Chapter 4 The Warning

• 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 ashamed to 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's 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?