The Alpha and the Warlock

chapter 4

Chapter 4

“What do you want to eat?” I asked Santi as we walked along the highway. When I didn’t hear any response from my kid, I glanced at him. He was preoccupied with looking at the fireworks in the sky. As the light illuminated his face, the smile on my face slowly disappeared. It only reminded me of a certain person, which is Xander. I often forget that they have a resemblance, but I do admit that I still think of him every night. Is he sleeping well? Does his wife treat him well?

I would be lying if I said that I don’t miss him because Ali is a living witness to my undying love for him, and I am trying my best not to think of him when I feel lonely.

“Can we have fireworks on my birthday, mama?” Santi asked, which made me smile. I nodded immediately and brushed his hair.

“Sure, just be a good kid and Mama will do her best to give you what you want.”

“Really? Thank you, mama!” Santi leaned closer and hugged me tightly.

“Winter?” I was taken aback when I heard a voice. It made me perplex at first, but perhaps, I am just hallucinating.

“Is that you, Winter?” For the second time, I could feel my heart pound. I slowly looked back, and I saw Xander, wearing a hoodie. His eyes were teary, and as he walked closer, I froze.

“Is that your friend, mama?” Santi asked. In a minute, he ran and enveloped me with his arms. We both started crying, and none of us uttered a word. I can sense the confusion in my son’s eyes, but seeing himself in Xander made him astonished.

“I’ve searched for you. I didn’t know I would find you here,” he whispered and laughed. “Are you doing well?”

I can’t utter anything, and just let the tears stream down my face.

“Did you attend my wedding? I have no idea if I was hallucinating or not, but I know I saw you there at the church..” he added and sighed. “It’s been a while.”

“Yes, I was there…” I whispered. “How’s Emily?”

In a snap, it seemed that Xander forgot he had a wife. He moved away and wiped his tears.

“She’s doing well.” he smiled. “Do you guys go here often?”

“Yearly, we go here.” Santi interfered. “Hello, Mister.”

Xander immediately widened his eyes when he saw Santi. He sat on the ground and talked to the young guy.

“Hello there, what’s your name?” Xander greeted and extended his hand. “I am Xander, your mother’s—”

“Old friend..” I answered. “He’s my old friend.”

I can see the sadness in Xander’s eyes, but he acted like it didn’t hurt him.

“Oh, so that’s why you seem close,” Santi whispered. “I hope I could also have friends…”

The smile on Xander’s lips faded.

“You don’t

“Can you be my first friend?” Santi showed him his pinky finger and grinned. “Please?”

Xander looked at me as if he was asking permission.

“Sure, we can be friends.” he nodded and showed him his pinky finger. “Just promise me you would be a good kid to your mother. Hey, do you want some cotton candy?”

In a second, Santi’s eyes glittered, which made the older guy giggle.

—

As we stared at Santi run in the mini playground, Xander decided to break the silence.

“He’s a cute kid,” he whispered. “He made me remember my younger self.”

“Is that so?” I replied shortly.

“So, may I ask you something?”

“You are already asking, though?” I replied.

“You are still as sarcastic as ever,” he whispered and rolled his eyes. “Who’s his father?”

“Why do you want to know?” I looked at him, and his eyes were still glued towards Santi.

“Am I not allowed to know? Just tell me,” he responded and crossed his arms. “He must be a nice guy too, that’s why you settled with him.”

I didn’t answer anything since I had an idea how this conversation might go. I picked up my bag and started walking towards Santi.

“Let’s go home,” I told Santi and grabbed his hand.

“Hey, wait!” I could hear Xander shout, but I never looked back.

“Mom, what happened? Is there something wrong?” Santi asked me while we were running towards the highway. “Mom, we should be careful, this is a highway!”

“I know, honey. We just need to go home since it is getting late.” I responded while looking around. “Don’t worry, we could definitely eat some chicken tomorrow!”

“How about Aunt Ali?” Santi asked while gasping. “I thought we would be waiting for her here?”

“There’s no time, honey. We will just meet her at home. She told me she would be late.” I lied. “Besides, it is past your bedtime.”

“Uncle Xander offered me earlier that he could drive us home, maybe we coul–”

“Honey, please stop talking, i will explain everything later!” my tone changed, making my son quiet.

“Wait for me! I will drive you both home!” we could hear a guy shouting at the back, but we didn’t look back. We went into an alley and went straight to the crowded stalls so Xander could get lost.

When we finally reached our home, we both started gasping. I grabbed Santi and hugged him tightly.

“Mom, will you please tell me what is happening? It is making me worried.”

“Nothing, nothing is happening my love,” I whispered. “Xander used to be a bad friend, that’s why I decided to escape from him.”

“He used to be a bad guy?” I nodded. “But why does he seem nice? Maybe he changed?”

“I have no idea, but I decided to escape with you since I don’t know him well.” i smiled. “I am sorry, I didn’t tell you earlier. You seem to like him, that’s why I was taken aback. You know what, we should better sleep!”