Breaking Point (BWWM)

11. Concession

Large, deep sage eyes peer through the icy forestry at the large house perched amongst the mountain. The lights from inside were glowing softly despite the hazy darkness of the environment. It was snowing again, a storm was brewing, though Braxton could sense it moving away before their community would face the worst of it.

His thick paws sink into the deep plush layer of snow, his body was numb. Not to mention the ache he felt from the bitter cold. He keeps his head low, body creeping closer toward the tree line. Something felt off, whatever had occurred inside in his absence, it was strange. Unusual. He knew his wife and son were okay, despite their bonding threads thinning, he could feel it. Though he was still off-put by the peculiar atmosphere.

Their scents were harder to pick up considering the harshness of the weather as of late. It was difficult to make out all the shapes moving inside, as the windows were mostly covered. The dim glow from inside contrasted with the dull environment, he could hear voices. Many of them. Even laughter. Unsettled, the Alpha emerges fully onto the property, quickly sending a link to his wife. Though there was no response from her. He huffs heavily, breath misting in the chilled air. He feels that burn claiming his chest, it had been blazing through him all this time, heated up his large body. Though it was accompanied by a deep ache that had proven impossible to get rid of.

Seth was his next option, Braxton sends him a link, moving toward the porch steps. The aggressive, biting cold is unforgiving as he molds back into his skin.

Lucy froze as she heard the familiar gait of his heavy footsteps on the porch steps. Seth was quick to get up and grab the nearest blanket, rushing to the door. "Brax, you're back!" Several pairs of eyes look to Lucy, and she can feel the dread permeating in the room as their servants and guards sink in their seats. The room had lost all it's warmth, and their smiles were replaced by their fearful gazes.

She keeps her composure, smiling warmly at them. "Don't worry about him," she assured. "You all finish your meals." They were hesitant, glancing amongst each other uneasily. They were sensing the Alpha would be very displeased with this. Lucy had been having all of her meals with them since her husband had vanished. They quite enjoyed it, and they seemed to favor her company. Since Seth and Jooyoung have moved in, they'd happily joined. Though Seth was worried about how Braxton might receive the change in their typical order. Eating the same meal at the same table with lower ranks was unheard of in their culture.

All heads turn toward the front door as the howling wind funnels through the doorway, inviting a bitter gust of icy flakes into the large home. Seth was quick to pull their Alpha inside, Braxton's broad shoulders were draped with a long blanket. Even still, it could hardly cover his large body. He was nude, and his skin was flushed all over from both the cold and his shift. He was moving slowly, seeming uncharacteristically exhausted. The door is promptly shut behind them, trapping them all in with him. His scent was strong, it captured the room in a commanding manner. As if to restore it's rightful presence in the home. Everyone at the table bows their heads respectfully, anticipating the worst. All except Lucy.

"Let's get you warmed up," Seth stated softly, the eeriness of the quiet room seemed to have Braxton bothered. He had undoubtedly noticed the odd occasion, though he didn't comment. His dark eyes land on Lucy near the end of the table. Aesir was in his high chair beside her, it was propped up at the end of the table, where Braxton normally sits. The infant bounced eagerly at the sight of his father. His wife, however, didn't spare him a glance. Despite him urging her for an explanation through their link. He's blatantly ignored. Seth places his hand on Braxton's shoulder, steering him upstairs. "C'mon, Brax. You're not immune to hypothermia." He urged, their servants and guards all watch in silence as he ascends, until they can't see him anymore.