"Layla." Kayden steered with one hand, reached over with the other, and took mine. "Look at me."
I turned. Morning light streamed through the window, dancing in his silver eyes—so beautiful my heart skipped a beat.
"I'll handle everything," Kayden said, each word clear and firm. "No one will hurt you again. No one will dare gossip."
"If anyone tries..." Gold flashed in his eyes. "They'll learn the Alpha's mate isn't up for discussion."
My throat tightened.
"Okay," I said softly. "I trust you."
Kayden's hand squeezed tighter, then released and returned to the wheel. But my palm still held his warmth. I curled my fingers reflexively, trying to keep it—
Layla! What are you doing!
Suddenly, my face heated. I stole a glance at Kayden focused on driving, saw he hadn't noticed, and quietly exhaled in relief.
Such an act.
Diana yawned lazily, gloating.
Shut up. You're the one drooling over him.
I bit back, rolling my eyes internally.
The car entered the forest. The tree canopy blocked the sun, light and shadow dancing across the hood.
I knew this road.
Every turn, every tree, even every roadside stone. Seven years ago, I'd walked it countless times. Gathering herbs, fetching water, and... sneaking off to watch Kayden train.
"Mommy, look!" Kai had woken somehow, little face pressed to the window. "Such a big tree!"
"That's an oak," I said. "The oldest in this forest. Over three hundred years old."
"Wow..." Kai's eyes sparkled. "So tall!"
"When you're all better, I'll take you climbing," Kayden said, watching Kai in the mirror.
"Really?"
"Really."
"But Mommy says I can't climb trees, I'll fall..."
"That's because she doesn't understand boys' fun." Kayden shot me a mischievous look. "I won't let you fall."
Kai bounced in his seat. "I wanna climb! I wanna climb the tallest one!"
"Okay, okay." I pressed my temples, gradually realizing Kayden maybe wasn't the reliable father I'd imagined. "But first you need to get healthy."
"I'll be good!" Kai promised.
Watching his excited little face, warmth flooded through me.
He'd never been this happy.
These six years, raising him alone... what he wanted, I couldn't give. But Kayden could.
