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

“Of course. Have I ever lied to you before?”

“Can I have two slices?”

“You can have three slices, and a trip to the dentist.”

He giggles.

I smile down at him, but my heart is hammering against my rib cage. When we walk outside, the men out front see me, and one of them begins following us.

Just like I expected.

We head toward the center of town, and I stop to purchase a balloon for Tim. Then we see a hot dog cart, and I get one for each of us. We also go to the park, and I let the boy play on the swings for half an hour. After all, I have to make this look believable.

Noah’s man is still watching us, but he’s losing interest.

After some time, I call out, “Come on, Tim. Let’s go. I have to pick up my new uniform at the Dancing Bear. We’ll get you that piece of cake, too.”

Tim doesn’t argue with that.

I made sure my voice was loud enough for the man to hear. He follows at a safe distance, but he stays outside as we enter the restaurant. The “closed” sign is on the front door, and Elsa is waiting for us behind the bar. We lead Tim to her office, and I ask him to wait for me there before I close the door and face her.

Elsa takes my hands. “I’ve managed to contact Alex. He’s going to meet you here, and you two can talk in my office. I’ve made sure nobody else is coming in for work. Now, it would not be smart to leave town in broad daylight. If you are going to leave, do it once the sun sets. And go through the forest. If I were you, I would take a boat. The beach isn’t going to be guarded.”

She has a point, but the sea has been quite unpredictable this week, and while competent, I’m not the strongest of swimmers. “What about the friends you told me about?”

Elsa gives me a piece of paper with an address and a phone number written on it. “Once you get to safety, you can call them. But like I said before, it would be better if Alex goes with you.”

I wet my lips, trying to muster up my courage, recalling the phone call I had with Julia earlier. “It’s good to have a backup plan, though, don’t you think?”

She knows what I mean. “Yes, it is.”

I take a shaky breath. “Elsa, can I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“What does it mean if I don’t entirely trust Alex? I know he would never hurt me physically, but…” I trail off, and she purses her lips.

I expect her to scold me or talk about how he’s my mate and that’s reason enough for me to have blind faith in him, but instead, she cups my cheek, her voice gentle. “I know it’s hard, Sophia. You and Alex had a rocky start. He kept pushing you away. In a couple bond, first impressions lay the foundation for everything that follows. That foundation was broken for you two, but give it time. You’ll be able to build it again.”

When she lets go, I ask, “How do you know so much about all of these things?”

She gives me a secretive smile and puts a finger over her lips. “Now, now. Some things are best not revealed.”

My lips curve in response. “Alright. Keep your secrets. Listen, I told Drew that you would call him to come pick up Tim, but I didn’t tell him what I’m doing.”

Elsa gives me a pleased look. “Don’t you worry about Tim.” She hands me a change of clothes and says authoritatively, “Change into this and give me what you’re wearing.”

Wondering what she’s up to, I go into the bathroom and change. I’m now wearing a dark shirt with matching leggings. Elsa holds out her hands for my own clothes when I walk out.

What I didn’t expect was for Elsa to change into my clothes.

“What are you doing?” I ask her, beyond confused.

“Making your story more believable.” She pulls the hood of my sweatshirt up to shield her face and straightens her back as she walks away from me. “If you were looking from a distance, would you believe I was you?”

“Maybe,” I admit.

Elsa opens the door to her office. “Come on, Tim. Change of plans. You and I are going for a walk.”