36. If

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• The Alpha With a Heart of Stone   76. Silly

  Nivia’s pov“Being aroused by feet was just another defiance, another way I was different from the rest. To me, it felt like proof I did not belong here. Every little tidbit about me that did not compute with what an alpha was supposed to be, I tried to eliminate from my personality.” Ford said as he admired my feet. He pressed a kiss on my big toe, “even,” another kiss on the next toe,” the way,” and one more, “I speak.”“You used to sound different?” I asked. I didn’t think him admiring my body would lead to a conversation about Ford’s past, but I was here for it. As much as I wanted another ride on that Hardick of his, I wanted to get to know more about my mate just as much.“Indeed,” Ford spoke, before taking all my toes into his mouth at once and sucking on them.I moaned as my eyes rolled back. It was kind of hard to have a real conversation, but if this made it easier for Ford to open up about his past, I didn’t mind. I mean, I didn’t mind anyway, because he was touching me and

• The Alpha With a Heart of Stone   75. Mistakes

  Ford’s povNormally I would have ignored all my emotions, pushing them down so I would not feel the burden of what I had done.Despite Nivia’s kind words, I knew I was at fault. But I was also aware that it was not my sole responsibility.I may have created an environment where the council could do as they wished; however, I was not the one to light the fuse. I did not kill Pearle, but I did fail her.‘This is a chance to learn from your mistakes. To own up to them,’ Callum pointed out.It had been much easier to pretend I was infallible. By claiming an alpha is never wrong or never apologises, it made it easier to not second-guess my decisions. To not doubt my capabilities.But it takes much more strength to admit one's mistakes and to try and better oneself than it does to hold on to the arrogant idea of being perfect.It had been my mistakes with Nivia that had made me look in the mirror and admit I had wronged her as her mate, but it was time to own up to all of my mistakes. My fai

• The Alpha With a Heart of Stone   74. Task Force

  Nivia’s pov“Where is your mate?” My aunt Kat asked after I gave her a hug.“He has a meeting with the council,” I told her. “But he said we can go ahead and start without him.”“Only you’d rather wait?” She said with a knowing look.I shrugged, “we’re trying to do this as partners.”Sam smiled at me, having heard our short conversation. “So he’s really changed?”I nodded, “I know it might seem sudden, but I think it’s always been there. You know? Just hidden behind a mask of arrogance and indifference.”“And you’re back for good?”I smiled at Sam, “yes. I’m all in.”Aunt Kat sat down at the table in Ford’s office. I wondered if she had used his chair. Would he mind?“So, there was actually something I wanted to discuss with you alone first. I don’t know your mate, and I am not sure how he’ll respond to what I’ll be telling you.”That sounded ominous.“Okay?”She pointed to the chair across from me. “So, I’ve let Sam handle most of the day-to-day stuff, while I took over his tasks. And

• The Alpha With a Heart of Stone   injury

  Yesterday my youngest fell and was in a lot of pain. We spent several hours at the hospital and didn't arrive back at 11 at night. He broke his clavicle and will need to wear a sling for 4 weeks. He had a rough night, and so did I. So I won't be updating today.

• The Alpha With a Heart of Stone   73. Accountable

  Ford’s pov“No, no, no.” Nivia suddenly spoke. I was not sure if it was directed at me or if she was talking to herself. She tends to do that out loud for some reason.“What is wrong, darling?”We had barely arrived back home and we were now heading towards the packhouse to speak with my mate’s aunt. I thought everything was going swimmingly, yet here Nivia was, feeling anxious.What had I done wrong?I was trying to be mindful of my actions, but I could not remember if I perhaps had done something to make my mate feel this way.“I found myself making myself smaller and just returning to that role I played when I was around you. Like, being here, it’s actually a lot harder not to fall back into old habits.”I agreed. It had been more difficult keeping to my promise as we stepped food into our pack. Old habits die hard, and I had to alter a lot of my inclinations. So it was only to be expected we would regress to our old behaviours.“How can I be of assistance?”She smiled at me, “it’s

• The Alpha With a Heart of Stone   72. Home

  Nivia’s pov“Stay safe and take care of these grandkids, or I’ll, -“ Dad threatened, but Ford simply smiled and nodded, “I will keep your daughter and your grandchildren safe, Opa.”Dad chuckled, “good man. Now, do you do hugs or just manly handshakes? Or a pat on the back?”Ford rolled his eyes and sighed, but before he could answer, Dad had already given Ford a bear hug, even lifted him off the ground a bit and spun him around before placing him down. “See you soon, son. Don’t fuck up.”‘Thank you, Daddy.’ I mind-linked my dad.‘For what, schatje?’‘Calling him son. Being there. Just, everything.’Dad looked into my eyes and smiled widely, “love you, dochter [daughter].”“Love you, Papa.”He crouched down to Ada’s and Percy’s level, but they were still busy talking with Mom.“Look, I get it. You get a fun grandma, and suddenly Opa doesn’t matter anymore.” He sighed dramatically.Mom rolled her eyes, “go to the old man, kids. I’ll come to visit soon.”“But I’m up first!” Grandma Leia