CHAPTER 11
1113 Words
XARION'S POV
"Are you sure this is the place?" I ask, scrutinizing the park from inside the SUV, my fingers moving in a slightly nervous motion on my thigh.
Andrew nods from the front seat opposite the driver, his eyes following the movement of a woman pushing a stroller across the path. "One of the gammas spotted them here. He swears it was them.”
The moment Andrew told me earlier that the twins were spotted at the park, I didn’t think twice. I just needed to see them. Talk to them.
So I instructed that we head over here so I could see for myself.
I take a calm breath before glancing at Andrew now. "And Megan? Is she with them?"
He hesitates.
“I’m not sure,”
“You’re not sure?” I echo with narrowed eyes.
Andrew clears his throat, not meeting my gaze. “I was only told they were with a lady. Didn't sound like Megan though. Could’ve been a nanny or someone else.”
A mix of disappointment and relief hits me. I was hoping to see her again too. Even if all she’d do is throw another icy glare my way or scream for me to stay away. But I mainly came here for the twins.
I exhale slowly, jaw tight. “Alright,” I murmur. “I’ll go in alone.”
Without another word, I step out of the car. The air is warm and filled with the scent of cotton candy and cut grass.
For a moment, I just stand there, trying to get my heart to slow the hell down.
"You sure, Xarion?" Andrew asks.
I nod, closing the car door. “The twins don’t know you yet. I don’t want to overwhelm them.”
He doesn’t argue further, and I turn and start walking.
The park is alive with color, there are bright balloons tied to food carts, families sitting on benches, and kids chasing bubbles. But I’m only looking for two little faces.
I scan the area, my heart pounding harder with each step. I can’t explain why I’m this nervous, but then again, I haven’t seen them since that moment in the hospital.
I try not to look too out of place as I walk. My Alpha aura makes me stand out enough already, even in casual clothes. A few heads turn, recognizing me, but I offer a quick nod.
And then I see them.
Two small figures standing near an ice cream stand, their attention fixed on the fruity options in the freezer. Makayla is nudging at Maverick’s arm, pointing at something inside.
My chest tightens instantly.
Goddess… they’re even more beautiful than the last time at the hospital.
Maverick stands a little taller, protective and alert, just like I did when I was his age. He's frowning at the choices like he’s analyzing battlefield strategy instead of picking a treat.
I want to walk up to them. I want to kneel down and say, Hi, I’m your dad, but I know I can’t just show up and drop that bomb.
Just… then.
An idea sparks in my mind, a reckless one, maybe even childish, but I don’t think twice. I turn and make my way toward the ice cream stand.
The vendor, a middle-aged man with sun-wrinkled skin, turns and his eyes widen as soon as he recognizes me.
He freezes and then bows immediately. “Alpha Xarion! W-what an honor… what can I… ”
I hold a finger to my lips. “Shh. I need a favor.”
His eyebrows shoot up. “Anything, Alpha.”
“I want to borrow your uniform for a few minutes.”
He blinks, confused. “You… want to sell ice cream?”
“Not sell. Just borrow.” I pull out a wad of cash from my wallet and place it gently in his hand. “Give me five minutes.”
He stares at the money, nods frantically, and starts untying his apron. “Of course! Take your time, Alpha!”
Within seconds, I’m pulling his cap low over my head and slipping into his apron. It smells like vanilla and strawberry syrup.
The twins haven’t even noticed me yet.
The disguise won’t hold if someone really looks close, but it’s enough to get near them without scaring them off.
I take a calming breath, then I clear my throat and call out, “Hey! Free ice cream today for twins with the brightest smiles!”
They turn quickly, both looking around like they can’t believe their ears.
Makayla grabs Maverick’s hand. “Did you hear that?”
Maverick eyes me suspiciously. “Did you say free?”
I grin, keeping my voice warm. “Yup. No charge. Special treat for good kids.”
They exchange a look, cautious but curious, and slowly walk up to the stand.
My heart feels like it might punch through my ribs. Up close, they’re even cuter. Makayla’s eyes are shining with delight, her curls bouncing with each step. Maverick’s expression is careful, guarded, but he doesn’t pull away.
“Wait… really?” Makayla asks, her voice high and sweet. “You’ll give us free ice cream?”
"Absolutely," I say, motioning toward the menu board. "You two look like you’ve had a long morning. What flavors do you like?"
They approach slowly, eyeing me curiously but not suspiciously.
"I like strawberry!" Makayla chirps.
"Chocolate for me," Maverick adds with slightly narrowed eyes.
I quickly start preparing their cones, pretending my hands aren’t shaking slightly. The machine sputters a little, but I manage to get perfect swirls on both cones before handing them over.
“Here you go,” I say softly.
Makayla gives me a bright, grateful smile as she takes hers. “Thank you, Mister Ice Cream Man!”
Maverick accepts his, but he doesn’t take a lick. He’s staring at me, frowning like he’s trying to solve a puzzle in his head.
A hint of suspicion moves across his face.
Then, slowly, he says, “Wait a minute…”
My heart skips.
Makayla turns to him. “What is it?”
He leans forward, pointing slightly at me. “I know you. You’re the man from the hospital.”
My breath catches.
Makayla angles her head and then gasps. “Oh! Yeah Maverick! That’s him!”
Her smile widens as she looks up at me. “You’re our daddy.”
Everything stops that instant. The breeze, the noise, everything. Just that one word echoing in my head.
Daddy.
The word reverberated through my entire being. I can barely breathe.
“What…” I whisper, shell-shocked. “What did you just say?"
- Writer
