After I Torched Alive, My Alpha Went crazy novel Chapter 111

"Mom! Look! Faye is my best friend now!" Cyrus exclaimed, sounding very grown-up.

Carlos nodded, clearly entertained, while Cyrus added, "Women’s friendships are amazing, right?"

I laughed, feeling a bit tipsy from the drinks Faye and I had shared. "You’re right, buddy! I’m just so happy!"

As I knelt down to Cyrus’s level, I brushed his hair back, enjoying the softness of his curls. Faye and Carlos had stepped out to run a quick errand, leaving us to share a quiet moment together. "Do you want to hear a story before bed?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Yes, please!" he replied, his eyes shining with excitement and a big grin on his face.

I smiled, feeling warmth in my heart. "Alright, once upon a time, there was a brave little wolf who…." I started, telling him about a wolf exploring magical forests and facing different challenges. As I spoke, I noticed Cyrus leaning in closer, resting his little hands on his knees, completely captivated.

"Did the little wolf have friends?" he asked, his curiosity brightening his face.

"Yes! The little wolf had a best friend who was a clever fox," I answered, enjoying how engaged he was. We laughed together at the wolf’s silly adventures, each giggle bringing us closer.

When I reached a part in the story where the little wolf faced his fears, I looked deep into Cyrus’s eyes. "When the little wolf was brave, he found out how strong he really was," I said. "Just like you, Cyrus. You are brave in your own way."

His face lit up with pride. "I want to be just like the brave little wolf!" he exclaimed, determination shining through.

I felt a wave of love and protectiveness at that moment. Even with the unsettling thoughts about the strange happenings in our yard earlier, I knew I would do everything to keep him safe.

I crossed my arms, feeling my patience wearing thin. "Do you think showing up unannounced with a bunch of gifts makes everything alright? What exactly are you hoping to accomplish here?"

He looked taken aback, but quickly tried to recover, shifting awkwardly. "I thought…after the last wedding, maybe things had improved between us. We were friendly enough that day, weren’t we?" A humorless laugh escaped me. "Friendly? You’re seriously mistaken, Nathan. Nothing has changed between us. I made myself very clear that day. I already have something far more precious than anything you could offer me."

Nathan’s expression fell, and he glanced down, looking genuinely hurt. "Grace, I miss you. I miss both of you. I was hoping…maybe for Cyrus’s sake, we could try to be a family. Just think about it." "Think about what?" I snapped, my voice harsher than I’d intended. "You think a few nice words and some presents can change the past? Cyrus and I are just fine on our own. We don’t need you disrupting our lives."

He took a step closer, his jaw set. "I’m not trying to disrupt anything, Grace. I just want to be here for both of you. Cyrus…he’s not just your child. He carries Oliver’s blood. I can feel it. I know Cyrus is the child of two people," he further repeated "and he has Oliver’s genes."

His words hit me like a slap, and my face grew hot with anger. "Shut up, Nathan," I said, barely keeping my voice steady. "You don’t get to talk about him like that."