world. They shared touches and whispered sweet nothings to each other with the three of us around. I wasn’t one for PDA and I drew the line at kisses. That was my cue to look away and I had no choice but to give my attention to Leo and Paul.

What I wasn’t expecting was the ease Leo had with Paul. He was smiling and talking to Paul like they have known each other for years. I expected that from Paul he was an easy child and got along with others well.

Leo didn’t look at me and I was fine with that. He kept smiling and laughing. Maybe he hadn’t picked up on the awkwardness in the room or maybe he just didn’t care.

Adea asked Leo a question and they started engaging in conversation. I wasn’t sure what they were talking about but my mind wouldn’t focus. As much as I tried, it didn’t matter how hard I tried to my mind drifted to a crooked smile and a smart mouth.

The look on his face when I walked in was pure devastation. As much as he tried to hide it, I saw it. I can’t even begin to try and fathom what he’s got to be thinking.

When he left he didn’t say goodbye or even acknowledge me. I mean, I didn’t expect him to say goodbye and I didn’t deserve him to look my way but I’d hoped.

With how quick he left, there was no way he didn’t know. One look at Paul and anyone would see her in him. I was thankful he was Liv’s mini-me. I could see her n him every day or at least the girl I once knew.

On the outside, I was calm and collected but on the inside, I was a raging hurricane. I struggled against the need to take off after him, instead, I had focused on Paul.

That was my goal, focus on Paul and don’t look at Gabe. I was too afraid of what I’d see. Now that he was gone, my mind had followed him. He was upset, probably angry. I tried to tell myself that he needed some time to think things through. Running will help him burn off the steam from his anger and a breath of fresh air will calm him and his wolf.

Does that mean we’re going to go after him?

Maybe.

You know you’re going to go after him, let’s be honest.

I’m just thinking about him…

While you are in denial just remember that time is the best gift we can give.

Before I can respond, Nan reached over and takes Paul’s plate. It’s empty except for a small ketchup smudge. When she returns from the kitchen, she wipes up his mouth and pulls him to his feet.

“It’s time to go,” Nan said gently.

“Aw, no, please?” Paul begs.

“We’ve got to clean the house before it’s time for your nightly routine,” Nan said.

“Five more minutes?” Paul pleads. When she shakes her head he tires for less. “Four more minutes?” He pulls his fingers up and shows her four fingers. Nan doesn’t break from schedule often and she already did today with him getting off early. It’s not happening.

“Sorry, dear. Say goodbye to papa,” Nan said. With that it’s final but I know he’ll try again.

Paul turns to me and walks towards me with heavy little feet. Crouching down, I open my arms and pick him up in a big hug. Nan walks up behind him and gives me a knowing look. I nod to let her know we’re on the same page. Looking behind his shoulder, Paul sees Nan.

“Aw,” Paul pouts. His big eyes grow sad and he pushes out his bottom lip. It doesn’t work on me but it doesn’t stop me from smiling. “Please, Odee?”

Shaking my head, I squeeze him tighter. “You heard Nan and you already know you have a lot to do today,” I said. “How about this? Tonight, I promise to be home before you fall asleep. I’ll tuck you in and sing sunshine,” I said as we pulled apart.

“Promise?” He asked. He had passed his baby stage but I could still hear a lisp with some of his words. Offering my pinky finger, his little face lit up and he brought his up. Our pinky fingers curled around each other and we sealed it with our thumbs.

“Promise.”

Nan took a step forward and I put him down so his feet touched the floor. His shoulders slumped slightly before he waved goodbye. Turning, he reached up and grabbed her hand. After he said his goodbye’s to Adea and Ethan, he flashed Leo a smile and followed his nanny out.

Are you planning on going home late?

Ignoring my wolf, I try to sit still. I don’t know when it happened but I’ve already decided to find him. I give Paul and Nan a few minutes before I’m up on my feet. I don’t know if it was Troy trying to convince me or if subconsciously I knew I was going to.

There’s been enough time that I know I won’t run into them if I leave now. Nodding to Ethan and Adea, I excuse myself. I don’t miss the way Luna ignores me but there’s nothing I can do about that.

Leo glares at me as I take my leave. It’s as if he suspects where I’m going and a small smile pulls at the corner of my lips. Three sets of eyes follow me as I leave and I know they know. They have to.

Forcing myself to walk and not run out of the packhouse, I eventually make it out the door. I shift without hesitating and rip through my clothes.. I don’t have any extras planted by the door but I can link Jamie to help me out.