His Guardian (MxM)

Chapter 18

Jackson

"Hey, I'd like to talk to you about the ceremony. Care to take a walk?" Liam asked me as he, Beth, and I walked out of my father's office after hearing the news. I could read between the lines. Liam didn't need to talk about the ceremony. He was trying to get me away from my father so I could speak freely with him. I looked down at Beth who walked beside me. Considering my father's insistence that she be my Luna, I felt like she would be safe here if I walked with Liam for a while. She grinned up at me and nodded.

"I'm just going to go relax in the bedroom. I'm fairly tired," she told us. "It was nice to meet you, Liam," she smiled at Liam who returned the gesture, and walked upstairs. I looked over to Liam and nodded my head toward the back door. When we walked outside, we remained quiet. We needed to get farther away from the house before we could speak freely. After passing the forest tree line and weaving through the woods for a while, Liam broke the silence.

"Are you going to tell me what the fuck is going on?" he asked me. I sighed. How do I even put it into words? "I haven't seen you in three months, and you show back up looking half dead with a new mate?"

"She's not my mate," I told him abruptly. He wrinkled his eyebrows. I sighed.

"He has had me locked up all this time, Liam. He's kept me weak so I can't fight back. He dragged Beth into this and thinks he can make us mates. We have to keep up the act, so he'll go through with the ceremony. I-" I tried to will myself to continue speaking. "She's pregnant, Liam," his eyes bulged at this. "We had no choice. He wouldn't let us go, and certainly wouldn't let me be Alpha until he knew she was pregnant with my heir." Liam glanced at my neck for a brief moment.

"Where's Ben?" he asked so quietly I almost didn't hear him.

"I- I don't know. I know he's alive, but I don't know where he is. I can't communicate with him, I think it's wolvesbane."

"Wolvesbane?" he whispered in terror. I nodded.

"He's doing terrible things to him. He brought me Ben's toenail  like some fucking trophy when he came to tell me he had taken care of my 'problem'." Horror struck across Liam's face as realization set in. "He's already letting up on me. By the time the ceremony comes around, I'll have my strength back. And the second  I become Alpha," I took a deep breath in, "I'm ripping that motherfucker's head off." Liam nodded.

"Whatever you need, I'm here for you, Jackson." he told me as he placed his hand on my shoulder. "We'll get him back."

"You're damn right we will."

****

The days spent preparing for the ceremony were chaotic. My father had men moving his things out of the Alpha's mansion. I assumed he was planning on moving into one of his many properties, but didn't bother asking. It didn't matter.

"Jackson," my father called my name. Chills ran down my spine. I was walking past the kitchen when he caught sight of me. He had just finished pouring a cup of coffee when he began walking toward me. I caught his gaze.

"I have a painter coming today to do the portrait of you and Beth," he told me. Ah. The portrait. I should've known he would want this. It's a tradition in the Sylvan Ash pack to have a painted portrait of every Alpha and Luna. The previous ones were hung in the main halls of the mansion, including the portrait of my mother and father. I did not want to do this, but it was all part of the game he had me playing. Beth would not be Luna, but I have to do what it takes to make sure he goes through with this. If he wants a picture to remain happy, the fucker can have his picture.

"Okay, sounds good," my voice sounded more emotionless than I had intended.

"Are you alright, son?" Shit.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I forced a smile. He nodded at me before walking away. I let out a breath that I didn't realize I was holding.

When I made my way upstairs to let Beth know, I opened the bedroom door to find the room empty. I walked in and shut the door, and heard retching coming from the bathroom. I found the bathroom door partially open, and knocked. My knocks opened the door more to reveal Beth hunched over the toilet. I walked in and placed my hand on her upper back.

"You okay?" I asked her. She flushed and sat back on the floor.

"Yeah, just the usual nausea," she answered in a tired voice. Her hair was tied up into a messy bun, and she had dark circles under her watery eyes. She was outfitted in a t shirt and baggy sweatpants. I felt bad for her. She had nothing to do with this, and now her life has been changed forever. She would be a mother now. All because my father couldn't accept my mate. I sighed.

"He has a painter coming for our portrait," I told her. She looked up at me from the floor, wide eyed.

"Today?" she asked. I nodded. She brought her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around her legs before sinking her face into her knees and groaning quietly.

"Are you too sick for it?" I asked her. She lifted her head and shook it.

"No. I just need a little bit, and I'll be fine," she mumbled. I began to walk back into the bedroom before I stopped, and turned around.

"Hey, Beth," she looked up at me. "I'm really sorry about all of this," I told her. She just smiled up at me.

"It's not your fault, Jackson. Everything will be okay soon," she muttered. It would, but it wouldn't. Damage has been done that cannot be undone by me taking over as Alpha. We both knew this, but I've learned that Beth is an optimist. 

Like my Ben.

Beth and I got dressed and ready for the portrait. She had clothes that my father had ordered for her about a month ago. He wants the Luna to represent us well. Beth wore a long, flowy, grey dress while I wore an all black suit paired with a grey tie. She sat in a modern wingback chair while I stood behind her with my hand on her shoulder.

After hours of posing for this portrait, I stepped forward to take a look at what the artist had created. I couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed at this picture that would never be hung in my home. My eyes looked dead. Like there was no life to them. My skin was lacking color, and my expression was anything but pleasant. The same could be said for Beth. Did I really look like this? I suppose it's no surprise after everything that has happened. I didn't even say anything to the artist as I made my way upstairs behind Beth. 

Tomorrow is the day. I will be Alpha, and I will get my mate back.