Finding Her True Alpha
Chapter 64: Back to the Light?

Derek

After the meeting in the living room, I decided to go lay down. The guilt I was feeling has still been eating at me and I haven’t been sleeping. I’m glad Ashlyn slept in here last night.

The bed smelled like her and I actually I woke up, lying on my stomach with Mason sitting beside me, rubbing my back. As much as it was hard to admit, his touch and scent were comforting. It’s weird, we used to hate each other. It took sharing a mate to realize we could actually get along, maybe even be more.

“You feeling better?” He asked me bit. What time is it?” I grumbled.

“It’s just about time to head for dinner. Did you want to come with me, or would you like me to bring something back for you?” He asked.

“I’ll go, but I’d like to stop by the library to see Ashlyn first. I miss her and I need to fix this.” I told him.

“I know you do. We will work this all out after dinner. We will sit her down and explain everything, and we will let her know we support her plans. Now get up.” He said, smacking my a*ss before he stood up, making me jump.

“Did you just smack my a*ss?” l asked him, stunned.

“Don’t get shy with me now.” He chuckled.

“We’ll see you down there.” He said before he left the bedroom. I got up and put some fresh clothes on, then l headed to the library to see if I could find Ashlyn.

To my surprise, she wasn’t there. So I headed to dinner and hopefully she’ll come back to the wing later in the evening. When I entered the dining room, Ashlyn was no longer wearing her lace dress. She also had a little girl in her lap. I assume that’s the Fae princess.

They were both smiling and laughing, and I couldn’t help but smile at them. Mason was right. She’s not lost yet. This little girl kept Ashlyn away from the darkness, still finding some joy in this world. She kept her magic from becoming corrupted. We owned so much to the little Fae Princess.

She looked perfect with a child in her lap and I couldn’t wait until we had our own baby together. I hope this can all be over soon and we can start a family.

I took a seat by Mason. Ashlyn was sitting with the Fae King and Queen. The Fae princess was asking all kinds of questions, and I couldn’t help but overhear them. Ashlyn sounded so happy and it warmed my heart to see her joy.

“Ashlyn, looks perfect with a child in her lap.” Mason leaned over to whisper to me.

“I was thinking the same thing.” Ashlyn

I spent the afternoon in the library with the Fae Princess. She was so full of energy; we colored and told each other stories. She was only four, but she was so witty and sassy. She had me in fits of giggles all afternoon.

When it was time for dinner, we walked hand in hand to the dining room. Her parents were waiting for us, and I took a seat beside her mother, the Fae Queen. Princess Aurora sat in my lap, which I was okay with. I was going to miss her when everyone leaves tomorrow.

We were all enjoying dinner until the Fae Princess started asking me questions.

“Queen Ashy? How do mermaids have babies?” I’m so glad that I had nothing in my mouth because I would have spit it across the table.

“Well, sweetheart, magic, of course.” I stuttered out.

“Oh okay. How do moms and dads have babies?” And this kid was way too smart for her own good.

“Why do you ask?” I stuttered out.

“Mommy wants another baby, but I think daddy’s doing something wrong.” She said, stuffing her face with food. Everyone at the table was trying so hard not to laugh. I had my hand over my mouth to stop the laughter. Her poor parents looked mortified.

“Oh, you’re trying to have another baby?” I asked the Fae Queen. She nodded.

“It just hasn’t happened yet.” She told me. From my understanding, Fae’s conceived under a full moon. I reached out my hand and rested it on hers.

“It will happen.” I told her. A gold light shined out from my hand and into hers. It engulfed her and then vanished within seconds. I could hear gasps from around the dining table.

“Thank you.” She whispered with tears in her eyes. I didn’t have time to say anything to the Queen because her little princess asked her questions again.

“Queen Ashy, you have two mates?” She asked.

“Yes.” l answered her, curious about where she was going with this.

“Who would have the baby? Can boys even have babies? If mommy can’t have a baby, why doesn’t daddy have a baby?” She asked, shooting out her questions. I looked over at my mates and smirked. I wish they could give birth to the babies.

