After One Night with the Alpha
Chapter 112
Elle’s POV
:
The afternoon sun felt like liquid gold on my skin as I sat across from Mom, watching her face light up with pure contentment. We’d found the perfect spot on the terrace, surrounded by flowering vines and the gentle sound of fountains.
“I never imagined such places existed,” Mom whispered, her eyes closed as the masseuse worked magic on her shoulders. The skilled hands kneaded away years of tension and hardship, and I could practically see the stress melting from her features.
I couldn’t stop smiling. “You deserve this and so much more, Mom.”
She opened one eye to peek at me, a mischievous grin spreading across her relaxed face. “I might never want to leave this life.”
“Then don’t,” I said immediately, meaning every word. “Stay as long as you want.”
Mom’s expression softened. “Oh, sweetheart. This feels like a dream. Sometimes I’m afraid I’ll wake up and find myself back in that cramped little house with…” She didn’t finish, but we both knew what she meant.
I reached over and squeezed her hand. “This is real, Mom. You’re here, you’re safe, and you’re loved.”
The masseuse finished her work, and Mom practically glowed with relaxation. We were just settling into comfortable conversation about everything and nothing when my phone rang, cutting through our peaceful bubble.
I glanced at the screen and felt my heart do that familiar little skip. Brad.
“I should take this,” I murmured to Mom, who nodded understandingly.
I took a steadying breath before answering. “Hello?”
“Need me to come pick you up? I just finished early.” His voice was warm, almost… affectionate? That was new.
I blinked in surprise. “No, we’re fine. We can get back on our own. You finished work early today?”
There was a pause, and I could hear the rustle of papers on his end. When he spoke again, there was something lighter in his tone, almost… pleased?
“Work got pushed back temporarily. Elle, I need you to come with me somewhere tomorrow.”
My brows furrowed. “Where?”
“Moon Lake City. A friend of mine is having his mating ceremony. The invitation already came through.”
1/4
17:41 Sat, Dec 13
Chapter 112
A mating ceremony?
Brad never invited any friend when he had our mating ceremony. It seemed oddly personal for someone who usually kept his emotional
distance.
23
“But my mom is still-”
“I’ve been out for two days now,” Mom interrupted, having caught the gist of our conversation. “I really should head back home. I haven’t
even requested time off from work properly, and I was so worried about you that I just dropped everything.”
She sat up straighter, her voice growing more decisive. “Besides, there are things at home that need taking care of. You have business to
attend to with Brad, so go ahead. Don’t worry about me–I’m still young enough to take care of myself!”
I heard Brad’s low chuckle through the phone, and something warm unfurled in my chest at the sound.
“I’ll arrange for someone to take her home. The ceremony is the day after tomorrow, so we’ll leave tomorrow to arrive a day early.” Brad’s
voice came through clearly,
Mom was already nodding enthusiastically, looking eager to return to familiar territory. I sighed, recognizing that determined look in her
eyes.
“Alright then.”
“Good. Call me when you’re ready, and I’ll come get you both.”
After he hung up, I looked at my phone thoughtfully. Brad had seemed… different today. Lighter. Almost happy.
“What are you thinking about, dear?” Mom asked, noticing my distraction.
“Nothing,” I said quickly. “Just… Brad seemed to be in a good mood.”
Mom smiled knowingly. “That man cares about you more than you realize.”
Since tomorrow would mark Mom’s departure, I decided to make the most of our remaining time together. What followed could only be described as a shopping frenzy of epic proportions.
“Elle, we don’t need all this!” Mom protested for the tenth time as I added another set of high–quality cookware to our growing pile of
purchases.
“The kitchen supplies at home are all worn out,” I countered, moving on to select premium bedding. “And these sheets will be so much
more comfortable.”
2/4
17:42 Sat, Dec 13 m
Chapter 112
FRY
I was methodical in my approach–if it could possibly improve Mom’s quality of life at home, it went into our cart. New appliances, comfortable furniture, warm clothes, luxurious toiletries, even a state–of–the–art air purifier.
“Elle, please! The house is already full of things you’ve sent! Mom hurried after me, but I was unstoppable.
I barely heard her protests as I swiped Brad’s card with reckless abandon. Each purchase felt like a small victory, a way to ensure Mom would be comfortable and happy even when I couldn’t be there to take care of her personally.
“You know what they say, I called over my shoulder as I added a premium massage chair to our order. “It’s easier to ask for forgiveness
than permission!”
By the time we finished, we’d filled an entire small truck with our purchases. Mom looked simultaneously exhausted and touched by my
determination to spoil her.
“Mrs. Rayne, what on earth did you buy?” Martha exclaimed as we arrived home, her eyes wide at the convoy of delivery trucks following
- us.
I bounded through the front door with more energy than I’d felt in weeks.
I spun around dramatically, feeling giddy with the thrill of my shopping marathon. “I finally got to experience what it feels like to be a
complete shopaholic!”
Mom shook her head, but her eyes were bright with amusement and unmistakable happiness.
“Welcome home,” Martha said warmly. “Mrs. West, did you enjoy your day out?”
“Very much, Mom replied graciously. “Though I think Elle might have single–handedly supported the local economy today.”
I collapsed onto the sofa with theatrical exhaustion. “I’m completely wiped out!”
That’s when I heard footsteps on the stairs and looked up to see Brad descending, his tie loosened and sleeves rolled up in a way that
made my pulse quicken.
“If you’re that tired, why didn’t you let me pick you up?” he asked, genuine concern in his voice.
I blinked innocently. “I was afraid you’d lecture me about being a spendthrift..
Brad’s laugh was rich and warm as he came to sit beside me on the sofa. Without warning, he reached out and gently ruffled my hair.
“You call that being a spendthrift? Elle, you could spend money for the rest of your life and I could still afford to keep you.”
The casual intimacy of his touch and the tender way he said my name made my cheeks burn. Mom, watching our interaction with obvious
3/4
17:42 Sat, Dec 13 G
Chapter 112
satisfaction, beamed at us both.
:
23
I’ll just go freshen up,” she said tactfully, disappearing upstairs and leaving us alone.
Brad moved closer, and I felt the familiar tension that always seemed to spark between us lately. He reached for his watch, a distinctive piece with a wolf’s head design, and set it aside carelessly.
“Let me help with those shoulders,” he said, his hands already moving to rest on my tense muscles.
I stiffened slightly at the unexpected contact. “You don’t have to-”
Comments
✩ 2
Write Comments
SHARE
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
