Chapter 16
No.
No, no, no.
It felt like I’d been shot. I lurched backward, knees giving out–but strong arms caught me before I could fall.
Alpha Alexander.
His scent wrapped around me–cedar and lavender. He held me close, my face pressed against his solid chest. His heartbeat- steady and deep–anchored me as panic threatened to consume me.
“Breathe, Summer,” he whispered, voice like velvet over steel. “I’m here.”
“What do we do?” I rasped, trembling. “How do we fix this?”
The doctor pulled up a scan on his tablet.
“We can attempt ocular reconstruction. Combined with neural stimulation therapy, there’s a 30% chance of restoring vision- or at least partial function. But… we need to begin treatment immediately.”
Thirty percent.
The number sliced through me like a blade.
“He’s just a child,” I whispered, my voice breaking.
“Stay calm,” Alpha Alexander said behind me, firm yet warm. “You’re not alone, remember? I’ll handle everything.”
I took a deep breath and stepped into the recovery room.
Felix lay on the hospital bed, surrounded by machines and tubes–but still wearing that innocent, unshakeable smile.
I walked to his bedside and took his tiny hand.
“If you keep being this brave,” I said, brushing his cheek, “Mommy promises–we’ll fix your eyes. We will, I swear.”
“I know we will!” he beamed. “Especially with Alpha Alexander helping!”
God. His trust broke me.
I looked over at Alpha Alexander. He smiled–a rare, soft smile–as he walked to the bed and gently ruffled Felix’s hair.
“You’re right, little guy,” he said warmly. “We’re going to help you see the world again.”
“Really?” Felix’s eyes lit up. “Then can we play basketball together when I get better?”
“Absolutely,” Alpha Alexander said with complete sincerity. “I’ll teach you everything you want to learn.”
“Awesome!” Felix cheered, “Mommy, did you hear that? I won’t have to play alone anymore!”
His voice was filled with pure joy and longing.
I forced a smile and stroked his hair, blinking back tears.
“I heard you, baby,” I whispered.
But inside, my heart clenched.
Thadn’t realized just how lonely he was.
1/2
Chapter 16
+15 BONUS
In his tiny world, there was only me.
Soon after, under the influence of the medication, Felix drifted off to sleep–still smiling.
Alpha Alexander and I stepped quietly out of the room, closing the door behind us.
I stopped outside the glass window, pressing my palms against the cold surface, eyes locked on the too–white hospital bed.
My child.
So small. So fragile. Surrounded by IV lines, monitors, machines–like he was being circled by silent predators.
Tears came hard and fast, scalding my cheeks and blurring my vision.
I hated Foster.
He didn’t deserve to be called a father.
Then, a warm hand landed gently on my shoulder.
“You okay?” Alexander’s voice was low and tender, almost hesitant.
I didn’t answer, just sniffled and nodded slightly.
“Summer,” he murmured, turning me to face him. He leaned down a little, his gaze soft but unwavering. “Let me help you.”
I looked into his eyes–those deep emerald eyes–and felt something stir.
This time, I didn’t shake my head.
“Thank you, Alpha Alexander.”
I knew I needed his strength. Now more than ever.
“And…” I hesitated, “thank you for what you said to Felix. He… he was really happy.”
Alpha Alexander’s expression softened. “I really like him.”
My heart skipped.
That wasn’t… ordinary.
In fact, it was rare,
Alphas are territorial by nature. Possessive by instinct. They rarely take to someone else’s child. But Alpha Alexander- he did it effortlessly. Genuinely.
I couldn’t let my mind go there,
Some thoughts, once entertained, can’t be undone.
Just then, my phone buzzed.
A message from my lawyer:
The divorce papers have been delivered. We expect confirmation of receipt by tomorrow morning.
I wiped my tears, fingers trembling as I replied:
Thank you.
Soon, I thought, I’ll have nothing more to do with Alpha Foster.
