Ice Princess (Little Alpha Book 2)

Chapter 27

Watching them actually interact made me feel different. The two of them could warm my heart easily, but together... I wanted more than anything for them to get along. I had to pause at the thought... they had to for Ezekiel and me to work, Zoey wasn't an option, she never was. Then, I understood why he wanted her there and I looked up at him as he watched us. He didn't want Zoey to just like him because of me, he accepted her as a permanent part of my life.

I scowled as relief washed over me unexpectedly, I wasn't expecting this, him making room for Zoey was a must, but actually making her a part of his life touched me in a way a physical one couldn't. Now, he wanted me to meet William who I knew very little about other than what he told me and their constant bickering.

I didn't dread it, I didn't look forward to it either. Ezekiel had a mean streak when it came to other guys around me who weren't my family. I'm sure his friend was very aware of this, but still I knew my mate. So, again I triple checked Zoey's carseat before I got in the car.

"Still don't trust my driving?"

"About as much as I trust you to keep your distance."

He chuckled. "So not at all." I rolled my eyes as he laced his fingers through mine, but didn't pull away. I was learning to like his constant displays of affection and considering his hand was twice the size of mine, well, I couldn't get free if I really wanted to.

"No touching!" I smirked as Ezekiel sighed as he released me. "Thank you."

William was waiting outside the building and I looked at Ezekiel in surprise. "An arcade?"

Zoey was looking at it with wonder. "What's that, Vivi?"

Ezekiel smiled. "Come and find out."

I shook my head, smiling, he thought this through, he could play with Zoey and I get to know William in a not professional setting. I went to open my door and frowned as he came to open it. "You and these fucking child locks."

He smirked. "If you would just wait for me to do it, it would be unnecessary."

I discreetly swiped it off as he went through the door and got Zoey out William came up smiling. "Good morning."

Zoey tried to pull me past him, dazzled by the lights. "But..." I gave her a look and she sighed. "Good morning, William, right?"

His smile broaden as he knelt to her level. "Exactly and you are?"

She smiled. "Zoey, what's in there?"

I would have happily let her do all the talking, but Ezekiel skimmed his fingers down my arm as Zoey was distracted. "You'll have to talk."

I pursed my lips, signing. "Let me guess a name too?"

He kept his eyes trained in the child as he kissed my cheek. "Preferably."

I frowned, but was amused, those are two things he held dear, so I guess he was really wanting this to work out. William stood as he finished explaining the concept to Zoey and held his hand out to me. "We've met, but I never did get your name."

I took it. "Violet."

He nodded. "Pretty name for a pretty girl." I saw him playfully glance at Ezekiel. "Nice to finally know what you sound like as well."

Ezekiel frowned. "This was a bad idea."

I smirked as I led Zoey inside. "No, I think this was a wonderful one actually."

I felt his surprise, then his suspicion. William and I would get along just fine much to his dismay. "Why is that?"

William pat his back. "You'll see."