Alethea
I can’t believe this!
Joy erupts in my chest as I watch my little boy rushing toward me, his voice rings out in excitement.
“Mummy!”
I catch him just in time, lifting him into my arms as he clings to me. His small body melts into mine, and I breathe him in, the familiar scent of my baby calming me in an instant.
“Declan,” I whisper. “I’ve missed you so much, my baby boy.”
His tiny hands cup my face, and he beams at me, his bright eyes shining with love.
“Mummy, I have missed you sooo much!” he draws out the last word, as his little voice stretches it in emphasis.
I chuckle, as I mimic him.
“Declan, I have missed you soooo much!” I repeat as I drag out the word just like he did.
The happiness overwhelms me, but then suddenly I start to feel lightheaded. My hold on him loosens, and I gently set him down, as my head spins slightly.
That’s when my eyes lift, and I see her.
Amelia.
“Amelia!” I exclaim with pure joy.
She opens her arms wide, and I rush into them, and I hug her tight.
“My world, I’ve missed you!” I breathe out, as I cling to her.
“Thank you for taking care of Declan, I just left him with you, and-”
She pulls back slightly, shaking her head.
“Am I complaining, Ally?” she cuts in. “I told you-I want to make a lasting impact on his life, and I meant it. I’m not backing out of that.”
My heart swells at her words.
Then I notice Selena, and Declan dashes off to greet her.
Amelia, however, takes my hand, and she leads me away to a more secluded spot.
Something isn’t right.
The moment we’re out of earshot, she crosses her arms under her chest, her eyes piercing into me with a look I can’t quite decipher.
But I know Amelia.
I know that look.
She isn’t just mad-she is hurt.
I missed her. Her playful banter, her ability to joke about even the smallest things, the way she always knew how to lift my spirits.
But now-
She isn’t smiling.
And suddenly, I can’t take it anymore.
I swallow hard, as I finally ask-
“What have I done, Amelia?”
“Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you tell me Alpha Asher is your mate?”
I freeze, as my heart clenches painfully in my chest.
“And you let me sit there, talking about fucking him-like an idiot-and you said nothing?” She takes a step closer, I can see the hurt blazing from her eyes. “Why, Ally? I thought we were sisters!”
For a moment, I can’t breathe.
My mind races back to those moments-when she had gushed about Asher when she had made comments about wanting him, and I had kept silent.
Even though rage had burned within me, even though my wolf had howled in protest, I had bit my tongue and said nothing.
“Amelia, I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I wasn’t sure where we stood… as mates. It was devastating to hear you talk about him, but I was going through so much. I didn’t even think there was a chance for Asher and me to be together again.”
Her eyes narrow, then she tilts her head, raising an eyebrow like she’s trying to decide whether to believe me.
And I get it.
Those times had been the worst days of my life-when I had cried myself to sleep, night after night, and I drowned in the agony of knowing my mate didn’t want me.
“But how did you figure it out?” I ask.
A small, knowing smile tugs at her lips.
“Ally, I just did,” she says simply. “Maybe it’s because I’ve been taking care of Declan… and at some point, everything just started making sense.”
She sighs, shaking her head. “But all the same, I wasn’t happy when I realized the truth.”
My stomach drops at her words.
I reach for her hand, and I grip it tightly. “Please, Amelia, don’t stay mad at me.”
For a moment, she says nothing, just staring at me. Then, she lets out a breath.
“Tell me why I became friends with you.”
A small, relieved smile breaks across my face, and I chuckle softly because this moment right here-has been our thing for as long as I can remember.
And so, without hesitation, I join her in saying it-
“Because no one else could handle us.”
“You know what? Alpha Asher is a good man, I tried to get him alone so many times, and he always subtly shut me down. I couldn’t figure out why back then, but now I know-it was you.”
She flashes me a teasing grin. “I’m happy for you, Ally.”
I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. “Thanks, Amelia.” I meet her gaze.
She smirks, then shrugs. “I wouldn’t mind banging him, though. Dang, he’s hot.” She dramatically fans herself.
“Amelia!” I gasp.
She winks. “What? I haven’t changed a bit.”
I shake my head, smiling. “And you never will.”
“Of course not. What joy would it bring if I did? You’d find it so weird.”
I roll my eyes. “So, what brings you here?”
Her smile widens, but I can see a glint of mischief in her eyes, and I immediately know she’s up to something.
“Oh, nothing much. Just some interesting news.” She leans in slightly.
“It serves TechSparks right, you know. You were dismissed unfairly, and now their brand is crumbling. It’s nothing compared to what it used to be, and investors are pulling out.”
I blink, surprised. “Wait… seriously?”
She nods eagerly. “Yep. And guess what? You were the brain behind that database app here in Redwood, right? Well, now they’re having major issues with user authorization, data imports, and filtering.”
I feel a laugh bubble up in my throat, but I quickly stop myself, knowing Amelia is deliberately enjoying this downfall a little too much.
“Amelia,” I call her name, giving her a pointed look.
She doesn’t stop grinning. “What?”
I cross my arms. “You know what.”
She stares back at me, feigning innocence.
“Don’t act like you don’t know I’m about to scold you for enjoying their downfall.”
She huffs dramatically. “Oh, come on, Ally. They deserved it.”
I shake my head, but deep down, I can’t deny that a small part of me feels vindicated.
“How am I supposed to fix it when I wasn’t the one who started developing the app in the first place?” She says, shaking my head. “They should swallow their pride and call you for help.”
I scoff. “I doubt they would.”
Then, she suddenly perks up. “But wait-your mate is Alpha Asher. You could talk to him.”
I narrow my eyes. “About what, exactly?”
She throws her hands up dramatically. “You have no joy at all.” She finally gives up on whatever absurd theory is forming in her head.
I chuckle. “But I’m glad you’re here.”
Just then, I see Kayla walking toward us, her face a deep shade of pink. I don’t blame her-she was just with her mate.
“Did she just get fucked?” Amelia blurts out.
I don’t even have time to react before Kayla’s eyes widen in shock. Then, out of nowhere, she bursts out laughing. That sets all three of us off, and suddenly, we’re doubled over, laughing.
My stomach aches from it, and I clutch it, trying to catch my breath. “Kayla, meet Amelia. Amelia, meet Kayla,” I manage to say between laughs.
Kayla smirks. “You’re a wild one, aren’t you?”
Amelia grins. “I’ve seen you before.”
“Yes, you were here a few months back,” Kayla recalls. “And now you’re back again.”
“Welcome back,” I say. “Let’s move to the lounge.”
They both agree, and we start making our way there. But then-I sense him.
His scent wraps around me, and Xena, my wolf, purrs in pleasure. I released a breath I didn’t realize I was holding.
And then, before I can even turn fully-his lips are on mine.
“Ash-” I gasp into the kiss, but he doesn’t let me finish.