The Alpha's sons

Secrets

_Present_

Marco swiped at the sweat on his forehead with the back of his hand, the sun hammering down on them as they worked together in the garden. Violet had said little all morning, her movements spare, her focus unbroken. But Marco couldn't help but catch the tension in her shoulders or the way she flinched every time he said certain words.

The name had slipped from her lips so unguarded that he was taken aback. Jacob. Marco was not a curious man, but there was something about Violet's answer that unsettled him. He had queried her casually, to begin with, "Who is Jacob?" She had barely looked up at him from the tomato plants she was watering, her hands steady as she brushed aside the parched earth. "No one important," she answered, her tone evasive.

Marco was not satisfied. "No one important?" he repeated, his gaze sweeping her face. Violet shook her head, letting out a sigh. "It's nothing, Marco. Just someone from the past." That was not good enough for him. Not with the tension in her jaw and the clenching of her fingers around the plant stems, as if she needed to hold on. Maybe Jacob is Liam's father? Marco asked.

The question hit like a punch, and this time Violet stiffened. She froze, her entire body rigid, and Marco could swear for a moment she wasn't going to answer. Then slowly, she turned to him, the green eyes darkened with some emotion he couldn't quite put his finger on. "No," she said curtly, her voice stubborn. "Jacob is not Liam's father."Marco's gaze narrowed, sensing the weight of those words. "Then who is?"

Violet inhaled deeply, her grip on the gardening tool tightening. "Marco, you’re asking too many questions."He could tell she was trying to keep her voice steady, but there was a slight tremor in it. Something about this conversation was making her uncomfortable, and Marco couldn’t figure out why."I just don’t get why it’s such a secret," he said, keeping his voice gentle. "Liam's a good kid. If Jacob was not his father, then who is?" Violet let out a rough breath and stood, brushing dirt from her hands. "I don't owe you an explanation, Marco." He looked at her, unsure of what to say. She had never spoken to him like that before—not with that sound in her voice.

"You don't," he agreed. "But you can trust me, you know that, right?" Violet's expression softened for an instant before she swung away. "I don't want to talk about it." There was a finality to her tone that left no room for argument the matter was done. Marco wanted to prod her further, to be able to get her to explain why this was such a sensitive area for her, but he knew better. He'd spent long enough with Violet to recognize when she'd put up a wall. And right now, that wall is higher than ever, firmly in place.

So, he sighed and nodded, leaving it alone, for the moment." Alright," he said, grabbing the watering can."Let's just get this done here,"Violet paused for a second, then nodded small and grateful. She rose and turned to her work once more, her movements a little more forceful than before, as if she needed the distraction. Marco worked in silence, but his mind was racing. Who was Liam's father? And why did Violet have to keep it such a secret? The restaurant was crowded with diners, the aroma of grilled meats and spices filling the air. Marco moved with smooth ease, taking orders, smiling ingratiatingly, and seeing that all ran smoothly. But despite being kept busy, his mind kept going back to Violet and their last conversation.

The way she had abruptly cut him off. The tension in her voice. The way she had stiffened when he asked about Liam's father.

He wanted to know more.

Violet tapped her fingers on the restaurant counter, glancing at her phone for the time. Already, it was too late, and she had a million things she had yet to do before she could even leave. Sighing, she scrolled through her contacts and dialed Tanya. The phone rang twice before the warm, friendly voice answered. "Violet? Is everything all right?"

Hey, Tanya. Yeah, everything's fine. I just got stuck at work. Can I get a big favor from you?"Of course, honey. What do you need?" "I have someone to pick up Liam from daycare and watch him at my house until I get home. I thought I'd be done by now, but… you know how things are."

Tanya laughed. "Oh, yes, I know only too well. "Don't you worry, I'll go and get him now and keep him busy till you're back."Violet felt a weight lift off her shoulders. "Thanks. I owe you one." You're already paid, sweetheart. But if you'd like, I won't say no to extra chocolate chip cookies next time you make them." Violet smiled for the first time that morning. "Deal." "Alright, I’m heading out now. Drive safe when you’re done, okay? "I will. Thanks again, Tanya."

She ended the call and leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples.One thing taken care of. Now she just had to get through the rest of the day. A few hours later, when the dinner rush had settled, Marco found himself standing outside Violet’s office. Grinning, he swung open the door without knocking. Violet was at her desk, sorting through documents, but she didn't so much as glance up. "You're supposed to knock, Marco." Marco grinned, leaning against the doorframe. "And you're supposed to fire me for appearing unannounced all the time. And here I am anyway." She released a sigh but didn't object. Marco sauntered in, plopping into the chair opposite her. "So how's my favorite boss doing?" Violet raised her eyebrows. "I'm your sole boss."

"Even still my favorite," he countered.

She chuckled and shook her head, a passing smile curling her lips. "What is it, Marco?"

"Oh, nothing important. Just dropped by to chat at random about anything." He folded his legs up, interlocking them at the ankles. "You know, such as the weather, sport, life. Secret baby fathers."

Violet's hand lingered on the papers. She let out a deep sigh before leaning back in her chair, arms crossed.