His Little Runt

Chapter 19

Alairia

I've never smiled so real and genuine as I am now. It feels so natural and beautiful, and makes me wish I had done it more often.

Caden's eyes dance with joy, an elated expression covering his entire face, and I know then that I will spend the rest of my life replacing every disappointed face and forced smile that I made him dawn with one of these beautiful expressions.

"Well, well, well," someone says, and the sound makes me jump away from Caden.

His confused face stares back at me, and I swallow hard. I guess old habits die hard, but I would be lying if I said that my reaction was just a habit.

I turn to see Nixx standing there, arms crossed and smile amused.

"If it isn't the Alpha who left all the work to the volunteers while he had a romantic catch up session with his mate," Nixx says, shaking his head in what looks like mock disapproval.

"You got them all out?" Caden asks, laughing in disbelief.

Nixx nods. "I am nothing if not thorough." He eyes the space between us. "I can see you are as well."

My cheeks heat at his words despite them having no reason to. It's not like we were making out in here or anything.

"Is Noella here?" I ask.

His mate, who came here a while ago with Nixx to get weapons, was one of the sweetest people I've ever met. She was shy, but I instantly decided that we were best friends. A lot has happened since then, and I think we both need a person in our corner right now.

"I didn't want to risk bringing her here with all the threats hanging around," Nixx says. "But I can definitely extend the invitation now, if you'd like?"

I smile, nodding. "I'd love that."

"They're in the trees!" Someone shouts, and it sounds like Marcel.

Caden walks to my side and puts a protective arm around my shoulder as Marcel appears in front of us.

My skin heats even as danger lurks, and I wonder how I resisted his touch for so long.

"The Elders," Marcel pants. "They're here."

"Shit," Caden mutters.

"Where's Kyler?" Nixx asks.

"Right here!" Kyler says as he approaches. "I was making sure everyone was really out. It's completely clear."

"We can't hide," Caden says. "The more we cower, the more they'll dig. We have to go greet them."

They all nod.

"Your soldiers are already ready," Marcel says to Caden. "I'll go tell them the plan."

He leaves, and Nixx gives us a nod before doing the same, Kyler following close behind.

Caden turns to me, and I know what he's gonna say before he even opens his mouth.

I'm already shaking my head as he says, "I need you to go back."

"No," I say fiercely. "I can help."

He grabs my face gently in his hands, and the action pulls on my heart strings, tenderly plucking each one.

"I just got you back, and I would do anything to keep you from leaving again," he murmurs, his eyes tense. "This is not me saying you can't, this is me saying I don't want you to. I know you are capable of anything you put your mind to, but please, for my sanity, go back home."

I let my head fall to his chest. "I hate it when you get all mushy."

He places a kiss in my hair. "Well, get used to it, because you're getting a lot more from now on."