A Broken Contract (Alpha's Secret Regret)

I nodded at the human female who looked about my age.

"I see."

No cause for alarm, I told myself. But this wasn't how it was supposed to be. It can't be right for him to just show up at my son's school to pick him up.

I should ask my lawyer. I rushed out of the school, impatiently waving at a cab.

What was Nick's plan? Where had he taken Alex?

A few long minutes later, the taxi drove into the resort driveway and I got out.

As I entered the lobby and marched to the elevator marked Private, one of the guards watched without protest. He was the one in charge of the hotel guards.

No one made a move to stop me like I feared. Moments later, I arrived at the penthouse. As the door slid open, I walked in and was about to dash up the stairs when Nick appeared.

He stood at the top of the stairs in jean shorts and a t.shirt.

I waited for him to protest my presence. It was his turn to have Alex after all.

He said nothing. Instead, he started to saunter down the stairs.

"Where's Alex?" I barked, irritated by his calmness.

"Taking a nap," he replied nonchalantly.

What the hell was he planning to do?

I brushed past him, rushing up to Alex's room. Just as he said, my son laid on his neatly made bed, eyes shut, clutching his warrior toy to his chest. His room was still the same colorful child's paradise. I was enraged for reasons I wasn't sure of.

Shutting the door quietly, I marched back down to meet the alpha. He was not in the living room, so I went into his study.

"You were supposed to pick him up FROM the house. In the morning!"

"Really? Jake didn't tell me anything about time... or place," he replied with his eyes on a paper on his desk.

"He just said it's my turn today. You'll have him back after school tomorrow. This weekend's my turn too, so expect me any...time. I could come at midnight." He shrugged.

"Look, I can't play games with you, alright? I'll ask my lawyer about timing. But I have to know when you're coming! You can't just show up!"

"Is that why you're here? To complain that I was late today?" He gave me a brief look before redirecting his eyes to his laptop.

When I didn't respond, he added,

"Or you've come to hear my voice. Jake said you miss it so much."

He grinned and stuck out his tongue. A very unbecoming, childish show. Exactly like Alex used to do

sometimes. I would've thought it was cute if he wasn't such a cruel, hateful jerk!

I turned away abruptly and started to leave. Then I turned back around. I had something to say but was momentarily distracted by his expression.

The mischievous grin had vanished and his face was hard to read as he watched me carefully.

It occured to me that I shouldn't be here. I already confirmed Alex was with him. It was his right that child should be here today. I had no reason to be standing here.

"I'll ask my lawyer about timing," I said and started to leave again.

Reaching for my phone in my purse, I dialled Mrs. Montgomery's number. I had been living in uncertainty this past week, afraid that I won too easily.

Why was he quiet these past few days? Why did he refuse to take my call?

Well, hello? You're not allowed to call him, remember? That hadn't changed even though we now shared a child, and that particular agreement was no longer valid. The call to my lawyer went to voicemail.

"Hi, Mrs Montgomery. I wanted to make an appointment. I have questions about the -"

"Hello, Miss James." She picked up. "I was going to call you."This content belongs to Nô/velDra/ma.Org .

"Good. I have questions about timing. Should I come over tomorrow or..."

I was standing in front of the

elevator now. I could feel Nick behind watching me, listening to the conversation. For some reason, I wasn't ready to leave till I'd heard

what the lawyer had to say

"Reigns construction... just hired me... yesterday," she said.

I turned around to glare at Nick. He stood with arms across his chest. No readable expression on his face.

"I don't understand," I said.

"I... means I can't offer you legal advise anymore. Also, he cleared your outstanding fees," she said.

"But nothing has changed for you. The agency is still a phone call away. Miss Suarez is ready to help anytime. I talked to her..."

I half-listened as she rambled on about conflict of interest.

"Unless you're calling on his behalf, I can't offer you legal advise anymore."

I was filled with anxiety as I tried to determine the implications.

"I don't understand, Mrs. Montgomery," I repeated lamely.

"I work for your son's father now. We already dealt with all important bits. Your son's with you and Mr. Reign is no longer dictating your life."