80. Alpha's arrival.

Elena.

I woke up early today, ready to start my day with a morning run as usual. I laced up my shoes and headed out the door, but as soon as I heard that the alpha was coming back home, everything else faded away from my mind. I couldn't focus on the music in my ears or the rhythm of my footsteps anymore. The thought of him coming back home filled me with a nervous energy that I could not shake.

As I ran, my mind raced with all the things I would say or do when he arrived. I replayed our last conversation on the phone over and over again, trying to glean any insight into what he might be thinking. I did not know how I was supposed to face him after that erotic phone sex that we had shared with each other where we touched ourselves and moaned into the phone. Heck! I could not even believe how much he affected me, how I always felt like a completely different person around him.

As the time for the alpha’s arrival approached, I couldn't help but feel nervous. Even Mrs Cali was very busy as she wanted everything to be perfect upon his arrival. She had spent the entire morning directing everyone to clean the house and make sure everything was in its place. She even baked some fresh chocolate chip cookies to offer as a welcoming gesture.

After cutting my run short, I headed home to prepare for the alpha’s arrival. I stood in front of my closet for what felt like hours, trying on different outfits and accessories. I eventually settled on a simple blouse and jeans, but couldn't resist spending extra time on my hair, even though it already looked perfect. I even considered wearing my bright red lipstick, but I couldn't find my favorite shade of red, and so, I dismissed the idea as childish.

When I heard the doorbell ring, my heart skipped a beat like this was some kind of visitation from him and not him just returning to his home as expected. I took a deep breath to steady myself and made my way to the door as I wanted to be the one he saw first, for whatever reason.

There he was, standing tall and handsome with a confident smirk on his face. I felt my cheeks flush with warmth and my heart pounding in my chest.

Luca and the other men seemed to be busy trying to get some loads off the car while also exchanging pleasantries with the other men they left behind.

"Hey," he said, his voice low and smooth. "You look beautiful."

I felt my cheeks flush at the compliment, and I struggled to find words to respond. All I could manage was a nervous laugh.

He took a step forward, his eyes never leaving mine. I felt a shiver run down my spine and I could not help but wonder what he was thinking. His stare was intense and it made me feel exposed, vulnerable. I wondered if he could see right through me, see the way my heart races and my palms sweat whenever I was near him.

When Mrs. Cali cleared her throat, it broke the spell between us and Mr. Deangelo finally moved, walking past me and into the house. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart, and followed him inside.

As he greeted the children who were now back from school and had rushed out of their rooms on hearing that he was back home, I took a moment to observe him. He looked tired, but at the same time, he exuded his usual aura of power and confidence. I wondered what he could have been up to while he was away, what kind of dangerous missions he had been on, and it sent a thrill down my spine.

I could hear the kids' excited chatter and laughter from the living room, and I smiled to myself, feeling happy that the alpha was back and the pack was reunited.

Once the kids had finished bombarding him with questions about his trip, Mrs Cali suggested that we all sat down for lunch. Mrs.Cali had prepared a feast, and everyone dug in eagerly. As we all ate, I could not help but steal glances at the alpha, and I noticed that he was staring at meas well. His gaze was intense, almost possessive, and it made me feel both scared and excited.

As the dinner went on, I could still feel the alpha’s gaze on me, and I could not help but feel self-conscious under his intense stare. I tried to focus on the conversation around me, but every time I glanced in his direction, he was still staring at me with an almost predatory look in his eyes. It was as if he wanted to consume me, to claim me for himself or something.

When Mrs. Cali cleared her throat, I jumped slightly, breaking eye contact with Mr. Deangelo. I felt embarrassed for getting lost in my thoughts whilst getting caught staring at the alpha for the second time in a row and so I stared down at my plate, feeling a blush creeping up my cheeks. I tried to focus on the food in front of me, but my mind kept wandering back to the alpha.

Mr. Deangelo turned to his children, his eyes sparkling with pride. "So, how was school today, guys?"

Diego eagerly jumped in. "It was awesome, Dad! I am way past number fifty now and as for the charity event, we raised over five thousand dollars, and everyone was really impressed!"

Alpha nodded approvingly. "That's fantastic, son. I'm proud of you. And how about you, Mia? How was your day?"

Mia hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting nervously towards me but I quickly gave her an encouraging smile, and she takes a deep breath. "It was okay, Dad. Just a little stressful with all the exams and assignments coming up."

Alpha raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? Well, if you ever need any help, just let me know. I was a pretty good student back in the day, you know."

Mia rolled her eyes, while Diego kept grinning. "Thanks, Dad. I'll keep that in mind." She said.

Mr. Alessandro suddenly clears his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Speaking of school, Deangelo, I was thinking of taking Diego and Mia out for a little field trip tomorrow. There's a museum exhibit on ancient Roman history that I think they would enjoy."

Aloha nodded. "That sounds like a great idea, Dad. I'm sure they'll have a blast. And who knows, maybe they'll even learn something."

Diego grinned. "Thanks, Grandpa! You're the best." Mia smiled as well, but her expression was slightly more subdued. I noticed this and gave her a reassuring pat on the back. We’ll talk later, she silently promised.

I watched as the alpha continued to interact with the kids while I occasionally glanced at Mr. Alessandro who was also at the table with us, a smile on my face as I observed the easy way he talked to them. I could not help but feel a warmth in my chest, knowing how much of a great father he had become. I wondered idly what it would be like to have a family with him, to wake up every morning to see his face and be surrounded by the love and laughter of his children but I quickly shook my head to get the weird thoughts off.

As the conversation turns to Alessandro's decision to extend his stay, Elena's heart rate picks up. She knows that she has been the subject of his scrutiny since he arrived, and the thought of having him around for longer is both exciting and nerve-wracking. She wonders what he thinks of her, if he has any inkling of the feelings she harbors for his son.

The children are thrilled at the news, and Elena smiles as they chatter excitedly about what they want to do with their grandpa. She can't help but feel grateful for the distraction they provide, giving her a chance to calm her nerves and gather her thoughts.

After lunch, the alpha called me into his study, "Did you notice anything strange about Mia at lunch?"

I looked around nervously before I then looked back at the alpha, trying to maintain a neutral expression. "No, not really," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

He raised an eyebrow. "Really? Because she seemed like she was hiding something."

I thought quickly as I tried to come up with an excuse, anything at all. "Oh, well, you know how teenage girls can be. They go through mood swings and things like that. Maybe she's just feeling a little off tonight."

Mr. Deangelo nodded slowly, but I could tell that he was still suspicious. I felt guilty for lying to him, but I knew that Mia's secret was not mine to share, at least not yet, not after she had asked me to keep it for her.

As we continued to talk as he wanted to know more about the kids and how they fared, I could not help but feel a twinge of worry. I knew that the alpha can be overprotective of his children, and I had a feeling that he might not be pleased to learn that his fourteen year old daughter had started dating.

I resolved to keep an even closer eye on Mia in the coming days, hoping that nothing will happen to jeopardize the family's peace.