I scooped her in my arms and stood up from the table. She was asking too many questions now, and I did not know how to answer them.

“I think we should go find some ice cream in the kitchen,” I told her.

“Yay, ice cream!” She squealed. I walked out of the dining room, carrying the little princess on my h!p. Thank goodness she changed the subject from babies to ice cream. I needed a stiff drink after all her questions.

After she finished with her ice cream, her parents came to get her ready for bed. They apologized for all her questions, but I assured them it was okay. She was just curious. I was really going to miss her tomorrow when she leaves. Even if she makes me want to drink.

I made my way back to our wing. When I entered, I found everyone seated in the sitting area. Even Nathan was there.

“Are you ready for that lesson?” He asked me.

“I’m actually pretty tired. Do you have time tomorrow morning? Or do you have to head back?” I asked him.

“0f course, I have time for my sister.” He told me with a smile and I couldn’t help but return the smile.

“Thank you.” I told him before | headed into my room, closing the door behind me.

Deciding I needed a bath first, I walked into the bathroom to run a bath. Needing a moment to relax and to slow my over-thinking mind. I knew I needed to speak with Mason and Derek, but I didn’t know how I’d be able to handle their answers to my questions. I wanted this all to just go away.

When the tub was filled and hot, I slipped off my clothes and climbed in. I was glad that my old clothes reappeared after the dress vanished. At this rate, I’ll have to go buy more clothes.

The bathroom here reminds me a lot of the bathroom at home. Everything was in white marble, with a glass paneled shower, with a few shower heads on either side. Even the soaker tub was the same and could easily fit three people.

Leaning my head back, I closed my eyes. I was trying to think of nothing. I needed to think of nothing. The emotions I was feeling were swelling in my chest and I could feel the tears coming.

I was so angry earlier today, but now I’m just sad and hurt. I needed my mates, but how could l ever trust them? They constantly doubt me and they lied to me about something life-changing. I’m so sick of people saying they are protecting me. They don’t need to protect me. I need their loyalty and honesty.

The bathroom door opened and I could smell that it was Derek who had entered. I must have forgotten to lock the door behind me.

“Babygirl?” I opened my eyes to find him sitting on the floor beside the tub.

“Yes, Derek?” It was hard to be strong and hold myself together when we were alone. I just want to fall apart and cry in his arms.

“How are you feeling?” He asked, concerned.

“I don’t know.” I hesitated, taking deep breaths to calm my emotions. As much as what had happened hurt me, I still wanted him. I still loved him. I leaned forward, lifting my knees to rest my head. I closed my eyes, trying really hard to hold back my sobs that were trying to escape. Looking at him, the pain in my chest got worse and the knots in my stomach grew tighter.

I felt Derek slide his body in behind mine, causing the water level to rise. He rested his chin on my shoulder, wrapping his arms around me.

“Why didn’t you tell your father?” I asked him. And he sighed. He swept my hair over my other shoulder, exposing my na*ked back.

“It’s not that I didn’t want to tell him. I just wanted to make it special. I wanted to take you to the Dragon Kingdom and announce you as my fated mate and Queen.” He told me, while k!ssing my shoulder gently, causing goosebumps to erupt all over my body.

“Do you love her?” I whispered. He turned my body so I could look at him, taking my cheeks in his hands.

“Baby girl, I only love you. I’ve loved you since the moment l woke up to you snuggled into my chest at the cabin. You are my absolute everything.” He told me with so much conviction.

“But your child?” I stuttered out. It hurt knowing that someone else was giving him a child.

“Babygirl, it was a lie. Mason and I will explain everything to you, but please believe me when I tell you that the only woman I want and who will ever have my baby is you.” He told me.

“I don’t understand? Why would she lie about that?” I asked, tears falling down my cheeks. I was relieved but also confused about what he was telling me.

“Can you just come out to the living room and listen to us explain? Please?” He pleaded. Nodding, he sighed in relief. He pulled me into his chest, holding me tightly.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t tell you, Babygirl. I wanted to have all the information beforehand. I never wanted to hurt you, and I never want to see you in any pain again. You are my heart and soul. And there will be no one else, there is only you.”