Chapter 4 The Father He Wants to Be

Foster’ POV

“Daddy!”

Moore came running and leapt into my arms, his voice clear and joyful like a little deer in mid-bounce—sweet and light, full of the fizzy energy of sparkling soda.

I froze for a second, caught off guard, before Suzanna gently tapped his arm. Her tone was soft, though tinged with a helpless reproach.

“I told you, didn’t I? You can’t call someone ‘Daddy’ so casually.”

She turned to me with an apologetic smile.

“I’m sorry, he’s still little... I’ve been trying to correct him lately, but he keeps saying he forgets.”

“It’s alright.”

I crouched down and hugged Moore, gently patting his soft hair.

“If he wants to call me that, I’d be happy to be his dad.”

“Have you been a good boy today?” I asked.

“The best!” He proudly held up one finger, beaming.

“Mom said I could have a little soda!”

I smiled and looked at Suzanna. She nodded softly, a gentle warmth in her eyes.

“Sorry I’m late, traffic was a mess,” I said as I handed her the bouquet.

She blinked, her eyes flickering between the roses and me, as if surprised I’d brought them.

“These… are for me?”

I nodded, then took Moore’s hand and we headed into that familiar little Italian restaurant.

Amalia, the owner—a warm-hearted woman in her fifties—waved enthusiastically when she saw me.

“Alpha Foster! Same table as always?”

I nodded. She quickly barked a few directions in Italian to the staff, and we were promptly seated.

Moore hopped into the window seat, pressing his small hands against the glass, eyes wide with excitement.

“This place is so pretty!”

“Careful not to lean in too close,” I reminded him while placing a napkin over his lap.

“The hot dishes will be out soon—you might get burned.”

Suzanna glanced around the cozy restaurant and murmured,

“This place is lovely. Do you come here often?”

“From time to time.”

“With Summer?”

I paused.

“She liked the minestrone here.”

She didn’t press further—just smiled faintly.

Dinner arrived quickly. The steam rising from the shrimp risotto filled the air with the rich scent of tomatoes and spices. The plump shrimp glistened in a thick, savory sauce—enough to make anyone’s mouth water.

I carefully cut the shrimp into small pieces, placing them on Moore’s plate, and then added a few to Suzanna’s dish as well.

She looked at me and smiled gently.

“You’re still as thoughtful as ever.”

“Mommy, was Daddy always this nice to you too?”

Moore looked up, his innocent face full of curiosity.

“Mouths are for eating during dinner.” Suzanna gave him a slight glare, though she couldn’t help but laugh.

She wiped the tomato sauce from the corner of Moore’s mouth, then turned to me and said quietly,

“Don’t mind him. Kids say whatever comes into their heads.”

“It’s okay.”

I looked at Moore, smiling.

“Honestly, I wish we really were a family.”

“Don’t say that,” Suzanna said, her smile tinged with caution.

“If Luna Summer finds out, she’ll be upset.”

“But I really do appreciate you.”

She looked up at me, her voice as soft as water.

“The doctor said Moore’s recovery is going really well. The eye feels comfortable too… I’m just really grateful.”

“As long as you’re happy, I’d do anything.”

I paused, looking into her eyes.

“There’s something I wanted to tell you in person today.”

She looked at me, her expression shifting slightly.

“The Alpha House is ready. Starting tomorrow, you and Moore can move in.”

She clearly hadn’t expected me to bring it up. For a moment, she froze—then her smile slowly bloomed, eyes sparkling faintly with emotion.

“Really?”

“Of course.”

She lowered her head slightly, her fingers curling around the edge of her napkin. Her voice was cautious, restrained.

“Will we be… intruding on you and Summer? If it’s still not the right time, we can wait.”

I didn’t hesitate. I cut her off.

“She won’t mind. I already spoke to her.”

She looked up at me, visibly relieved, then gave a soft nod with a warm smile.

“That’s good to hear. I just… didn’t want to make things harder for you.”

A wave of tenderness swept through me. She was always like this—putting my situation first before her own feelings.

Not like Summer…

Summer was always too controlling. Too emotional. Always starting fights over the smallest things.

Out of habit, I reached for my pocket—only to realize my phone hadn’t buzzed all night.

That was odd.

