Page 25 of Alpha Bully

"It’s fine, really, take your time," I say, watching them disappear through the house toward the meadow at the back. I see them holding hands, and my heart aches.

I’m about to close the door when I hear my name.

“Ava,” Sara calls, taking the steps two at a time. “I’m glad I caught you. I just wanted to check in with you after last night.”

Sara walked us back from the craft fair without asking a single question about the revelations, and I was so grateful for that. She just walked with us and let me hold it together for Harper’s sake. I turned and smiled at her. “I’m making coffee. Do you want some?”

She accepts, and we head toward the kitchen, where I put a fresh pot on, and we watch Callum with Harper from the large picture window. The sound of Harper’s laughter carries from the meadow as she tries and fails to control her magic. The flying sparks and accompanying bang would have terrified me before, but now, with Callum there to guide her, I find myself smiling.

“Well,” Sara says, laughing. “I guess I don’t need to ask how Callum took the news?”

I shake my head, watching as Harper beams up at him before trying again. “He’s been great with her,” I say, not able to keep the nerves out of my voice.

“I’m glad,” Sara replies, and I look at her over my shoulder. She seems genuinely happy for me, and the tension in my chest loosens a little. “And how was he with you? Charlie wanted to come over too, but I think he still needs some time to process it all.”

“Is he embarrassed?” I ask, cringing.

“No,” Sara replies emphatically. “Not at all, that’s not what I meant. He’s pissed. At Callum and the whole pack.”

I groan and cover my face with my hands. "Please don’t let him jeopardize his place in the pack just for me,” I plead, knowing how much the pack means to Charlie.

Sarah rubs my back. “Let him be pissed, Ava,” she says, “It’s the least he can do. Besides, Callum already called and left a message for him this morning apologizing for not being better on all counts. Charlie’s not in the wrong here.”

I sigh, fighting the tears that threaten to fall. “Callum didn’t know. He didn’t know I was pregnant when I left. Neither did I,” I say quietly. “He rejected me, not Harper.”

“Oh, Ava,” Sara says, hugging me as we continue to look out the window. “That must have been so hard. What about now? What does he say about everything?”

I sniffle, wiping my tears away. “He wants us to stay. He wants to know Harper.” I smile as he chases Harper through the tall grass. “He really seems to mean that.”

Sarah nods, watching the scene. “He does. And what about you two? What does he want?”

I blush crimson as she eyes me, remembering how easy it is for a shifter to sense when people have been together. “I’m not sure what I want matters; the pack will dictate. And we already know how the pack feels. I don’t even know how Callum feels. I know he wants Harper, I believe him on that. But is that enough for me to stay? Can Harper actually build a life here?”

Sarah scoffs. “They will have to accept the alpha’s daughter and her mom.”

“I think you’re being optimistic.” I say, “Everyone is so perfect here; they don’t allow for anything or anyone they don’t think fits in.”

Sarah shakes her head. “Things aren’t always what they seem. Folks may pretend to be perfect, but there are enough bad apples here, they’d give the rogues a run for their money.” She adds sadly, “I’m working with a committee to house women fleeing domestic violence right here in the pack. I’d like to open it to women in the rogue communities, too, but that’s going to take some time.”

I look at her, shocked. Growing up, there was never much talk of bad relationships or women leaving. However, I saw enough examples of it in my parents’ marriage. And my experience with the Collinses only highlights that abuse is still very much an issue.

I’m lost in thought as Sarah continues, “You know, if you stay, I think you could really help some of these women. Some have children or pups on the way. And you’re just about the strongest mom I know.”

I don’t know what to say. Her kind words almost breaking the last of my resolve as a tear rolls down my cheek. Just then, I hear Harper shouting for me and look up to see her waving while controlling a collection of tiny sparks. Sarah claps, and I wave, smiling brightly. Callum stands next to her and looks proud as they laugh together. Sarah reaches out and holds my hand, sensing my tidal wave of emotion.

“I’m scared to want anything because I’m afraid of losing it,” I say with raw honesty.

She squeezes my hand and nods. “Just give yourself some time, okay?”

I nod, and we watch the scene in the meadow as Callum and Harper build what looks to be a strong foundation. It’s like the father-daughter bond was always there, waiting to be ignited. But where does that leave me?

Chapter 16 - Callum

I’ve been a father to Harper for all of two weeks now, and it’s been the most rewarding two weeks of my life so far. I thought being alpha was everything until Ava and Harper came along. If anything, the experience has raised more questions in my mind about how twisted Ralph was, to never really want the best for his pack or children.

Two weeks in, and I already know I’d give the world for Harper, and I only want Ava to realize how much she belongs here—with me.

I sense her reticence about mixing with the pack, and I understand. The craft fair is still fresh in my mind, too. Byron was right, I needed to tackle it head on, and I did. I personally visited each pack member we identified as having way too much to say about Ava and Harper at the fair and I had it out with each and every one of them.

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