Page 15 of Alpha's Redemption

“So, Alpha Nixon wants to take more from the rogues when they already have nothing? What's left to take?” Valarian asks.

“Their lives, that’s all that's left; and people like Nixon think they deserve to play Goddess and dictate how people should live and what laws they should live by,” I answer with a sigh.

“But isn't your dad on his side?”

“He’s on the wrong side,” I agree

“Does that upset you?” Valarian asks, and I look at him over my shoulder.

“No, because that showshischaracter, not mine,” I tell him.

“But you're his daughter?”

“Yes, that's true, but I am not my father or my mother. I am my own person, just like you are your own person,” I tell him.

“So I shouldn't be like you or dad when I’m older?” he asks.

“No. Strive to be better, surpass us. One day, be a better Alpha than me,” Valen says.

“What if I don't want to be an Alpha?” Valarian asks.

“Then I will find someone else to take over the pack.”

“What if I want to be Luna, like Mom?” Valarian asks.

“Then you will be Luna Valarian,” Valen chuckles.

“Doesn't sound very cool, no offense, Mom. I think I’ll stick with Alpha Valarian,” Valarian says, and Valen snickers.

“What? The Luna is more important than the Alpha,” Valarian says.

“Is that so?” Valen asks.

“Yep. The Alpha keeps the packs in line, the Luna keeps the Alpha in line.” Valarian shrugs, and I laugh, glancing at Valen.

“You think this is funny? Our son just emasculated me,” Valen chuckles.

“Alphas—so sensitive,” I tell him, patting Valen's shoulder while shaking my head.

We head home, and on the way, I text Kalen to come over for dinner. It’s time these two have a chat. Kalen is trying, but Valen has to put in some effort on his end.

* * *

Dinner was awkward. Valen and Kalen only spoke about Valarian until Kalen helped Valen do the dishes while I sat on the couch with Valarian; we were watching some kid's show while I tried not to listen.

Around 8 p.m., Valen got a call and walked outside to take it before returning, saying he had to head out. Kalen also said he should head home since it was a school night. Valen was gone for hours, and eventually, Valarian went to bed.

After reading to him, tucking him in, and getting into my own pjs, I only hear my phone ringing in the living room after I close the door; the call is from Zoe—it’s unusual for her to call so late.

When I answer and hear her frantic voice, I know instantly something is wrong; the sirens in the background make my heart thump in my chest.

“Everly,” she sobs into the phone. All the air is sucked from my lungs at her words and tone.

“Zoe? What is it?”

“Can you hear me?” she asks.

“Zoe?”

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