Chapter Twenty-Two

MY HEART THUMPED SO HARD IN MY CHEST. I did everything in my power not to knock out his dad.

“Hey, come here,” I waved Max toward me. I wanted to throw my arms around him, but I figured I’d give him some space to process what just happened and whether he wanted me to touch him or not.

Max sucked on his lower lip and blinked back tears, waddling over.

“I’m sorry about earlier,” I said, hugging him to me. “About right now.”

He hugged me back. “You didn’t do anything.”

“I still need to say I’m sorry, and not because you’re a pregnant alpha or more emotional or lesser than me.”

“Bauer, I … I think … I’m glad you came back.” He put his head on my shoulder.

I rubbed his back. “You thought I’d leave you?”

“I tried to kick you out,” he said softly.

I let out a light laugh. “Is that what that was?”

He nodded.

“But are you okay? Right now? With your dad?”

“I don’t know. I feel like I’m going to—” His vomit splattered all over me.

I took him inside and cleaned him up, and afterward, we cuddled on the couch together. He was still a bit upset, but I knew he would be okay. He stood up for himself, put his dad in his place, and I couldn’t have been prouder of my alpha.