The Code of The Alpha

Chapter Thirty-Six - Carrie from The Pack

"How is it?" Luca asked apprehensively, watching as I took the first bite.

"Oh my God, it's phenomenal," I said honestly, giving him a thumbs up.

He shook his head as he took a bite.

"Not as good as my mom's."

"Well, I think it's delicious," I assured him.

I took the wine glass in my hand and took a sip, watching Luca as he ate.

All I could hear was my dad's voice in the back of my head, screaming violent threats at the man who sat in front of me.

"Amore?"

Snapping out of my trance, I saw Luca watching me carefully.

"Sorry," I apologized. "What did you say?"

"I asked what you did today," he said.

"Oh, um, I went to Cristina's house and helped out there."

His eyebrows furrowed.

"Who?" He asked.

"Cristina... I think Norah said her last name was Amherst?" I said slowly, trying to recall.

"Oh, yeah," he said, the name becoming familiar. "I know of her. She used to work with my mom. Doesn't she have ton of kids now?"

"She does have quite a few," I laughed.

"Speaking of kids," Luca started.

I took another sip of wine, knowing exactly where he was leading the conversation.

"Since we're practicing for that now," he added, laughing. "How many kids do you think you want later down the road?"

I hummed, contemplating my answer.

"Maybe three? Four?"

He nodded thoughtfully.

"What about you?" I asked.

"Amore, I'll give you as many babies as you want."

I couldn't help but laugh as I rolled my eyes playfully.

We talked through the remainder of dinner, finishing nearly a quarter of the bottle of wine.

Luca poured me another glass to take with me to my bath.

As I sat in the tub, watching the steam rise above the bubbles that were floating along the surface, I couldn't help but let my mind wander back to the voicemails.

I quickly finished the wine and washed off, knowing what I had to do.

No more going to bed with secrets, I reminded myself.

After putting on one of Luca's t-shirts, I went downstairs to find him.

He sat on the couch front of the giant TV, watching the hockey game that played in its last period.