Page 107 of The Alpha's Bullied Rejected Mate

For him, it might have been just that. Having a friendly relationship with his son’s mother.

She occasionally caught him stealing glances at her. And sometimes he gave off the impression that he wanted to talk but refrained. At other times, such as now, he was too far away across the clearing, nodding as Aubrey whispered something near his ear.

Athena looked away.

Did he find Aubrey attractive?

She brushed the thought away violently.

She wouldn’t let this swallow her. She had survived far worse than this to wallow in uncertainty.

Riley was happy. And she was happy.

She only wished she could say the same about her heart.

***

The sky was turning indigo when she saw Marcus again in the evening.

Marcus stood at the far edge of the training grounds, his back to her as his eyes fixed on a file he was holding. The last rays of sunlight caught in his hair, casting a soft glow over hisauburn hair. His eyes shot up to her as she neared him, the amber in them glistening softly.

Athena hesitated. She was not here to admire his features.

She had clutched the book she had brought in as an excuse to wander this way and took a breath.

“Hey,” he said softly.

She turned, and the way his face lit up just by seeing her—it did things to her chest she couldn’t explain.

“Athena,” he said, almost like it was a relief to finally say her name. “I was about to go meet you.”

She raised a brow, amused. “Funny. I was hoping to avoid another walk-in on you and your latest duty.”

His smile faltered just a little before he let out a soft chuckle.

“She has a name.”

“She is taking too much of your time,” Athena said plainly.

“With Riley,” she quickly added, trying not to let her anger slip through.

But Marcus stepped toward her. His voice was quiet, careful. “You know why I’m doing all that, Athena.”

She looked away from him, refusing to yield so quickly.

“You don’t have to dote on her all the time,” she growled.

Why was she getting worked up?

She heard him let out a laugh.

“Is this funny to you?” she shot at him.

“Athena,” he began.

“Don’t bother. Riley wants to have dinner with you. So, clear out your schedule. Bye.” She began to walk away.

“Athena.” He pulled her arm and turned her around to face him.