Chapter 57

Silas falls silent, his brows furrowed in deep contemplation. His tense posture and clenched fists reveal the frustration and rage boiling within him. But after a moment of thought, it becomes clear that he doesn't have any other ideas that won't put me in harm's way. He remains by my side, silently seething.

"There is one small problem," Celeste interjects, her voice laced with concern. "How do we convince the rebels to do what we want? We don't have anyone on the inside, so how can we plant the idea for them to exile Athena? They may even want to kill her out of anger and mistrust for taking a mate who is their enemy."

"Good point," James acknowledges, rubbing his chin in thought. "We need someone we know within their ranks whom we can manipulate and control."

"I believe I have a solution," Mom says confidently. "I've had my suspicions about one of our visiting alphas being close with the rebel faction. Chione and I will handle it."

"Well then, it seems we have an Alpha ceremony to plan," James declares. "Let's make it public as soon as possible so the spy and rebels hears about it."

"Let's get to work!" Mom proclaims, and the group disperses. But my silent mate storms out of the room and leaves the pack house. All I can do is watch him go. Part of me wants to chase after him and assure him that everything will be okay, but it would be a cruel lie. The truth is, things are far from alright. His supposed brother is a murderous psychopath who has vowed to take everything from him. He has already lost so much because of him. And now, we are considering using me - one of the few good things in his life - as bait to lure him and his pack of rogues out of hiding.

"Do you still want to go through with this, my dear?" Mom asks, placing a supportive hand on my shoulder and giving me a sympathetic look.

"I have to, Mom," I reply with a heavy sigh. "I won't be able to sleep peacefully at night until they're caught."
Mom nods understandingly and squeezes my hand. "Go talk to him. He's just worried about you."
With a small smile, I nod and head out to find my mate. Despite everything that is at stake, I know I can't do this without his support.
With determination and a sense of urgency, I push my way out of the pack house and scan the area for my hot-headed mate. I take in a deep breath and follow his distinct scent beyond the tree line, my feet carrying me through the familiar woods that have been my sanctuary since childhood. But now, as a changed woman, I can never see them in the same light again after what I've been through. The memories of being fatherless, violated, and hated linger in my mind as I run towards Silas.
Swiftly, I ascend into the trees and bound from branch to branch until I reach my favorite spot - a sturdy tree branch that overlooks the tranquil lake. Silas is already there, lost in thought as he stares into the distance. He doesn't seem to notice me approaching at first, but when I sit beside him and match his gaze, he finally speaks.

"I'm sorry," he says with a tinge of regret in his voice.
Confused, I turn to face him. "What are you sorry for?"
Silas leans his head against mine and lets out a long sigh. "I shouldn't have stormed out like that earlier. I'm not sorry for not wanting to use you as bait. It's my fault you were taken before and I refuse for that to happen again." His words carry a hint of guilt and pain. "I can only imagine everything you went through...but when Aiden took you, the sense of dread I felt was immeasurable. Not to mention i felt your pain through our bond. Every second of it."
Tears start to form in my eyes as I remember that terrifying experience. Without hesitation, I lean my head onto Silas' shoulder and inhale deeply. "I know," I whisper. "After everything Damon has taken from us, he needs to be stopped. Being in your arms makes me feel safe but knowing he's still out there causing pain...it keeps me constantly on edge." I take a deep breath and continue, "How can I live and create a life with you if I'm living in constant fear? I'm not just doing this for me, but for us and the entire supernatural world. His reign of terror needs to end."
Silas remains silent, but his body is no longer tense with anger. We sit together and watch the sun set in all its golden glory. As the day comes to a close, hope fills my heart that tomorrow will bring a new sense of peace and safety - one in which I can finally let go of my fears and embrace the love that Silas offers without reservation.
The last remnants of daylight are fading as I suggest we start heading back, not wanting my mother to worry about us. Silas and I walk hand in hand towards the pack house, our footsteps crunching on the forest floor.
Upon our return, our stomachs growl with hunger. We head straight for the kitchen, hoping there would be some leftovers from tonight's dinner that my mom and the omegas had prepared. Thankfully, the kitchen was empty and we found a pot of hot dumpling soup still sitting on the stove.
Sitting across from each other at a small table, we both grab a bowl and begin eating in silence. Between bites, I muster up the courage to speak.

"Will you stay with me tonight?" My voice was slightly shaky.

"Of course, Angel." Silas replied, attempting his signature devilish grin but it lacked its usual charm. It pained me to see him like this.

"I'm sorry," I said sincerely. "I never meant to upset you."

"Angel, don't apologize. You didn't upset me," he reassures me. "If anything, I am more upset at myself. I couldn't protect you the first time and I can't protect you from this." He runs a hand through his hair in frustration. "It's eating at me that I can't just hide you away from all of this."

"I wish we could run away from everything," I admit. "But you're an Alpha and I may become one. We are leaders and leaders don't run away."
He falls into a thoughtful silence, letting my words sink in.

"You are braver than I am," he finally says.

"I am only brave because of you," I explain. "Before I met you, I could never stand up for myself or tell bullies to fuck off." A small smile tugs at the corners of my lips. "My self-confidence grew with my love for you."
A flame sparks in his eyes. Hope flares in my gut.

“That would explain that magnificent display of dominance this morning.” He chuckles. “ah, and I remember promising to finish something tonight.” A naughty expression strikes across his face and causes heat to spread throughout my body.

“Finish something? Finish what exactly?” I match his expression and energy.

"Playing coy, are we?" His voice is low and dangerous, sending shivers down my spine. "That's a risky game you're playing, Angel." He leans in closer, his lips grazing my ear. "A game where we both win, but ends with you screaming and gripping the sheets."
My heart races at the thought and I push back against him, testing his limits.

"Who's to say it won't be the other way around?" My voice is laced with seduction as I flash him a playful smile.

"I'm an Alpha, Angel. I don't scream." He chuckles, the sound deep and rumbling.

"I'll take that as a challenge." I tease, feeling emboldened by our playful banter.

"An impossible challenge, Angel." He doesn't take the bait.

"Nothing is impossible when I put my mind to it." My purr turns into a confident growl. "I could even break through your impenetrable facade."

"Hmm, you're the only one I allow past my walls." He whispers, his gaze intense. "My queen is the only one i allow to see me vulnerable."

"And your queen, has the power to make you scream." I say boldly.

"Does she know that? Prove it." His smirk challenges me.

"Don't worry, sweet. I will." Excitement surges through me as a fire ignites in his eyes, ready to consume us both.

But then we hear voices coming down the hall and quickly compose ourselves as Mom and Chione enter the room. The fire dies down and we return to our seats as they discuss pack business and look for snacks.

Mom takes a seat next to me while Chione sits next to my mate. Mom begins discussing plans for the ceremony and decorations. She mentions how when my father became Alpha, it was celebrated as the event of the century, but he insisted on keeping it simple and humble.

I think about her suggestion, realizing I've never really thought about what I want for my own ceremony. I had always told myself I would think about it if I beat Aiden in the challenge, but that didn't happen.
"I would like to keep it simple as well," I speak up. "But with pack colors, of course. And maybe add a touch of mint green as an accent. As my favorite color but to also symbolize a new beginning, a fresh start.”
A joyous, beaming smile spreads across her radiant face like a sunrise over the horizon.

"That is exactly what this pack needs," she exclaims with excitement, her voice filled with hope and determination. It was as if a light had been ignited within her, ready for me to lead the pack towards a new beginning and growth. “A rebirth.”