Her Reign

Chapter 48

JAXSON
When I got in the car with Thomas,
he handed me my phone and I immediately called Alessia. In the years we have
been together, I can’t say I’ve gone this long without speaking to her. During
my run today, I’ve thought about everything that happened. The things Isis said
to me while she was in the hospital hit hard. She is my mate and all I want to
do is protect her. I don’t believe she should have put herself in that
position. She could have stepped back and let any one of us handle it to
prevent any unexpected problems, but Alessia and Isis are strong enough to
protect themselves. The only reason she got hurt was because she got distracted
and yes that is my fault.
I should have stepped back and
allowed her to do what she needed but watching the woman I love while carrying
my child fight against a strong alpha scared the shit out of me. That fear I
felt was debilitating. There have only been a handful of times in my life, I’ve
felt so weak and powerless. I never want to feel that gut wrenching pain again.
“Hello.” She answered.
“Hey, I’m sorry. I’ve had time to
think about everything and I was wrong. Thomas just picked me up and I’m on my
way to your parents’ house if that’s ok with you?
“Yes. We just finished eating
dinner and are hanging out. I’ll see you when you get here.”
“Ok, I love you. Bye.”
‘I love you too.” She hung up the
phone.
I feel like a weight has been
lifted off my chest. I know we need to talk, and I know I’m still going to get
my ass handed to me before this is over but if this is what it takes for her to
forgive me, I’ll take it.
During the drive, I told Thomas
about Athenea and who she was and everything she said. We both exchanged our
thoughts and opinions about it all. I’m inclined to believe her, but we need to
be cautious. She is a powerful witch, and I don’t know what that means. Alphas
have a way of sensing one’s truth. It doesn’t matter who they are, human or
not, an alpha could tell. I don’t have lots of experience with witches because
I’ve never had to deal with them. I know they exist, but they usually keep to
themselves. I don’t know if she has the power to deceive me to cover herself.
Alessia might be able to tell by
getting into her thoughts, but that depends. The most powerful werewolf versus
the most powerful witch. Which one would be stronger? Goddess, I don’t even
want to think of those possibilities of going wrong.
On the bright side, at least Stella
doesn’t have those powers, or we would be screwed. I wouldn’t doubt for a
second that she would do anything to get her hands on Alena. I need to talk to
Alessia. Regardless, if Alena wants to get to know Athenea, Alessia and I need
to stay connected and remain on good terms. We don’t need Stella using Athenea
against us.
We pulled up to the house and got
out. Thomas came to check on things. The house is discreetly guarded. Knocking
on the door, Jess answered. I’m guessing Alessia told her I apologized because
she didn’t glare or give me a look, warning me.
When I stepped into the living
room, there were boxes everywhere. Baby stuff scattered on all surfaces. Alena
and Courtney were going through everything while Alessia shook her head.
“This is what I get for allowing
Alena in charge of ordering stuff for Breyson. Oh, that doesn’t include
everything she ordered and had shipped home.” Alessia huffed.
“Oh, come on Mom, you had final
approval. Plus, you have to admit, these clothes look adorable and everything
else we need.” Alena smiled.
I walked over and gave Alena a kiss
on her temple and pulled her into a tight hug. After letting her go, I walked
to Alessia and lifted her off the couch. I kissed her, wrapping my arms around
her waist, holding her. I wanted to sit and pull her into my lap, but I needed
to figure out a way to get my son out of his grandmother’s arms. I know she’s
going to put up a fight. When I turned and faced her, I knew it was coming.
“No. You get to have him when you
leave. I’m not ready to give him up yet.” She huffed and everyone laughed.
“Just let me hold him for a second
and I’ll give him back. Besides, we need to discuss some things.” I haven’t
spoken to Alessia about the details, so I don’t know exactly what’s going to
happen, but she did state earlier that she didn’t want to rush home just
because Breyson is here, so we need to figure that out.” I said and walked to
her.
She handed me my son. I held him
against my chest. He didn’t wake up. I still couldn’t keep my eyes off of him.
I leaned down and kissed him a couple of times before handing him back to
Grandma. I turned around and walked back toward Alessia, sitting next to her on
the couch.
“What do you want to do?” I asked
Alessia.
“Well, I
thought we could continue the packs in the area while we are here. My parents
could help with Breyson during the day, so we don’t have to bring him with us.
We can stay at Night Falls Pack and commute. After finishing with business, we
can relax for a day or two with my parents before going home. I also think it
would be smart to fly home from here and have the vehicles delivered to
minimize the risk of being ambushed. Word will spread about Brey and if they
figure our route heading home, the risk is higher.” Alessia said.
“I agree.”
Jessica said. Looking around the room, everyone is nodding their heads.
“Ok, that
does sound like a good plan, but we need to discuss something important. Alena,
this is about you so would you please come sit over here.” I said. She stood
and sat on the coffee table directly in front of us. She looked nervous,
putting her hands on her knees to keep them from bouncing.
I explained
everything I told Thomas in the car. The same concerns he had when we first
spoke, he shared again in front of everyone. Everyone participated in the
conversation except for Alena. She stayed quiet and listened. I could feel her
anxiety level rising. I don’t want to force her to speak. I’m not asking her
any direct questions on how she feels in front of everyone because I know she
doesn’t want to answer. I’m sure everyone knows this because we aren’t talking
as if she isn’t here, but nobody is putting her on the spot.
Alessia’s parents
were scared. It was hard for them to process everything about werewolves and
now we are talking about witches. A powerful witch that is connected to Alena.
Not knowing what Athenea is capable of, causes more fear because she is a
threat to all of us.
“I think we
can all agree that we can’t ignore this.” Jessica said.
“Alena, you
don’t have to decide anything now, but I think your dad and I should arrange a
time to meet and speak to her privately then we will go from there. We will
keep you updated on what’s said. Is this ok with you?” She shrugged her
shoulders then Alessia looked at me.
“She may
not know exactly who we are yet, she called you Alpha. You’re a king. If she
keeps her guard down and I’m able to get into her thoughts, I will be able to
find out quickly what her intentions are, so we need to set this up soon before
she finds out.” Alessia said. I nodded.
“I will
call her tomorrow.” I said.
After
ending that conversation, things lightened up to casual conversation. We spent
time together for a while before loading up in the car. Thank God we were able
to leave most of the baby stuff there since Breyson will be here most of the
time while we are working. We grabbed the necessities and headed back.
When
returning to the pack house, Alena was quiet. Damon was waiting on the front
steps when we pulled up. She must have told him we were coming. He stood up
when we came to a stop, and he looked nervous, letting me know she’s told him
what happened.
I’m still
not on board with him but I’m happy that she has someone to talk to right now.
Alessia and I are going to wait to allow her time to process before sitting her
down and she what she wants.