Chapter 76
Chapter 76
Savenia
At the conclusion of the meeting, I walked with Alec to the dining hall before we could make it to the dining hall, I was swept up into Alec’s arms. Within seconds we were in a lush little apartment on the 1st floor in the opposite direction from the dining hall.
“Just what the hell do you think you are doing?” I yelled at him. Looking around the homely apartment I was surprised by the decor. It almost looked to be a woman’s apartment but by the pictures of Alec and his family hanging up I could tell that it was his place. Then my eyes landed on a large photo hanging above his mock fireplace in the corner of the room.
The picture was of a younger Alec holding what to be a baby version of him on his hip. The child looked to be maybe 1 or 2 years of age. Too young to stand on his own but yet too big to be buried in a pile of blankets. Standing on the other side of the small child was a young woman.
“That is the last photo we ever took as a family. Amber was killed in a car accident before we even got these photos back. In the middle is James, my son. He was 1 in that picture.” Alec said somberly.
“Where is James now, did.. Didd..” I began to stutter. For all of my hard exterior, children were my weak point. The thought that Alec not only lost his wife but his child both angered me and saddened me.
“Oh no.. James is just in school. He is going to be so happy to meet you. I never did ask if you liked kids or ever wanted them. I can understand if having a child is a deal breaker for you but I ask that you get to know James first. He is a brilliant and wonderful child.” Alec nervously explained.
“Alec.. I love kids and would love to meet James. But no, you having a child is not a game changer for me. But I think we need to let James decide.” I said. I did not want to cause the poor child any heart ache. I would never take the place of his mother but I could be there and be a friend for him. Give him advice on women.
“I am sorry that I did not tell you about James. James is a sweet boy but I wanted to make sure that you wanted me before I included him. I was already sure that I wouldn’t let you go without a fight but at the end of the day if you left me I couldn’t drag James through that type of loss again.”
“I understand. Most single parents hide their children to protect them. My mother hid me to protect herself. But my father apparently hid me to protect me and him so I get it.” I told him.
The news that my father wasn’t actually Stefan but Adrik was a shocker but I guess I ultimately knew it deep down. There were just too many similarities between him and I. I was just hoping that it would not affect our relationship.
“So I guess we should discuss our relationship. Before we include James. And before I go do this mission.” I told him.
“I agree. Obviously you know my stance. You are my second chance mate. Not many of my kind get another chance after second. Amber was my first and as much as I loved her our bond for some reason is stronger. I would like to see where we can take this relationship.” Alec stated. “Plus, from what I have talked to my sister about, she would like for me to run the Alpha Academy. I would like for you to run the academy alongside me. With your education and background I think that we could cover a lot. We could start today if you would like?” Alec asked me.
“I would enjoy that. And do not think that I do not see this as what it is. You are just trying to get to spend more time with me.” I told him jokingly.
“Ahhh you heard that huh?”
“I am not a stupid school girl. Soo, yes I heard the want in your voice.”
For the next hour we discussed the topics that would be required for the Academy cadets.
“I think we need to make sure that we require an inclusive class. With the many different breeds and species coming into the councils it would only be right that everyone learn about the differences and learn to cooperate with one another. We could even prevent wars and fights.” I said.
“I know some Fae and some other breeds of shifters that would probably be on board to either be guest speakers or teach some classes. But I agree, it would be good for others to learn the different breeds and factions.” He said. “How about physical training?”
This is the part that I was unsure of. I had been trained in self defense from both Stefan and Adrik. But I had no formal training.
“That I will leave to you and your family. I have no actual training or education in that department.” I told him.
“Wait, you are the second in command but have not been trained in hand to hand? Hell, I am not the best of fighters but even I have had, had several years of training.” He said shocked.
“I didn’t, okay. After joining the faction I trained in witchcraft then they encouraged me to go to school. So I didn’t get much training in hand to hand.” I said defensively.
“I wasn’t judging. Just surprised. But if you want I could train you. Or if you wanted, my sister. She is actually a trainer for the womens hand to hand combat. Especially with this mission. I think it would be wise for you to have some training under your belt in case you needed it.” He said warmly as he moved closer to me on the small loveseat. Grabbing my hand he looked deeply into my eyes. “I don’t want anything to happen to you, Savenia. I know that you are a strong and proud woman but even the strongest steel sometimes bends and breaks.”
“I will talk to Gabi. It might be good for both Lucy and I to get one on one training. Maybe we can even rope in Reign and Remmie, I heard that they too were badasses.” I said smiling.
“Yes, I think that would be good for everyone. It may even help Lucy gain some more confidence and strength. Are you ready to get back to the meetings? I think we are discussing the Alpha academy next.” He asked, standing up and offering me his hand.
“I guess we should.” I said not really wanting to leave. I had grown to enjoy his peace and tranquil home. As he pulled me upwards I found us face to face with only meer inches separating us. Leaning forward Alec brushed a brief but soft kiss to my lips.