Chapter 8: Decisions
1175 Words
Chapter 8
KADE
Mother.
I’m not sure why she ordered a manhunt for me, or why she brought an entire squad of gammas with her like she’s preparing for war. But the look in her eyes, cold and calculating, says this isn’t just about protocol.
“I didn’t expect you back at the Clan so soon,” I say, my voice level but sharp. “Neither you nor Father thought I was worth informing? Where is—”
“Answer my question, Kade.” Her voice slices through my words. “And don't try to play smart with ejther. From where I stand, it seems you have no idea how serious this is. Where. Were. You. I won’t ask again.”
Tch.
“I had matters to handle.”
“Matters?” Her gaze narrows. “You mean vanishing without notice? Missing the one event you were required to attend? Do you have any idea the chaos your absence caused? The questions it raised?”
“I’m aware,” I reply flatly. “And I stand by my decision.”
Her nostrils flare. I can see it… the storm behind her eyes, the need to control. But I won’t bend. Not this time.
Her voice drops, deceptively calm. “And you are?”
She shifts her gaze to Elena. I feel her tense beside me, and I tighten my hold on her hand.
“She’s with me,” I say, deliberately firm.
“Oh, is she?” Mother echoes. “Is that what kept you away? This… girl?”
“There are more important things than a celebration more than half the attendees weren't even responsible for.” My voice carries weight now, steady and unwavering. “You would’ve known that if you'd listened to me before organizing it.”
Her eyes flash. I know I’ve struck a nerve.
“You’re all dismissed,” she snaps to the gammas. “Out. Now.”
They file out swiftly, trained and silent, and leave the three of us behind.
Then, mother takes a step forward.
“Didn’t you hear me girl? I said you're dismissed.”
“Elena stays with me” I answer, unfazed. “Whatever you want to say, she can hear.”
“Actually Alpha Kade, I think your mother—”
“You're staying right here” I slice Elena's words before her show of respect can overshadow any reasoning. “Go on. Say what you want to. I'm all ears” I return my attention to my mother, but her eyes aren't on me anymore. They're straight at Elena.
“I'm guessing you're the reason he didn't show up.”
Elena finally raises her gaze and locks eyes with the former Luna of the White Sun. Perhaps in a bid to escape the heat of her stare, she attempts to free her hand from my hold. I don't allow it.
“I've already told you why I didn't attend. Elena has nothing to do with that.”
“Elena?” Mother says. “Elena White?” She adds, and the look of realization mirrors off both of them. “You were the one responsible for the ruckus last night! Do you have any idea the calibre of people that were in atte—”
“You might want to crosscheck the sources of your information before you raise your voice, mother” I pull Elena closer and stand in front of her, taking the heat of my mother's gaze. “I don't know who's feeding you your little gists, but don't be so quick to jump into situations you know nothing about.”
“I've heard just about enough from you, Kade. You speak to me like that again and—”
“I'm sorry for causing a scene last night.”
Her voice.
Innocent, yet laced with guilt and a wave of calmness. When did she step out from behind me? When did I let go of her hand?
“Elena.”
“I got a little drunk and accidentally ruined what was meant to be a celebration” she bows, ignoring my confused stare. “I apologise Lady Joanna.”
She… knows mother by name?
“I trusted you enough to invite you to that party and you spat that trust right back in my face” mother continues, her ego now inflated. “Your action will have consequences!”
“My sincerest—”
“That's enough out of you as well.”
I drag Elena from her bowed position with my fingers curled around the zipper of her gown.
“What do you think you'll achieve by taking all the blame in this?”
She's not looking at me, but from her distant gaze, it's clear what's going through her mind.
“Get back into the courthouse Kade. I'll act like none of this happened and clear it up before it can become a thing. Arrange Omegas to return Elena to—”
“Elena… isn't going anywhere.”
Like a zap of electricity, the words halt my mother before she can take a step in the direction of the manor.
“What?”
“You heard me.”
“Alpha Kade. Please. I don't—”
“I've heard just about enough from you as well, Elena. You're not kissing anybody's ass here.”
“You little…” mother holds her tongue before can spew. “You are aware that your father and I visited the Eastern Clan of Namora on royal duties. A number of rival rogue's have been orchestrating several attacks against the states, but since we've managed to keep our heads under water, they called us to get our input” she crosses her hands behind her, but keeps her gaze locked on me. “You're also aware that you were supposed to be at that meeting, but all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, doesn't it? So instead burdening our son, we thought to give him some well deserved rest by throwing a party to celebrate our triumph on the battleground. And what do I hear the moment I'm back?” She titls her head to the side. “You not only chose not to attend, but vanished off the face of the planet for an entire night while the party you were meant to oversee was nothing but chaos. Then you return with a creat—”
“Don't think I'm going to be quiet the entire time. There's only so much you can say until I give you a response in the same manner. My decision is final. Elena is my responsibility and she will remain here.
The silence is thick. The tension, even thicker. Mother clenches her fists, her discontent clear and vivid.
“I'll give you till noon to come back to your senses. She better be out of here by then.”
“And you have till noon to accept my decision” I reply before she can walk off. “THAT is final.”
- Writer
