Chapter 52

Miranda

Sebastian’s name displays across my phone screen. My heart skips a beat when I read it, my cheeks warming. I sit up from the lounge chair. Jessica chuckles, sipping her drink from beside me.

“Answer it already,” Jessica nudges her elbow into my side. I laugh and give her a gentle push, rolling my eyes.

“I will, thank you very much,” I respond with a scrunched-up face. I come to my feet and step away, bringing the phone to my ear. “Sebastian?”

“Miranda,” his voice is a mix between relief and irritation. My brows furrow.

“Is everything okay?” I glance at Jessica from over my shoulder. She isn’t paying attention, instead focusing on the food in front of her. Turning my back to her, I lean into the phone, my ears lingering on Sebastian’s breathing.

“It’s complicated but I’m taking Evan out of school. Would you like me to take out Noah and Ella for you?” Sebastian’s words bring me comfort despite its alarming undertones. I take a deep breath, biting the inside of my cheek.

“Complicated? Sebastian…” His name rolls off my tongue like butter.

“I know, Miranda,” he matches my sigh and it feels like he’s right here next to me, comforting me.

It’s peculiar, really, that my body yearns for his warmth, for his gentle touch to grace my skin. I sigh.

“Yes. Yes, you may pick them up. I’ll call the school right now and let them know,” I bite my lip and face Jessica once again. She smiles at me, waving me back over, clueless to the turmoil that is slowly brewing in my children’s lives.

“You can pick them up from my office. I have to work late but can look after them there. Is…is that okay?” Sebastian asks.

“Of course. I’ll see you then,” I keep the phone pressed against my face, lingering on the small silence between us. He doesn’t speak a word either. I open my mouth but nothing comes out, just breathless sighs and words unsaid.

“Miranda,” Hearing him say my name sends chills down my spine.

“Stay safe, Sebastian. I don’t know what’s going on but…stay safe.” I peel the phone from my face and tap the red button on the screen, ending the call. I close my eyes and take a deep breath.

My body relaxes now that he isn’t in my ear. The heat I once felt is replaced with mild concern, though, and my mind and thoughts cannot help but fixate on him.

Will he be okay? Will our kids be okay?

The lingering question of what Sebastian meant by complicated hinders me from calling the school. I float back to Jessica and descend into my seat, my gaze unfocused as I peer into blurred vision.

“Damn…did Sebastian tear you a new one?” Jessica asks, leans over, and gently places her hand on my shoulder.

“He didn’t…he offered to take our kids until I’m done with work. I guess something happened at school—”

“Our kids?” Jessica’s question shocks my body to life. I fasten my gaze onto hers and my mouth goes dry.

Shit. Did I just say that?

“Yes. Our kids,” I begin, racking my mind for a good follow-up response, “He has Evan and I have Noah and Ella…they’re friends! Therefore it is our kids.”

“Uh huh…sure,” Jessica’s gaze lingers on mine and I roll my eyes, turning away to hide my blushed cheeks.

Hours Later…

I stand across from Jessica. We slide off our work shoes and ease our way into our outdoor shoes, smiling and chuckling. The sun has set, leaving just the LED lights to illuminate the room.

“I’ll come in early tomorrow to set up the next round of trials,” Jessica breathes out, slipping her lab coat off her body and into her locker. I nod at her, smiling.

“Sounds good. You can leave early tomorrow because of it,” I respond. She claps her hands together, doing a quick and small victory dance. I laugh, rolling my eyes. “I know, I’m the best boss ever.”

“We should get you an award and show it off to everyone who visits the lab,” Jessica snorts, “I can see the headline now: Healer M wins Best Boss Award for the third year in a row!”

“Shut up,” I chuckle and guide her out the door. The keys jingle in my hands and I lock the lab up behind me, sending Jessica down the hallway and to the elevator that leads to the parking garage.

I turn in the opposite direction, heading to the elevator that leads up to Sebastian’s office. Stepping inside the metal box, I press the button and lean against the wall. A faint smile spreads across my lips and I contently sigh. The elevator doors slide open and I’m met with an empty room.

Typically, at least during my visits to Sebastian’s office, the grand office that lies before his own is always busy with bustling employees and lively chatter. Its silence fills me with anticipation.

Will I be treated to a whole new Sebastian tonight?

My fist hovers over the door. Inside, laughter and giggles can be heard. I can see Ella’ cheerful smile from her laugh and, not to mention, Noah’s dimples when he tries to hide his own joy.

I knock on the door. Gasps erupt from the other side. The sound of running footsteps and tiny hands slapping the other side of the door brings a smile to my face. I chuckle and watch as the doors open.

Ella, Evan, and Noah wait for me on the other side. They jump up, their hands waving in front of my face, and I can barely make out their individual voices.

“Did he feed you guys a lot of sugar? You’re all balls of energy! So wild!” I wade inside the office, being sure to swing the doors shut behind me.

“We had soooo many juice boxes!” Noah claps his hands together. I chuckle.

“Oh yeah?” I turn my gaze to Sebastian. He watches us with steady eyes. If I didn’t know better, I would have to say that he’s smiling at us.

Ella and Evan hook themselves around my legs, something I am very much used to at home, and slowly walk to one of the couches in Sebastian’s office, being sure to circle around the children’s colorful mess on the floor.

Ella and Evan release my legs and I topple onto the couch, sighing. I glance at the markers and crayons on the ground, smiling at the three.

“Have you been coloring? Can I see?” I ask, tilting my head up to try and get a better look. Ella gasps and stands in front of my gaze, arms spread wide.

“No! They’re not done yet!” She cries. I hold my hands up and nod.

“That’s okay! Take your time! I’ll…sit by Sebastian,” I chuckle and stand, making my way to the chair in front of his desk. I sit down and glance behind me, watching as the trio drops to the floor, continuing with their coloring.

“Have they been good?” I ask, turning back to the Alpha King. He nods, the corner of his lips twitching upward. “That’s good.”

“Your food, sir,” Sebastian’s Beta’s voice interrupts him before he can speak.

“Yes. Set it down on the table. That’ll be all for tonight. Go home,” Sebastian’s voice is steady. His Beta bows his head and quickly exits the office. My gaze drops to the bags before it flickers back to Sebastian. “Stay.”

“What?” I breathlessly ask.

“Stay.” The word ignites my body to life. “Have dinner with us. Let’s…” His voice goes quiet.

Be a family.

“Okay,” I respond. He nods and stands from his desk. He walks around and our gazes never leave each other’s. He holds a hand out to me. I take it, barely hesitating, and stand. He guides us to the table and we sit beside each other.

His hand leaves mine but our thighs touch, pressed against each other. I move to lean forward, to grab the food from the bags, but Sebastian stops me.

He takes the container from my grasp and pushes my hand away, leaning forward. I watch, my cheeks heating up. I clear my throat and push my hair behind my ears, turning my attention to our children.

“Come on, you three, let’s have some dinner!”