A Broken Contract (Alpha's Secret Regret)

"I'd like to take you home. I'll get someone to drop off your car later." Avery offered. He looked like he had more to say.

"I can drop her off," Jane offered.

"Then I'll have to arrest you for DUI."

"I'm NOT drunk!"

"You're nearly there -"

"Why?" I cut in. "Why do you want to take me home? Cuz seeing my baby daddy with another woman is so... devastating, I shouldn't be driving?" I asked him feeling irritated and slightly embarrassed.

"You know I don't mean it like that," Avery replied. The look on his face made me want to apologize for the attitude.

But I didn't. I was annoyed with everything and everyone for reasons I didn't want to think about. My stomach churned as I glanced through the see-through glass at Nick and his... date. All I wanted was to be far from here as soon as possible.

"I appreciate the offer, Avery, but I'll rather drive my car by myself. Unlike Jane, I'm nowhere near drunk."

Without waiting for his reply, I left he and Jane standing there and drove straight home.

Why did I feel so hurt? A few hours ago I was thinking about running away. The alpha walked by with another she-wolf and I was upset? Just because he felt bad for kissing Meg didn't mean we could ever be like before. Goddess forbid! I didn't want to be "like before" with him.

I had a boyfriend now. I'd moved on. Maybe it was how he walked past without a single word. That had to be why my stomach felt so sour. It was like college days again when we couldn't address each other in public. Maybe a part of me expected differently because Alex existed now.

I guess I needed that reality check. Nick was going to be mated to another. He'd been engaged for four years, if not longer. He'd been alpha for nearly as long. Which meant there was pressure on him to get hitched. The fact that the she-wolf was in this town meant it was happening soon.

****

The next day was Saturday. The alpha would be picking up his son for the weekend. Since the timing was unclear, we didn't know when to expect him. But I decided I wasn't letting that dictate my day, so I carried on with my usual Saturday routine.

My emotions were a mess. I wish today was not his turn because I especially didn't want to see him. If I could, I would avoid meeting him.

And there was Avery. I'd been rude last night for no reason. I knew I had to call and apologize to him but was too embarrassed for some reason. Maybe I really couldn't handle a proper relationship.

After breakfast and some chores, I sat staring at my phone. My thumb hovered on Avery's number for a moment before I had the courage to hit the dial button.

He picked on the third ring. "Hey."

"Hey. I'm sorry about last night. I didn't mean to give you an attitude like that," I said.

No answer at first. He just breathed unto the phone.

"Look, I know and you have a child with him. If you let me, I'd bring you to the point where you no longer feel bad when you see him with another," he said gently.

"I didn't feel bad," I lied.

It would be great if he brought me to that point right this minute though.

"It's Saturday. Some of the guys are playing volleyball at the park later Jane and Lori would be there too. Can pick you up? Say from

00:30?"

"Sure, I'd like that. I'll drop Alex at the Art school. You can pick me up from there." I replied.

Even if Nick didn't show up this morning, Alex would be taking karate lessons from that time till noon. I would be free.

As we hung up, it occured to me how much I needed this. I really looked forward to hanging out with the town guys.

An hour later, my son and I was ready to leave when a loud honk sounded in front of the house. It was Avery. What, he couldn't wait till 10:30?

As I looked through the window, Alex asked, "Is it daddy?"Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

"No, he's not here yet. It's uncle Avery. Maybe daddy will pick you after your class," I said. "Here, c'mon."

As I held the door for Alex to go out, Nick's car swerved unto the curb right behind Avery's.

"Great timing," I breathed. At least, we wouldn't have to stop to drop Alex.

"Daddy's here," Alex beamed, ignoring Avery as he raced down the porch.

"Careful, little man," Avery called out at the same time glancing around to see who just arrived.

Nick got out of the car, extending his arms as the child ran to him. I had my son's bag and wished I could"

giveat to Avery to pass it to

him.

"How's my little heir?" He asked the kid, though his eyes were on me.

"I'm fine," he grinned. "Mommy didn't see you. She said no, he's not here yet. It's uncle Ave- "

"He's not your uncle! Who told you to call him that?" Nick snapped.