Twice Tempted: Between Two Alphas (Mia and Cameron) novel Chapter 33

Chapter Thirty-Three

MIA

Michail comes to collect me. “Cameron wants to see you. I think he’s given you all the alone time he can spare. It’s either you go to him, or he’ll be coming to you.” He shrugs. “I suggest you head up to the main house. I imagine you’ll want to put the kids to bed.”

“Yes. Thanks.” I appreciate the warning.

I follow Michail outside. These rows of bunkhouses here aren’t used often. They’re more for the young adults that are just starting out on their own. I didn’t mind the cramped space or the old fixtures in the shower. I welcomed the time by myself to get my feelings and thoughts in order.

I grew up in the main house, and I’d been exiled before I had a chance to move out. But I’d been to parties down here in Bunk Row, and like many of the places here in Healmsworth Pack lands that I took for granted while growing up, seeing them now brings back so many memories.

We pass the chapel and training buildings, the butcher and stock rooms, the market co-op with its giant baskets of produce and fruits. I grab an apple as we pass and take a bite.

Michail laughs warmly. As a kid, I never passed the place without snagging something to munch on.

“Some things never change,” he tells me.

“And some things do. I’m not the same girl you remember.”

He grins. “That’s for damn sure. You’re pretty bad ass these days, Mia.”

I’m an emotional wreck. But I appreciate that he sees me differently. I’m not sure the rest of the pack can or ever will.

We enter the main hall of Cameron’s house.

It’s a massive place.

Meeting rooms and gathering halls, a recreational wing, and even a collection of decked out suites for visiting guests. So much looks the same, yet everything is different.

The grand hall is filled with wolves hanging out. They watch tv or eat or play pool. I see a card game going near the bar.

They quiet as I go by but then the conversation picks up again.

I head down the hall to the main wing where Cam resides. It no longer feels like his father’s place, though I can smell the older wolf’s scent, which still clings to the floor and walls like a fine mist.

I knock before entering Cam’s bedroom. It’s a huge suite with a fireplace, entertainment area and balcony.

Cam looks pale, but his smile is wide and he laughs at something Jacelyn says.

My little peanut is so sweet and caring.

“Mommy!” Jacelyn turns and waves at me. “Storytime?”

“Storytime!” Aaron insists.

I sense him before he joins me, but my father is a hard one to ignore. His presence as pack beta resonates. Even though I’m no longer a part of the Healmsworth pack, I can’t deny my connection to my dad.

As much as I might want to.

“Ah, excuse me, Alpha, Mia. Would it be okay if I put the young ones to bed?”

When Cam glances at me, I feel little ripples of energy dancing along my skin. I’m too aware of this man.

Before I can reply, the kids are rushing to my dad. “Pop-pop! Story!”

“Okay,” I say. “It looks like you’re tucking the twins in tonight.” Every mother learns to pick her battles. And though I would’ve preferred to be the one to do it, because I needed to be close to them, their happiness comes first.

My father smiles wide. “Who wants a Pop-pop ride to bed?”

Aaron pats my arm as he passes and jumps into his grandfather’s arms.

Jacelyn runs over to me for a quick hug and kiss, before she pulls away, and holds up her arms for him. My Dad scoops her up.

And in a blink, my children are gone.

It’s just me and Cam.

And Eric, my wolf reminds me, grinning.

She likes hearing him in our minds. But then, Nala is ornery like that. She’s a strong, prime wolf. The attention of two Alphas appeals to her animal side, where only the strongest would be able to claim her.

I clear my throat. “Where is my dad taking the kids?”

Cam stands, his expression guarded though his gaze rakes me from head to toe. “To your old room.”

“Oh.”

“I kept it for you.”

I snort. “Yeah, right.”

He frowns. “I… I’m struggling here, Mia. It’s like a veil has been lifted off my eyes after too many years.”

I feel that to my bones, the weary, soul-deep exhaustion.

Cam is a victim too, I remind myself. He had been tricked and manipulated, and for an Alpha…to be used in such a way… that must weigh very heavily on his shoulders.

He comes close, his hands reaching out to touch mine, and a shuddering breath escapes him when he finally does.

“I still can’t believe you’re real,” he whispers.

I blink back tears.

His hands squeeze mine, and the connection between us… it’s there.