Alpha's Human Mate

Explain

Like a chastised pup, Mew followed his mate down the hallway towards the living room, where Gulf's parents awaited, anger radiating from them like a storm cloud.

"Gulf," said Thanayong, his voice low and thunderous as he locked eyes with his son.

"Gulf, my boy," Ampha chimed in, maternal warmth breaking through the tension as she embraced her son tightly.

"Mae, Pho, why are you back so early?" Gulf asked, genuine confusion flickering across his face.

"Well, someone was kidnapped for nearly a month, followed by another month of silence! Do you really expect us to just sit idly by?" Thanayong spat, his anger palpable as he glared at Mew, who remained silent, guilt painted all over his face.

"Why didn't you say anything or at least keep us in the loop?" Ampha scolded, her gaze harsh as it shifted between the two boys, both of whom remained uncharacteristically quiet.

"Can we go to my office to talk?" Mew suggested, his voice steady despite the tension crackling in the air.

"Yes, Mae, Pho, let's have this conversation somewhere more private. I'm not comfortable discussing this here," Gulf pleaded, turning on the charm with a set of puppy eyes that melted even the hardest hearts.

Once they settled in Mew's soundproof home office, the air shifted, charged with anticipation.

"Explain," Ampha said impatiently, settling into her chair, a storm of emotion brewing in her eyes.

"I told Mew not to tell you. I didn't want you to worry," Gulf stated plainly, the weight of his words hanging heavily in the charged silence.

"No, that's not true! I was so focused on finding him that I forgot to inform you two! I'm really sorry!" Mew confessed, earnestness etched across his features, earning him a sharp glare from Gulf.

"We had an agreement, Gulf! You should have called or texted us immediately after your rescue," Ampha's voice softened slightly, laced with disappointment.

"And here we are, two months without knowing anything, and thank goodness Mew finally got in touch to update us," Thanayong added, a hint of frustration creeping into the mix.

"I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry for being careless, for being selfish, for forgetting!" Gulf shouted, anger boiling within him at the accumulated distress.

"Oh, sweetheart," Ampha said, enveloping him in a warm embrace.

"Oh, my baby boy, don't you dare speak like that," Thanayong chimed in, joining the hug, his heart breaking for his son.

"Oh, Gulf," Mew began to stand, helplessly yearning to comfort him, but Gulf held up a hand, still simmering with resentment.

"No. You sit down there and be quiet," he instructed, snuggling deeper into his parents' warm embrace, seeking solace.

"Did we miss something?" Thanayong asked, directing a keen eye at both Mew and Gulf, intrigue piqued.

"I know, right? There's definitely something we've missed," Ampha added, echoing her mate's sentiments, the underlying drama thickening the air around them.

"It's his fault," Gulf exclaimed, his finger jabbing accusingly at Mew, who shot back an incredulous glare, silently pleading, 'Why did you rat me out?'

"Mae, pho, please don't worry about the kidnapping. You know how Fiat is. He might snatch me up, but he won't harm me — not unless I provoke him, which I absolutely did not. So please, don't be angry," Gulf implored, glancing anxiously at his parents.