Alpha Locke

Angel:

As I calmly led Lowrence to the hotel's playroom, my mind was flooded with concerns about the imminent decisions we would have to face. Dimitri's determination to claim Lowrence as his was clear, and I knew any resistance on my part could be futile, placing my son in an unwanted situation. I was resolved to protect him from being forced to change his life against his will or from losing his mother.

"Mommy," Lowrence's sweet voice cut through my thoughts. I turned to see him smiling at me, a sight that always softened my heart, no matter how heavy it felt. I reached out, beckoning him closer.

"Yes, dear?" My voice softened, even though inside I felt myself crumbling. I had applied makeup to cover the bruises and cuts, a fragile disguise for the deeper scars that were not so easily hidden.

"Were you crying, mommy?" he asked, his innocence and concern evident.

"I was just thinking, love," I partially lied, stroking his cheek as he nestled into my arms. "About how lucky we are to have each other."

"When are we going home, mommy?" Lowrence asked, looking around with a curiosity that only children possess.

"We're going to make some changes, sweetheart," I began, searching for the right words to explain the complex situation in a way a child could understand. "We're going to stay here for a while. This will be our new home."

"At the hotel?" He was confused, and I smiled, trying to keep the atmosphere light.

"Yes, but think of it as an adventure. We'll have lots of friends here and many new stories to tell," I said, trying to infuse each word with optimism. "It will be very safe, and I will be with you all the time. I promise," I assured him, hugging him tightly. Deciding to join Dimitri's pack had not been an easy choice, but it was a necessity for the safety and future of Lowrence.

After leaving Lowrence in the playroom with the friendly and attentive assistants, I walked to the restaurant, hoping to clarify our plans and reinforce our new reality. Upon entering, I spotted Alpha Dimitri at a table in the back, alone and seemingly lost in thought.

Haizel suddenly appeared beside our table, her look laden with scorn as she saw me sitting with Dimitri. She forced a smile, which looked more like a grimace, and said in a tone that tried to be light but carried venom:

"What a surprise to find you two here together. Planning the future, or trying to mend the past?" Haizel asked, looking directly at me as if Dimitri wasn't present.

Dimitri tensed, clearly uncomfortable, but before he could respond, Haizel continued, "I hope you're reminding Angel of the pack rules, Alpha Dimitri. We know some people have difficulty following rules." Her insinuation was clear, and her intention was to belittle my position in front of Alpha Dimitri.

Maintaining my composure, I responded with equal coldness: "We are just ensuring that Lowrence has what's best for him. As any mother would, Luna Haizel." My tone was firm, showing I was not there to be intimidated or humiliated.

Alpha Dimitri intervened, his voice firm, "Luna Haizel, that's enough. Angel is here because she is Lowrence's mother and now part of this pack. We are here to discuss how we can cooperate for his good, not to create conflict."

Luna Haizel bit her lip, clearly frustrated by Alpha Dimitri's defense in my favor, but chose not to continue the confrontation. With a cutting look at me and a superficial nod to Alpha Dimitri, she withdrew, promising in her tone, "We'll see how this unfolds, I'll settle my scores with you, Angel."

After the tense encounter with Luna Haizel in the restaurant, I needed a moment to myself. I quickly left the place, grateful for a bit of fresh air as I walked through the hotel garden. My thoughts still revolved around Haizel's words when a man's voice pulled me from my reverie.

"You seem to be carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders," he said, his voice low and inexplicably soothing. I turned to find a man I didn't recognize, casually leaning against a tree, watching me with an intriguing look. He was tall, with dark hair and eyes that seemed to study every move of mine.

"Sorry, I don't know you," I replied, trying to mask my surprise and caution.

"That's understandable," he said, stepping forward. "I'm Alpha Locke. And you are?"

"Angel," I replied, still wary. His name meant nothing to me, and his presence was both imposing and enigmatic.

Alpha Locke smiled, a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Interesting. I was just passing by when I saw you leave the restaurant. It seemed like you could use a listener."

I wasn't sure what to make of his offer. "I don't usually talk to strangers, especially those who seem to know more about me than I do about them."

"A prudent habit," he agreed, his gaze still fixed on me. "But sometimes, strangers are exactly the people you need to talk to. No pre-judgments, no shared history."

There was something in his voice that suggested more than a simple offer of solace. "What do you want, Alpha Locke?"

"For now, just to talk. You seem like someone who could use an ally in this place," he said, looking around, as if he were aware of the hotel dynamics more than he let on.

"And why do you think I need an ally?" I asked, my curiosity beginning to overcome my hesitation.

Alpha Locke shrugged. "We all need one, eventually. And something tells me you're about to face challenges that could use an outside perspective."

"Do you always make offers of alliance to complete strangers?" I challenged, half-jokingly, half-seriously.

"When the situation seems interesting enough, yes," he replied with an enigmatic smile. "Consider this an unsolicited offer of help. You can take it or leave it."

I looked at him, trying to decipher his true intentions. Alpha Locke seemed sincere, but there was something about him that screamed he was not just a mere passerby. I decided that a bit of caution was wise.

"I'll think about it," I finally said, ready to continue my way.

"I hope so, Angel. Until then, take care," he said, waving slightly as I walked away.