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Alaric doesn’t just play with Lina, he sees her. He listens. He lets her lead.

And Goddess help me, I feel something crumble inside of me.

He might not be her biological father. We still don’t know the truth.

But he’s already making space for her.

And maybe...for me too.

Before Lina can spill the secret ingredient, I step into the kitchen like I haven’t been spying.

“Lila?” Alaric asks, voice tinged with surprise.

“Mommy!”

“Can I join you guys?” I smile softly. “I might be able to help save your cupcakes from total destruction.”

Lina squeals a yes.

Alaric nods a bit too fast.

And just like that, I find myself by his side, rolling up my sleeves while Lina tells us both what to do like the tiniest Alpha in the room.

His arm brushes mine. Once. Twice. I don’t pull away.

The bond hums and crackles between us. It’s not loud, just calm like this entire moment.

As I watch Alaric lean down so Lina can smear icing on his nose, something inside me whispers: he’s not just pretending anymore, and I might just be falling for him because of that.

Chapter Nineteen

ALARIC HELLS

The week has surprised me and normally, I would be complaining, probably analyzing everything over a glass of scotch and in Ethan’s company, but for once in my life, I’m not fucking complaining.

Life has been too great for me to complain except at this exact moment.

I kneel just outside my little princess’ bedroom.

Calling her mine should be labelled insane, but not doing so feels like a crime on my part, because the attachment I have formed with Lina Winter is on a whole different level.

I’m holding Bear for her because most of the time, I’m worried the big, pink teddy bear will smother her and crush her. I push the few strands of hair from Lina’s face.

Fuck, the kid is adorable and she one hundred percent takes after Lila’s looks, and that, for some reason, fills me with pride and possessiveness.

“Come again?” I ask, like I'm not too sure I heard her right.

Lila is downstairs prepping Lina’s strawberry milk.

My little princess has an obsession with chocolate and strawberry milk, and cupcakes. I’ve restocked my fridge witheverything she likes so that Lila never sees the need to leave my house.

I want them both to say. I’ll make sure they both stay with me. Forever, if I can manage it.

“Mommy’s never had a birthday party. Only I have parties. I want to bake her a cake, can we, Alaric? Please, can we?” Lina pouts.

“Of course, princess. We can buy her the biggest cake tomorrow.”

Lila has never celebrated her birthday? Is that a choice or…