Abyss - Book Five of the Alpha Series - MxM

Chapter 30

Standing in front of the carriages, I feel as though things are slipping through my fingers once more. Hugging Tonic tightly, trying to memorize him, I struggle to come to terms with the fact that this is real and he won't be coming back.

Reluctantly, I transfer from him to Stefan as Tonic hugs Verando. 

While it surprises me that Verando would allow such a gesture in public, I welcome it, for I think Verando would have regretted it if he had denied the youth his chance at closure with his father. 

"You remember everything that I taught you, and you'll be fine." My warlord reassures him before pulling the sword holster off his hip and handing it over. "Here, take this." 

Tonic hesitates, frowning at him, but Verando insists, slinging the belt around the young man's waist and buckling it down tightly. Still too large and bulky on the slimmer man, but not as out of place as it would have been months ago. It's a passing of the guard, acceptance of their situation, Verando would be stepping down as Alpha, and Tonic would have to rise to the occasion. 

"I made this blade myself, it sharpens easily and it's not going to break, nor will it take a bend off armour. Take care of her and she'll take care of you. We're going to France, and I shouldn't need a weapon such as that on city streets. If you think I can't handle the French with a couple of knives, then you're mistaken." 

Tonic hugs him once more, "Thanks, Randy. You've always looked out for me. I don't know how to express my gratitude... for this.. for everything you've done for me." 

"Come back." Verando flinches, gripping the man's shoulder with a heavy exhale, "Don't let them capture you. It's a hard way to go as a lycan, prison is...." Shaking his head, the gray-haired man pats the youth's chest. "Your terms. Remember that life is decided on your terms. Don't let anyone take that away from you."

Stefan will accompany him to ensure the Strigoi army upholds its end of the bargain. They will do what is necessary to reclaim the manor and then make their moves with the military to head to the front lines. It'll be a grueling trek, and they would be lucky if they made it to the front line before the chill set in.

Fillipa has instructed them to try and find Apostal, but my hopes aren't high that he is alive. Much to my disgust, Penelope takes Tonic's place, hugging my warlord firmly. She's teary-eyed, and I try not to let it bother me, for she is the mother to his child. 

They exchange looks, and I wonder if there's something I'm missing. 

Had he secretly grown feelings for her? 

Had she managed to wedge herself between us?

"You have to go," Verando tells her quietly. "Rowan needs you." 

Penelope nods, cursing as she wipes at her eyes. "Sometimes I think you gave me that little girl to keep me out of your way."

Verando scoffs. "To give you some common sense. Tomas is going to take care of you-" He stops her with a look. "Not that you need it, but traveling alone is not wise. You've been gone too long; she needs you. Our daughter needs you to go back to her."

"She needs her daddy to come home, is what she needs." Penelope insists, "You heard what you just said to him, you have to come back. There is no other option, you understand?"

It cuts me like a sharp blade; I hardly notice it until I'm already wounded. That ache hits me full force, the reality that she did have something with him that I would never share. The pain settles in the pit of my stomach, the reality that I will never know the love that the two of them have for that tiny thing that is a piece of both of them.