The Alpha Games

CHAPTER 15: Better Than Expected

MARA

I was really proud of Merrick. He began to apologize to both of his parents about everything that happened and I could tell he was trying to be as sincere and genuine as possible and for a moment, his father looked at him unconvinced that Merrick was truly apologetic for his actions but then seemed to believe him.

"Well that's good." His father replied with a smirk.

"Honey, I wanted to...." His mother started to say something before his father cut her off.

"So, you both are mates!? That's exciting." He quickly changed the topic.

"Yeah." Merrick replies.

I felt bad for his mother as she scowled and glared at his father but then rolled her eyes and caught me looking at her and smiled at me.

Soon after that, Martin entered the room again and announced dinner was ready. So we all walked inside the dining room and sat down across from each other.

The dinner a few times had moments when things became a little awkward but thankfully either Merrick's mother would change the subject or vice versa or even Merrick would say something else.

Then during dessert, Merrick asked his father about what he has been up to since he had been gone.

"Things have been going good, been busy." His father states before taking a bite of his pie.

"Anything new in the council?" Merrick asks.

"Not really. Except they seemed to have become more stubborn and stuck in their old ways that they have refused to accept new terms with some of our allies who have made some changes in the treaties." He mentions.

"Like what?" Merrick asks.

His father stops eating and looks at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Why are you so interested in what happens in the council? It isn't like you are going to ever be in my place." His father states.

That sent Merrick into a state of anger as he tightened his fist on his lap and I placed my hand over his to calm him and of course, it worked.

"I understand that I have messed up in the past and have lost both yours and mother's trust. But I know I can be a great Alpha. I know I would be a great replacement for your position when you decide to retire. I just want a second chance." Merrick states through almost gritted teeth.

"A second chance? Well, I am sorry of you think that I was going to give you one after what all hell you put both your mother and I. Besides, Jericho has been learning things so that he could take my place. He already has had a mate and has a pack - a strong one at that." His father exclaimed.

I could tell right away by the tone of his father that he purposely wanted to hurt Merrick by stating that.

I don't know what came over me and I guess maybe it was possible that I could have fucked things up now after saying this but I just couldn't stand it.

"Forgive me for saying this but, I know your son, Jericho. And I think that if you insist on judging Merrick for his past and basing your  decision on his past actions, then excuse me but, you should really look into Jericho's past. Even for the past few years. No offense, but what I have witnessed has been anything BUT Alpha material." I told him.

Merrick looked at me surprised but yet smiled a little. His mother looked surprised and yet had a smile of admiration towards me while his father looked shocked at me and a bit annoyed. Shit! I hope that I didn't just fuck up the plans between Merrick and the council.

"And what do you know about what it takes to become an Alpha or even part of the council for that matter?" His father smirks at me.

"I don't know much. My parents told me some things but something I do know is that becoming part of the council, rather it's being an Elder or something else, you have to be strong, both physically and mentally. You have to prove yourself and take on many more responsibilities than others. You have to have courage and strength and most importantly, help others, in particularly, those in more need than most. And I can assure you that your son, Jericho, is anything BUT those things." I smirked right back at him.

The room became more silent. The air became so thick, you could cut a knife with it. I met his glare with mine and didn't blink. Then moments later, he broke out into a chuckle and looked over at Merrick.

"I like her." He smiles genuinely and everybody seems to let out a breath that neither of us knew we were holding.

"Yeah. She's amazing." Merrick replies while winking and smirking at me.

The rest of the night went exceptionally well and near the end of the night, both Merrick and his father had done some talking alone in his father's office and when Merrick came out, he had the biggest smile I have seen him yet make........I take it everything went good.

While they were talking, his mother and I were getting to know one another and she started telling me stories about when Merrick was little and not sure as to why Merrick told me a little bit different version than his but, I liked hers more.

Although she said why she believed Merrick is hard on himself more is because his father has always been hard on him and Merrick has always wanted to please and seek approval from his father.

Then she asked me about my parents and how I had planned to meet with them soon. She proceeded to tell me that she knows them and spoke with them both the other day but weren't in town. However, they were due back any day now.

"I haven't been able to mind link them." I tell her.

She looked a little bewildered before quickly changing her expression to a smile.

"They are very busy running an errand for the Elders but, I am sure they are fine." She states as she places her hand over mine.

Although she sounded reassuring, I can't ignore her first reaction when I mentioned I couldn't mind link them.

Next chapter will be posted soon! :)