Chapter 4 Cracks In The Picture Perfect Family

Chapter 4: Xenois

The board room was quiet as I finished my presentation.

Twelve pairs of eyes watched me expectantly, waiting for the Alpha and CEO to dismiss them.

I nodded once, and they filed out, leaving me alone with the CFO, Marcus.

"The new development project looks promising," he said, gathering his papers as he got up from his chair.

"Though the timing is tight with the mayoral fundraiser next month."

"We'll make it work," I replied distractedly, my mind was elsewhere.

The conversation with Luna from the night before kept replaying in my head.

*Our son is dying.*

I went to Ollie's room after she went to bed, watching him sleep.

His breathing looked heavier than usual, his small body too still under the dinosaur comforter.

Has he always been that pale? That thin?

"Xen? Are you listening?"

I blinked, focusing on Marcus as I shook my head.

"Sorry. What were you saying?"

"I asked about the situation with Sophia Crawford. The pack council is... concerned."

I gritted my teeth feeling protective anger at his words as I spoke. "Sophia's personal matters are not council business."

"When the Alpha spends more time with another woman than his Luna, it becomes pack business." Marcus was my best friend which made him speak plainly.

"People talk, Xen. They're questioning your judgment."

"Let them talk." I stood,up signaling the end of the conversation. "I have another meeting."

Actually, I was heading to Riley's school.

His teacher had called Sophia about some behavior issues, and she'd asked me to come.

It felt right to say yes, though a guilty voice reminded me I'd never attended any of Ollie's school meetings.

As I drove heading to Riley's school, my phone rang.

It was Luna. I hesitated before answering.

"I'm busy, Luna. Can this wait?"

"It's Ollie." Her voice sounded scared and shaking although I could hear how she was trying to sound controlled. "He fell unconscious at school. We're at the hospital."

I felt fear running down my spine as I clenched the wheels. "Is he-"

"He's okay for now. They're running tests." She hesitated before adding. "He's asking for you."

I felt guilty immediately. I was driving to Riley's school while my own son lay in a hospital bed.

"I'll be there soon," I promised, already turning the car around.

But as I turned down to the road that would lead to the hospital , my phone rang again. It was Sophia this time.

"Xenois, where are you? The principal is waiting, and Riley is so upset."

I held on tight the steering wheel, torn between two roads. Two children who needed me.

"Sophia, I can't make it. Ollie's in the hospital."

"Oh." Her voice sounded off, a bit strange and cold. "I understand. Family comes first."

I could hear her subtle imply on "family" that wasn't lost on me. The implication that Riley and she weren't part of that category.

"Tell Riley I'll make it up to him," I said, ignoring the guilt. "I'll see you both tomorrow for dinner as planned."

"Of course," she said quickly. "Family first. We'll just have a quiet dinner tomorrow instead. Though Riley will be disappointed... he's been talking about showing you his birthday gift all week."

I could see her manipulation clearly but I still fell for it. "What time tomorrow?"

"Six? I'm making your favorite."

I agreed and hung up, hating myself a little more. Then I continued to the hospital, where my son and mate were waiting.

When I got to his room, it was quiet. . Ollie was looking small and vulnerable in the large bed, tubes connecting him to machines I didn't understand.

Luna sat beside him, her hand gently stroking his hair. She didn't look up when I entered.

"Hey, champ," I said softly, approaching the bed.

Ollie's eyes opened slowly. For a moment, he looked confused, then he smiled weakly as recognition dawned in his eyes. "Daddy, you came."

The fact that he was excited and shocked about a little thing hurt me harder than I had expected.

"Of course I came." I took his small hand in mine, shocked at how fragile it felt. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired. But the doctor gave me a cool sticker." He lifted his other hand, showing a dinosaur sticker stuck to his hospital gown.

I forced a smile on my face trying not to show my feelings. "That's awesome. Do you collect them?"

Luna looked up then, looking surprised at my attempt at conversation.

She knew I had no idea what our son collected or enjoyed. I was shamed realizing this now.

"I have seventeen dinosaur stickers," Ollie informed me proudly. "And Riley has twenty, but he cheated because his mom bought him the whole pack at once."

The mere mention of Riley name had me flinching as it presented with my crimes to my face, forcing me to answer for them.

"When can I go home?" Ollie asked, his eyes already closing slowly from sleep.

"The doctor wants to keep you overnight for observation," Luna answered, her voice low and gentle as she patted his hand. "I'll stay with you."

"Can Daddy stay too?" He asked hopefully as he turned to me.

Before I could answer, Dr. Martinez entered.

She nodded to Luna, then looked at me with disapproval in her eyes.

"Alpha Blackwood. Good of you to join us."

Her greeting stung me hard. "How is he?" I asked, ignoring her tone.

"Stable, but concerning. His energy levels are dangerously low." She looked briefly at Luna. "Did you discuss the possibility we talked about?"

Luna nodded her head. "I tried."

Dr. Martinez turned back to me. "Alpha, I believe your son is suffering from a magical energy drain. I need to observe him with all regular contacts, especially any new people in his life from the past year."

I understood what she was talking about immediately. "You mean Sophia and Riley."

"Among others, yes."

"Absolutely not," I said shaking my head as I stepped back. "They have nothing to do with this."

Dr. Martinez's expression changed to something of clear disapproval and anger.

"With all due respect, Alpha, you're not a medical professional. Energy siphons are rare in nature but are also documented. The timing fits perfectly well with their arrival in the pack."

"Just because it might be coincidental does not mean it's them," I snapped. "Find another explanation."

"Daddy?" Ollie's small voice interrupted our argument. "Are you mad?"

"No, champ. Just worried about you."

"Will you stay? Please? I promise not to be sick anymore if you stay."

"I'll stay for a while," I compromised, as I knew I was not able to stay the whole night when I had dinner with Sophia and Riley planned for tomorrow.

I needed to go home, prepare, and work on city budget proposals that were due.

Luna looked at me, her disappointment present but not unexpected. But she said nothing, just continued stroking our son's hair as he drifted back to sleep.

Sitting there, watching them, I felt like an outsider in my own family. When did that happen? When did I start putting everyone and everything above them?