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.

set her down. The moment her feet were

called to Alec, who only chuckled before joining

was honestly a sight to behold. The way he chased after her while Aspen chased after the butterflies. The way Alec was laughing while Aspen giggled. The way he would sweep

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

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

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 that

Now, though, I can't deny it. I may still have my issues with Alec, but that doesn't

my mind. I'll give Alec access to Aspen. It will be limited 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

of anxiety, but mostly I just felt

shoulders deflate as I feel the tension leave me. I felt like a burden had been lifted from my shoulders. Like

them. My eyes followed their movements. Alec seemed a bit awkward running after a little girl, but that didn't stop him. You could clearly see that he enjoyed this moment

I closed my eyes. This is what I had wished

me. I had envisioned this exact scène countless times before everything went to hell. The only difference was that instead of one child, there were three. Two boys and a girl. They were playing with Alec while I sat in this exact spot (though in my fantasy there

dreams brings a pang to my heart. The pain of shattered dreams stinging my heart in a way I never thought I'd feel ever again. It had been hard letting go of those dreams. It is even harder

been different had Alec made a different choice back then, and for now what ifs don't matter. As

compromise.

mind-linked him, planning

I'll ever

I told them everything. Before I started

that I can communicate telepathically with

question. "I have something