Alec’s

I stare at them, my mind racing at seeing them like this, the new discovery about

Nyx temporarily forgotten. Aspen is chatting away like she's known Alec her whole life. I can't hear anything because my ears are ringing, but I can tell she's probably entertaining him with stories of her adventure.

Alec, on the other hand, has his whole focus on her. He stares at her like she's the most precious gift in the world. He stares at her like she's the most important person in his life.

Pack members, just like me, are staring at them in awe and a little bit of shock. Their eyes darting back and forth between the duo.

They seem to be lost in their own little world, though, because they don't seem to notice it or care. The rest of us don't exist.

Aspen curls her arms around his neck, right before pecking his cheek and laying her head on his shoulder.

Seeing this, all strength leaves me and I fall against the door frame just to support my own weight. Something dark and ugly swells inside me. I hate seeing them like this. I hate seeing Aspen so comfortable with him. Especially knowing that Alec had almost ended her life.

She looks so happy being in his arms. They both do.

My heart starts to pound seeing this. Seeing how natural they are holding on to each other like their lives depend on it.

Jealousy starts raising its ugly head the more I stare at them. I've never been jealous but I am now. I'm jealous of seeing my daughter in the arms of her father.

I want to stomp over there and rip her from his arms. I start to move my legs, but all of a sudden, I stop when Aspen's joyous giggle stops me in my tracks.

It's so innocent, so full of happiness that it makes my heart ache. She's smiling, all her pearly whites on display as she stares at her dad. Even from this distance, I can tell how relaxed she is. I can tell how comfortable and delighted she is being in Alec's arms.

I fight against myself, forcing myself to stay put.

How can I take her from him and burst the bubble she is in right now? What kind of mother would I be if I put my own resentment before the happiness of my daughter?

It's a struggle to tame the beast inside me. A kind of darkness that demands to get my daughter because Alec doesn't deserve to hold her, let alone be in the same breathing space as her.noveldrama

Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath. I think of everything and anything good, pushing away the darkness that threatened to swallow me whole.

"Mommy!" Aspen's happy voice brings me from my turmoil.

Taking another deep breath, I plaster a smile on before walking towards them.

My steps feel as if they've been filled with lead. I want nothing but to grab my daughter and flee, but I know that's not an option.

I stare straight ahead, my focus on Alec and Aspen.

He's staring at me now, and for the first time in my life I see fear in his eyes. It's like he is afraid I am about to take Aspen away. It's accompanied closely by remorse and guilt.

I almost stumble when I see it. His eyes are pleading, begging me not to put a stop to what is going on.

This is Alec we are talking about. I've known him my whole life and never once have I seen these emotions in his eyes. He is usually stoic, but today, these new emotions make him seem vulnerable.

"Morning, baby," I whisper once I get down.

She lengthens her neck, reaching out. I know what she wants. Her good morning kiss. I stand there awkwardly. To kiss her means I have to bend to reach her and that would put me in Alec's personal space. I didn't want that, but did I have an option?

Sighing internally, I bend down, push my hair away from my face, and kiss her rosy cheeks.

Both their scents surround me, but Alec's is stronger. It's deeper, richer and more intoxicating.

I close my eyes for a brief second before pulling away. Pulling away before his pheromones make me do something stupid.

The goddess is really trying me today, I think. I mean, why is it that, since I woke up, I haven't been able to catch a damn break?

"I found him, mama" Aspen informs me, pointing at Alec. "He isn't sad anymore,

and I don't feel bad here," she finishes while touching her chest.

I let out a sharp exhale. I know why she isn't feeling sad anymore. The bond between her and Alec has settled in its rightful place, leaving her feeling at peace.

"That's great, Ash," I murmur, my eyes shifting between them while I fumble with my hands.

Goddess, I wish I could just take her and leave. This is so damn awkward that I feel embarrassed for both of us. I don't know what to do or say.

"His mommy must have kissed his boo-boo," she says happily, clapping at her own words.

"He's an alpha, Ash," I tell her gently. "He doesn't need anyone kissing his boo- boo."

"Why not?" she asks, her voice brimming with curiosity.

"Because-because-"

Ah hell, what was I supposed to tell her?

There are chuckles all around us, as I stumble over my words. I'm even more

shocked to see Alec's lips curling up in a small smile.

"Come on, baby. Get off Alec."

The moment those words leave my lips, her happy expression drops, making me

feel like the worst mother.

"But why? I want to stay with him."

Her voice is small and devoid of the happiness that was there a few seconds ago. She looks from me to Alec, as if trying to figure out what's going on and why she's being asked to leave him.

"Aspen," I say more firmly.

I just wanted to hold and reassure myself... Does it make me a terrible mother that I want her with me and not him? I think the few minutes they were together were enough and as far as I was willing to go.

“Ash,” I call again, and her eyes immediately start filling up with tears, making me feel even more terrible.

"Please," Alec pleads in a voice so soft that it takes me a while to register that he's the one speaking. "Let her stay with me for a couple more minutes."

I automatically start biting my lips, something I do when I'm thinking really hard.

I'm torn. I want her with me, but for now I can clearly see that separating her from Alec would cause more harm. She doesn't understand, and I can't explain to her why I don't want her with him.

"Let her stay," Nyx whispers, jolting me, because I had not expected her.

I give in, the tears in Aspen's eyes being my undoing. I was just about to tell her

she could stay with him for a couple of minutes when Micah walked into the room.

He looks at Alec, smiling at Ash on his lap, before looking at me and saying, "He's awake."

I don't need him to spell it out. I know who he is referring to.

It's time to get some answers.