Beta's Second Chance

Understanding

Night eventually arrived, where Matthias and his family had just finished eating dinner. During that time, he tried communicating with his brother Rickon through mind-link. However, there was no response, and his brother blocked his mind link. It was to be expected, but the Alpha couldn't help but feel worried for his brother and hoped he was safe. When Laura finished picking up the dishes, he couldn't help but notice that Waylen was silent throughout dinner. Laura tried to talk with him and get him to talk about the earlier events, but the child wouldn't budge. Matthias knew that Waylen was traumatized by the previous events and decided to do something about the situation. "Son, I need to talk to you. Want to come by to my study?"

Waylen slowly looked at his father and nodded. Father and son left the dining room, where Laura watched them go. She was relieved that Matthias would try to get Waylen to open up; she went on to wash the dishes.

Father and son eventually got to the study, where the door was closed. Waylen was usually not allowed in his father's study since there were many important documents, and Matthias had a lot of work to do. Matthias carried his son and sat on the nearby sofa, where he put his son on his lap. "You've been quiet throughout dinner, buddy. You couldn't stop thinking about what happened today?" The child slowly nodded, looked down, and played with his fingers. Matthias hugged his son closer to him. "I'm sorry that you had to see that, buddy. I didn't want you to see that so soon in your life. However, I'm not going to lie to you. It happens sometimes; your uncles and I have to put a stop to it at times."

"You do?" asked Waylen as he slowly looked up. 

"Yeah, buddy. Being Alpha is responsible for the pack and keeping enemies at bay, even if it means doing the worst. You saw the first bits of reality, Waylen. If you want to take my place one day, you will see more of what you have seen today. Alpha is not only a leader of the pack but also a father. Only the strong in mind and body can lead." Matthias smiled as he hugged his son. "You actually showed me that you had courage today, even in your age."

Waylen's eyes widened. "I-I did?"

"Yes, you did. Jessica was petrified by what she saw, but you stood by her side; you didn't run. You stayed with her and were willing to protect her. You also helped your mother with Jessica. Waylen, you showed traits of what an Alpha really is."

The boy's expression slowly lightened. " I did! I was scared, but I didn't run. I wanted to protect Jessica!"

Matthias patted his son's head. "You did, my son. Even at your age, you showed more courage than any adult. It's okay to feel scared, but you should learn not to dwell on it too much, or it could lead you to doubt yourself. I'm trying to tell you that you still have to be strong and not think about what happened to it too much. Also, we also don't want your mom to worry, do we?"

Waylen shook his head. "I don't want mom to worry, but is she happy that I was brave?"

"Of course she is. You did a lot today to help her with Jessica."

"Dad, why did Jessica leave? Is it because she was scared about what happened today?"

The Alpha wondered if his son had heard their earlier conversation, but he didn't want to lie to Waylen. "She was scared, buddy. As I previously mentioned, Jessica is a human who never knew we werewolves existed, so she is shocked. Jessica will stay with Maverick and Iris for a while; she needs time. Don't worry, buddy, Jessica will come around." The boy nodded and was put down. "Alright, it's been a long day. You need to take a bath and go to sleep."

The duo walked out of the study and went toward the living room. Once there, they saw Laura with two pack members speaking quietly. Laura turned and noticed her husband and son. "My love, they want to speak to you."

The pack members were recognized since they were with Matthias when the hunter was interrogated. "Alright. Laura, you can take Waylen so he can bathe and sleep."

Laura nodded as she motioned Waylen to go to the bathroom. She eyed her husband with a worried expression and went on her way. Matthias and the two pack members were left alone. "So, what did Xenon Atrim say?"

"Alpha, Sir Xenon Atrim agreed to have the meeting at 6 a.m. However, he was reluctant at the beginning."

Matthias raised an eyebrow. "He was reluctant?" That was when his suspicions were slowly proven; Xenon knew something and was trying to keep the truth. The Alpha had had enough of the secrecy and would force Xenon to speak the truth. "So, what made him agree to the meeting?"

'Well, his wife appeared and heard our conversation, and she forced Sir Xenon to agree to the meeting. She told us to inform you that she will be in the meeting."

"I see. Well, that suits me fine. Well done for completing the task. You two and the others will accompany me to the meeting."

"Yes, Alpha." The two pack members walked out of the house. Matthias sighed as he massaged the back of his neck and went to Laura, who was in Waylen's room, preparing his pajamas. 

The Luna noticed her husband and went to him. "What news, my love?"

"Tomorrow, I will have an early meeting with Atrim Family again. They know something regarding the attacks and the hunter that was captured. I was also informed that Xenon's wife will be in attendance."

Laura was surprised; it had been a while since she had been meeting and meeting with the Atrim Family. She knew that her husband would have trouble getting information if he went tough on them. "I'm going with you."

Matthias flinched. "That is out of the question! This could be dangerous and I will not put you at risk!"

"My love, I know you're worried. However, it would be best if you didn't go through this alone. It would be good that I go so there could be a sense of peace. I feel that Xenon's wife thinks the same way." Laura put her arms around her mate's neck. "You men tend to be impatient and tend to use violence. We women are here to calm you down and think sane." She kissed his lips. "Please. We can ask Maverick if Waylen can stay with Iris and Jessica."

The Alpha knew that he wouldn't be able to change his wife's mind; he sighed. "Alright, but you will stay behind me and you will be surrounded by guards. Understand?" Matthias held onto his wife's waist.

"Deal." The couple kissed.