Page 44 of Broken Pregnant Mate
“Dorian,” Emin says, sounding like he’s calculating, trying to figure out how to word it. “You’re the alpha leader. We—”
“Which is exactly why I need to be there,” Dorian cuts him off. “If this succeeds, it changes the power dynamic in the entire valley. The Ambersky pack needs to have a presence when leadership of the Grayhides changes hands. I can be the first to defer to Aidan’s new position as alpha leader of the Grayhides. Set an example for the others to follow.”
Emin nods, concedes, “Alright.”
Oren approaches the desk again, pointing to a large ballroom on the mansion blueprint, apparently tired of their arguing. I’d laugh if I weren’t sick with nerves.
“The celebration will be held here,” Oren says. “Father always sits at the head table on a slightly raised platform—hisbootleg version of a throne. That’s where you’ll need to make your challenge.”
That seems right, given everything we know about Jerrod so far. A bootleg throne for a corrupt alpha leader.
I realize all three of them are staring at me. Oren with that hard, unyielding glare, and the other two with something softer, more forgiving.
Dorian is the first to speak.
“If everything goes according to plan,” Dorian says, “you’ll be the new alpha leader of the Grayhides by the end of the week.”
The words hit me like a physical blow. Alpha leader.
I ignore my feelings, nod and stand, wanting to get moving before any of them try to ask me questions, dig into the thoughts I don’t even want to face.
I’ll be the alpha leader. There’s no other option—I have to do what’s right for the pack. Formypack, the people who need me, who are still reeling from the murder of my family all those years ago.
My mother sacrificed herself to save me, and I won’t let her death be for nothing.
“Aidan?” Dorian prompts.
“I’m ready,” I say firmly, trying on Oren’s hard glare, wondering what it feels like for him to walk around feeling nothing all the time. Clearing my throat, I say, “Tonight. We end this once and for all.”
To my surprise, Oren extends his hand to me, his dark eyes glinting like obsidian, sharp and ready to cut.
Saying nothing, I take his hand, pulling him in and clapping him on the back before I can read too much into it, the brotherhood in the movement, the knowledge that this very well might be a suicide mission for both of us.
Oren and I, a full decade younger than Dorian and Emin, are facing our destinies now. What happens over the course of the next few days will orient the future for the rest of our lives.
Releasing me, Oren turns, facing Dorian.
“Let’s call in Leta and Claire,” Oren says, then softening his tone. “That’s my suggestion. With the ground we have to cover, I estimate we have to start preparations straight away.”
Dorian looks a second away from laughing, something like approval shining in his eyes. “Couldn’t have said it better myself.”
Chapter 20 - Emaline
I’m alone when I wake up.
I know, before I’ve even swung my legs out of the bed, that Aidan isn’t here. The apartment feels empty, hollow without him. I also know that he slept on the couch last night, the other half of the bed cold and empty, my body feeling markedly different.
When he slept beside me, I rested. When he was gone, I had nightmares, dreaming of the home and Vern, of the worst.
I stumble out into the living room, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. My first thought is to have more jam; then I see the paper on the counter. I have to read it several times before I can make it out.
Emaline,
Got a call this morning about Blacklock. Likely going to fight. Sorry for everything—just in case, I hope you know you’re the love of my life.
Aidan.
For too long, I stand completely still, reading and re-reading the note, heart thumping far too hard in my chest.
