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!"

misting over. Through the link,

apologies won’t erase what I’ve done, but I’ll keep saying them if I must. I don’t care if you hate me, if you never

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

clutching his son like he might vanish if

little Romy, I’m

used the childhood pet name he hadn’t spoken in years, and it only made him cry

his emotions. And right now, he was baring it all, every raw, aching

tears

a new glint in his eyes. Roman knew what it

Hope.

time. He hadn’t forgiven his father, not yet. But he wasn’t

"About Alexa—"

is true, Roman. She never wanted

in Roman’s eyes

you, but that doesn’t mean I regret having you,

gulped as Leon placed one hand on his shoulder and the other gently cupped his face.

never forget the happiness I felt when I first carried you. When those tiny hands wrapped around my finger and pulled it into your mouth. Or your

startled snort escaped Roman’s lips,

smiling fondly at the memory. "You’ve been

"Forget what your mother said. Don’t let the words of a disturbed woman sink into you. You are not a mistake, Roman Draven. You’re my son, the future Alpha of the South Pack. Don’t provoke Elijah carelessly and make me lose

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

they’d shared a moment didn’t mean he trusted Leon completely. The less his father knew about their plans,

further. Out loud, he