A Broken Contract (Alpha's Secret Regret)

Add to that. I knew exactly what he meant by we are werewolves. It was only a matter of time before his pack found out. Once they did, things would take a different turn for sure.

It was Friday. I decided to steal a few minutes to pick Alex up earlier and drop him at my dad's. I wanted to drive straight out of Orphic after work. Maybe spend the evening out with my friends.

Jane wanted to check out the site after work. She'd never had the time to go there since the project kicked off. I drove all the way outside the little town to show her where the park ended.

Not that I was thinking of running away. But I found myself imagining that we moved someplace similar but far from there. I pictured taking my child and my dad away from all these troubles and starting over. It was a silly thought and would never work, but I couldn't help it.

It was already dark when we got back to Orphic. Mia and Lori got off along the way while Jane and I headed to Jonas Grill to grab a bite. It was Friday night, after all and I deserved to kick my feet up.

One bottle of Buds later and Jane was drunk enough to bring up the forbidden topic.

"I know you hate to talk about it, but I hafta say this. The baby daddy is hot as fuvk, girl, damn!

I mean I'm still rooting for Avery, but damn, girl! Tell me, where did you catch such a magnificent fish? How did you two meet? Why didn't you make it work no matter what? I swear, I want me something like that." "You've never seen him, Jane!" I reminded her.

"I looked him up. Saw news clippings. He's fine, girl!"

"Just shut up and eat your meat," I sighed.

"I always wondered why little Alex is so... so... cute," she went on. "You two are like a koala and a tiger cub. Zero resemblance, no offence, but ask anyone."

"Ah... FYI, koalas are so... so... cute too," I mimicked her exaggerated tone.

"I never said they aren't?"Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

"Cuter than tiger cubs."

"Eh... no," she waved her finger at me.

"That's mama koala and baby koala. My Alex looks like me one hundred percent."

"You wish," she laughed.

"Gurl, get your eyes checked," I said, shaking my head.

At least, this conversation was more bearable than "what happened between you two?"

"What does Avery think, by the way?" She asked. Then her eyes widened as she added, "Ah! Speak of the devil."

My heart lurched. I turned slowly, thinking it was Nick passing by the restaurant. But it was Avery. He stopped to shake hands and talk with someone.

I took that as an opportunity to shift the topic to her. "What about you? What about Danny?"

"It didn't work out, I already told you," she said defensively.

"But he still wants you and he's so hot. Why don't you try to make it work no matter what."

"Thanks, but I'm not taking dating advice from you, ma'am," she replied.

"Ouch!" I lifted my bottle to my lips.

As she looked up and grinned, without turning around, I knew Avery was now heading our way. Moments later, he lowered himself to drop a peck on my cheek as he greeted,

"Hey, ladies."

"What are you doing here?" I asked him.

"I was passing by and saw your new car on the driveway."

I stole a glance at the time. It was 8:40. My dad would let Alex stay up as much as the child wanted. It was time to go home, but I didn't mention it because Avery might get the wrong idea.

But he must've caught me looking at the time because he asked,

"Thinking of leaving?"

As he leaned close, I found myself thinking that he smelled nice. I was exhausted and it would be nice to rest my head on those broad shoulders. "It's getting late," I murmured.

"No, it is not!" Jane cut in.

"Are you done with work?" I ignored my friend and asked him.

"No, still on duty. Just stopped because of you."

Minutes later, I was finishing my beer when my phone rang. It was Lindsey.

"Miss James, where are you?" Her tone was irritable.

My heart jolted. "Is something wrong?"

"It's nightfall! You should be with your son. We're supposed to watch you two, TOGETHER! You said you won't be long!" Anger replaced my earlier fear.

"Listen to me, gamma! You were asked to babysit my son, not give me orders! get home when I get home and not one second earlier Your job is to make sure I don't run away with him, isn't it? Never ever call my phone to order me around again, you hear me!" I hung up.

Avery and Jane were staring at me with mouths hanging open.

"My time's almost up," I said calmly. I saw the flash of irritation in Avery's expression before he hid it.

Jane and I finished our drinks quietly and all three of us stood up to leave.

Avery had his hand behind my waist as we walked out of the restaurant. We were outside when I lifted my head and locked gaze with Nick.

He was coming out of his SUV. On the passenger side, the most elegant she-wolf I'd ever seen got out of the car too.

Nick's face was hard as granite. He looked away like he didn't know me as he and the female continued towards the restaurant. Towards us. "Shiiit!" Jane gave a silent gasp. "So hawt..."

Avery suddenly blocked my view, nudging me towards my car.