8: Playing Family

Kieran's POV

"No, pumpkin."

"No, baby."

Daphne and I uttered respectively. Taylor didn't seem convinced though, as he kept alternating his gaze between the two of us, and I must admit we are both admirable actors. We put on smiles for his benefit and even managed to strike up an awkward conversation for his benefit. For some reason, seeing the three of us having breakfast so casually made me vow to do everything to give Taylor a family. This family. I wasn't blind to not see how smitten he was with Daphne. The mate I wanted nothing to do with until I kissed her sweet lips, and now I can't think of anything else. Her taste still lingers in my mouth. The way she melted against me after an unsuccessful protest is still fresh in my mind. She felt so damn good. Like a piece of a puzzle finally fitting. Her tiny frame which was such a turnoff the first time I met her is indeed made to fit with me perfectly. Question is, how don't even begin to show her how wrong I was for shrugging her aside? Knowing Daphne, just talk won't help. I need a gesture. And a big one. In order to move her stubborn heart and hopefully earn her forgiveness.

"Let's get ready for school now." Her melodious voice snapped me back to reality. I hadn't even realized I had zoned out until I saw hers and Taylor's empty plates.

"Can we skip today?" Taylor whined pitifully. Daphne glanced at me, perhaps hoping I could be of help, but my boy and I happen to be on the same page. As long as she is spending all her time in the elementary school, I won't have the much-needed time to woo her.

"We can't pumpkin, school is important." She tried convincing Taylor after getting no word from me.

"But we have so many other days to go." The way to go, boy! I applauded Taylor internally. He wasn't giving up, which might make Daphne give in. "I will show you around the pack, and we can go swimming by the lagoon." He added quickly, rendering Daphne speechless.

"I am sure daddy wants us to go to school," she cajoled in a sweet voice, casting me a mean side-eye. "Right, daddy?" I had to smile. The way 'daddy' rolled off her tongue created some problems for me down there. It was all innocent, but tell that to my cock. It sprang to life as if on cue. Another thing, is the way her tone hardened when she directed the question to me. With Taylor, she is all motherly and there is no doubt she too is smitten with him. Unlike me, whom she can't wait to get rid of. I purposely pretended to be in thought just to torture her a little, hoping she would just give in and decide to stay home today because she would be caught dead before begging me to back her up.

"Please, daddy…" Taylor made my decision easy. I could give him want he wants without incriminating myself.

"It's Mummy's decision, pal." Daphne sighed. I knew at that instant she would have strangled me alive, but for Taylor's sake she plastered a big smile on her face and decided,

"Just for today."

"Yay!" My boy cheered happily jumping off his stool.

"Be careful, babe." Daphne rose hastily and steadied Taylor before he could lose his footing. The scene warmed my heart. My mate has taken on her right as Taylor's mother and I can bet my last cent she doesn't even realize it, and that's why I chose not to point it out. "Daddy will help you get dressed as I take a quick shower and then you, my man, will show me around." She raised her voice a 'her man' part, probably to let me know I am not invited for this little escapade. While Taylor grinned widely, basking in the attention, I frowned. Why am I sitting, acting surprised that my mate wants nothing to do with me? I mean, I was the asshole who pushed her to hate me. It's true my reputation preceded me, and she may have her own prejudices about my character, but I could have shown her the real me and let her judge for herself. But pride wouldn't let me. I lived up to the legacy of the ruthless Alpha Kieran. And now I have no one to blame but me. At this instant, she needs that domineering man more; otherwise she will keep brushing me aside, and I will never get to make her see the real me. The man behind the Alpha mask. Circumstances forced me to grow up quickly after my father died, as I took over as the Alpha when I was barely sixteen. I knew there, and then I had to build a reputation for myself. Otherwise, there were so many enemies lurking and would have come after my pack. Being a young inexperienced Alpha, there was so much to lose, but thanks to the retired Beta who used to be my father's best friend, I won. My first battle by raining hell on my enemies and henceforth, created a name for myself.

Of course, more threats followed, and I served them the same dish. No enemy has ever stepped into my territory and lived to tell the tale. One time, one Alpha attempted to challenge me and I must admit he was a worthy challenger, though I won in the end, and took his pack, merged with mine, and made a legacy. Looking back at it, I would have done the same. To keep my pack safe. But my mate is not impressed by all that, like other women I have bedded in the past.

"I thought this was supposed to be a family adventure," I grumbled, getting on my feet as well. I saw the confusion on Taylor's face and took advantage. "Didn't you say we are spending time together as a family, pal?" Taylor nodded, his confusion increasing. "Then tell Mummy, daddy is coming, too." If looks could kill. From the corner of my face, I could see my mate gritting her teeth as she shot me a deathly glare.

"I didn't say otherwise." She muttered under her breath.

"Then we will get ready, Mummy," I smirked scooping Taylor into my arms and sauntered out but not before I commented how I am the one who cooked breakfast and Mummy should be the one to clean after. She agreed begrudgingly. This is about to get interesting. I thought.

The thing is, I had no idea just how right I was…