THE ALPHA'S REJECTED MATE ( I have a baby for him)

Part 22

ALORA

The worries of the world faded away, leaving only the sound of Rome's joyful giggles and the soothing rustle of nature as I sat on the grass watching my baby boy, Rome try to walk with his nanny beside him. 

Rome was my everything. He was the light that had pulled me through the darkest moments of my life, his tiny hands and infectious laughter the reminders that there was still beauty in the world. Today, he was particularly determined, his chubby legs wobbling as he tried to take his baby steps. Every time he stumbled, he would let out a little squeal, half-frustrated, half-delighted, before pushing himself up again. He was a true Alpha blood and I was very much proud of him.

"You're doing great, sweetheart!" I encouraged, clapping my hands as he took a few more hesitant steps toward me. The nanny hovered nearby, her kind eyes following his every movement, ready to catch him if he fell. But Rome was stubborn—he had that from his father—and he was determined to make it all the way to me without any help.

I was so focused on Rome that I didn't hear the footsteps behind me until a familiar voice broke the quiet. "Looks like someone is eager to start walking."

My heart skipped a beat as I turned to find Aziel standing a few feet away, his eyes fixed on Rome with a softness that made my chest ache.

"Aziel," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be training your pack guards for the competition?"

He shrugged, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "They're on a break. Waylen just arrived, and he's taking over the second session. I thought I'd use the time to stroll around the garden and think, then I find you and baby Rome over there trying to make steady steps."

My heart clenched at his words, at the way he so easily slipped into a role that he had been absent from for so long. "You didn't have to," I replied, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace.

Aziel didn't respond. Instead, he crouched down beside me, his eyes following Rome's every move as our son continued his wobbly journey toward us. "Come on, little man. You can do it," he murmured, his voice filled with warmth and pride that made my breath hitch.

Rome looked up at the sound of his father's voice, his face lighting up with a wide, toothless grin. He stumbled a bit, his legs wobbling under him, but he kept moving forward, his tiny arms reaching out for balance.

"That's it, baby," I encouraged, my heart swelling with pride as he took another step. "You're almost there."

Aziel chuckled softly, his eyes never leaving Rome. "He's determined, isn't he? Just like his mother."

The comment caught me off guard, a wave of conflicting emotions crashing over me. This was the moment I had once dreamed of—us, together, as a family. But the reality was far from that dream. Aziel and I were no longer the couple we used to be. We were two people bound by a past that was as beautiful as it was painful, and by a child who represented both our love and our loss.

Rome made it another step before his legs finally gave out, and he tumbled forward. I instinctively reached out to catch him, but Aziel was quicker, his large hands gently lifting Rome back to his feet.

"Good job, buddy," Aziel praised, his voice thick with emotion as he set Rome back on the ground. Rome squealed in delight, clearly proud of himself, and I couldn't help but laugh, the sound bubbling up from deep within me.

Aziel's eyes flickered to me, his gaze lingering in a way that made my heart race. I quickly looked away, focusing on Rome instead, but I could feel Aziel's eyes on me, watching, waiting.