Chapter 149 Alyssa Kings expression hardens as he stares at woman who t tripped in front of us , his entire body going rigid body going rigid , as if frozen in place .
I dont have to ask know who she is : his mother .
They share the same nose , the same sharp , assessing eyes , though hers are dulled by time and whatever damage shes done to herself .
I can almost picture what she looked like before addiction stripped her of everything .
Shes dressed in faded blue jeans and a red tank top , the fabric hanging loosely off her thin frame .
Theres an unease in the way she moves , her fingers twitching like they dont know how to be still .
A thin sheen of sweat clings to her skin despite the crisp fall air , her lips pressing together before her tongue darts out like shes suppressing something , whether its nerves , withdrawal , or both .
Kaiden, is that really you ? she asks , her words trembling with disbelief .
Kings expression stays flat , unreadable .
Who else would it be , jolene ? His voice is cold , detached .
Not everyone gets to walk around with a permanent reminder of their mothers shitty decisions carved into their face .
quickly says , already backing away like he needs to get away from this tension as soon as possible .
Um , Im going to take Zuri to the car , Mace , you coming ? Niko q Masons eyes linger on King for a mornent , waiting for a cue .
When King gives him a stiff nod , Mason follows Niko without a word .
I move to go with them , but Kings grip tightens around me .
Stay , he orders , his voice strained .
I look up at him , seeing past the anger to the barely concealed pain beneath it .
He needs me Put me down , Daddy , I whisper , cupping his jaw .
Im not going anywhere .
He hesitates , then slowly sets me on my feet before intertwining our fingers , grounding himself in my touch .
Jolene glances between us , letting out a strained chuckle .
Well , damn .
Look at you … all grown up .
A wife a kid you really turned out different than I thought you would .
1 laugh inwardly .
Apart from Niko and Mason , we probably look like the perfect little family , but the reality is so much messier .
Zuri isnt his by blood , and my marriage certificate still ties me to an abusive asshole .
But its not like King is ashamed of that .
Hes proud to claim me as his .
And hed make damn sure anyone who thought otherwise knew their place .
Jolenes gaze settles on me , her eyes flickering with something unreadable .
And who might you be , sweetheart ? she asks , smooth and pleasant , though theres a forced cheerfulness to it , like shes trying too hard to make a good impression .
Dont bother , lady .
I know all about you .
* Dont speak to her , King growls .
She gives a disarming smile , but theres a small twitch in her jaw , a brief flicker of tension that vanishes as quickly as it appears Relax .
I just wanted to know a little about the woman who managed to tame my wild Kaidy .
Kaidy ? I nearly gag .
Nope .
I hate it so , so much .
Why ? he drawls , the amusement in his voice laced with something sharp : You think this is some kind of reunion ! His tone hardens , hostility cutting through .
What are you even doing here ? Jolene licks her lips again , shifting on her feet .
I Ive been living on the streets , she admits , barely above a whisper .
Lost the trailer a few weeks agu been here looking for work .
I dont even want to think about what kind of ( work * she treans .
Her breath wavers for a moment before she exules through her nose , shaking her head like shes trying to brush off the weight of her own words .
Its been rough , but Im getting by King doesnt flinch .
Well , good for you .
Kitten , lets go ! 4:12 PM d Chapter 149 As he turns to leave , her voice crackles in the space between us .
Look , Kaidy .
I tried searching for you to make amends .
But I couldnt find you anywhere .
It was like you just up and disappeared .
When he turns back , his words are harsher than Eve ever heard them .
Thats because I never wanted to see you again .
So , just forget what you saw today .
Go back to smoking dope and fucking drug dealers for money .
You were always good at that .
I flinch .
He doesnt mean that .
I know he doesnt .
Hes just lashing out speaking from a place of betrayal and pain .
Jolene barely reacts .
She sways slightly , her lips pressing together in something that isnt quite a smile .
Maybe she expected this .
Maybe she thinks she deserves iL What do you want me to do , Kaiden ? Beg for your help ? she eventually huffs , throwing up her arms as frustration spills over like a dam finally breaking King doesnt even blink .
Theres a shelter a few miles from here .
I could give you money , but we both know exactly what youd do with that.
I swallow , glancing up at him .
His jaw is tight , his fists clenched , but his eyes … his eyes are darker than usual , like hes somewhere else , drowning in ghosts Daddy , I whisper , squeezing his hand .
He slowly meets my gaze , reading me instantly .
No , Alyssa my voice to a whisper .
King , we can at Please stay here and excuse us a moment .
I tell his mother before tugging him a few feet away , dropping my least get her a room or something .
Shes homeless .
His jaw ticks .
Why the fuck should we care ? She threw me on the street without a second thought .
Now she can get a taste of her own medicine Because shes your mother , I press .
And I know you care about her .
At least enough to get her off the streets He stares at me for a moment , then his eyes fill with the warmth his mother will probably never see again .
He leans in , brushing his lips against mine .
What am I gonna do about my kitten and her hero complex ? I thought we learned our lesson yesterday ? I sigh , chewing on my bottom lip .
I know .
I think I might have a problem .
But I wont be able to sleep at night knowing we just left her like this .

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He finally exhales deeply , rubbing a hand down his jaw .
Fine .
I can tell shes still using , which means theres no way in fucking hell shes staying with us .
So , Til book a hotel , send her there in an Uber I cant help but smile .
Theres my King , I know its a long shot , but people do change .
Maybe she has .
Maybe she hasnt .
But hell never know if he doesnt give her a chance .
But for now , getting her off the streets is enough .
Once hes done arranging everything , we walk back over to Jolene , where shes frantically rubbing her hands up and down her folded arms .
Your Uber will be here in ten minutes .
You can stay there for a week , but after that , youre on your own , King informs her .
She smiles , weary but grateful .
Thank you , son .
Goodbye , Jolene , he replies between clenched teeth .
He takes my hand , tugging me along without another glance .
I look back , offering her a small , sympathetic smile .
As we approach the car , King suddenly stops , extraling roughly .
Instinctively , I wrap my arms around him , cradling his face as I press a grounding kiss to his lips .
Are you okay , Daddy ? I ask softly .
He rests his forehead against mine .
As long as Ive got you and our family , Im good , he murmurs , kissing me again .
But when he pulls away , I can ser the storm of emotions brewing in his eyes , but I dont call him out on it .
Maybe hes trying to convince himself just as much as hes trying to convince in ine .
King pulls open the passenger door for me .
Now , lets go get some food .
Looking at all those goddamn animals has got me craving a bacon cheeseburger 2/3 Chapter 149 3/3