No Longer Yours

Unraveling-Aron Wright

Dinner was light. Despite the questions surrounding me, the family was entirely infatuated with the children. Specifically the introduction of Mason, who's sweet and young playfulness had kept them entertained. Despite my opposition Xavier's Aunts took over the cleanup, allowing me to relax a bit in the living room, I had eased into a spot beside Ronnie. Watching the kids dance around the living room with Luke at the head of the gongshow, even swinging around the girls in the air, letting out fits of giggles around the room. 

"Gosh does Mason remind me of a young Xavier" Nan said lowly for only my ears to hear. "So carefree, so happy. I wish you could have seen him. He grew up pretty fast, his dad put alot pressure on him when he got sick, alot of expectations and he's done well at building up this pack. Despite all of that he's still a person that makes mistakes."

I looked discreetly at Xavier, who sat across the room, chatting with Linds and Jax. His face was light and he let out a laugh, sipping from his red wine as he watched the kids. Everyone knew of his story, of his mom dying young at child birth and of his dad growing sick in his teens. His dad passed away just a week prior to him becoming Alpha, it was very abnormal for a 19 year-old to become an alpha at such a young age. Often times the title wouldn't be passed on until the successor had found their mate, to have time with them to settle before taking on the ranking, he hadn't had the opportunity to have that. 

"I know you don't see it but he's more relaxed with you being around. You can tell that it's not just his wolf that is enjoying your company" Ronnie sent a wink at me and my cheeks unknowingly flushed at her words. "Would you mind refilling my glass?" she pointed her eyes at her wineless cup. 

"You're getting a bit cheeky, maybe you've had enough" I teased, still taking her glass in my hand. "I'll be right back" I nodded towards her, "does anyone else need anything, any refills?" asking the rest of the room. 

A chorus of 'No's' rang out but Xavier stood up, "I can help you". He offered moving towards me, I shook him off anyways.

"Nope, I should be fine. Thank you though." Heading back towards the kitchen, I hummed a carol softly over my breath. But quieted as I entered the kitchen, the harsh whispers undeniable. 

"How cruel of her to leave him, without even a word. She's put on quite the show today, acting as if she hadn't hid their son away from them in years. Pretty brutal if you ask me" the ladies hushed between eachother over the sink. I was shocked, unsure of my next movement, do I out them or do I turn around. Act as though all of this has never happened?

Turning back towards the hallway I froze in my spot, Xavier standing just feet behind me. The look on his face showed it all, similarly he had just heard every word that was spoken. He moved towards me, his mouth open but he said nothing. His aunts turned towards us, they had been outed. Instead of acknowledging them I turned towards the island at the centre of the room. Filling up my glass before downing it, then refilling both up, "cheers" I noted to my mates family, "if you'll excuse me". I made my walk back to the living room, pushing my shoulder into Xavier as I walked past. His body still silent and his face blank, his lies still living on. 

I stiffly placed Ronnies wine in her hand, careful to make sure it didn't spill on her. She gave me a questionable look, picking up my visceral change. Maisie sat in Lindsay's lap unsettled, taking my chance to float out of the spotlight I swept her into my arms, trading her for my wine glass. Choosing to distance myself I took towards the large windows, swinging her silently in my arms as the sky grew darker. Watching in the distance as houses in the pack lit up in ranges of festive colours.

I heard the soft patter of footsteps approaching, "Ma?" Mason questioned, "do you think that the elves know that we aren't at home this Christmas?"