Page 46 of Fall of the Alpha

His father had many expectations of him, but he knew very little about what his father actually did for Paldon. Which… now he understood why.

Turning away from the screen, Alek stood. He needed to move. Sitting and watching was doing nothing but causing him more consternation. He could feel Cora and Aria’s eyes on him, then Bella and her mother looked at him as well.

“Alek.” The relief showing in Carina’s eyes was unmistakable. “You’re unharmed.” Though she kept one arm around her daughter, she reached out the other toward him in a gesture of welcome.

They didn’t know each other well, had never spent much time together, but it didn’t matter. His mother wasn’t there, and… and Carina cared. He took her hand, letting her pull him in for a hug. Bella’s arm wrapped around him, too, and he heard Aria make a little growling noise that was immediately quieted when Cora said something softly to her.

It was only as he hugged Bella and her mother at the same time that he realized how similar they were in size and stature. Both of them barely reached his chest. The protective instinct that surged as he let them comfort him was doubled.

He wondered if Paldon knew his mate was likely an Omega… just like his daughter.

27

THE OMEGA’S CHOICE

Paldon

His daughter had changed.

Instead of the warm welcome he’d expected, she met him with arms crossed over her chest and a glare. Behind her, his mate wasn’t glaring at him, but she was refusing to meet his gaze. She wouldn’t even look anywhere near him—in fact, she appeared to be looking anywhere in the roombutat him.

“Bella… please…” He held his hands out toward her, stepping forward. When she stepped back, he came to a halt. Chasing her wasn’t going to do anything. There were Alpha guards on the door she had come through, though at least the Wolf wasn’t present for this. Paldon was sure the bastard was watching, though. Probably laughing at him. “You have no idea how worried I’ve been.”

“You’re right, I don’t. Especially after watching you bargain me away.” Her glare blazed, and Paldon winced at the truth. He dropped his hands, feeling more tired than he’d ever felt in his life. All he’d ever wanted was to be the leader of Zone One. To make a safe haven for himself and the other Betas. To giveBetas power they never could have in the territories against the Alphas.

Now, all he wanted was a hug from the daughter he hadn’t seen in days.

But would he give it all up for that hug?

“Do you want me to tell the Wolf the deal is off?” Even as he said the words, he wasn’t sure he would be able to follow through with them. Not only because the Wolf might not accept him backing out, and it would likely put his life at risk to do so, but because it was the best way to keep the Zones safe… and to keep his position.

He’d been backed into a corner over the years, one he hadn’t fully realized until now. The Betas were no longer as fearful of the Alphas as they had been. They enjoyed visiting the territories. Enjoyed the thrill. They saw it as fun, which meant they felt safe. Secure.

Trying to pull back now and reassert the claims that the Alphas were violent threats, unable to control themselves, wouldn’t work as well as it once had.

Only now did he understand the brilliance of the original treaty. When it had been made, he truly hadn’t thought much of the idea of Betas going into the territories. No one would want to risk it, he’d thought. Over the years, he’d grown complacent. He’d only cared about the increased revenues coming from those passing through the gate, the concessions that had been given him for keeping the gates open.

The fear of the Alphas and Omegas had dimmed, stomped out by familiarity.

He might be able to spark it again. Have Grigori’s males stage some vicious murders in the territories and place the blame on the Alphas.

The idea didn’t appeal the way it might have when he was younger. When he was greedier. Especially after having his owndaughter missing for so long. Whose child was he willing to sacrifice in order to put things back to the way they were? How many of his people would he have to sacrifice?

Would Bella be one of them?

She was the collateral for his good behavior. If it could be proved he had anything to do with framing the Wolf’s Alphas for slaughtering his own people…

It wasn’t worth it. None of it was worth it. Especially because he would have to put his faith in Grigori to get it done, and he had no faith left for Grigori. The male was untrustworthy. And his days were numbered. Paldon didn’t think the Wolf would be willing to wait much longer for his revenge.

Tired. That was how Paldon felt. So damn tired.

His daughter pressed her lips together and shook her head.

“I’m going to mate the Wolf, but because it is my choice to do so. Not yours.”

Sure it was. But Paldon didn’t care what she thought. If she needed to feel that she was the one making the choice, he would not disabuse her of the notion.

“Whatever you want, Bella.” He lifted his arms again, his voice full of pleading. “Please, let me at least hold you. You don’t know… We’ve been so…” His voice trailed off again as he glanced at his mate. Carina still refused to look at him, even though he was speaking for both of them. His heart ached.

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