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.

Alec pointed to the large

both laughed softly as those

but I guess you already know that." Alec

watch lion king all the time." Aspen answered without taking her eyes from the

I answered, "Maybe they

"Oh, okay."

passed flamingos, tigers, wolves—even a small reptile house where Aspen made

filled with candy and stuffed animals. Aspen gasped at the sight of pink, fluffy cotton

try it?

first. "Mind if

eyes. "You're

holding a giant

magical

eyes

wipe some sugar from her cheek with a gentleness

Aspen's eyes locked on the wall of stuffed animals.

do you want?" Alec asked,

monkey! But... can you win

"Challenge accepted," he smirked.

my arms and watched he handed the

few tickets. It

toss-easy to play, nearly impossible to

"Good luck," I teased.

threw the

Second. Missed again.

in front of your little Butterfly, Alpha?" I

playfully and huffed, "Do

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

he said immediately as determination set in.

squealed again.

attendant handed over the plush