Page 73
Story: Rejected By The Alpha Heir
I embrace him, pulling Cleo into me as well.
“What happened?” Austin asks.
“That boy is hurt,” Cleo says, staring off toward the place where Gage had laid. “He got hurt in a fight, but he gets hurt at home too.”
I look over at the empty pavement and then back at her. “What do you mean?” I ask her carefully.
“I saw them. They hurt him at his house too. His grown-ups. ”
I turn to Austin, worry in my eyes. “He’s so young,” I whisper, “And I found him being beat on by a human.”
Austin’s eyes darken and the muscle in his jaw tics.
“He’s from Highland Pack. There’s nothing I can do,” he says, finally.
I nod, a single tear falling down my cheek as I look out to where Sylvie had disappeared with him. The idea of adults willingly hurting children makes me sick to my stomach.
“I hope he gets out,” I whisper.
“Let’s go,” Austin says gruffly, reaching for my hand. “If Highland felt comfortable enough to come into town while we’re here to sell their wares, they’re plotting something. I need you and Cleo safe at home.”
I let him lead me back toward the sorting station, stopping only to have him carry the box of supplies to Sonia and Tiffany.
The entire drive home, all I can think about is Gage and the way his little face was marked by pain.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Yelena
“You make the absolute best blueberry muffins. I don’t know how you do it. I’ve tried that recipe you gave me a dozen times, but they never turn out the right way. What’s your secret?” Luna Elizabeth teases, rinsing the old yellow mixing bowl.
My kitchen smells divine. For the last two hours, Elizabeth and I have been baking up a storm. We’ve made cookies, muffins, and even a pan of brownies.
I pinch off a piece of my muffin and stuff it in my mouth, savoring the sweet taste. “I don’t have any secrets, it’s just the recipe,” I laugh. My coffee cup is empty, so I get up from the table to refill it.
“Well, whatever you do, it’s delicious,” Elizabeth says fondly. “The boys will be so excited when they come in from the workshop.”
I smile and reach over to grab her coffee cup as well, refilling it at the same time. She accepts the hot mug with a quiet thank you and I join her at the table. This time with Elizabeth is so affirming. Having her as my mother-in-law is more than I could ever ask for. She makes me feel welcome and accepted, not only as Austin’s mate, but as their daughter by marriage. Having theopportunity to have a mother figure in my life like this, sharing simple moments like cooking and visiting, warms my heart.
Austin has also seen an improvement in his relationship with his parents, and it gives me joy to watch him flourish like this. He and his father have been hard at work making a dollhouse for Cleo in the old workshop. Every weekend they are out there, carving small animal figurines and building the rooms.
It’s beautiful to watch them like this.
“Where is my little princess this morning?” Elizabeth asks, blowing on the hot liquid.
I hesitate for a second before remembering that Elizabeth and Malakai know all about Cleo’s Seer abilities.
“She’s training. We had a coven trainer come in. Her name is Aurelia. She’s supposed to be the best of the best. I want Cleo to have a full understanding of her capabilities and control over her powers. Before it’s too late.”
Elizabeth nods thoughtfully.
“A wise choice, to be sure. Callie used to refer to her abilities as her greatest blessing and the most wicked curse.”
My heart clenches again at the memory of Callie. How I wish that she could have been here for this, to help guide both me and my daughter.
I manage a watery smile. “Callie was so very wise,” I murmur.
Elizabeth lays a comforting hand on my shoulder. “She loved you, you know that,” she tells me, giving me a soft smile.
Table of Contents
- Page 1
- Page 2
- Page 3
- Page 4
- Page 5
- Page 6
- Page 7
- Page 8
- Page 9
- Page 10
- Page 11
- Page 12
- Page 13
- Page 14
- Page 15
- Page 16
- Page 17
- Page 18
- Page 19
- Page 20
- Page 21
- Page 22
- Page 23
- Page 24
- Page 25
- Page 26
- Page 27
- Page 28
- Page 29
- Page 30
- Page 31
- Page 32
- Page 33
- Page 34
- Page 35
- Page 36
- Page 37
- Page 38
- Page 39
- Page 40
- Page 41
- Page 42
- Page 43
- Page 44
- Page 45
- Page 46
- Page 47
- Page 48
- Page 49
- Page 50
- Page 51
- Page 52
- Page 53
- Page 54
- Page 55
- Page 56
- Page 57
- Page 58
- Page 59
- Page 60
- Page 61
- Page 62
- Page 63
- Page 64
- Page 65
- Page 66
- Page 67
- Page 68
- Page 69
- Page 70
- Page 71
- Page 72
- Page 73 (Reading here)
- Page 74
- Page 75
- Page 76
- Page 77
- Page 78
- Page 79
- Page 80
- Page 81
- Page 82
- Page 83
- Page 84
- Page 85
- Page 86
- Page 87
- Page 88