Chapter 219

Words : 1268 Updated : Jun 20th, 2025

Alec smiled as Aspen told him about what she had been doing since morning. She gave him every detail, down to what she ate for breakfast. The smile that showed on his face wasn't fake. It was not forced, as he pretended to show interest. It wasn't one to placate her. It was genuine. He was very interested in every single small detail she was telling him. Genuine love shone through his eyes as he listened to her. It was like his whole being was lit from the inside out. You could see it. If he were given the chance, he would never let go of her. They both seemed to have been lost in their bubble. I doubt they even remembered that I was standing right next to them. In their world, I probably didn't even exist. I should have been angry or jealous, but I wasn't. I found it cute. "Do you want to catch butterflies with me?" Aspen asked in a sweet voice, looking at Alec with so much hope and trust. "Mommy can't do it; she says she is tired, but I know it because she isn't fit. She hasn't been exercising." She whispered the last part as if it were a secret that she shouldn't be sharing with anyone. As if she didn't want to hear. I'm caught off guard when Alec lets out a laugh. The sound was deep and rich, in a way that sent shivers down my spine. "Why are you throwing me under the bus, Ash?" I furrowed my brows with mock hurt. "No, mommy, don't feel bad... We can play with my dolls," she reached out her hand and patted my cheek in a comforting manner. She was so sweet that it made my heart ache. I pretended to think about it before agreeing, "Alright... at least that won't be too tiring." "Yay," she then turned towards Alec. "Will you play with me?" I expected Alec to refuse. To be against the idea. Can you imagine a full-grown Alpha chasing butterflies? Tmanman, who commands hundreds of warriors and is respected within the werewolf community? It almost seemed absurd to even think about it. "Anything for you, princess," Alec agreed, without any kind of hesitation and with a smile on his lips. She screamed in happiness before using her hands to motion to Alec to set her down. The moment her feet were on the ground, she was off, running towards the butterflies. Cannd pla?" she called to Alec, who only chuckled before joining her. It was honestly a sight to behold. The way he chased after her while Aspen chased after the butterflies. The way Alec was laughing while Aspen giggled. The way he would sweep her off her feet, throw her in the air among the butterflies, before catching her and setting her on her feet again. I was very reluctant to let Alec into her life, but I now realize that fear was what was holding me back. I was afraid that he would disappoint her. I was afraid that he would break her heart and hurt her. I was afraid he would ignore her and treat her like she was nothing. Looking deep inside now, I see those fears for what they are. I was projecting onto Aspen. I was afraid that Alec would treat her in the manner he treated me. I didn't want Aspen to go through the pain, so I tried to protect her by projecting my pain and experiences onto her. It wasn't right, and I admit that I was wrong. It didn't take a genius to know that Alec loved his daughter even though he didn't know her all that well. No one has to point out the fact that Aspen has him wrapped around her finger. It's there as clear as day. I had a hard time accepting it. Believing it. Now, though, I can't deny it. I may still have my issues with Alec, but that doesn't mean that I have to deny my daughter the chance to get to know her father. With that, I made up my mind. I'll give Alec access to Aspen. It will be limited at first so that we can all adjust to it and so I can tell her the truth, but gradually I will increase his access to her. The decision settles inside me. There was a bit of anxiety, but mostly I just felt a sense of peace. It felt like the decision I was making was the right one. My shoulders deflate as I feel the tension leave me. I felt like a burden had been lifted from my shoulders. Like I could finally breathe a little bit easier. I continued watching them. My eyes followed their movements. Alec seemed a bit awkward running after a little girl, but that didn't stop him. You could see that he enjoyed this moment with her. He seemed so at ease and peace. This is what I used to dream of every time I closed my eyes. This is what I had wished my future would be like. I sit frozen, almost like I have been struck by lightning, as realization dawns on me. I had envisioned this exact scène countless times before everything went to hell. The only difference was that instead of one child, there were three. Two boys and a girl. They were playing with Alec while I sat in this exact spot (though in my fantasy, there was a bench) with a pregnant belly and snacks ready for them. The remainder of those dreams brings a pang to my heart. The pain of shattered dreams stung my heart in a way I never thought I'd feel ever again. It had been hard letting go of those dreams. It is even harder to have a glimpse of what could have been. I push those fantasies and pain away and focus on the duo. I'll never know if things would have been different had Alec made a different choice back then, and for now, what ifs don't matter. As long as Aspen is happy, I am willing to compromise. "Will you be okay with her?" I mind-linked him, planning to leave them to their own devices. "Goddess!" he muttered. "I don't think I'll ever get used to your new ability." When I told them everything. Before I started to lose control. That included the fact that I can communicate telepathically with any of the four species. I just chuckle and repeat the question. "I have something I need to do." "Yes, we'll be okay." "If you need to take care of something, or she starts getting tired, leave her with Martha. She'll know En. What to do." "Alright." "And before I forget, we need to talk," I told him, remembering that I had to let him know of my decision where En, he, and Aspen were concerned. "Just let me know where and when. I'll be there. He turns to look at where without breaking his play with Aspen. I took that opportunity to nod my head to let him know that I acknowledged what he had said. Afterward, I turned around to leave. I walked a distance, and I was almost near the pack-house when I heard his whisper. "Thank you." I don't turn back, but I feel those two words and his sincerity into my soul.

Chapter 219

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