Alpha Alec's Redemption by Kathy M

Chapter 242

We got out of the car. The air smelled like pine and sunshine, and Aspen was

practically dragging us toward the enclosures before we'd even paid the entrance f*e.

"Looook!" she squealed. "That one's got a funny tail!"

"That's a lemur," Alec said, keeping pace with her tiny footsteps. "They live in Madagascar."

Aspen frowned up at him. "Where's that?"

"A magical land very far away," he teased, tickling her side.

I couldn't help but laugh. "He means it's an island off the coast of Africa."

Aspen's eyes widened. "Is that where giraffes live?"

Alec and I exchanged a glance before he said, "Close enough."

Alec then lifted her up and put her on his shoulder so that she could have a better view of all the animals. Her eyes were wide with excitement. She pressed herself forward on Alec's shoulders, peering over the fences and into each exhibit like she was hunting for treasure.

"Look, Mommy! An elephant!" she gasped, pointing dramatically.

Alec looked at me and grinned. "Wanna tell her about elephants or should I?"

"Go ahead," I said, already amused.

He adjusted Aspen slightly so she could see better. "Okay, little butterfly, elephants are the largest land animals on Earth. They can weigh over six tons, and they're really smart-kind of like Uncle Jason when he's not talking."

Aspen giggled. "Do they have wings?"

"Nope," I said, coming to walk beside them. "But they flap their ears like wings to cool off."

"Whaaat?" Her jaw dropped in disbelief.

elephants to the lions, where Alec pointed to the large male resting beneath a tree. Before he could

softly as those around us

I guess you already know that." Alec commented with a wide

and me watch lion king all the time." Aspen answered without taking her eyes from the lion. "But where are Simba and Scar? And

"Maybe

"Oh, okay."

flamingos, tigers, wolves—even a small reptile house where Aspen made us all jump by shrieking at a

walked past a row of game booths and stalls filled with candy and stuffed animals.

I try

"Mind if I spoil her a

my eyes. "You're

holding a

most magical thing

murmured, eyes wide. "It tastes

and Alec reached out to wipe some sugar from her cheek with a gentleness

booths, Aspen's eyes locked on the wall of stuffed animals. She gasped again. "Mommy!

want?" Alec

can you win

"Challenge accepted," he smirked.

and watched

a few tickets. It

toss-easy to play, nearly impossible

"Good luck," I teased.

the first ring.

Second. Missed again.

you gonna embarrass yourself in front of your little Butterfly, Alpha?"

huffed,

that he'll get Aspen's adoration, said girl jumped in. "You'll get kisses

set in. He

again.

booth attendant handed over the plush