Page 4 of Claimed By the King's Gamma

I don’t need to be told twice.With a final glance at Ivy, I sneak past the kitchen, my heart pounding in my chest as I make my way down the narrow hallway.The floorboards creak under my feet, each step a risk I’m taking but one that is worth it.

The cold air hits me like a slap as I step into the yard, the wind whipping strands of hair across my face.I tuck them behind my ear with a shaking hand, my eyes scanning the overgrown grass for any sign of Tyson; he’s since moved from the busted sandpit.

There, by the old oak tree, I spot a flash of movement.My heart leaps into my throat as I make my way toward him, each step feeling longer.He’s crouched in the dirt, his little hands digging furiously as he mutters to himself in a language only he knows.

As I draw closer, I can hear his little puffs and grunts of frustration.

“Tyson,” I call softly, not wanting to startle him.

His head snaps up, his wide blue eyes meeting mine.For a moment he just stares at me.Then he’s on his feet, running toward me with a speed that belies his tiny frame.

I drop to my knees just as he reaches me, catching him in my arms and pulling him close.He buries his face in my neck, his small hands fisting the back of my dress as he clings to me.

Tears prick at the back of my eyes as I hold him tighter, breathing in the scent of dirt and sweat.“I’m here,” I whisper, my voice cracking.“I’m right here.”

He pulls back just enough to look at me; his eyes searching mine with an intensity that steals my breath as if he knows something is wrong and my lip trembles.

I swallow hard; the weight of that single word settling heavily in my chest.

His face breaks into a smile; a sight so pure and radiant that it momentarily chases away the shadows lurking in my heart.He presses his forehead against mine; his breath warm on my cheek as he pats my face with his hands; his way of saying ‘I love you.’

I feel the hot sting of tears as they slip down my cheeks; mingling with dirt and grime.“I love you, too, Tyson,” I choke out, my voice raw with emotion.“So so much.”

From the corner of my eye; I see Kimmy watching us; her small face etched with a sadness no child should know.She understands; perhaps better than she should, what today means for me and Ivy.

I pull back, cupping Tyson’s face in my hands as I try to memorize every detail - the curve of his cheek, the dimple in his chin, the way his eyes crinkle when he smiles.“I need you to be brave for me, okay?”I say softly, my thumb brushing away a stray tear.“Can you do that?”

He babbles something that makes no sense, which only breaks my heart.How can life be so cruel?

A sob catches in my throat, and I pull him in for one last hug, pouring the last ounce of love and strength I possess into that embrace, hoping it is enough for him to understand that I don’t want to leave him.“Never forget how much I love you,” I whisper, my lips brushing his ear.“Never forget that, no matter what.”I pull away, trying to get his full attention.

“Tyson, I need you to listen to me,” I say, my voice trembling but firm.“I need you to be a big boy now, okay?Can you do that for me?”

He nods, his little face so solemn and serious I almost laugh.Almost.

“I have to go away for a while,” I continue, my throat constricting with emotion.

His tiny brow furrows as he tries to make sense of my words.His hands fist my skirt, yanking on it.

I swallow hard, fighting back the tears that threaten to consume me.How can I explain this to him?How can I make him understand that leaving him is the last thing I want to do, but the choice isn’t mine.

“Somewhere far away, but I will always be right here,” I say softly, poking his chest; he giggles, thinking I am tickling him.Sighing, I brush a stray curl from his forehead.

He clutches his blanket tighter, his bottom lip trembling as he leans closer, burying his face in my chest once more.

I hold him close, my heart shattering into a million pieces.“I know, sweetheart.I don’t want to go, either.But sometimes...sometimes we have to do things we don’t want to do.”

He sniffles, his tiny hands fisting the fabric of my blouse so tightly I think it might tear.

I stand on shaky legs, my heart shattering with each beat as I look down at his tiny form.His eyes are wide and wet, his bottom lip trembling.

“Tyson,” I say, my voice cracking as I kneel back down to his level.“I need you to promise me something, okay?”

“Promise me you’ll stay away from Mrs.Daley,” I whisper, cupping his cheeks with my trembling hands.“Promise me you’ll try to stay out of her way.”

A sob catches in my throat, and I squeeze my eyes shut trying to memorize the feel of him in my hands, the scent of his skin, the sound of his breath.

“I have to go now, sweetheart,” I say softly.

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