“This is my mate, Sirius Henson,” Alphonso introduced proudly.
“Ah, so you’re the one.” Monique smiled.
“Okay, whatever it is I didn’t do it. But just to be clear, what didn’t I do?”
“Nothing, yet, but everyone’s been talking about you heading up the new shifter department at the hospital,” said the guy that walked into the room. “Cordell Morgan. I’ll be working in your department once my leave time is up.”
Sirius stood and shook his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
After introductions, the conversations shifted to many other topics ranging from the Valentine’s Day ball to the history of Vale Valley. Sometime during their talk, Tamia found her way back in his arms, and didn’t move even when Grayson and his husband got home from their honeymoon. Sirius had to admit he found it kind of sweet that she was warning up to him in her own way.
* * *
“An Daddy saythat I’d go to the park if I’m a good girl.”
“Oh, really?”
It was later that night, and he was helping Alphonso get Tamia ready for bed. She insisted that Sirius be the one to help her with her bath.
“Yeah, and I was a good girl, too.” She dashed away droplets of water from her face and Sirius helped her by tucking her dark curls behind her ears.
“I think you have,” Sirius said to her. “What are you going to do at the park?”
She looked at him and sighed. “I’m gonna play in the snow, an get on the swings, and drink hot choc’late wit lotsa mellows.”
“Oh, that sounds like fun, especially the hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows. Can I come and hang out with you guys?” he asked helping her out of the tub.
“Ah huh,” she answered through her giggles as he started drying her hair and tickling her here on her neck making her laugh more. She started talking, and Sirius added commentary here and there to let her know that he was listening while he helped her into her pajamas. He noticed that she hadn’t asked about her mother all day and made a mental note to ask Alphonso what he’d said to her.
“You two look like you’re having fun.”
“Daddy, I all clean.”
“I can see that.” Alphonso smiled. “Did you tell Sirius thank you for helping you with your bath tonight?”
“Thank you, Siri.”
He pulled her into a hug and kissed her on the cheek. “You’re welcome, sweetie.”
“Okay, little one, go get the book you want me to read tonight, and I will be there in a bit.”
“Okay, Daddy.” She ran out of the bathroom not looking back to say good night.
“How are you holding up?” Alphonso asked him.
“Your family can be overwhelming,” Sirius said.
Alphonso chuckled. “Yeah, I forgot how things could get being around them, and believe me this is not even half of the Vales.”
“I don’t know how much I could have handled if they were all in one place.”
“You did fine today,” Alphonso told him. “I doubt you’ll ever get to meet them all. There are a few I haven’t met.”
“Daddy, I ready,” Tamia yelled from her room.
“Let me go put her to bed,” he said.
“Are you coming back to read me a bedtime story?” Sirius asked.
Alphonso didn’t say anything but grabbed him by his shirt collar and pulled him into a kiss that made his insides burn with lust and hunger.
“Why don’t you keep those lips warm for me and if you’re a really good boy, I’ll tell you a bedtime story,” Alphonso said backing out of the bathroom.
“You’re such a tease,” Sirius yelled after him. He touched his lips that were still hot from their kiss. Alphonso Vale was not only winning him over but also his heart.
