Ditched Cheating Alpha, I Led My Daughter to Life's Peak novel Chapter 179

He nods, but it's like he's not hearing me. "I should've let you eat that food. I wasn't thinking."

"You're like two feet taller than me," I say. "You're the one who needs it."

"No, you need it and I didn't consider you." He shakes his head. "There's so much I still need to learn about this mate thing. Knowing what's best doesn't come naturally like I thought it would." He rests his forehead against my shoulder.

I sigh. I think he's just too hard on himself. I wrap my arms around him. "Today was a good day, don't you think?"

He nods. "A great one... It was the best day ever." He lifts his head so he can look into my eyes. "Thanks for choosing me. Well not choosing me, but you know." He runs his hand down my back. "It's nice to be picked even in small things once in a while."

Dammit. I forgot the whole reason why I chose him in the first place-getting information. As he looks at me romantically I try to hide my ulterior motives. Is it too late?

"No problem," I smiles. "But now that you're leaving... Who's gonna be standing guard?" Smooth af.

"Onai," he says flatly. "Unfortunately... But he'll keep you safe, so I guess I'm supposed to be grateful." He shrugs.

"And then?" I ask.

He raises an eyebrow. "And then...?"

"Who will be standing guard after Onai?" I say casually.

He's quiet for a while. A long time actually. "It'll be Ethel. Why?"

I shrug. "No reason."

He stares at me.

I know he's not buying it, so I add something else. "I think I'm just starting to worry about the Bloodmoon Pack."

He rubs my arms, pulling me against his chest. "Don't worry about them. We'll keep you safe."

I'd like to ask about the border. I'd like to ask about what time the shifts are. I'd like to force every bit of information I can out of him, but there's no point. He's already getting suspicious and the day is done.

It was a good day. Let's leave it at that. This stuff can wait. Besides... the guard shift is all the information I really needed tonight. Onai, Ethel, then Bri and Krys... Sounds good for what I'm planning.

"So the tour with Onai and Ethel is tomorrow," he braces me, but he sounds like he's bracing himself. "They'll pick you up straight from here, if that's okay?"

I nod. "Sounds good."

He frowns.

"What?" I ask.

At the last second, right before our lips connect, he turns away.

What is he doing? We were this close. He ruined it. He wasted a good opportunity. He...

"How long are you gonna keep me waiting, Mia?" He smirks against my neck. "The anticipation is killing me. That would've been perfect."

I cock my head back. "What? You're the one who didn't kiss me."

He stares into my eyes. "Oh so I've gotta do all the work around here?" he smirks.

I give him a look. "All the work?"

Against the dark backdrop of the sky, the streetlights, and the glow of the moon, Carson's silhouette molds against mine and it just feels so perfect. Still he does nothing. "First dinner, then the kids, now this." He can't even keep a straight face through his bluff. "I'm beginning to think you married me to be your househusband."

"If you don't be quiet, househusband." I glare at him. "I'm going to return to my womancave and leave you."

He mock gasps. "You wouldn't."

"I would," I chuckle.

He stares into my eyes longingly, and I can tell he wants to kiss me, so why doesn't he? "Just kiss me," I say.