Alpha Alec's Redemption by Kathy M

Alec and I look at each other, silently communicating. After a second or two, he pulls his eyes from mine and focuses on Aspen, who is holding on to him as if her life depends on it.

I can see the struggle in his eyes. He doesn't want to let go of her, but he also knows that questioning that hybrid is important. His reluctance stems from not being sure when he can hold her like this again.

I would have told him not to worry, but I kept that little statement to myself. I know my daughter. Now that she's been around him, even if it was just for a couple of minutes, she'll find a way to always be around him.

The thought of that alone brings an unwelcome feeling to my heart. Part of me wants to nip whatever is happening between them in the bud, while the other can't take the thought of breaking her little heart.

Shaking my head, I push all thoughts of the daughter-father duo to the back of my mind. I'll think about it later when I am not conflicted.

"I need to go, Princess," Alec tells her gently, while smoothing down her hair.

A little frown appears on her face. "But why? I want to play with you."

"I know, sweetheart, but I have some work to do. I promise to find you when I am done." Alec says the last part while looking at me, his eyes conveying uncertainty while at the same time making sure that what he just said was okay with me.

Once again, I am shocked. The Alec I know takes without asking anyone for permission. The fact that he's seeking my consent makes me feel some type of way.

"Promise?" she asks in a small voice.

Once again, Alec turns to me and I find myself nodding.

"Yes"

I'm in a daze as I call out Aspen's name. I'm not sure what made me agree. I should have said no. I should have told him to stay away from Aspen, but I couldn't. Not when I know it would break her heart if Alec started avoiding her.

"Go find Martha, Ash." I force the words out of my constricted throat. "There is something Alec and I need to take care of."

"Okay, mommy" she jumps off Alec's lap after giving him a peck.

then rushes to me and motions to me with her little finger. When I bend, she

"Bye Mama."

"See you sweetheart."

as she runs to the kitchen where Martha probably

ready?" Micah asks, making me turn to

there. It's like my mind blurred everything and everyone around me, except

down? I want her with

"No problem."

a second and I just know that he's mind-

meet me there in a few?" his eyes shift to us; once

I just nod our

the two of us. When did everyone else leave? And

area.

was tethered there by an invisible force. I couldn't move even though I wanted nothing more

burned through me. I could feel his gaze on every inch of my skin even though I tried to focus on

his deep and rich voice sending shivers down my back. "She approached

to him, my heart pounding. Can

don't know what to think or how

to his apology? He acknowledged that he crossed a line, explained why he did, and

responsibility.

used to dealing with this version of Alec. Hell,

want me near her, I'll find an excuse to avoid her. It'll kill me, but I'll respect your decision, given I have no

him with a slack

Again, what the hell is happening? Where did the old, pushy, arrogant, self-absorbed Alec

about