Saved by a Cupcake

20. James

James's POV

I woke up next to Mia, who was still sleeping soundly. It was four in the morning and I couldn't sleep. I was too worried about my father, especially since I still haven't told Mia the whole truth. My mother told me that he is bent on coming here to challenge Mia over me. There is no logic behind this, and he can't really challenge her. Again, my father was being ruled by his wolf.

I worry about her safety and our happiness if he comes here to fight. I want to tell her, but something is stopping me. I don't know if it's because I'm scared of the outcome of the fight. Or I'm scared of her finally rejecting me. Or if she's right and I'm going to grow to resent her. All I know is that I do need to tell her before he arrives. She deserves to prepare herself and her pack. I wanted to tell her some much more about my father but couldn't.

I rolled over to find my phone and saw that Zoey just called. I made my escape quietly and walked outside as I dialed her back. "Hey, so he just woke up a little bit ago and was talking to Mom. She's trying to talk some sense into him but isn't making too much progress. The doctors want to keep him drugged and chained up while he speaks with a therapist about this."

"That isn't going to work. I think I'm going to go over there and talk to him. I don't want him to come here and hurt Mia."
"Okay, you can do whatever you think is best."
"I'm coming now to sort this out."

She hung up, and I went back inside. I looked at Mia and felt my heart break a little bit. I wanted to stay here with her but needed to deal with my father. I wrote her a note explaining what I was doing and kissed the top of her head. Mia didn't stir as I left.

I got into my truck and drove to Eclipse Pack to talk some sense into my father. I worried about Mia's reaction to the note and my actions. Hopefully, she would understand, or I will be back before she woke up. I was also worried about my father and his reaction. He could easily fly off the handle. Pulling up to my old pack, I tried pushing these worried to the back of my mind.

My mom ran to my truck as I turned it off. She hugged me and led me to where they were keeping my father. He was in his bed, strapped down, and wide awake. I could feel the tense atmosphere as I walked into the room. He ignored me, staring straight ahead.

My mother sat down next to him on the bed, and he ignored her as well. "Father, I'm glad you arrived home safely. Hopefully, you helped the Broken Light Pack get on their feet." I started the conversation, trying to break the tense atmosphere.

"James, I'm disappointed in you. I expected more from you." I laughed, and he turned his head to glare at me. "A good father would wish that his son was happy, not alpha. My mother is happy that I finally found my one true love. I'm trying to make it work with her, and I am not afraid to lose some things along the way."

I couldn't believe that I was brave enough to tell him this to his face. Maybe because he was strapped down and couldn't hurt Mia or me.

My father scoffed. "We have worked way too hard to get you ready for the alpha position, and you are not just going to throw it away."
"I already have and was sworn in as her luna last night. It's over, Father. I am happy, and you can't change that." I was getting braver and braver as this conversation continued.

"You will never be happy with her, and you will grow to resent her for holding you back."
"She isn't holding me back, you are. Can't you see that I am a terrible alpha? I'm too focused on power, not the responsibility. Dominic is much better for this pack. You will see that once you move past your pride."

"Your pride is going to cost you your son." My mother chipped in, and my father sighed. They had a conversation through their link. I could tell my mom was winning, and my father looked aggravated.

"I want what's best for my son, is that a crime?" He said after their talk. My father seemed to calm down some. Hopefully, my mother changed his mind about challenging Mia.

"No, Father, it isn't until you forgot to make sure your son is happy with that decision. Mia is amazing Father, and she is doing so much for her pack. She is changing me for the better. I love her, and I want to be with her for the rest of my life." I told him.

He seemed to think for a moment. My mother and I left him alone to ponder what we told him. Zoey was downstairs on the couch, waiting for a progress report. "He seems to be thinking it over," I told her and she nodded.

"Are you really in love with Mia?" My mom asked me and Zoey peaked up.
"Yes, I really am, and she is in love with me," I told them, and they squealed with happiness.

My father called out to me, and I went back upstairs. My mom, giving us our privacy, waited downstairs with Zoey. "Son, I am proud of you. I want you to know I do love you." This was one of the few times he was open to his emotions.

"I love you too, Father."
"My father was just as hard on me as I am on you. I forgot how stubborn I am. I apologize for this mess I created. I forgot what is really important, your happiness like you said."

"Thank you, Father, I accept your apology." I unstrapped him, and we hugged. It felt good to make up finally. However, there was some doubt on how well my father would behave himself. I left him alone to get some rest and filled my mom and Zoey in on our progress.

"You can go back home now, James. We love you and give our best to Mia." We all hugged, and I drove back to Mia. It was around six, and I hoped she wasn't awake.

Luck wasn't on my side as I saw the lights on in the house. I turned off the truck and went inside. Mia was talking with her dad, who just got back. She smiled as she saw me and rushed over for a hug.

"I missed you. How did it go?" She asked.
"It went good, and he's finally let it go."
"Good." I shook her dad's hand and sat down at the table. He was making us some breakfast and telling us about his trip. Alpha Crystal was a fast learner and a born leader.

"I'm glad you're back, Dad," Mia told him, and he went to his room to unpack. She looked at me, and I told her all the details about my morning. "I was worried about you." She said.

"I know, but we finally calmed down that situation."
"Good. I'm glad you and your father made up." She kissed me and went down to the office. Her dad came out to talk to me.

"I appreciate you giving your pack for her. Not many mates would have sacrificed that." He told me, and I sighed. "Your daughter didn't give me much of a choice. It was either her or nothing at all." He laughed.

"That is Mia for you. I was worried during her coronation how you two would settle. I knew she was stubborn, but even she surprised me."
"I was hoping that you wouldn't mind coaching me through my new luna position. You are the pack teacher, after all." I confessed, and he smiled.

"I would love nothing more, James." And that is when we started my lessons.