The Terms of an Alpha ✔️

f i v e

[dedicated to jaamal2001]

Throughout Ender's drive home, he contemplated over what had just happened. He liked it- no, he loved it. He enjoyed being with Saint. However, the more he thought about it he couldn't shake off the feeling that it was a mistake.

As Ender pulled into his driveway, his dad was getting out of the car too. He was surprised he was back at this hour. It was pretty late, but his parents weren't exactly strict.

"We should really give you a curfew," Darius said in a teasing manner.

"Hey, dad. I was just at a friend's. I thought you only were coming back tomorrow?" Ender noted. His dad eyed him up and down, no doubt knowing what he was up to. No one comes home this late just from hanging out with a friend.

"Well, don't sound too excited to see me," Darius joked. Ender helped his dad take in his suitcases.

"Oh no. Trust me, I am glad that you're back. Dad has been on my ass since you're not here for him to bother," Ender complained. Ender was still mad at his dad, but not as mad as he was before.

"Well, someone needs to stay on top of you," Darius smiled at Ender. Ender loved how his dad was always so lighthearted. He could joke around all the time, but he still maintained his respect as a strong, firm leader. Ender often felt small compared to his dad- small compared to both of dads. It was a lot of pressure to lead after two, great alphas. "I missed you, Ender."

"You missed dad," Ender corrected.

"I did, but I also missed your snarky attitude." Darius unlocked the door, letting Ender in first. The lights were are all off. It was around 2 in the morning. However, Xavier had a bad habit of working well into the night. Moreover, when Darius wasn't home, Xavier barely slept. One time, he told Ender that when you sleep next to someone for so long, it becomes hard to sleep when they are no longer there. Ender thought that was gross and sad. How could someone rely so heavily on someone else? What happens when they leave? The thought almost made him visibly shudder.

"I'm gonna check his office," Darius said. "Goodnight Ender. Love yah."

"'Night dad," Ender said, walking up the stairs. As tired as he was, it took some time for him to fall asleep. Sleep had never come easy for him.

+++

Ender woke up from a knock on his door. He ignored it, knowing it was his dad. He could smell it was his dad, Xavier. Still, his dad entered the room.

"Hey, Ender," he said. Ender just turned around in his bed, so he didn't have to face him.

"You woke me up," he stated. Ender pulled the covers over his face, trying to hide himself from Xavier. Xavier walked over to the bed and sat down next to Ender. There was still a decent space left between them as it was a California King bed.

"I know. I'm sorry. I wanted to apologize though, and I want you to help me with some work today," Xavier stated. Ender snorted. He closed his eyes and tried to fall back asleep even though he knew that would be unlikely. "I'm sorry, Ender. What I said to you was totally uncalled for."

Ender didn't want to forgive his dad yet, but he appreciated the apology.

"Growing up my dad was shitty," Xavier began.

"Hmmm. How relatable," Ender mumbled. Xavier shook his head and rolled his eyes, knowing Ender didn't actually mean that. Xavier turned to face Ender and continued his apology and explanation.