Ties That Bind

Chapter 4

A week passed before Arthit and Knott were informed their life would change irrevocably.

On the following Saturday morning, while having brunch with Knott, the two were informed by Chonthicha that their parents requested their presence in the study.

With mixed emotions, Arthit finally received the summons he was waiting for, but the presence of Knott and his parents along with the arrival of another council member in the morning confirmed his suspicions that Chonthica might be right and something pertaining to his marriage was going to happen today, he only hoped he could hold them off as long as possible.

During the week, Arthit's father had agreed to his internship and he would sit for the interviews when the new term started, however his concentration was divided. He hounded Chonthica for more information and his parents about the Council members visit. When his father uncharacteristically snapped at him to stop pestering him, he changed tactics. He then tried to involve Knott, but he was happy to wait. Desperate for some answers he started to pester Somchai who had visited a few days ago. Exasperated at his son, his father promised he would explain everything to Arthit over the weekend, but Arthit couldn't let the uncertainty about his future slide.

'Is it something to do with my mating?', he finally asked his father.

At his father startled outrage and mumbling curses with his secretary's name, he screamed weekend and stomped out of the room. Which confirmed his suspicions. In preparation for a possible mating over the weekend, Arthit exerted considerable efforts on a defence. He firmly believed he could even convince Chatri to relent and see things his way.

Ushering Knott to finish quickly, he ran over his keynotes in his head. Knott could only look at him, muttering 'pig-headed' as he continued to enjoy his brunch.

The entire way to his father's study he kept tirade of dire consequences if Knott did not support him. Ignoring the buzzing in his ear, Knott walked on unperturbed.

As expected, Arthit's parents and Knott's father, excluding Somchai were waiting for them in the study. Arthit and Knott seated themselves next to each other on the couch. Immediately, his mom sat next to him and held his hand in her lap. She only did that when she knew her son would react angrily, further confirming his suspicions. Right now, his mating was bad news.

'Alpha,' Knott greeted.

Impatient Arthit could only roll his eyes.

Aware of his son's restlessness Khaemkhaeng started, 'You are aware of the current situation between vampires and werewolves in the city.'

Arthit was not expecting this.

'What does that have to do with my- our mating?', he asked perplexed.

'Arthit listen', Knott commanded him and turned towards his Alpha.

'Yes, what you have told me and from the reports. Arthit knows too'.

'I do not.'

'Don't bother, they know I tell you everything.'

Arthit gasped feeling betrayed.

'Arthit,' his father snapped.

'Sorry, continue' he said judiciously.

His mother aware, in his current state, Arthit would only interrupt and jump to conclusions gave him a glass of nom yen from the pantry to distract him.

Arthit refused to be treated like a child and primly placed the drink back on the table.

Knott immediately grabbed it again, 'Drink this and shut up', he said impatiently.