" Yes. You'll always be my center, Love,"
My vision blurred after his words. My heart was palpitating in my chest. Something within me stirred, and my heartbeat quickened.
. I hated my feelings right now. Why did his words hold so much power over me?
“ Don’t you think it’s a little unfair?” I asked, my voice barely audible.
“ To whom?”
“ To your mate. I can’t be your center when she’s there,” My voice was low. My body was hot at our immediacy.
“ I don’t love her... Not even a little bit,”
I was speechless. His words were dangerous, and they clutched in my head. They were on replay. I don’t love her, not even a little bit. What was he playing at? I observed his face, but it screamed sincerity.
“ Say something.” his voice was a whisper. He stared at me in my eyes. I felt like his words were what I’d been waiting to hear my whole life, yet I didn’t know what to say. The wave of warmth and emotion through my body made my eyes fill with tears. My breathing was inconsistent. I wanted to say something desperately, but what could I say? I tried to part my lips but there was no sound. Ellis stepped closer to me just as the door opened. I turned and wiped my tears quickly before turning to see who entered.
“ David is no fun at all. We did not properly look before he asked us to come,” Cayden glared at my boyfriend.
“ You’ll have a look next time. For now, I need to be in a meeting with Mommy,” he said gently. The twins were not pleased with him. David circled his arms around my waist, pulling me closer to him. He kissed my cheek,
“ You good?” He asked and glared at Ellis. Ellis’ gaze was raw and only concentrated on me. I looked everywhere but at him. I sucked in a breath and nodded.
“ I’m good,” I answered. I moved from David as my body was slightly quivering now. The tension between the two alphas was discernible in the room. I focused on the kids, talking about what they saw here, but they got bored. They went to their Dad.
“ Daddy, can we get ice cream now?” Solara asked. Ellis nodded with a gentle smile.
“ Yes. Are you coming with us, Love?” Ellis was peering at me. I glanced at David and then at Ellis.
“ Go without me,” I smiled slightly. He was disappointed but nodded curtly. The twins didn’t seem to miss me so much. They were eager to leave. Ellis looked at me once, before leaving my office space.
“ What the fuck did he say to you?” David snapped, his crawls digging into my flesh in anger.
" Oh my - Fuck, is this going to end!"
I was caught off guard by how rough he was, but only for a second.
“ Just who the fuck do you think you are speaking to me in that manner?” I retorted, propelling his hand away from my waist. I was sure it would leave a red mark.
He froze and stepped back from me. He turned his back and looked at me again.
“ I’m sorry for my tone. That man makes me sore. Love, you called me his name,” Oh, so he was using that now. I stared at him sharply
“ Get out,” I ordered. It was an alpha’s order. I held his gaze, my eyes flashing. He opened his mouth to protest, but no sound left his mouth. David could fight my order, but he didn't.
“ We’ll talk when you’re calm,” With that, he walked out. How dare he snap at me like that. I touched my side where his claws were embedded, and my inner Lycan growled.
Ellis
I was pissed when I found Love in David’s arms. I wanted to attack the bastard, but my irrational lycan, the one who always loses it was the one to calm me down. He instructed me to relax and breathe in. I didn’t show anger even though I was usually quick to anger.
I was grateful that my kids insisted that David take him to his office, leaving Love and me alone. I told her I didn’t love Charlotte. Her reaction was confusion, hurt, and sadness. I couldn’t pinpoint which one. However, I was pleased that I told her the truth. Love didn't say a word because David was back. I ignored the man.
“ Daddy, I want a lime and cheesecake flavored ice cream with a lot of toppings,” Solara said. We were in the car, going to get ice cream. Love was strict with their diet. She didn’t let them indulge as I did. I couldn’t say no to them.
I smiled at her, and she smiled back.
“ And you, Cay?” I asked.
“ I like vanilla,” he said.
“ Just vanilla?”
“ Yes,” he replied.
“ He’s boring,” His sister said. I looked back at my kids. Seumo smiled through the mirror. They looked like giant babies trapped in their car seats.
“ Vanilla is my favorite flavor too,” I said. Cayden gave me a boyish grin, and my little princess scowled.
“ Just so boring,”
We reached Ice Cream Land. The structure was covered in huge fake ice cream cones. It was bright and kid-friendly. It looked like an ice cream truck threw up on it.
"Is this where they serve the best ice cream?" Solara asked.
" Yes. Mommy, Jace, and Lilac used to come here," I told them.
" Everything is so bright," Cayden scowled.
We entered the shop. It was almost full of people. Families were enjoying their afternoon with ice cream. Everyone got to their feet when they noticed me enter, bowing their head. The owner of the establishment, Mrs. B, belonged to my pack.
“ Alpha, we didn’t know you were coming. We could have cleared that place for you,” Mrs. B said as she rushed towards us. An entourage of workers were behind her. They all bowed respectfully.
“ It’s alright. I’m here to get these two their favorite ice cream,” I said, looking at my kids.
“ Alpha, whose little cuties are these?” she smiled.
“ They are mine,” I answered proudly, and everyone gasped. Mrs B squealed in excitement. I caught a few people raising their heads in our direction and whispering. Some were confused, while others were smiling in our direction.
“ Oh my. I didn’t know you had kids. Hello, future alphas,” she bowed again, this time to the twins. My children were flustered by the attention they received and leaned closer to me as they warily glanced around. I found myself smiling at their simple action.
Mrs B led us to a private table. The kids would be free and be out of sight of my pack members. I will have a proper introduction ceremony in my pack after I talk to Love about it.