A Matter of Convenience

Sixteen

As I approach my dad’s room, I hear laughter. It’s a pleasant sound right now after everything that’s been going on. I wish I could bottle this moment and keep it forever. I wish I wasn’t visiting my dad in the hospital, and I wish he wasn’t dying.

After my dad told me everything, I went to the doctor, demanding that they retest him. I just couldn’t wrap my mind around the fact that my dad was dying. I just knew it had to be some kind of mistake. My dad is an Alpha, a strong Alpha. There shouldn’t be anything strong enough to end his life so early. I had already lost my mom; I wasn’t going to lose him, too.

Of course, there was nothing wrong with the test. The doctor showed me all the tests over the years, and his decline is clearly documented. It was hard to come to terms with, but I had no choice. My dad is dying; his time is limited. I wish this weren’t the case, but all I can do now is enjoy the time that we have left.

I push open his door, and the laughter gets louder. Uncle Lionel and Miles are in here, the three of them loving life. I stand in the doorway, watching the scene in front of me. My heart hurts because I know that this is fleeting. I'm going to have children who will have to miss out on their grandpa. That hurts more than words can say. “Issy! Where were you?” I swallow the emotions threatening to erupt and push off the doorway. I walk to my father and kiss his temple before settling next to him.

I reach behind the bed and hit a button. For a moment, a soft shutter and flashing lights fill the room. This is the VIP Alpha room, and that button keeps everyone inside and everyone else out. No one can break the door down to get in. I was talking to Ericson.

Alpha Ericson? What were you talking about? I look at Uncle Lionel briefly before setting my eyes back on my father.

I took him the plan you guys had. Miles chuckles, causing me to reach over and punch his arm.

What did he say, Issy?

Looks like he might be in, Dad. A knock on the door interrupts our conversation. I reach over and press the button again, releasing the lock. A nurse comes in with an Omega from the kitchen. She wheels in a cart full of food while the nurse checks on my dad.

“Everything looks okay right now, Alpha. Please make sure you eat.”

“There’s no point,” dad grumbles. I nod to the nurse and grab Dad’s chin to force him to look at me.

“You aren’t gone yet. I want you to have as much time as possible, and that won’t happen if you don’t eat!.” He sighs and nods as the cart is moved closer to his bed. We all grab a plate and load up, with me keeping an eye on my dad.

~Ericson~

“Where were you, son?” I close the door behind me and walk over to my mom. I sit next to her on the bed and wrap my arm around her shoulders.

“Why? Did you miss me or something?”

“Or something!” Mom slaps my chest as I laugh. I swear I love this woman; she’s my everything. Mom sniffles, and I turn to look at her. She’s hiding her face, so I pull her chin toward me so I can see her face. She has tears in her eyes, and it breaks my heart.

“Why the tears, hmm?” I gently rub my mom’s back as a sob tears through the silence. She leans her head against my chest, and her shoulders shake.

“I almost lost you. I… I almost lost my son.” The tears are gathering in my eyes, but I don’t want to let them go. I continue to comfort my mom as best I can. “When I got the mindlink that you were found damn near unresponsive, my heart practically jumped out of my chest. I couldn’t even breathe. I can’t believe I came so close to losing you.”

“I… I didn’t,” I release a shaky breath. “I didn’t intend to leave you, Mom. I wasn’t trying to end my life. I was just so sad and hurt. I didn’t realize I was doing that much damage. Once I did, though, I…” I swallow, afraid to admit this aloud. If anyone will understand, it will be my mom. “Once I realized the damage I’d done, I wanted to go. I wanted the Goddess to take me and I’m sorry for that.” Mom sobs louder, and my resolve breaks. I hate that I was that weak. I hate that I allowed something so small to almost ruin me.

It isn’t something small. She was made for us, and we for her, but she didn’t want us. No one can blame us for wanting to go to a better place after that. Blade’s right, but still. I’m an Alpha, meant to look after and care for an entire pack full of people. I can’t let my feelings overshadow that job.

Mom pulls back from me and wipes my tears away. I do the same for her, and I'm thankful she’s in my life. “Promise me that you won’t try to leave me again. Promise me that no matter what happened, you will let me help you through and you will stay by my side. Promise me.” I take a deep breath in and let it out.

“Mom, I swear to you that I won’t try to leave you again.” I gently kiss her forehead and feel her settle into me.

➲➲➲➲➲➲➲➲➲➲➲➲➲➲➲➲

The door creaks open, stirring me out of my sleep. Mom left a while ago, and I was emotionally drained. I couldn’t help falling asleep. I turn to face the door and watch Isis close it quietly. She turns toward me and visibly jumps. “Sh.it! You scared the fu.ck out of me!” I let out a low chuckle.

“You creep into my room and I’m the one who scared you. How does that work?” She shakes her head and crosses her arms.

“Did you forget that we are supposed to meet in this very room?” I actually did forget about that. The talk with my mom kind of took all my brain capacity. I sit up in bed and stretch, trying to work out the kinds in my muscles. I don’t miss how Isis’s eyes follow my movements, but I decide to ignore it.

“My apologies. I had a pretty involved day.” I throw the blankets back and swing my leg over the side of the bed. “So, are we doing this thing or not?” Isis sighs and shuffles from foot to foot.

“Yeah, I think we have to. I already contacted the witch I know. She said she can put marks on us and mix our scents. No one would know that it’s fake.” I nod and look around the room.

“Should we be talking about this here? We had to hurry out earlier.”

“Yeah, earlier when there were a lot people walking the halls. There’s no one around to hear us, so we’re good. I also may have told staff to keep this hallway clear for the night.” I lean back on my hands and drink Isis in. She has a tight, fit body that I wouldn’t mind trying out. I shake my head and try to monitor my thoughts.

“Should we put together a contract or something?” Isis tilts her head to the side.

“I guess we should, just to make sure everything is clear. It would make things easier.” I nod and pick invisible lint off my pajama pants.

“We can both write up our terms and meet tomorrow. We can put them together once we agree. I should be released in the morning.” Isis turns and places a hand on the doorknob.

“Just call me when you’re ready to meet. I will be with my dad.” I smirk and lean forward, watching her open the door.

“It will be kind of hard to call you without your number. I can’t mindlink you, you know.” Isis stops and shakes her head. She turns and walks toward me with her hand out. I take my phone from the side of me and place it in her hand. Her nimble fingers fly across the phone's surface for a minute before she hands it back to me.

I watch Isis leave my room, and I settle against the pillows. I go through my phone and look for her number. It’s funny how she gave herself a proper name: Alpha Isis Weston. I chuckle and change the name. I open the text and type one out: See you tomorrow, Wifey.