The Silent Alpha novel Chapter 12

***Natalia*** 

Zane leaves to collect his things and Agnes from Nikki and Micah's place, giving me the chance to really think about what I just agreed to.I head to the bathroom to splash cool water on my face and neck, letting out a huge sigh as I wipe the sweat from my brow.

My reflection mocks my pathetic situation, laughing at me for accepting yet another wolf into my life.

‘Don't let him get too close" I remind myself.

' Every kind gesture, every kiss, every gentle caress of my face...it will all be a lie.He doesn't really love me.He doesn't care about me no matter how much he says he does"

Tears spring to my eyes as I think about all the times Christian looked me in the eyes with such false sincerity, professing his undying love for me all the while f*****g my sister behind my back.

Wiping the tears that stain my cheeks, I inspect my reflection, my eyes scrutinizing every imperfection.

Dark circles hug my eyes from my restless night.

Fearful that Zane would find me, I called out of work this morning, keeping Kota home instead of taking him to daycare.

Of course, my attempts proved futile.

The wolf found me without much effort.

‘I am not good enough to fall in love with anyways" I shrug to myself, drying off my face.

‘I couldn't even keep my husband interested in me before he looked elsewhere...Perhaps Zane will also find me inadequate as a mate and move on as well.." I nod at my reflection reassuringly.

‘Yes.Sooner or later, he'll stop liking me and I'll be free"

Having given myself the pep talk of the century, I hurry to find little Kota playing in the backyard and call him to me.He happily waddles over to me with a grin on his face.

"Where's Zane, mommy?" he asks, looking behind me into the living room.

"Can he come play with me?"

I crouch down and lift him into my arms, carrying him over to the living room and sitting him down on the sofa.I smooth down his hair and cup his chubby cheeks in my hands.

"Kota," I say, forcing a smile for him.

"What do you think about Zane staying with us … just for a little bit?"

His eyes widen with joy.

"Yeah!" He cries, jumping up on his feet and clapping his hands.

"Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!"

"You like that idea?" I ask, raising an eyebrow at him.

Kota jumps onto the couch and bursts into laughter.

"Yeah," he giggles, resting his chin in his hands.

"And what about Agnes? Can she stay here too?" I ask.

Kota bounces on his toes, shooting his fingers up in a happy I pout at him.

"I thought I made the best cookies..."

"No," he grins, shaking his head and jumping up like a rabbit.

I feign hurt at his honesty and he rushes up to kiss me square on the lips.

"But Mommy makes the best pancakes!" He chirps.

Kota suddenly stretches out his arms like a plane and flies over to his toy chest, pulling out his favorite toy train and action figures.

"What are you doing?" I ask as he makes a small pile of toys.

"To play with Zane," he shrugs as if that were the most obvious answer.

Worry fills my heart as I realize that Kota would be affected by Zane’s imminent departure.

I would need to do everything in my power to make sure Zane rejects me quickly and leaves us both in one piece.

"Remember, Kota," I sigh, crawling over to him.

"He’s only here for a little while.He won’t be here forever.Entiendes? understand ?"I ask.

He nods and continues to make a pile of toys for Zane when he arrives.

Seeing no point in explaining any further, I rush off to the guest room and ensure it’s comfortable for Agnes, changing the sheets and myself to share my space with a man.

I clear out two drawers for Zane and make room in the closet for his shoes and clothing.

Uneasiness fills my belly as I stare at the Queen sized bed I was expected to share with a stranger.

It was large enough to fit us both but we would inevitably touch during our slumber.

The thought of this man touching me in my pajamas makes me shudder.

How I wish their Moon Goddess would leave me be and not punish me so! I readjust the pillows and an idea pops into my head, making me laugh knowing he would hate me for it.

Several hours drag on until the sun begins to set in the horizon and a small part of me hopes perhaps Zane had changed his mind.

Just as the thought enters my mind, the doorbell rings, my heart sinking knowing who the visitors are.

I finish cleaning up the bed and rush over to the door, taking a deep breath as I open it.

Zane and his mother smile politely at me, Nikki and Micah waiting just behind them to be let in.

I swallow hard, hoping my saliva will soothe my dry throat, stepping off to the side to let them in.

Zane and Agnes each carry a single small bag with what I assume are their belongings while Niki and Micah carry what appear to be shopping bags.

"Zane!" Kota cries, rushing up to the man with his arms wide open.

"You’re here!"

The large man throws his bag over his shoulder and bends down flip at the sight of my son running into Zane’s arms so freely and happily.

They had only met this morning and Zane had already won Kota over.Would I fall so easily for him too? *No, I shake my head.

"No, I'll Be strong.I have to be strong for both of us"

"Sorry we’re late,"

Micah smiles, "but we promised Agnes we’d take her to town to go shopping for more clothes.They...they didn’t bring much with them to begin with."

I nod silently and lead Agnes to her room while Micah and Niki begin unloading the shopping bags in the car.

When we reach the room, I turn to Zane and have him translate for me.

"This is your room" I sigh.

"I left you some towels on the bed.The bathroom is down the hall to the left," I say, pointing down the hall to show her.

She smiles kindly at me and I find it impossible to hate her.She was not my mate.She had not forced me into this arrangement.

"Thank you,"she signs, her eyes widening as she takes in the room.

She signs something to Zane and he smiles back at her, nodding happily.

Agnes takes a seat on the bed, shocked by how bouncy and comfortable it is, her hand feeling the soft fabric of the quilt I put on the bed for her.

She wipes at her eyes and rushes to hug me, my body stiffening It was just a simple room with a large window looking into the garden and a comfortable bed.

Unsure what else to do, I wrap my arms around Agnes and accept her hug.

Kota stares curiously at us, leaning his head against Zane’s neck.

"Mommy, why she crying?" He asks innocently.

I turn to Zane for an explanation but he remains silent as ever, only patting Kota’s back gently.

Agnes pulls away, her cheeks flushed pink in embarrassment as she wipes her eyes.

She turns back to the room and begins unpacking her things.

"Follow me," I say curtly, gesturing to Zane and turning to leave Agnes alone.

To my relief, Zane puts Kota down and follows close behind me, Kota running down the hall to get his toys.

Alone with Zane, I force my thoughts elsewhere as I feel the urge to turn around and hold him.

Stupid bond, I mutter to myself.

We arrive at my room and I point to the dresser.

"I’ve cleared out these two drawers for you and left some space in the closet for you to hang your things," I shrug.I turn to find him staring at the bed and feel my cheeks heat up.

Eager to clarify the bedding arrangement, I go to the closet and select chest.