Page 33 of Alpha's Redemption

"And so is every other rogue that is relying on her to change those laws. If the Blood Alpha's mate can't change them, what hope do they have of it ever changing? It wasn't about telling you or about her being reckless; it was about saving those who have no voice, all those other babies that will have it hard in winter while their mothers are scraping pennies for formula so they can leave them in someone else’s hands all day and try to find whatever pitiful work they can," he retorts. I sigh and scratch the back of my neck. This is so fucked up!

"Everly sees the bigger picture, just like your mother did. She sees society for what it is and doesn't sugarcoat it. She knew the risks, but she did it anyway because one, she knew you wouldn't let her get hurt, and two, because even if she lost, she would still have fought, and it would still cause change. People would remember the Blood Alpha's mate taking on her own father for the rogues, fighting for change, and change only happens when people start questioning their beliefs."

"So you want me to forgive her just like that?" I ask in disbelief.

"No, son. I want you to stand beside her and fight for her like I wish I’d fought for your mother,” he says, leaning back.

"You know I will. As I said before, I’m not leaving her or taking Valarian from her," I tell him, looking down at my son.

"Then why are you here and not with her like you're supposed to be?" he asks, and my brows furrow.

"It's okay to be angry, but don't walk away like a coward. She will test you, but don't you think you tested her enough? Five years is a long time to be on your own raising a kid and building an empire, yet she forgave you," he says with a shrug. I sigh, yet I’m not sure I can face her, and I’m still angry, no matter her reasoning.

"I am not saying you don't have the right to be angry, Valen. I'm just saying to be there. Everly has been on her own for so long and is used to doing everything independently. It will be hard for her to rely on anyone other than herself. You don't have to forgive her, but go home. At least let her know you're still there, and despite being angry, you love her and are still fighting alongside her."

ChapterSixteen

Everly

All night, I can't sleep. Valen won't answer any of my texts and shoves me out whenever I try to mind-link him. His silence is driving me insane, and I’m worried about Valarian. He sounded upset on the phone and wanted to come home, but I managed to calm him down enough and told him I would pick him up from school. Valen didn't object, so I figure he’s okay with that, or at least I hope he is.

Throughout the night, I obsess over the horrible shit that was portrayed on the news, saying Valen and I were fighting because he was cheating on me, that he finally realized Valarian isn't his son. It’s all bullshit. I know it, they know it, but they will do whatever they can to sell a story.

The bed feels too big without Valen in it—cold and empty—the house too quiet without him snoring beside me and making me want to smother him while he sleeps.

Many times I get up and check the locks and windows and check Valarian's bed. That was something Zoe and I both did when we lived together, almost like we took it in turns during the night when it was just us. We were always scared because it was only us in the house, knowing that rogue-whores aren't much of a fight if someone broke in, especially with my tiny wolf and hers.

It’s a habit I thought I outgrew, however, now I’m alone, I find myself reverting to old habits and nearly have a panic attack when I realize Valarian isn't in his bed when I check. I keep reminding myself he’s safe with his father, yetknowingthat andseeingit for myself are two different things. Maybe if he wasn't angry with me, I would be fine, because I never had this issue when Valarian would sleep at Kalen's. I know it’s because I’m entirely alone in a huge, empty penthouse, and without having anything to distract me, it reminds me of being on my own in my car. The feeling is still the same.

Having just closed my eyes again, I hear the front door lock twist and click, which has me sitting upright, panic coursing through me, and my hand instantly searches for Valen in the bed before remembering he isn't here. My heart thumps in my chest as I creep toward the hall. Then Valen's voice flits through my head.

‘Calm down. It's just me. Don't hit me with anything; I’m carrying our son,’he mind-links, and I let out a breath of relief.

Walking down the hall, I see him step out of the entryway and into the dim lighting—I left the stove light on—and as I step into the living area, I see Valen is carrying Valarian, who’s asleep in his arms. It’s a little after midnight, and I move closer, wanting to take him, but Valen turns away.

“Get his bed ready. I’ll carry him,” Valen whispers, and I nod, rushing off down the hall and pulling his sheets back.

I step aside, flicking on his nightlight and lighting up the ceiling with his solar system projection. Valen sets him in his bed, tucks him in, and relief floods me that our son is home. Although, when I lean down to kiss Valarian’s head, Valen walks out without a word to me. I hear him walk into the bathroom down the hall before the shower starts.

After checking the front door is locked, I climb back into bed; Valen comes in a few minutes later in his towel. Once again, he says nothing as he gets dressed, but when he grabs his pillow, I know he isn't coming to bed.

Instead, he walks out of the room, and my stomach twists, knowing he’s still so angry with me that he won't even sleep in the bed beside me. At least he’s home. Maybe now I can get some form of sleep.

No such luck. It takes hours to sleep and I end up staring at the ceiling most of the night.

The following morning, I’m awoken by morning sickness. It sends me running for the bathroom as I heave and throw up the contents of my stomach, splattering the front of my pajamas with my vomit. It’s the first time I’ve woken up needing to be sick.

My stomach turns violently, but suddenly I feel Valen’s fingertips brush the back of my neck and pull my hair away from my face. Catching my breath, I feel him sweep my hair over my shoulder before he wets a face cloth and hands it to me.

“Are you alright?”

I nod my head, feeling breathless. My throat is raw and burning and I wipe my mouth as he walks out.

I’m climbing in the shower when Valen walks back in. He’s already dressed, and he places a towel on the sink basin. I watch him scoop up my dirty laundry, and when he starts to walk out, I call out to him.

“Are you leaving early?” I ask.

“I'm going with Dad. I already packed Valarian's lunch. It’s on the counter,” he says, walking out and shutting the door. So I guess unless it’s to do with Valarian, we aren't on speaking terms. It saddens me, but right now, I’ll take anything. It’s better than nothing. When I finish showering, I hop out, and hear that Valen is getting Valarian up and ready for school. When I walk into the room, I sigh when I see Valen has set my clothes out on the bed for me.

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