{Noah}"Before we jump into the details of the hellish conference I just came from, are you and your dad good?"Alexus released a heavy sigh and pulled her comforter further up her body."We are, but I kinda see him in a different light.""What do you mean?""He told me the unedited version about how he treated my mother.""Say less. I can see how that could be upsetting for you," I empathized."I just never thought he would be capable of doing such things, and then it's a complete mindfuck to know that they've been happy and together this long.""Well, then, that tells you something; they are happy and together. That's all that matters.""My dad told me that he had beef with you because he didn't trust you because he couldn't trust himself.""That makes a lot of sense," I commented."I don't think the two of you will be having issues any longer. I can tell he's really sorry about how he's been treating you.""Huh. Now, if only I could get him to admit that.""That'll never happen," A
{Alexus}I woke up a few hours later to the feel of someone stroking my hair. I immediately recognized my father's scent and released a calming sigh. I couldn't explain it, but I wasn't pissed at him for slapping me any longer. Elektra straightened me out, and I was ready to forgive my father. It could've been worse. I could've had a father like my mother did, but I didn't. I'd consider myself pretty lucky. My father was always loving, caring, and doting. I wouldn't allow this one incident to erase the years of happiness we've shared."Are you going to wake up so that we can talk?""I don't know. I might stay asleep and enjoy this for a little while," I mumbled."Just a few more moments, and then we have to talk. Okay?""Okay," I mumbled, snuggling into my pillow."I'll make tea.""Take your time," I sleepily replied. He returned ten minutes later with a cup of hot tea. "Thank you. I appreciate this," I said, pulling myself up against the headboard."First, I want to apologize for my
{Alexus}"Alexus?!"Elektra: Here comes your mom.Alexus: Yeah, I can hear her."Alexus, honey? Are you okay?""I'm fine!" I called out. A few moments later, my mother found me in my cell. I curiously stared at my mother as she stood in front of the silver cage. I could hear her heart thudding in her chest. My mother's skin was the color of caramel, but it seemed to drain of its rich color, leaving behind pale skin."Mom? Are you alright?" I asked, slowly approaching the bars."I-I'm fine. I'm going to get you out of there, okay?""Let's not worry about me right now. I'm more concerned about you. Please, take a seat," I instructed. My mother quickly complied and took a seat on a bench against the wall. She closed her eyes and started to inhale through her nose and exhale out of her mouth to try to calm her galloping heart. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion when beads of sweat began dripping from her forehead."Mom? What is it? Is it the cage?"She nodded her head as she continued to b
{Noah}"You're right, Alpha Beaumont. I apologize. It's clear that you're frustrated. Let's move along. I gave my directives not to end the Luna Games after speaking with the rest of the Council members. They seemed to agree with me. However, we did allow a covert team to retrieve Alexus Beaumont. Who did you assign the job?"I chose Sharon and Mark, one of our former Pack Warriors in Training," Alexander answered."And why did you choose those two as opposed to anyone else?""Sharon has been around Alexus since her birth. She's her godmother and trainer.""And the young man?""I chose him because he was one of our most promising Pack Warriors in Training. Plus, he had the motive to find Alexus.""And what was his motive?""He had a crush on her. He thought they were mates. I saw this as an opportunity for him to prove himself worthy of being with my daughter."The pencil snapped in my hands. I wanted to snap Alexander and Mark's necks just like the pencil.Rayge: Maybe you'll get the
{Noah}"Once the games began, did you attempt to get Alexus to exit the games?""No. Everything happened so fast. I was scanning the crowd and our eyes locked. Right when they locked, the clock struck midnight, and the games began. It was too late. All of the women began fighting, and she ran into the woods to protect herself.""And then what happened?""At that point, I alerted Alpha and Luna Beaumont that Alexus was participating.""I see. And is this when you reached out to me?""Not immediately. Upon hearing the news, Luna Beaumont fainted and had to be rushed to the infirmary. I wanted to discuss my next steps with Alpha Beaumont, especially since Alexus was his daughter and we were on his territory. I felt it was in everyone's best interest to end the games as soon as possible to save the bloodshed and loss of life.""If you were that concerned about the bloodshed and loss of life, then you wouldn't have activated the games to begin with," Councilman Simon chastised.My jaw tens
[Noah]"Good morning, everyone. You all may be seated. The wolves in the room nodded their heads and took their respective seats."I want to first say thank you to Alpha Beaumont for hosting the Luna Games this year and on such short notice. The accommodations have been lovely so far. Despite how things tragically ended, I would say you could count this as a success in your column. Unprecedented things happened that morning, and we are gathered here to discuss those things, how those things were handled, and how we plan on moving forward."Councilman Simon paused for dramatic effect."Where is Miss Alexus Beaumont? She is not here, which is surprising. Surely, she had the most insight to offer us," Councilman Simon observed with a raised eyebrow.Alexander loudly cleared his throat and repositioned himself in his chair."Alexus is with her mother. Neither of them will be joining. They must handle something that suddenly came up with the Blood Moon Pack. Amari thought it was the perfec