A Rejection For Christmas

Chapter 6: Where is Jensen?

“Mommy!” My son ran to hug me as soon as I walked into the house.

I would never get tired of this. His little hands were the cutest.

“Aw, am I not getting a hug?” Liam whined from behind, making my son giggle.

“Sure you do, Uncle Liam!” Jensen exclaimed excitedly.

“Uncle Liam, huh?” Liam smirked as he crouched down, arms wide open for Jensen. My son barreled into him without hesitation, wrapping his little arms around Liam’s neck.

I couldn’t help but smile at the sight. Liam’s reputation might terrify most people, but with Jensen, he was nothing but a big softie.

Liam loved it when Jensen called him uncle, but my son didn’t do it on a daily basis.

He was smart for his age, and of course, people talked in the pack.

“You’ve been practicing your punches, right?” Liam asked as he ruffled Jensen’s hair.

“Yeah!” Jensen stepped back and proudly threw a few punches in the air. “You said I have to be strong to protect Mommy!”

My heart tightened at his words, but I quickly pushed the emotion down. Liam had been teaching Jensen how to defend himself, something I agreed to after much insistence. He always framed it as a game, though, making sure it was fun and not overwhelming for my five-year-old.

“You’re going to be stronger than me one day,” Liam said, tapping Jensen on the nose. “But for now, how about we let Mommy rest? Meetings with annoying Alphas can be exhausting.”

I shot him a look, but he just winked at me, completely unapologetic.

Jensen tilted his head curiously. “Was the meeting bad, Mommy?”

I crouched down to his level, brushing a strand of his dark hair out of his face. “No, sweetheart. It was fine. Uncle Liam helped me like he always does.”

Jensen’s face lit up with pride. “Good! ‘Cause Uncle Liam’s the strongest!”

Liam chuckled, standing to his full height and crossing his arms. “That’s right, kiddo. Don’t you forget it.”

“Alright, you two,” I said, shaking my head. “How about we have dinner? I’m starving.”

Jensen’s eyes widened. “Oh! I helped Miss Clara cook today! She said I’m her best helper!”

“Did she now?” I asked, standing and taking his hand. “Well, I can’t wait to see what you made.”

I felt Liam’s gaze on me as we walked to the dining room. Whenever I was with him and Jared, I felt like we belonged together; even Tammie agreed, but still...

“Thank you,” I murmured softly when Jensen wasn’t paying attention.

Liam didn’t respond, but when I glanced back at him, the warmth in his dark blue eyes said everything I needed to hear.

He had my back—always.

The next day was hectic. Liam had lots of meetings, while I had to supervise one of our projects personally. I hated leaving the company, but sometimes, I had to. Liam made sure I always took Anthony, his Beta, with me.

“So… Bella, I heard you saw your ex yesterday,” he began taunting me.

He knows what happened with Jared; he was there when Liam helped me fight those rogues.

Anthony enjoys to play around. He is a great Beta, and if you meet him at first, you will think he is cold and calculating. But once you get to know him, it’s clear he has a mischievous streak a mile wide.

“Yes, I did,” I replied evenly, keeping my eyes on the project site. Workers were busy laying down the foundations for the new training grounds Liam had been planning for months. “And it went exactly as I expected.”

Anthony raised a brow, his sharp features lighting up with curiosity. “Meaning?”

“Meaning he was his usual arrogant self, thinking he could walk in here and demand things as if he deserved them only because he is an Alpha,” I said, folding my arms. “But he was in for a surprise.”

Anthony smirked, clearly amused. “I bet Liam enjoyed shutting him down.”

“Oh, he did,” I said with a small laugh. “Though I think I enjoyed it more, you know I like to fight my fights; I don't need Liam to do that for me.”

Anthony chuckled, but his expression turned serious as he leaned against a nearby post. “You know Jared won’t let this go, right? Guys like him don’t take humiliation lightly. The fact that you claimed Liam’s last name could make anyone think that you are mates; he is going to be a nuisance.”

I sighed, nodding. “I know. That’s why I’ve been careful, Anthony. I don’t want Jared anywhere near Jensen. He doesn’t even know about him.”

“Let’s keep it that way,” Anthony said firmly. “Liam would lose his mind if Jared even tried to get close. He might be his father, but I don't trust him, and I am sure if he got his hands on Jensen, he would try to take him away from you.”

The thought of Liam’s reaction sent a chill down my spine. For all his warmth with me and Jensen, Liam was a different man when it came to threats. I’d seen it firsthand, and while it was comforting to know he would protect us, it also terrified me to think about what he might do.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to keep my son safe,” I said softly so the workers wouldn't hear us. If Jared tried to do something to my son, I would kill him. No hesitation.

“You’re not alone in this, Bella,” Anthony said, his tone surprisingly gentle. “Liam, the pack, me—we’ve got your back. Jared won’t get anywhere near you or Jensen.”

I smiled, appreciating his words. “Thanks, Anthony. That means a lot.”

He grinned, the mischievous glint returning to his eyes. “Don’t mention it. Now, let’s get this inspection done so you can get back to your kid, and I can get back to tormenting Liam.”

“Why do you bother him so much? Aren’t you supposed to be his right hand?” I teased, and that only made his grin widen.

“I am, but where is the fun if we only focus on business?” He said. “Besides, Liam is a grumpy guy; he can use the fun.”

“I wouldn’t describe Liam as grumpy; he is very sweet,” I mumbled more to myself, but he heard me out.

“Of course, you think that, Bella,” Anthony winked. “Liam behaves differently with you, I'm surprised you aren’t mates.”

I was surprised as well. I am not the kind of woman who would throw herself for a man.

The moment we met, I felt a pull, but it wasn’t a mate bond. Liam knew I was pregnant; my scent gave me away, but he still showed interest in me.

I haven’t given in to my desires because I want him to be happy and find his mate.

“To be honest, I was surprised as well,” I admitted.

Anthony tilted his head, studying me with an expression that was part curiosity and part disbelief. "You mean to tell me you don’t think there’s anything more to this? The guy practically worships the ground you walk on, Bella."

I gave him a pointed look. “Anthony, we’re not mates. Liam deserves someone who’s truly meant for him, someone who can give him everything he needs. I… I don’t think I’m that person.”

Anthony crossed his arms and let out a low whistle. “You really don’t see it, do you? You might not be mates, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t want you. You’re his choice, Bella. I am mated, remember? And even I can tell that what you and Liam feel for each other is pretty similar.”

I knew he was right; Liam has been open about his intentions. I knew Jensen couldn’t become Alpha of this pack; I would have to give him an heir, but that didn’t matter to him. He loved my son as if he were his and not Jared’s.

“I can’t risk it,” I admitted quietly, turning my attention back to the workers. “What if his mate does show up? What if I’m just... temporary?”

Anthony’s expression softened, the teasing glint in his eyes replaced with something more serious. “You’ve got it all backward, Bella. Liam doesn’t do temporary. If he’s here, it’s because he wants to be. And as far as I can tell, the guy’s already made up his mind about you.”

I swallowed hard, unsure how to respond.

After that, we didn’t talk much about Liam and me; we continued with our work and then returned home.

However, as we finally reached the border, I felt someone trying to mind-link me. It was so insistent that I let the connection in immediately.

“Miss Bella, Jensen is missing.”