Defy The Alpha(s)

Chapter 557: Helpful Venom

Apparently, release didn’t mean freedom. Christian had assigned a werewolf guard to watch over Roman, and even now, as a servant led him toward his quarters, the guard followed closely behind.

Leon was there too, walking silently at his side. His presence said everything Roman needed to know, though he didn’t speak. Roman’s jaw clenched as he stalked down the hall, anger burning in every step.

"This is your—" the servant began, trying to introduce the room, but Roman didn’t wait. He shoved the door open and stormed inside.

Leon caught the door before it slammed shut and stepped in after him. "Roman," he called after him firmly.

But Roman ignored him, striding inside. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much space to retreat to, and Leon quickly caught up. He grabbed Roman’s shoulder and spun him around.

"What the hell do you want?!" Roman barked, his voice raw with rage.

For a split second, Leon froze, stunned by the sheer fury on his son’s face. Then his own jaw tightened. "I get that you’re angry," he shot back, "but making reckless moves like this isn’t an option!"

"What do you even care?!" Roman shouted, his voice breaking at the edges.

"I CARE BECAUSE I’M YOUR FATHER!" Leon roared, his chest heaving. His voice cracked, guttural with emotion. "I care because I’m a father terrified of losing his only child!"

Roman’s breath hitched, but he didn’t move.

"I might not win any awards for Father of the Year, but I am concerned when my son throws himself into danger and shuts me out. You have no idea what it does to me, knowing I’m helpless to protect you."

The air between them was electric, raw with years of hurt and unspoken words. Roman’s shoulders shook. His eyes filled, brimming with tears he couldn’t hold back.

Then, like a dam breaking, the pack link opened between them. Roman’s voice echoed painfully in Leon’s mind. "You hurt me!"

his own eyes misting over. Through the link, he could feel Roman’s pain as clearly as

done, but I’ll keep saying them if I must. I don’t care if you hate me, if you never forgive me—just... don’t put

within Roman shattered at those words. With a choked sound, he lunged forward,

his son like he might vanish if he let go, both of

little Romy, I’m

name he hadn’t spoken in years, and it only made

had always been the most sensitive, deeply in touch with his emotions.

like forever before they broke apart. Roman wiped at the tears in his eyes furiously. He wasn’t a child anymore, for

father was looking at him with a new glint in his eyes. Roman

Hope.

at the same time. He hadn’t forgiven his

"About Alexa—"

is true, Roman. She

light in Roman’s

might not have wanted you, but that

hand on his shoulder and the other gently

around my finger and pulled it into your mouth. Or your naming ceremony, when you peed straight into

snort escaped Roman’s lips,

fondly at the memory. "You’ve been mischievous since

not a mistake,

Leon turned toward the door, careful of the guard outside. Through the

he trusted Leon completely. The less his father knew about their plans, the better. Who knew if Elijah hadn’t already anticipated all this? Roman wasn’t

didn’t press further. Out loud, he said, "No more