Alpha Alec's Redemption by Kathy M

Alec smiled as Aspen told him about what she had been doing since morning. She gave him every detail, down to what she ate for breakfast.

The smile that showed on his face wasn't fake. It wasn't one that was forced as he pretended to show interest. It wasn't one to placate her. It was genuine and real. He was actually very interested in every single small detail she was telling him.

Genuine love shone through his eyes as he listened to her. It was like his whole being was lit from the inside out. You could clearly see it. If he were given the chance, he would never let go of her.

They both seemed to have been lost in their own bubble. I doubt they even remembered that I was standing right next to them. In their world, I probably didn't even exist. I should have been angry or jealous, but I wasn't. I actually found it really cute.

"Do you want to catch butterflies with me?" Aspen asked in a sweet voice, looking at Alec with so much hope and trust. "Mommy can't do it; she says she is tired, but I know it because she isn't fit. She hasn't been exercising."

She whispered the last part as if it was a secret that she shouldn't be sharing with anyone. As if she didn't want me to hear.

I'm caught off guard when Alec lets out a laugh. The sound was deep and rich, in a way that sent shivers down my spine.

"Why are you throwing me under the bus, Ash?" I furrowed my brows with mock hurt.

"No, mommy, don't feel bad... We can play with my dolls," she reached out her hand and patted my cheek in a comforting manner. She was so sweet that it made my heart ache.

I pretended to think about it before agreeing, "Alright... at least that won't be too tiring."

"Yay," she then turned towards Alec. "Will you play with me?"

I expected Alec to refuse. To be against the idea. Can you imagine a full-grown Alpha chasing butterflies? The same man who commands hundreds of warriors and is respected within the werewolf community? It almost seemed absurd to even think about it.

"Anything for you, princess," Alec agreed, without any kind of hesitation and with a smile on his lips.

hands to motion to Alec to set her down. The moment her feet were on the ground, she was off, running

Alec, who only chuckled before

Aspen chased after the butterflies. The way Alec was laughing while Aspen giggled. The way he would sweep her off her feet, throw her in the air among the butterflies before catching her and setting her on

was very reluctant to let Alec into her life, but I now realize that fear was what was holding me back. I was afraid that he would disappoint her. I was afraid that he would break her heart and hurt her. I was afraid he would ignore her and treat her like she

for what they are. I was projecting onto Aspen. I was afraid that Alec would treat her in the same manner he treated me. I didn't want Aspen to go through the pain, so I tried to protect her by projecting my pain and

wasn't right, and I admit that I was wrong. It didn't take a genius to know that Alec loved his daughter even though he didn't know her all that well. No one has to point out the fact

still have my issues with Alec, but

at first so that we can all adjust to it and so I can tell her the truth, but gradually I will increase his access to

a bit of anxiety, but mostly I just felt a sense of peace. It felt like the decision I was making

feel the tension leave me. I felt like a burden

girl, but that didn't stop him. You could clearly see that he enjoyed this moment with her. He seemed so at ease and

is what I used to dream of every time I closed my eyes. This is what I had

difference was that instead of one child, there were three. Two boys and a girl. They were playing with Alec while I sat

in a way I never thought I'd

have been different had Alec made a different choice

compromise.

her?" I mind-linked him, planning to leave them

"I don't think I'll ever get used

them everything. Before I started to lose control. That

telepathically

repeat the question. "I have something I need to