The Alphas Fated Mate

Is He a Horse or Is He a Dog?

Aria's smile brightened at the idea. "Sounds absolutely perfect to me. Don’t forget to grab some fries and a burger for Liam too, please." She couldn't help but stifle her laughter at the mental image of Bon doing her victory dance.

“I can totally do that,” Bon replied, her cheerful tone filling the air.

“Bon?”

“Yeah?”

"I’ve been kinda absent lately, and I'm sorry." Aria felt a pang of guilt interrupting their joyful mood, but she knew she owed her friend an apology.

“Blu, no need to apologize. I knew you’d call when you were ready. Love ya, chickadee.” Bon's voice quivered slightly with emotion.

“Love you too.” Aria ended the call, not wanting it to turn into a sentimental moment.

“How about some chicken for dinner?” Aria turned her attention back to Liam.

She reheated Liam's leftover chicken and whipped up some scrambled eggs and toast for herself. Liam devoured his leftovers before the toast popped up, so she offered him a slice of it as well. Aria was nibbling on her own breakfast when she heard a knock at the door. Aria had to calm Liam, who became quite alert, before heading to the door to let Brian inside. Liam either followed her or led the way, growling at Brian until she assured him that Brian was safe.

Entering her home, Brian asked, “When did you get a dog? Or should I say a horse, that beast is massive.”

“Found him caught in one of Dad’s old coon traps last night. He is pretty large, isn’t he? No need to worry, though, he’s like a big cuddly teddy bear.”

“From the way he was growling at me, I wouldn’t call him cuddly. But I think it's a good idea for you to have a dog. He’ll keep you company and seems like a good guard too.”

“I’ve lived here all my life, and no one has messed with this place. Plus, I never said I’m keeping him. Like I told Bon, he probably has a family looking for him. I should probably hang up some flyers or post his picture on my f*******:. Maybe someone will recognize him.”

“Just because no one has messed with you yet doesn't mean they won't. If the wrong person realizes it’s just you out here, they might try something. Don’t let your guard down, doll. But I think you should keep the dog.” Brian observed Liam, who was pressed against Aria's leg with his gaze fixed on Brian. “He’s taken to you quickly.”

“I won’t let my guard down, and you know I have Dad’s old hand gun if some fool does try something,” she reminded him.

“Good to hear. Just make sure you remember to take the safety off. It doesn’t shoot when it’s on,” he teased, knowing her shooting skills were honed by him and her father since she was a child.

“Oh, come on, old man. I’m a better shot than you.” Aria teased back, nudging his shoulder.

“Well, you did learn from the best. This old man is hungry. Do you have any breakfast left?” he asked, rubbing his shoulder playfully.

“Come on, I’ll find you something to eat.” Aria led him to the kitchen, preparing scrambled eggs and toast for Brian and herself. Liam once again curled up beside her, and she found comfort in the rhythmic gesture of running her toes through the fur on his side. Brian wasn't usually a quiet man, but when faced with food, he usually enjoyed a moment of silence. He finished quickly due to his habit of devouring food.

“Are you ready for me to start, doll?” Brian inquired, breaking the silence.

“Are you ready?” Aria shot back.

“You know what I’m talking about, Aria Michael.” Adults meant business when they used both your first and middle names.

“I’m ready, Brian, but if you don’t mind, I won’t be helping. I’m not sure I can go through his stuff yet.” Aria confessed, avoiding eye contact as she focused on the condensation on her glass.

Brian reached out, lifting her chin to meet his gaze. “I know, doll. That’s why I’m here.” He stood up, giving her a one-armed hug. “I’m going to get started. Holler if you need me to save you from that bear of a dog.”

“Not needed, Brian. He’s a teddy bear.” Aria proved it by getting on the floor with Liam and cuddling him close to her chest.

“Yeah, yeah, a 300 lb teddy bear that can rip out a man’s throat. Real cuddly,” Brian mumbled as he exited the kitchen.

After tidying up the breakfast mess, Aria decided to straighten up the living room. While she was knee-deep in dust bunnies behind the couch, she felt Liam nudging her leg. Crawling out and wiping her hands on her jeans, she asked him, “What’s wrong?”

Liam pointed his head towards the clock hanging on the wall. Aria realized she had less than thirty minutes to get ready and drive to town to meet Bon. She was baffled by how a dog could perceive time, but she had no time to dwell on it because she had to get ready. She hurried into the bathroom, stripping off her dirt-covered clothes and taking the quickest shower of her life. In her haste, she forgot clean clothes, and with Brian in the house, she couldn’t just walk around in a towel. Peeking out the door to ensure the coast was clear, she began a mad dash for her room. However, after taking just two steps, she tripped and fell over Liam, who had decided to stand guard at the bathroom door. Trying to stop her fall by grasping the wall, she accidentally pulled a couple of picture frames down with her.

“Are you okay, doll?” Brian rushed out from Dad’s room, stopping short of the broken frames.

Tightening the towel around her, trying to navigate the glass shards, Aria replied, “I’m fine. I just tripped.”

“You look like you started a fight with the wall of pictures, and the pictures won. And your knee’s a little banged up. Do you want me to check it out? You might have glass in the cut.” Brian moved to assist her, but Liam instantly got in his way. Brian tried to maneuver to the other side, but Liam was faster and blocked his path.

The standoff continued for a moment until Brian relented. “Fine, pup, I won’t doctor up her knee. Sorry, doll, it looks like your guard refuses to let me help you. You best go clean up that knee before you bleed all over the floor. I’ll get the broom and clean this glass up.” With that, he stomped toward the kitchen.

Aria, using a soothing voice while running her hand through Liam’s coat, said, “Okay, come with me, you big brute. I’ll clean up my own knee. No help from Brian.”

Yelling after Brian's retreating form, “Sorry, I’m not sure why he’s acting this way. Thanks for getting the glass though.”

“No problem. Just don’t let that horse boss you around. If you start now, he’ll always have

the upper hand,” Brian called from the kitchen.

“He’s just a dog, Brian. He can’t boss anyone around.”

“Tell that to him!” Brian replied with a chuckle.