A Weekend With The Alpha

“I might be a villain, but at least I wear my true self on my sleeve. Not like you do, hiding and pretending to be a f***¢ hero. You're not meant to be the strongest alpha.’ Theo growled at Aaron, his eyes blazing red. “So let that little human o yours go and end the ritual before it's too late.”

“If you plan to harm Zera, you will have to go through me."

“She needs more protection from you than anyone else. You have taken everything she loves away from her and you're n done yet.” he snarled, his teeth gritted and his fist clenched.

“All you ever do is lie” Aaron yelled back, his own fists balling. This may not have been a physical confrontation, but they could still do damage to each other.

“Oh, but you know I tell the truth. If Zera knew the truth about who you are and what you've done, she'd be running away from you as fast as she can’

Aaron's eyes snapped open as the memory that felt like yesterday replayed in his head. Theo had said those words to hir four weeks ago when Ivan had dream-walked with him into the rebellion territory to ask them to back down from their attack on his pack.

Theo told him he would rather die than give in and instead asked him to end the ritual and let Zera go. Theo's accusation of his character made no sense to him, not until Tatiana's death.

He had never drowned in his own thought before, but he was literally choking underneath the cold water as it poured ou on his skin. All the voices that had always judged, criticised and mocked him were back and in full force. He hadn't given into his thoughts since the accident and in a moment of vulnerability under the shower, he had, and now regretted that decision.

There was no way of getting answers as the truck driver who had left Zera in this horrible state had taken his own life immediately after the accident before Ivan could get to him. The rebellion pack once again had played a dangerous game and came up victorious, rendering him powerless and desperate. They knew how weak he'd be without Zera and they wer for her. Without the completion of the ritual, he had only a few years left.

All this would have been avoided had he told Zera the truth weeks ago when he found out.

Aaron stepped out of the bathroom and changed into the pair of clothes Ivan got. A black Jean and a grey shirt. He hated the way they held onto him, but these clothes were better than the previous bloody clothes he had on earlier.

He made his way out of the bathroom and back into the waiting room where he saw Damor and Zion, along with Aiden Smith and Ivana Ameh, two betas of the dominion pack. And Elena, Zion's nanny.

“Daddy!” Zion called out on seeing him, breaking out of Damor's hold and running towards him.

Aaron stooped low and picked his son into his arms, delighted to see something positive in the last few hours. He smiled “Thank you for bringing him,” he said to Damor, who stood unmoved at the corner of the room.

“It's the very least I can do, brother,” Damor replied, adding a nod.

“How are you, daddy?” Zion asked, his eyes trying to find out the truth hidden in his eyes.

“Ym doing okay."

“Why are we at the hospital? And where is mommy? Uncle Damor wouldn't tell me” he stated, his eyes sad. “He said she’ away!"

pain flickered in Aaron's eyes as he glanced at Damor before looking back at Zion. He tried to keep his emotions as tucke away as possible.

He couldn't tell Zion the unfortunate fate that had befallen his mother. He couldn't look into his eyes and tell him his mother had been involved in a horrible accident which had left her in a terrible state in the ICU. Telling Zion he was at th hospital because of Zera would only bring up more questions from the little boy.

He had to be strong for his son in this trying time, no matter what. so he looked for an excuse to give. “Your uncle Damor right, mommy had to go away for a while

“Will she come back?”

He didn't know the answer to the question, but he had to give him one. “Yes."

Zion's eyes narrowed at his words, as if not believing the words coming from his mouth, “She didn't say goodbye.” he revealed and his eyes dropped remorsefully.

“She said to tell you she would be back in no time, so there was no need for goodbyes.” He said.

Aaron's eyes lifted, and he saw Elena standing not so far away from Damor in the waiting room. “Uncle Damor and Elena will keep you safe until van and I return, okay?”

He nodded in understanding and Aaron leaned in a placed a tender kiss on his temple before dropping him to his feet. Elena walked over to them and took hold of Zion's hand and led him away. The two betas followed behind for protection. The little boy turned around one last time and waved at Aaron before disappearing through the door.

Damor set to take his leave, but Aaron placed his hand on his shoulder, stopping him.

“I know this is a heavy burden placed on you. Running the pack, taking care of the estate and then looking after Zion—"h started but didn't get to finish.

“I will do all that for you in a heartbeat and without regret,” he answered, his voice filled with conviction.

“Thank you.”

“Ivan told me everything. I am sorry” Damor said and Aaron shook his head, “will she make it through?”

He sighed, “I don't know, Damor, all I have is hope.”

This time Damor placed his hand on Aaron's shoulder for reassurance, “Then hold on to it."