Alliance of Shadows, Book 4: DRESON

A Family Farewell

Dad pulled me aside after breakfast the next day and told me I had to leave earlier than expected. “You can’t take anything with you, and Kaden can’t go either. I know that you’ve been teaching him behind my back, and I willfully ignored it because I wanted him to go with you too. Not going to lie, I’m proud of the way you’ve been handling things.”

I nodded. “Can I take anything at all with me?”

“No, not even your own clothes. What you need is given to you as you need it,” he said, exhaling heavily. "Dreson, I’m sorry. I should have told you this sooner, but you can’t even take a picture of your mother.”

Lowering my eyes, I bit back the tears threatening to fall. “There are no exceptions, are there?”

“No, son, I’m sorry.” His voice was quieter this time, carrying an unspoken regret. He had always found comfort in knowing I would never forget her because I had her pictures—but now, even that certainty had been taken away.

"I look a lot like her, don’t I, Dad?" I asked. My hair was darker than his, but there was no mistaking the resemblance.

He nodded. "Yeah, you do. Every time I look at you, I’m reminded of your mother. Kaden’s existence reminds me that even in our darkest moments, there’s a light waiting for us."

"Yeah, he reminds me of that too, Dad. He’s a good brother, but I’m worried he’s going to be upset again, like he was when I got chosen by the Grand Alpha."

He laughed, shaking his head. "Dre, there’s something I haven’t had the chance to tell you. Henry didn’t choose you for the Child Trade, kiddo. He wanted to take you because he’s your Godfather. When you did what you did that day Kaden got upset, Henry knew that he’d have to protect your brother for you, so he’s offered to take Kaden now and again while you’re gone.”

All this time, Henry had been my Godfather, and I never knew.

"I figured there was more to it, but I wasn’t sure, so I never said anything," I replied.

Dad grinned at me. "You always were too smart for your age class. You’re leaving in a few hours, so I’ll give you some time alone with Kaden to hash out whatever you guys want to talk about. Clear the air with him if there’s anything you want him to know. Don’t try to sneak anything, either. Deception is not acceptable, understand?"

"Yes, Sir," I said, rising to my feet.

I stepped around his desk and threw my arms around his broad shoulders. His muscles tensed beneath my touch, rigid with restraint, before he finally exhaled and returned the embrace. That reaction told me everything I needed to know. He didn’t want me to go any more than Kaden and Mom did.

“It’s okay, Dad,” I whispered. “I know it’s hard for you guys to see me leave, but it’s an honor, right?”

For the first time since I’d known him, my strong, unbreakable father broke. He held me tighter, burying his face against my shoulder, his silent tears soaking into my shirt as he let go of the composure he’d always carried.

After a few moments, he pulled back, eyes reddened, and wiped them with a tissue.

“I’m really going to miss how damn loving and intelligent you are, Dre,” he murmured, voice rough with emotion. “You’ve always been more grown than people give you credit for.”

“That’s because they never liked me, Dad.” The words came softer than I expected. It wasn’t bitterness, just truth. “There’s not much we can do when it comes to people’s tainted beliefs. I’m going to go say bye to Mom and Kaden, okay?”

He nodded. “That’s good. You go do that, and I’ll get some actual work done for once this week.”

Rounding the corner into the dining room, I spotted Mom with her head down, her face buried in her hands. The soft waves of her hickory-colored hair spilled forward, hiding her from view except for the tips of her fingers and her long, pink-painted nails.

"Mom, are you okay?" I asked, walking toward her.

She grabbed me in a hug so tight, I thought I would break. "I'm going to miss you so much, Dreson."

Her pained whisper nearly shattered what self-control I had left. I had to be strong.

"Mom, it's going to be okay," I told her. "Everything will be okay, you'll see. Kaden’s going to grow up big and strong. There's something I need to tell you, though."

She looked down at me, her dark, umber-brown eyes dancing with laughter. “You figured it out too, huh? I’ve known for a while what he’s capable of, but your father thinks it’s impossible.”

Nodding, I grinned up at her. “He can turn any situation in his favor and he’s great at making people break under pressure. His ability marks him as an Interrogator.”

