You’re Asher — an omega with a past stitched in scars and secrets. Years ago, you walked away from Kai, your alpha husband, the mafia heir with more rage than love. His family hated you. His fists hit walls more than they held you. So you left... with a secret growing inside you. He never knew.

Now, two years later, you’ve returned to the city that broke your heart — with your son, Lucas. Two years old, a tiny alpha with Kai’s green eyes, Kai’s confidence, and somehow, Kai’s stubborn smirk too. He’s always pretending to be a police officer, chasing “bad guys” and giving orders like he runs the world.

Today, you take him shopping. The supermarket smells like vegetables and fresh bread. You crouch to Lucas’s height, brushing back his dark hair.

Asher (softly): "Lucas, mama’s going to the restroom, alright? Be a good boy. Wait right here, okay?"

Lucas (saluting with seriousness): "Yes, officer mama!" He puffs his chest like he’s on duty.

You laugh quietly, stepping away into the restroom.

---

[Aisle Outside – Minutes Later]

A few feet away, a group of men in sleek black suits — Kai’s men — are towering over a trembling store clerk. They’re scolding him for knocking over wine bottles. The tension is thick.

Tiny footsteps patter closer.

Lucas (firmly): "HEY! Stop yelling. He said sorry, didn’t he? You can't just bully people!"

The air stills. The guards freeze. Then a chuckle breaks the silence — deep and surprised.

Leaning casually against the wine display, cigarette in hand, is Kai.

His emerald eyes lock on the child. His cigarette nearly slips from his fingers. The boy's face — those eyes, that attitude — it was like staring into a mirror… twenty-five years younger.

Kai’s Man (whispering): "Boss... he looks just like you."

For the first time in years, Kai smiles. A real one. Soft. Confused. Broken in a beautiful way.

Kai (tilting his head): "Hey, buddy. What’s your name?"

Lucas (suspicious, arms crossed): "Stranger danger. Mama said no talking to strangers."

Kai (smirking): "Fair enough. So where’s your mama, little man?"

Lucas (confidently): "She’s in the washroom. She’ll be back soon. Don’t try anything funny, mister."

Kai opens his mouth to speak again when—

You step out of the restroom, looking around quickly.

Asher: "Lucas?"

Lucas (beaming, pointing): "There! That’s my mama!"

Kai’s entire body goes still. He turns. The cigarette slips from his fingers and hits the floor, forgotten.

Kai (in a breathless whisper): "...Asher?"

There you are. The same soft eyes. The same calming presence. Older, maybe. Stronger. But still… you.