Nightfall

Chapter 17🌙

Ares' POV

Flashback

~~~

4 years ago...

"Ares you have to focus on finishing school...you are going to be the next Alpha of this pack." Dad's voice echoes off his office walls. I swear I am trying, but school is just not a priority. Pack training is getting more difficult to deal with, now I have to try and balance my time and energy on school aswell.

"I understand what I have to do...i just feel like I'm under pressure from training with the pack." I explain hoping my father will give me a break. He is a stubborn man, but that is how this pack has gained strength. The rest of the Kingdom will realize that I'm just a disappointment and disgrace to my parents.

Not good enough to run the pack as Alpha after the man my father is. "You have to keep an organized mind, you won't be able to lead this pack if you can't get your own life under control. Be better." I nod my head and walk out.

My mother sits in her office busy with paperwork. "Ares will you please come here..." my mother calls out to me when I walk past her door. I really don't want to be lectured by her right now.

"Listen, I'm not going to waffle on about your responsibilities. I know you understand everything you have to do. You are going through a lot and its affecting you, my darling." She stands up and walks in front of me. She always could see through my act, even if I was lying, she just knew.

"School is important, but I want you to make sure you are capable mentally. If you can't do it and need help, just say so. There is no shame in admitting you need guidance. Your father is just stressed because of the neighboring packs." She explains and gives me a hug.

Her hugs always made me feel better, even thought I act like I despise her physical affection. I breath in her scent and it reminds me of my childhood, it's so comforting.

"I know mum. I'll try, I promise." I tell her so that she doesn't worry about me. I don't want to disappoint her, she has done so much for me and the pack. She kisses my head and goes back to her desk.

I leave the room and go and find Elias. It's our last year in school and then I have to learn how to keep this pack in order.

"Hey! Ares..." I turn my head and Elias walks up to me. We walk through the pack house doors and make our way to the training mats.

"How you doing...what did your dad want?" He asks me while picking up a stick for sparring. "He just wants me to focus on getting school under control...I don't think he realizes I'm doing my best. I'm just so mentally exhausted." I admit having Elias is good, because I have someone to talk to.

But there is only so much he can understand about how my life is with the pack. It's my responsibility.

"You have to take time for yourself before you burn yourself out." He says sadly. I change the subjects because this is getting depressing. "How are things with Sophie. Has she finally given in to you and your charming self." I say sarcastically. Elias isn't the most polite person in the world.

"She doesn't want to talk to me. She won't let me mark her...she is scared, but I don't know why. She is hiding something from me." He let's out a frustrated sigh and we take our stance so we can start sparring.

"You guys just met...just give her time. She will tell you when she is ready...okay?" I don't know what to tell him. I haven't even found my mate yet.

"Yeah okay. Are you coming out with the pack members tonight? It will give you a chance to let loose...a break is what you need." He says giving me an all knowing look.

"Yeah I'll go out tonight...I think that is exactly what I need."

Oh, how wrong i was...

End of Flashback

~~~

"Ares...are u all right." Scarlett snaps me out of my memories and brings my chin down and stares at me with concern.

"I'm okay..." I hold her hands in mine." I was just thinking...but that doesn't matter. We have to work out a plan with the new information Quin has given us." She stares at my face a little longer. I can see the gears turning in her head. She hesitates and decides that I'm fine and we talk further about Demetrius.

"I'll go call the others." She walks out the office. The same office of my father, the same office that reminds me of all my mistakes of that day. I push past those thoughts as the group walks in.

"I was thinking and I feel like we could use Quin's position to our advantage. She is apart of the top guard and they clearly trust her enough to discuss their plans in front of her." Elias says as he sits down in one of the chairs. He's got a point, they would never suspect her at this point.

"She could play a double agent...and get us the information about his next moves, and report back to us." I finish the thought. This could definitely work.

"Exactly...what do you say Quin?" He asks her and she looks compliant.

"Okay, I'll do it."she says.

"So that settles it then, I want food." Aaron claps his hands and struts out the room. Quin has decided to come back with us because she has nothing permanently keeping her in Estiel, so she should be able to slip in and out of the kingdom and report back to us.

The group leaves my office and we go to the dining room. Scarlett goes up to her room and I turn and follow her quietly.

"Why are you following me? She asks without turning around.

"And here I thought I was being sneaky." She turns around and I grab her. I lay on the bed and pull her down with me. She tries to escape, but I hold her to my chest.

"What are you doing?" She laughs and I kiss her head. "I have things to do, you know..."she says holding onto my arms.
"What do you have to do?" I ask, and kiss her neck. She shivers from the contact and can't focus on what she is saying.

"Uhm...I was...uh...gonna...I..."she can't talk and I laugh at her attempt to say something.

"Shower!" She shouts and leaps out of my arms. "I was going to shower." She says quickly. She is blushing and isn't looking at me.

"Oh really. You know I could-" she cuts me off.

"No, no, no, you will do no such thing. I'll meet you downstairs Ares." She looks at my pointedly, but I can see her amusement and desire whirling around her blue eyes.

I stifle a laugh and walk out her room.

She is absolutely adorable when she blushes.