Not a single message from Summer today.

Normally, if I was even a little late, she’d call and send voice messages nonstop until I got home.

“What’s wrong?” Suzanna noticed my distraction and asked softly.

“Nothing.”

I quickly pulled myself back.

…

After dinner, I used a wet wipe to clean Moore’s mouth, then poured him a glass of orange juice.

He leaned back in his chair, sipping the juice, swinging his legs back and forth, looking thoroughly content.

“Thank you for dinner.” Suzanna put down her utensils, her voice gentle.

“This place is amazing. Moore really liked it.”

“As long as he’s happy.”

I wiped my hands and glanced at my watch.

“The room’s ready. Let me take you both upstairs.”

But as soon as Moore heard “go back to the room,” he immediately sat up.

“No! I want to go to the amusement park! There’s a claw machine there—I didn’t win a prize last time!”

“Moore,” Suzanna frowned gently, “It’s too late. And Alpha Foster still has work…”

“Just a little while! Please?”

He clung to my arm, whining sweetly.

“You said last time you’d go with me…”

I looked down at him, those little eyes full of hope.

Suddenly, Felix’s face flashed through my mind.

The same eyes—lying in that hospital bed, looking up at me, asking softly,

“Daddy, when I get better, will you take me to the Ferris wheel? I want to see the world from the top.”

I had nodded.

I said, “Once you recover, I’ll take you.”

But after he recovered, I never did.

That thought hit me like a punch to the gut.

And I remembered how quiet Felix had been after returning from the hospital today—silent, withdrawn.

I couldn’t help but worry.

“Alpha Foster?”

Moore’s voice pulled me back to the present.

I looked at his little face, full of anticipation.

Right then, I made up my mind.

After this, I would spend proper time with Felix.

“I’m sorry, Moore.”

I reached out and ruffled his hair.

“It’s too late tonight. I’ll take you to the amusement park another day, alright?”

Right now, all I wanted was to get home and check on Felix.

The moment those words left my mouth, the smile on Moore’s face collapsed.

“Why? You said you had time today! You promised!”

His voice rose in pitch, eyes brimming with anger and hurt.

“You lied! You never wanted to take me! You don’t even like me! You don’t want to be my dad!”

“Moore—” I frowned, my voice dropping.

“No! I want to go!”

Moore suddenly shouted, drawing the attention of everyone around us. A wave of irritation rose in my chest.

I furrowed my brows, just about to say something when Suzanna quickly stood up, scooped Moore into her arms, and began softly soothing him.

She looked up at me, eyes apologetic and full of cautious hurt.

“I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.” Her voice trembled.

“Moore just… he really loves being with you. We don’t get this chance often… Maybe we were being too greedy.”

Her eyes were red, and in an instant, all my frustration vanished.

Of course.

Moore lacked a father figure. It’s no wonder he clings to me like this.

I sighed and softened my tone.

“That’s not what I meant. You and Moore… you’re already part of our pack. From now on, both Summer and I will look after you.”

Suzanna looked up at me, her gaze complex—as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, she just nodded.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

I nodded back. “It’s getting late. Let me take you to the hotel.”

She carried Moore in her arms, and though he was still sniffling, he had clearly calmed down.

We walked toward the parking lot together.

…

By the time we got to the hotel, night had fallen completely.

I walked them to their room and was about to leave when Moore suddenly wrapped his arms around my neck.

“Don’t go… Daddy…”

I froze.

His small face pressed against my shoulder, his voice soft and pleading.

“Stay with me. Just tonight… please?”

I looked down at him. His eyelashes fluttered slightly, like he was afraid I’d say no.

Suzanna stood by the door, hesitating. Then she spoke softly:

“If you’re okay with it… maybe you could stay with him for a bit?

He’s been having nightmares lately.

He’d sleep better with you nearby.”

Her voice was barely a whisper.

“If it’s an inconvenience, I understand…”

I looked at her silently, then at Moore’s little hands clinging tightly around my neck.

“All right,” I said softly.

Moore’s face lit up like sunshine breaking through the clouds.

He smiled so brightly, like he’d just been given the whole world.

And my heart softened.

Felix would understand.

I’d have plenty more time with Summer and Felix.

Plenty of time.