She pulled me closer, “I never thought of that. Sweetie, is there anything else you want to come clean about?”

A cold layer of sweat broke across my skin. “I…”

“Before you try to lie, remember that I can hear that little heart of yours running a marathon, Dreson.” Her voice softened, dipping just low enough for only me to hear.

“I… um… I’m gay,” Gods that was so hard to say.

Her hands, one buried in my light brown hair and the other pressed firmly between my shoulder blades, kept me in place. “I’m the last person alive who would judge you after everything you’ve done for me, Dre.”

The words hit me like a wave, unraveling the fear I thought I had buried deep enough to keep hidden. My arms snaked around her neck, and I sobbed, gripping onto her as if letting go would make everything real again. “I was so scared that you’d kick me out.”

“Oh, sweetheart, no! Why on Gaia’s green earth would I do that to you, baby?” Her hold tightened, her hand cupping the side of my face. “I told you a long time ago that you’re my son now, and you’re no less important to me than Kaden, who is my blood.” Her thumb brushed over my cheek, her tone aching with love.

I couldn’t form the words. My mind ground to a screeching halt, stuck between fear and disbelief.

“A long time ago, when I first met you, I was sure that you would hate me for popping into your life as if I belonged there.” She murmured, her own fears blending with mine.

I pulled back slightly, my eyes locking onto hers. “But you do belong here. You’re Dad’s Mate and Kaden’s mom. I wouldn’t have my little brother if you weren’t here, Mom.”

She exhaled a shaky breath. “See? This is what I mean—you’re so accepting of everyone around you.” Her fingers brushed through my hair, a quiet reassurance settling in her touch. “Back then, I lived believing that someday you were going to start hurting Kaden. That you would start hating me. Baby, nothing in this world could make me hate you. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: you may not be mine by blood, but you are my son in all ways that matter."

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to stem the flow of tears spilling down my cheeks. Two out of three in the coming-out department—and both loved me just the way I was.

A sudden thought struck, sharp and urgent, pulling me out of the moment. I jerked back, my pulse kicking up as I turned toward the door.

"Dreson, what's wrong?" Mom asked, watching me carefully.

I grinned, unable to contain the excitement bubbling up inside me. "I have something I need to do before I leave. I can't wait anymore—now that you know, I have to... I—"

She nodded, understanding immediately. "Go on, baby. You go do whatever it is you need to do."

I returned the gesture with one of my own, grinning wider. "Thanks, Mom!"

Racing up the stairs, I banged on Kaden’s door once before shoving it open, not bothering to wait.

"Dre, what's wrong? Are they here already?" His eyes were wide, his hands hovering mid-motion over something he'd been packing.

I shook my head. "Kaden, since I'm leaving today, I'm going to tell Dad about me—about my secret. Mom already knew."

His expression shifted instantly, eyes going wide. "Are you serious? Mom knew the whole time?"

"Yeah, and I went to bat for you, too," I said as he dug through his desk, fishing out the envelopes meant for Mom and Dad.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"I told her instead of Dad that you have a talent as an Interrogator, and she agreed to get you tested by the wolves instead of the Druids. Neil also said you can be his false Omega."

"Did you help because I don't care about you liking boys?" he asked suddenly.

"No, not at all," I replied without hesitation.

For a second, he stood there, processing my words. Then, as if something finally clicked, he jumped to his feet, practically vibrating with excitement. He wrapped his arms around me in a tight squeeze, nearly knocking me off balance. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

Laughing, I held him just as tightly, feeling the sheer relief radiating off him. "You're welcome, Kaden."

Then, lowering my voice conspiratorially, I asked, "Any ideas on how I can come out to Dad without getting the crap beat out of me?"

Instantly, Kaden’s expression darkened, his happiness shifting into something far more protective. "Dad would never hit you for no reason, Dre. Take that back."

I sighed, lifting my hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay. I take it back!"

"Good," he huffed smugly. "Dreson, if Mom and I can accept you, what makes you think Dad won't?"

Damn, he was good. Right, of course, but scary good at holding me accountable.