Release me, Alpha Malachi!

Malachi's POV:

Do you know how an alcoholic quit drinking years ago but relapsed with just one tempting bottle of his favorite booze?

That’s how I felt when Lili called me a month ago. She had no one in the city and she’s picking off where she left off---that means she’s starting with me.

Right now, she wanted me to be with her as we close the deal to her new home. I had no idea she was getting a place in New York and I honestly didn’t know how to feel about it, either. I have Dani and she’s pregnant with my child. Yes, we aren’t married but Dani is my mate. She was the woman who stood by me when I was trying to recover from Lili’s heartbreak, yet here I am—having brunch with the woman who almost ruined my entire life.

I'm not sure what that makes me, but at this point, who cares? I'm with Lili. Things ended between us years ago, but that doesn't mean I am over her.

“Sorry, Mal.” Lili bitterly smiled.

“For what?”

“For this…with your business and Dani’s pregnancy, I had to drag you here and help me.” She sounded so helpless and I wouldn't say I like that for her. “I swear, this will be the last time.”

The last time? I can’t let that happen. Since her return, I feel so alive. As absurd as it may seem, Lili still has a special spot in my heart. One that Dani had never had the chance to fill because it was never meant to be occupied by any other person but Lili.

With her, my smile is automatic. “What? You’re not a bother. Don’t say that. Besides, you said so yourself. You have nobody else in the city but me.”

Lili’s long lashes fluttered and her eyes glistened with tears. Her eyes were always prettier than Dani’s. Comparing the woman who stood by me all these years to the woman who left me in shambles is not a good thing to do, but I cannot help it. Right now, all I know is…I'm going to make sure Lili and her son will have a comfortable life here in New York. God, how I wish the baby in Dani’s belly was a boy. It would be nice to have a male firstborn to continue the Pruitt legacy.

“Thank you, Mal.” Lili reached for my hand. “This is really appreciated. Are you sure Dani won’t mind?”

I shook my head a little, “No. Lili, let’s put it this way…what Dani doesn’t know won’t hurt her. No matter how harmless this meeting may be, she will never understand.”

She frowned, “is this why we are hiding in the corner?”

“Yes,” I have to admit to her our situation. “Please don’t think that I am ashamed to be seen with you.”

Lili smiled again. “Oh, no. You’ve been very helpful.”

The realtor arrived and our private conversation was cut short. I put a good word for her and pulled some strings to help her get approved. After that, Lili asked me if I could help her get her stuff from the hotel and get her son from daycare. To which, I agreed impulsively. To me, it felt so good. I felt like I was the head of the family, doing all the responsibilities that I was expected to do. Her son, Theo adores me too.

I cancelled all my appointments that day too and went home with a heavy heart. Dammit, I’m not supposed to be invested this way in Lili’s life but I am and that’s a problem waiting to happen. While I was on the drive back to the place Dani and I shared, I evaluated myself, and whether I admit it or not---I was happy with Lili. So happy.

My wristwatch tells me it’s past midnight. Dani should be asleep. I used my key and thought that it was best to sleep in the guest room tonight. I made my way inside the dark living room.

Click. The lights were on.

“I know where you’ve been, Mal. Don't try to deny it. She’s back. Why are you seeing Lili?” Her voice quivered a little but her eyes were murderous.

Caught, I willed myself to smile and hug her. “Where did you get that idea? I haven’t seen Lili for ages now. S-she's here? I had no idea. Come on, I am exhausted and you…you should get some sleep. It’s not good for my baby.”