Page 348 of Alpha Mates

Of course not,Aiden retorts as he opens the fridge and pulls out some milk.He probably wouldn’t even be able to keep it down. I’ll do some oatmeal.

And when he realises it’s not pizza?

He’s hungry. I don’t think he’ll care.

That sad truth plagues my mind as I settle my attention on Levi again. He’s staring at the fruit bowl that has a few bananas in it, anddear Goddess,I leave his side to fetch the banana. I’ve barely handed it over before he’s peeling it open and taking a bite.

“Slowly,” Aiden warns as he comes over. “Small bites or it’ll all come back out, and you don’t want that, right?” Levi slows himself down, forcibly chewing slowly under our watchful gaze until the banana is gone. He eyes the other one, but Aiden shakes his head. “You’ll be eating in a sec, and bananas won’t fill you up.”

“How about …” I start as I step in front of him to divert his attention, “… you tell me how old you are? You seem super big.”

Levi blinks up at me, his lips twitching just a little before he holds his hand up, spreading all his fingers.

“Five! Woah, no way!” I blurt out, and his smile comes again as he nods. “You can’t be five years old?” Levi giggles, and my lips split open into a smile. It’s like fucking sunshine in a storm and I’m loving every second of it.

My lips part, but then I feel the anger emanating from Aiden. He tries to hide it, and does so well enough that Levi doesn’t realise, but I know my mate.

What’s wrong?

They took him at five. I’m fucked up enough and I was seven,he growls through the link.No wonder he’s basically mute. That must’ve been ten times worse for him, and that fucker—I should go kill him right now.

I think Levi would rather we be here with him right now,I say as gently as I can.Isn’t that what you would’ve wanted? Would want?Aiden winces, and I regret my words the moment I realise how deep they cut.I’m sorry.

It’s fine. You’re right,he replies, offering me a weak smile as he comes towards us.Let’s focus on Levi.

“Now, kid,” Aiden says as he turns to him with an exaggerated frown. “I don’t think I’ve got all the ingredients for pizza. Do you think you’ll be okay with some oatmeal?” Levi nods. Aiden was right. He’s just hungry. “Alright then, the best oatmeal you’ll ever have, coming right up.”

It takes no time for Aiden to prep the food for Levi, and us, too, because we’re starving and can’t hide it. We try to slow ourselves down as we eat so he follows our lead, but we have to keep reminding him anyways.

Faster than us, he eats it all and manages a full glass of water without anything coming back up. He’s barely settled back in his chair before he yawns, his eyes already drooping as he slumps.

“Looks like it’s all catching up to you,” Aiden muses as he scoops him up. Levi curls into him without protest, already falling asleep with his face squished against Aiden’s shoulder.

I follow after them while my heart thunders, refusing to stop even after we lay him down and tuck him into bed. It’s another bed that’s too big for him, but Levi looks far more comfortable in this one with his face squished into the pillow.

I watch him, not wanting to leave, but we’ve done everything we can. At least for now, he’s safe, fed, and resting. Staying might only disturb that.

We exit slowly, leaving the door open so that the hallway light shines through, and only take our first real breath when we’re back in the living room and too far to disturb him.

Facing each other, we stare in silence as we seem to come to the same realisation …

Somehow, the day that began with facing our pasts has ended with us caring for a pup that isn’t our own, and now he’s sleeping in our home. A pup.

“I think I need a drink,” I mumble, and Aiden barks a laugh before he covers his mouth, but Levi is definitely out.

“Fuck yes,” Aiden groans, already heading to the kitchen when a knock sounds at our door.

Chapter 69

Julian

Aiden and I still in our tracks as a sliver of unease runs down my spine.

There’s no reason for anyone to visit us tonight when they should be resting or celebrating, so what in Goddess’s Plains could this be? Aiden reaches the door first, which is the only reason it doesn’t immediately slam shut when my parents appear on the other side.

I’d looked for them when we arrived back in our packlands. While families greeted their loved ones, they were nowhere to be found, but now here they are, eager to talk now that no one else is around to hear about Oliver.

I snort, and soon enough, I’m laughing behind my palm as I stare at them.