Chapter 7: Echoes of the Past
1076 Words
The morning light filled the elegant sitting room. Harrison’s father stood near the window, speaking seriously to his son.
“I heard you had trouble with your brother Matthew after switching rooms with him,” the older man said.
Harrison listened quietly.
“He’s always been kind of stupid,” Harrison replied
“Worse than that, he's a womanizer ,” Harrison's father replied, his voice low. “Just like his father. He even sent his beta crawling to me, begging for a doctor for some maid’s son.”
“She has a kid?,” Harrison gasped quietly
Harrison's father paused for a moment. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Let’s get down to business.” Harrison replied
Harrison's father crossed his arms. “My offer is still the same. Find my daughter, and I’ll back your run for president of the alliance.”
Meanwhile, in the servant quarters, Elena was getting Lucas ready. The little boy was feeling a little better after the healer’s medicine. Lila suddenly appeared at the door with her usual cold smile.
“Today is the Alpha’s engagement party,” Lila said. “So mommy will be busy inside. Stay in this part of the garden, okay?”
Lucas nodded. “Okay, mommy.”
Elena felt uneasy but had no choice. She left Lucas in the garden area for a short while. A few minutes later, she heard loud shouting.
When she rushed back, her heart dropped. Lucas was standing there looking scared. A beautiful expensive vase lay shattered on the ground. Lila was standing over him, furious.
“You b***h!” Lila screamed. “How dare you break my vase!”
Lucas looked at his mother with teary eyes. “Mommy… I didn’t mean to.”
Elena quickly pulled her son behind her. “He is just a child, Lila. It was an accident. I will replace the vase.”
Lila raised her hand angrily to hit him. “Your bastard child ruined my property. He should be whipped for this.”
Before the slap could land, a deep and powerful voice rang out.
“Enough!”
Harrison walked into the garden with strong steps. His tall, imposing figure made everyone go silent. He stood protectively beside Elena and Lucas.
“Are you alright?” he asked Lucas, his voice surprisingly gentle.
Lucas looked up at him with big eyes. “Yes… Dad.”
The word caused whispers to spread through the garden. Harrison slowly knelt down in front of the boy.
“You are a brave boy,” he said softly. “No one will hurt you or your mother again. I promise.”
He stood back up and looked at Lila with cold eyes. “Apologize. Now.”
Lila looked scared. She muttered a quick apology and left hurriedly.
Once most people had left, Harrison turned to Elena. His expression was serious. “We need to talk about everything.”
Elena held Lucas tightly, her heart beating fast. Everything was changing so quickly.
The grand hall was filled with bright lights and elegant guests. Music played softly as people chatted and laughed. It was Alpha Matthew’s engagement party, but the atmosphere felt tense for many.
Harrison had just arrived. He walked through the crowd with his usual powerful presence. One of his trusted warriors, Luke, walked beside him looking confused.
“Alpha, I thought you were not coming to your brother’s engagement party,” Luke said.
Harrison kept walking. “What are you trying to say?”
Luke hesitated before speaking. “It is just… everyone knows how much you hate Matthew. Ever since your mother had that affair with his father when you were young. The bad blood between you two is deep.”
Harrison stopped and gave him a sharp look. “Do not say another word about that.”
“Sorry, Alpha.”
Harrison continued walking. “I am not here for Matthew. I found my mate.”
Luke looked shocked. “You found her? Here?”
“Yes,” Harrison replied quietly. “She is a maid from the Red Moon Pack. She has already suffered enough because of my brother.”
Elena was hiding near a side entrance, watching everything. When she heard Harrison’s words, her heart skipped. She pressed herself against the wall, trying not to be seen.
Matthew noticed his older brother from across the room. His face showed clear irritation, but he forced a smile for the guests and raised his glass in a mocking toast. Harrison ignored him completely. His eyes kept searching until they found Elena.
Their eyes met across the crowded hall. For a moment, the noise and people around them seemed to fade. The mate bond pulled strongly between them.
Later in the evening, when the party became louder, Harrison slipped away from the main area. He found Elena in a quiet corridor near the garden. He gently pulled her into a more private spot.
“You should not be here,” Elena whispered, even as she stayed close to him.
“I had to come,” Harrison said, his voice low and rough. “After what happened this morning and after last night, I could not stay away.”
Elena looked up at him. “Your brother is announcing his engagement tonight. If he sees us together…”
“Let him see,” Harrison growled softly. “He has taken enough from you already.”
He cupped her face with both hands, his touch surprisingly gentle. “You are mine, Elena. The Moon Goddess made it clear. I am done pretending otherwise.”
Before they could say more, footsteps approached. They quickly separated. One of Matthew’s guards walked past and gave them a suspicious glance but kept walking.
Harrison cursed under his breath. “This party is nothing but a show. Matthew is only doing this to build weak alliances. But things are changing. I have plans, Elena. Plans that include you and our son.”
Elena felt warmth spread through her chest when he said “our son.” She nodded slowly.
Harrison leaned down and kissed her forehead. “Stay close to me tonight. No matter what happens, I will protect you.”
As they stood together in the quiet corridor, the sound of applause came from the main hall. Matthew was probably making his big announcement. But neither of them cared about the celebration happening outside.
Something real was growing between them.
- Writer
