Chapter 201 TORN ALLEGIANCES
Edeline
“William! Can you do me a favor and go back to the clinic on your own? I just can’t handle being there at the moment. It’s tough for me to see my son having a pup with someone who isn’t his mate. It really hits close to home. If he needs me, I’ll be there for him. But since you’ve got the extra supplies the Doc needed, could you go? If the pup is born, I’ll do my best, but you know how I feel.” She glanced down at the floor, her tone filled with sadness.
“We haven’t figured anything out yet... Our son won’t even become the next Alpha because of your mistake. Now he’s having a pup with someone other than his mate, just like you,” she said angrily, staring at his shocked face. “Did you hear that the guys between eighteen and thirty-five are planning to take on Darius and Percival? They think we’re all weak and don’t deserve our positions anymore. It’s all anyone in the pack can talk about. And guess what? You brought this mess right to our doorstep,” she said, her voice choked with tears. Despite her distress, she still had more to say.
“And to make matters worse... we haven’t even discussed any of this! It seems like you prioritize your other family over our own. Darius, your own son, is locked up and Percival’s title has been taken away. Yet, you punished me! I’m not Nyra, and I never will be, but I’m still your mate!” She said angrily, tears streaming down her face. Her legs gave way, but William caught her in his arms, comforting her.
William looked deeply conflicted, his face etched with visible anguish. His voice wavered as he spoke. “Penny, I am sorry. I had to discipline you; otherwise, I would have seemed vulnerable to the group. I would have faced challenges myself. You understand, right? I know you are not Nyra, but I care about you deeply. You are my partner. I will always have love for Nyra, but you are the one I am committed to for the long haul. You are my present and my future.” He gently kissed her forehead. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with anticipation.
“And by law, Nixx is entitled to his rights, unless he chooses not to exercise them, Annabel. You know that too. You are being unfair here. I understand the challenges we are facing. The pack is in an uproar. All the mistakes, mine and Percival's, have created chaos. Eventually, my sons will have to fight, but I will not let them be defeated. I promise you that. Darius, on the other hand, deserves to be where he is. There are things you do not know, and I am not ready to tell you right now, but I will. I just do not want to break your heart. He is our son, our youngest pup. Please have faith in me. I would never put anyone above you and my sons. You are all my family. As much as it pains you, Nixx is family too. He said Jack will always be his father, and I am fine with that. But alpha blood runs through his veins. My wolf sees him as his own, and I cannot deny that. I cannot deny his rights!”
He held her close, his gaze earnest as he tried to make her understand. “I had no idea, never.”
I should not have been watching this awkward moment, but my curiosity got the better of me. The challenges they faced turned out to be far bigger than I had expected. It was clear that things would become chaotic once I departed, especially if this little furball came into the world.
Darius...
What is the big deal that even Alpha William, his own father, says he should be where he is? Down in the cellar?
“William... what is the deal with my son? What is the big secret you are keeping?”
“Hey Penny, trust me on this. I believe he should face the death penalty for his actions, but I am doing what I can to protect him from that. It is probably best if you do not know all the details. Only Jack and Percival are aware. Just have faith in me, okay?”
A wave of unease washed over me.
Did my dad and Percival know?
If someone commits murder, they might face the death penalty. But Darius has been put away... There seems to have been a mistake... Well, he definitely cannot stay here anymore.
I think Anita has cast too many curses on our pack, and I am pretty sure she is responsible for this. Setting him up for failure. Just had to get in one final dig, didn’t you? To cause me pain.
Annabel nodded, tears streaming down her face. “Okay, I will give you the benefit of the doubt this time. Just make sure my sons are kept out of this situation. Can you promise me that?”
“Hey Penny, I want you to know that I truly care about you. Since you entered my life, I have always tried to treat you right. I apologize for any mistakes I have made in the past, especially the ones I was not even aware of. I am sorry for getting upset with you for not telling me about it. I just wish you had informed me so that I could have made things right. Just remember, I love you.”
She let out a big sigh, a slight smile playing on her lips. “Hey William, I just wanted to let you know that I love you too. I have forgiven you, but it is really important for our sons to be in their rightful places.”
He gave a little nod. “I will give it a shot, but if Nixx wants to be Alpha, Percival will have to step up and challenge him. It is out of my hands,” he said, trailing off. His eyes widened as he opened up to her.
“Hey Penny, I am really worried. The challenges that the pack is discussing could potentially put an end to our line of succession. If Percival manages to reclaim his title and then gets defeated in a challenge, there is nothing I can do. He is bound to be challenged regardless, but if he becomes the future Alpha and loses, it is game over.”