Alpha Alec's Redemption by Kathy M

"You love being outside, right?" I began and waited for her to nod her head. When she does, I continue. "How would you feel if I locked you inside the house and refused to let you out?"

She thought about it for a second, a cute little frown appearing between her brows. "Very bad."

"Would it make you happy being inside all the time?"

"No."

"That's the same with this pretty butterfly. It loves being outside where it can fly around. If you lock it inside, it will be very, very sad. It won't even want to eat or play with you. Is that what you want?"

She looked at me and then at the butterfly in her hand. Tears sprang to her eyes as she answered. "I don't want her to be sad. I want her to be happy, like me."

I smiled at her while running my finger down her cheek. "Then you have to set it free. Play with it outside, chase it, but don't catch it. You also don't want to hurt its wings, do you? Look at how weak they are."

"I don't want to hurt her wings." Her tears are long gone as what I said finally sinks in. "I'll let it go now."

for me to say anything else, just skips away before lifting her hands in the air and letting the butterfly go. I watched as she continued chasing after them with a huge smile

didn't go too far, I stood up and stretched. My ass was going

know when Alec was around, but with the bond

on my back or when he comes to stand

stretches between us. It wasn't uncomfortable, but it also

you ask me. Why? Why now? I thought I had move on. I had destroyed the love I felt for him. Now, though, feelings I thought I'd

a great mother," he mumbled next to me, his voice a deep

"Well, that's so random, but thanks,

So free," he whispered. "I can't

That I missed

couldn't help but turn

him. He faced

was on Aspen, but even without seeing his face, I could hear the regret in his voice. I

was already hurting. There was no use in beating down a man who was already beating himself down. I