Chapter 110 FACING THE ALPHA
Percival
A deep growl rumbled from Nixx’s chest as his eyes locked with my father's, a clear challenge to the Alpha. Dad’s wolf glared menacingly back at Nixx. “Hey, calm down and let’s talk this out. If you really want to challenge me, be prepared to face the consequences,” Beta Jack warned, his hand pulling on Nixx’s arm.
“Enough. Cut it out,” Jack growled, his voice low and commanding. Nixx hesitated, finally shifting his gaze away from his father's intense stare and focusing on Edeline, who lay peacefully asleep.
“I have been a terrible brother...” Nixx murmured, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears. I wanted to reassure him that he wasn’t, but I could see the depth of his guilt. I had made every effort to protect Tatiana during the two instances when Edeline’s wolf had threatened her, just as he did.
Knowing that Tatiana was his mate, I understood the immense struggle his wolf was experiencing. The instinct to protect her was overwhelming, similar to how I felt about our unborn pup. It was a frustrating and uncontrollable sensation.
“Hey, Nixx. You are a great brother. Dealing with your wolf’s instincts is tough. It is something beyond our control. I understand how much it hurts,” I said softly, trying to offer comfort.
Nixx couldn’t hold back his tears, gripping Edeline’s hand tightly as Dad and Jack exited the room to give us some privacy.
“But... I love her,” Nixx choked out, tears streaming down his face.
I gently placed my hand on his shoulder. “She knows you care about her, Nixx. You are her brother, after all.”
“No!” He snapped, glaring at me with intense eyes. “I have strong feelings for Tatiana, even though I know I shouldn’t. I care deeply about her and want to support her in any way I can. It is hard for me to accept that even my own wolf is drawn to her, potentially jeopardizing my sister’s chances of finding a mate. This situation is painful because I wouldn’t go to such lengths for someone like Tatiana.” He seethed, clearly distressed. “But she is not really a bad wolf, despite what everyone thinks... and you... you couldn’t control your desires and ended up causing harm not only to my life but also to my sisters!!! I should hate you. And I try... but I cannot help but feel a connection with you because, I suppose, you are my friend... but I will not let you have Tatiana. My wolf won’t allow it. When the time comes, Percival... I cannot promise that my wolf won’t challenge you for the title of Alpha. It is something beyond my control.” He admitted, wiping the tears from his eyes with frustration.
I moved forward, feeling my wolf react to Nixx's clear challenge. “I’m confident that I’ll come out on top in any competition,” I said with a low growl, meeting Nixx’s intense gaze. “Besides, Tatiana is pregnant with my child. Her father wants us to be together, but I’ve never had any interest in her. My wolf wants to protect the pup, but aside from that, we have no emotional attachment to Tatiana.”
Nixx’s eyes narrowed. “It seems we have different perspectives on our wolves. While you may not desire Tatiana, your wolf does want the pup. On the other hand, I want her, and so does my wolf. I would accept her whether she had the pup or not, and I would love both of them. My wolf would love her unconditionally. However, I understand that she won’t be interested in me unless I hold a certain status. I would never undermine my sister by taking her rightful position as Luna and potentially affecting her relationship with her mate. But my wolf would, and that frightens me. Now, let me ask you something. Do you have feelings for my sister? What are your intentions? I know you made a mistake, but what do you truly desire?” His gaze remained locked on mine, his eyes searching for the truth.
We were not engaged in a heated argument, just a serious discussion—two wolves addressing our feelings and the potential outcomes. This was how men dealt with their disagreements, aside from physical combat.
I kept eye contact with Nixx, trying to suppress the turmoil within me. I had pondered this question countless times before.
“I really miss being with Edeline,” I admitted, my voice heavy with emotion. “It’s hard for me to accept that she no longer wants to be with me. She wrote me a letter suggesting I pursue Tatiana and do what’s right. Earlier, I argued with Tatiana because she embarrassed Edeline. I was trying to provoke her wolf to get her in trouble. But after I calmed down, I told Tatiana how much I still love Edeline and how painful it is that she doesn’t feel the same way. In a moment of confusion, I impulsively kissed Tatiana.” I sighed, running my hands through my hair. I noticed Nixx’s eyes darken with anger.
“Wait a minute, Nixx,” I said quickly, trying to clarify. “I didn’t want to do it. I felt like I had to. Edeline’s reaction made me think she didn’t want me anymore. But then her wolf marked mine, which shows we’ve made significant progress in our bond. I can’t just give up on her. I love her. But her letter...” I glanced over at Edeline with longing, her face etched vividly in my mind.
I sensed Nixx closing in on me, his wolf brimming with aggression as he struggled to control it. My own wolf was equally furious with him. I wanted to be with Tatiana, despite her bearing my child. My wolf was not pleased with the idea of another male being around his offspring.
Navigating these emotions was challenging for both of us. We both had deep feelings for the same wolves. Edeline is my beloved partner, while Nixx holds a sibling-like affection for her. My wolf is affectionate toward our unborn pup, and I also have mixed feelings about the situation. Though Nixx's wolf and human side were fond of the female carrying my pup, the complexity of our intertwined lives made everything more difficult.