Broken Halves

Chapter Thirty-Seven

POV: Cole

Sighing deeply, I run my hands through my hair as I make my way into the elevator. I was called away to deal with a situation that arose regarding the lupi silenzio and am just now returning home for the night. It is almost 4 in the morning and I am not looking forward to having to get up in an hour for training. However, as Alpha I know it is my duty to. Also, even though I am now pushing 23, I'm sure Grandad would still have my ass for skipping.

Leaning back against the elevator wall, I close my eyes temporarily succumbing to their luring pull as I wait for the ascend to the top floor. I need sleep. The moment I hear the ding that signals my arrival echo throughout the compartment I waste no time in wandering into my bedroom with my eyes halfway glued shut. Not even bothering with removing my clothes, I fall down onto my bed with a grunt, asleep before my head even hits the pillow.

I awake hours later to the distant sound of yelling. For a split second I am expecting to be young again and find myself In Jorden's bed where we both lay shocked awake by his mother stumbling in at an atrocious hour which sparked one of his parents' notorious fights, which truly were just screaming matches.

Except, one glance at my clock has me back in reality. I'm in my room and it is 7'O'clock; the time in which the pack members gather around for breakfast. The time in which Grandad realized I slept through training. "Fuck," I whisper while standing up to get ready, trying to ignore the dizziness and fog in my head. I stumble into my bathroom just as my door bursts open. "Woah," Jorden frowns as I sway before helping me back into bed. His eyebrows furrow before another loud shout has his attention off of me and towards my door.

"I swear to the Goddess above Jorden if you are in there trying to get that boy awake I will shift my anger to you boy. Why won't you ever just let Cole deal with his mistakes himself?" Jorden shoots up from his position by my side and runs to slide my dresser in front of the door.

"If you didn't blow up on him every time he does something I'd back off some. Now leave us alone old man!" Jorden shouts back through the door. Despite my delirious state I can't help but smile. Jorden, ever loyal Jorden. Grandad isn't a mean person; he's just from a different generation in which a boy follows the word of his elders perfectly because they know best. He's stricter because he doesn't want me to end up like my father. I believe he is scared of losing me honestly.

With that being said, he hasn't ever been the best with his deliveries throughout the years, and this is no exception. Jorden has always stood by my side and protected me just as I have him; except when it comes to Grandad, Jorden is typically the one who does the talking. I guess you can say I want nothing more in life then his praise. Maybe it stems from the fact that the only two father figures I've ever had in my life have left me or pointed out all my faults.

"Jorden! You let me in there right now!" Grandad screams as his fist pounds on the door. Jorden ignores him as is typical Jorden and turns to me. "What's wrong?" I shrug which has the brunette frowning once again. "Cole you look pale and you actually fell over. How are you feeling?" Jorden squats down in front of me and places his hand gently on my forehead. "Dizzy; everything is unclear and dense Jorden." Jorden moves me so I am lying back down on my bed. "You're wearing the clothes you wore yesterday; what time did you go to sleep." He questions. I cringe but answer honestly anyway, "4 maybe." "Cole!" Jorden lightly snaps. "Go to sleep; I'll cover you." I mumble quietly in response, already halfway asleep once again.

A light tapping on my shoulder has me opening my eyes from my memory. I frown deeply until I am met with the eyes of Xavier. What had started as us talking about our experiences here at the arena had morphed into what I would call a possible acquaintanceship. He is no friend of mine, and I would never allow him to be, but he is a companion and makes my journey less lonely and more tolerable.

Leaning against the wall with his arms crossed he begins to speak. "We are hosting a game of cards, join us Abaddon." Xavier worded his request in a way in which it would come off to me that he was asking while still holding an underlying tone that it isn't option.

I learned very quickly during out initial conversation that the fighters here survive off of a system of hierarchies and alliances. I am the resident wild card. Everyone fears me, no one can control me, and I can kill anyone who dares to challenge me. I don't fit in; I don't follow their rules. I'm not in an alliance, and I don't have to prove my worth to be at the top.

Xavier explained to me that there were three gangs and whichever one could secure me would be guaranteed to be at the top. At first, I didn't care to play along in the resident's silly games. I am on a quest, I have a duty and they don't fit into my vision. But, I guess you can say I am a strategist heart and was up to hearing his terms.

By interacting with Xavier and showing my face around his men, I offer them my allegiance in the eyes of our peers. In result, Xavier would become the top dog and his people would hold protection. Whereas, I was believed to be off the market, and seen to be even more untouchable than before. I don't truly need the alliance, but it would keep people off my back and at this point in my journey the one thing I crave the most is silence.

I raise an eyebrow at his tone and for the first time since hearing his agreement, think back on the exchange. Had he managed to create a loophole that I hadn't thought through? I rub my forehead in confusion before slightly smirking. I'm Abaddon, the destroyer. The wild card they can't control and the Alpha King who has morals. I don't need to play Xavier's dirty game.

I lie back down and close my eyes. "I am going back to sleep Xavier. You'd do best to see your way out of my chambers." I can tell even without looking at him that my words have angered him. However, he wouldn't dare try to challenge me on the subject. The rustling noise of my curtain being moved aside has me slipping back into a memory of my sweet Dani and I. Less than a year to go and I can once again gather her in my arms. The majority of my stay here has already come and gone. My remaining time should pass in a blink of an eye and then all will be well and restored again.     

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