The Alpha’s Fated Choice (Alpha's Fated Encounter Trilogy #1)

“Sure.” Drew yawns, moving aside to let me in.

He looks at my backpack. “Going on a trip?”

I give him a small smile. “I need a favor from you, Drew. Do you mind if I borrow Tim for an hour or so, and then you can pick him up from the bar?”

“My son?” Drew looks confused. “Sure. What do you want him for, though?”

“Noah has the pack security watching me. I need to leave the building without raising suspicion.”

All the sleep vanishes from Drew’s eyes, his face turning serious. “What’s going on, Sophia? Is this about the other night?”

He and I haven’t talked about what happened to Wyatt or to him. Drew looks like he has recovered just fine, though.

“I’m going to meet my mate.” I watch my friend, gauging his reaction. “I want to be with him, but Noah isn’t going to let that happen. I need to use Tim as an excuse to be going somewhere.”

Drew gives me a long look. “You’ve decided not to be with Noah?”

“Yes. I…After what he did to Wyatt, I can’t—” I take a deep breath— “I can’t look at him the same way.”

He smiles at me. “Attagirl. I’m glad you’ve worked things out. But what’s with the bag?”

“I—” I suddenly remember Elsa telling me not to trust anybody. But this is Drew! Just to be on the safe side, I say, “I have some things to drop off with Elsa. Tim will be fine. You can pick him up when she calls.”

“Sure.” Drew gestures with his hand. “You can take my son to the bar.”

I grin. “Thank you so much.”

“I’ll go get him. He’s watching cartoons in the other room.”

I wait by the door, and a couple minutes later, Tim is running toward me. “Sophia!”

The idea of never being able to see him again makes me emotional. I give him a tight hug. “Hey, kid. Wanna go out with me for a bit?”

“Sure. Can I have ice cream?”

“No ice cream,” Drew interjects sternly. “You just had some last night.”

“No ice cream,” I repeat, winking at Tim.

He looks positively gleeful.

“Thanks for this, Drew.” I look at the man, and for a moment, my heart overflows with sadness. I give him a hug, as well.

Startled by the contact, Drew stiffens at first, and then I feel his arms wrap around me.

When I pull away, he whispers, “I don’t know what you’re up to Sophia, but I trust you. And I want you to be careful.”

I nod.

When Tim and I are on the stairs, I check the window that overlooks the back side of the building. I see two men standing there, smoking. I know them: pack security. Noah doesn’t trust me one bit. Smart of him, but I don’t have any intention of being caged.

I crouch down and help Tim put on my backpack. “Can you carry this for me?”

“Okay.” He beams at me. “When do we get ice cream?”

“I’m going to get you something better than ice cream,” I promise. “A big, fat slice of chocolate cake!”

His hand wraps around mine, and his eyes are wide. “You mean it?”