Then he disappeared into the stairwell, his footsteps gradually fading.
I stayed frozen in place, holding Kai tight, until I could no longer hear him at all.
Then my legs gave out.
I slid down the wall with Kai still in my arms, the cold surface pressing against my back.
"Mommy?" Kai finally lifted his head from my embrace, looking at me with concern. "What's wrong? Are you feeling sick?"
"I'm fine." The words came out even as tears began to fall. "Mommy's just... a little tired."
"Then let's go home." Kai reached up with his small hands to wipe my tears. "You can rest at home."
I pulled him close, burying my face against his small shoulder.
Fear, anger, sadness, despair—all of it crashed over me like a wave.
Kayden had discovered Kai.
He'd seen Kai's face. Seen those silver eyes identical to his own.
He must have figured it out. He must know Kai is his son.
And then what? What would he do?
Would he try to take Kai from me? Use his Alpha authority to claim him?
Or would he try to eliminate him like getting rid of some stain...
The thought made me shudder. I couldn't bring myself to assume the absolute worst of him, but I had to consider every possibility. Kai was my entire world. I couldn't risk even the smallest chance that he might be hurt or taken from me.
"Mommy, you're shaking." Kai's voice pulled me back. "Are you sick? Should I get a doctor?"
"No." I released him, wiped my tears, and forced a smile. "Mommy was just worried about you."
"I'm okay!" Kai grinned, showing off the gap where he'd lost a tooth. "I'm super strong!" He flexed his arm like a bodybuilder, displaying his soft little bicep.
Looking at his innocent smile, my heart clenched painfully. I would give anything to protect him. Even if it meant pushing away the man who was once my mate... who was only ever my mate in the past. Far away. Never to see him again.
But something I didn't want to acknowledge stirred deep inside, resisting that resolve.
When Kayden had gotten close to me. When his hand had touched mine. When he'd said my name...
I'd almost surrendered.
Almost forgotten everything he'd done. Almost let myself accept him. Almost let him kiss me again.
"Damn it," I whispered.
"Mommy said a bad word!" Kai announced like a stern teacher who'd caught me in the act, then looked tremendously pleased with himself.
"You're right. I'm sorry." I ruffled his hair and stood. "Come on, let's get you back to bed."
Kai sat on the hospital bed, those clever silver eyes darting around as if plotting some new mischief.
"Mommy, can you tell me now..." He tilted his head. "Who was that person?"
My hands stilled as I tucked the blanket around him. I couldn't help the bitter smile. My performance had been that transparent—even Kai hadn't been fooled.
