Chapter 10

Beta Anthony POV

After dropping the twins off at school, I returned to the packhouse to pick up the Alpha for our morning treaty meeting. Upon arriving, the Alpha was still asleep. I had no choice but to attend this meeting on his behalf. I was there to listen and take notes. I could not make any suggestions without my Alpha's consent.

This treaty meeting lasted an entire day. I was exhausted. I had to listen to privileged Alphas argue about land, properties, mating ceremony, and much more. The only thing everyone agreed on was hosting mating ceremonies on neutral territory, and all wolves of age must attend. 

Meanwhile, I received a text message from Libby that they were out of school and waiting on me. I had already told the Alpha to pick them up when I called to update him on the treaty meeting. I guessed he was running late. A few moments later, I received another text saying the Alpha picked them up. I was relieved that he didn't forget his kids at school.

We all said goodbyes and headed home. Soon after arriving home, I felt the Alpha aura was unstable, and Derrick was in charge. Rushing to the packhouse, Louis was hunched over, trying to catch his breath. Louis looked into Derrick's eyes and told him to give his father back control. I felt something shift inside Louis's aura, and his eyes faded between black and honey brown. I knew his wolf was lurking beneath the surface. I didn't want Louis's wolf to come early. I grabbed my Alpha's attention by placing my hands on his shoulders; neither one of them heard me sneaking up. It was as if the world had disappeared around them.

"Louis, go in the house. I got it from here," I spoke authoritatively.

"Yes sir," he replied, walking confidently into the house, bumping into his father.

"What the fuck is your problem, Derrick? You hate to see him happy." I was beyond pissed off that he would go and ruin Louis's first day of school.

"Beta, you better learn your place before I put you in it," Derrick growled in his Alpha voice. 

"By all means, Derrick, teach me my place." I was so fed up with his attitude. I was ready to challenge him for his title to protect Louis from his torment.

"I like your style, Beta. It's good to know you don't fear me like the rest of the pack." While laughing menacingly, his eyes flicker.

"Stupid human, come get your Beta before he loses his life for protecting your son," Derrick gave Alpha Grey back control.

The Alpha fell unconscious in my arms. Why is Derrick growing stronger than Grey? Is this reason why he's been having headaches lately? Has he been taking his medicine regularly? Is he drinking again? I had so many unanswered questions. I knew Alpha Grey would not give them to me. I had no choice but to get help from Dr. Johnson to get some answers.

I was taking him to the hospital to get evaluated. Dr. Johnson informed me that after several tests, no medicine was found in the Alpha's bloodstream. Dr. Johnson asked me how long he had been having headaches. I did not know precisely when his headaches started, but I told her that Derrick had figured out how to break down the barrier the medicine was creating. She was appalled by his wolf strength and persistence. Jotting down her notes, we left to give Alpha Grey space.

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Grey POV 

I woke up in the hospital. How did I get here? Why am I here? I started pulling cords from my arms. The machines started beeping. Nurses and doctors ran into the room to calm me down. One nurse told me Dr. Johnson was on her way to explain everything to me. I sat there waiting for her arrival.

She informed me after Derrick gave me back control, the Beta brought me to the hospital for an examination. All my blood work came back just fine. Dr. Johnson prescribed more substantial depression and migraine medicine to help stabilize me. I was advised that the potential side effects of missing doses could lead to the separation of mentalities. 

Beta Anthony was waiting in the lobby,

"Thank you for bringing me here. Dr. Johnson, let me know my health is good. Did Derrick do something to Louis?" I had any recollection of what happened once we got home. When I let my guard down, Derrick shoved me into a dark abyss.

"It's my responsibility to keep you and Louis safe. Just know, Alpha, your wolf ruined your son's first school day." Beta Anthony was agitated and tired of my apologies and bipolar mood swings. Even though he hasn't confessed to it, I can see it in his aura and body language. Making him my Beta years ago was the best decision I ever made.

Afterward, I proceeded home to talk to Louis about the incident. I tried to apologize, but he was being unreasonable.

" How dare you come into my room to apologize for your actions? Your apologies don't mean anything. How many times have you apologized over the last five years for your behavior? You and your wolf are one person sharing the same brain. How Derrick feels is how you feel. Keep your apologies and stay away from me." 

Louis was beyond furious. He has never spoken to me that way before. How do I respond to any of his questions? How I feel about him is entirely different than how Derrick feels. I have tried multiple times to explain that to him; however, he doesn't believe me. 

"Son, listen to me; I love you dearly. There's something I do not understand, especially with how Derrick behaves. I'm trying to get help with this. Please give me some time to get better." I made an effort to reason with him. 

"You had more than enough time to better yourself. You need to love yourself before you can love me again. Maybe Derrick needs to see a therapist to help you all heal. Until then, I'm done with you and Derrick. Stay the fuck away from me," he screamed while shutting the door in my face. 

Derrick had utterly ruined our father-and-son relationship. How do I choose between the two of them? Derrick was a part of me, and Louis was my son. I couldn't take either one of their sides. I couldn't understand Derrick's hatred for Louis even though we discovered the truth behind my wife's death years ago. I did not know how to fix it. Mood Goddess, please heal my broken family.