Stepbrother Mine A Son For Alpha Zoren (Ciara) novel Chapter 24

24 cat out of the bag

24:cat out of the bag

Ciara

Kids are the best when it comes to embarrassing you and Kai just proved that right now. He looked confused as he kept staring at me, waiting for my response. And I was too embarrassed to look at Zoren who was right beside me, his presence already dulling the pain in my chest as usual. I assumed Kai believed I smelt like Zoren because of the time he unashamedly pulled me to sit on him about twenty minutes ago. I still haven’t figured out why he did that, but one thing I was aware of at that moment was how much my body reacted to that.

“Is it because you slept in this bed last night? The sheets smelt like Zoren yesterday,” Kai breathed out as he looked between Zoren and I and I nodded fast, clearing my throat.

“O- of course, baby. That’s why,” I breathed out and he nodded, not suspecting anything as he looked over at Zoren and began to speak.

“You smell like rain, like… wood, and… the ocean?”

Zoren looked awed and impressed as he nodded, his face brightening beautifully and making him appear even younger.

“You got it right. You’re really talented, Kai,” Zoren gushed and Kai grinned, clearly pleased. He glanced towards the other side of the bed where the two betas and delta were standing, pointing at them one after the other as he listed off what they smelt like. By the time he was done, everyone was praising him and I felt a rush of emotions grip me as I watched him visibly glow from the praises. This is the kind of life I’ve always wanted for him, where no one would think him weird when he talks about stuff like this. No one was calling him weird and shutting him up while claiming he’s a freak.

“You all believe me, and I feel happy. No one used to believe me when I say I can smell people.” Kai mumbled softly as he kept staring at them and something squeezed in my chest again.

“Of course we do. You’re a really special kid, Kai. A genius, even,” Zoren breathed out.

After that, Zoren moved away to the side of the room while the betas and delta fussed over Kai and motioned for me to come with him. My heartbeat accelerated as I fell into steps behind me, and once we stood by the window, I swallowed emptily when I touched my chin, making a shiver race down my spine.

“Are you still feeling pain in your chest right now?”

I shook my head. “I’m not.” But that was only because he was close to me right now.

He bummed, still holding my chin. “Something will be prepared before the end of today by the doctor. That should help with the pain.”

I heaved in relief. Finally.

“Thank you.” I breathed out and he nodded, then my heartbeat stuttered when he suddenly stepped closer to me as he spoke.

“You shouldn’t have taken so long to find me.” His eyes were unhappy as he spoke and guilt gripped me tightly. “My son suffered so much, growing up in the midst of humans who undoubtedly made him feel like a freak. If you had found me sooner, that wouldn’t have happened.” He added and he wasn’t wrong from the looks of it. Which means technically all of this was my fault.

“I- I’m sorry, I thought you’d not want him.” I whispered and his brows furrowed, his mouth in a thin line. He opened his mouth to speak but ended up deciding against it.

“You know what? There’s no use dwelling on the past anymore.” He breathed out as he dropped my chin and I swallowed emptily, watching as he pocketed his hands while his gaze darted towards the bed. Kai was speaking to the three adults watching him like he was the most interesting thing ever while he gestured animatedly, not at all like someone a little sick.

“In a few hours, I’ll meet up with him. I have to start helping him as fast as possible in preparation for the

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24 cat out of the bag

upcoming shift.” He spoke and my heartbeat accelerated at the mention of the shift.

“You promised nothing would happen to him, right?” I asked quietly, my voice quivering a little. “This shift… I’m scared, I don’t want him to get hurt or… or die.”

Zoren suddenly gripped my chin again and my heart almost jumped out of my chest as I blinked up at him, feeling like I was drowning in his eyes.

“He won’t, okay? I promise. I won’t let him die no matter what.” He spoke so fiercely that I felt something tugging at my chest. As I kept staring at him, I realized that I believed him. There was no doubt, I just do. Perhaps it was the firmness and confidence in his voice or because even though it’s been just a day, I could see and feel that he cares so much more about Kai than any other man in my life for the past five years has ever cared for him.

I swallowed emptily as I nodded. “Thank you so much.”

He didn’t respond, he just kept staring at me for a few more seconds before he dropped my chin.

After he took one more look at Kai, he turned and left, leaving me feeling a mixture of hot and cold on the inside.

I was finally able to eat now that Kai was aware and as bubbly as he used to be. I had assumed he’d need a lot of rest or not be as energetic as he used to be because of this morning’s issue, but that wasn’t the case at all. As Kai ate, he talked my ear off.

“Am I alright, mommy? Or, am I sick? Was that why you were crying when I woke up?”

I nodded fast, eyes widening a little. Of course he was still gonna bring that up. “You’re perfectly fine, baby. It’s just that… in the coming days, you might have to go through a new routine, one that’s sure to get you stronger. Zoren offered to help so you’ll have to spend a lot of time with him on moving forward.” As I explained, I hoped that he wouldn’t disagree. It was easier to get Kai to do things if he agrees to them and isn’t being forced to.

His head tilted sideways in clear thoughts, then he spoke. “Won’t Zoren think I’m a freak after getting to spend a lot of time around me?” A frown was on his face and I felt my heart clench in my chest as his words washed over me.

“Baby, he won’t think so!” I cried out as I reached for his hand.

He was still frowning. “That’s what you said about Nico, but he always looks at me like I’m a freak.” He pointed out around a huff and I felt something resembling guilt slam my insides. He was referring to my boyfriend, Nico.

“That’s not true. Nico doesn’t think you’re a freak.” I insisted but he huffed again, clearly not believing me. I sighed as I ran a hand over my face. I always made sure Nico treated my child like he’s supposed to. What have Nico done behind my back to make my child feel this way?

“Baby, Zoren won’t feel that way, I promised. He’s excited to get to know you.” I insisted, returning back to the main conversation cause this was more important now.

“Will he play with me?” He asked and I nodded earnestly.

“Of course he will.”