Forbidden Temptation My Mafia Fiance's Alpha Father (Brooklyn and Aden) novel Chapter 76

Chapter 76
Brooklyn

As Hudson waits for my reply, I pause, stunned.

That conversation in the backyard about leaving everything behind—was that really just two hours ago?

Because it seems like a lifetime ago now.

And I don’t know if that’s what I want anymore.

But until I do know what I want, I’m not going to mess with Hudson’s head. After all, I’m the one who convinced him we should leave.

I clear my throat. “I think we shouldn’t be hasty. Not now that I’ve already received my punishment. Let’s be careful so we do it right, once and for all.”

It’s Hudson’s turn to shrug now as he turns to look out the window.

I study him and consider that Hudson has done everything he can to avoid learning more about this life. He avoids it, hides from it, as much as he can.

And I used to feel that way, too.

Hudson and I may not be right for each other romantically, but we’ve always been on the same page.

So why am I suddenly so curious about the thing he refuses to look at closely?

“Hudson,” I say slowly, quietly. “Why do you think it is that you don’t want this life? You were born into it.”

I tilt my head, careful with what I say next.

“Do you think it’s something about like…who you are, intrinsically, that makes you a mismatch? Or is it something else?”

He turns to glare at me. “Are you asking if I don’t belong here because I’m gay?”

I shake my head vigorously. That’s what I was afraid he’d think, but it isn’t true.

I’m more thinking about the fact that I’ve learned that I was actually born into all of…this.

“No, not at all! But…” I pause a moment and take a sip of wine. “Well, that’s where your mind went. Do you think that’s why?”

Hudson shakes his head ruefully. “No. I think it’s impossible to be in this life and not be mated, not have a family of your own flesh and blood. Lineage is…everything.”

He looks me in the eye. “It’s not possible that I’m the only werewolf or mafia heir to have certain…desires. Predilections. Preferences.”

I nod. “I’m sure that you’re right.”

Hudson stares off into space again, brooding, but I can’t help asking the next question.

I’m in a strange mood today, feeling a little impulsive and powerful, having come out of that basement unscathed.

So, I take a breath, and I don’t hold back.

“So are you…seeing anyone?”

“What!?” Hudson says, surprised, and then scowls. “No, Brooklyn. I’m not.”

“What about the barista at the book shop?”

“That was…nothing,” he murmurs. “We don’t date—we just hook up sometimes.”

“Oh.” I rest my chin in my palm and take another bite of donut. “Because he was cute.”

I shake my head. I’ll mull all of that over when I have time alone.

Instead, I turn my attention back to the present.

“I’m glad you didn’t. I’m starting to learn that I can handle myself in this world. Learning…methods. Of managing things…figuring out my own power.”

Hudson laughs darkly. “Don’t ever let my dad hear you say that you’ve learned to manage him.”

I smirk. I would never.

Or would I?

“I wonder, though,” I say quietly, “if your dad would have liked to have seen you interrupt.”

Hudson looks confused, so I continue.

“Well, I think he’s expressed that he wants you to…take control. This could have been an opportunity to show him that you are in charge of what happens to me.”

Hudson nods contemplatively.

“That’s…an interesting point,” he says, before taking a big gulp of his wine. “Food for thought.” His eyes meet mine.

“I could start with you,” he says, “to show him that I’m in control.”

I smile at him encouragingly.

But deep down, I’m starting to figure out the truth.

That really, I have the control. Every bit of it.