Avenging The Triplet Alphas
Chapter 27

Elijah's

POV

I stared warily at my father as the words left his mouth. He wore a stoic expression on his face but I knew that didn't tell the whole story.

I sensed a premonition of imminent disaster and I knew I wasn't the only one. A glance at Loki's crestfallen face revealed all I wanted to know, he could sense it too. "What do you mean by bad news, father?" Loki managed to blurt out.

It was rather obvious that he had lost every trace of his composure but he was trying to maintain a calm demeanor. I had to give him props for his perseverance, I wouldn't want to be in his shoes right now and I was certain Jonathan wouldn't want to either. Unlike our father and Loki, Jonathan's facial expression was rapidly changing. It seemed like he was undecided on how to feel about the tense situation.

He was deeply in love with Arielle and I knew sending her away hurt him more than it did us although he never admitted to it, bringing her back was all his idea and he was willing to risk it all for her sake but Loki and I were more rational with our thinking. It made no sense to begin with and spending the rest of our lives in a contractual marriage was something I was certain all parties would reject.

If anything, Jonathan was supposed to be elated, Father was on the verge of tossing Loki's grand plan out the window, so why did he look so undecided?

"I am dying."

Our father's voice interrupted my train of thought.

"The worrying signs have been threatening for months now. The poison is deeply rooted in my heart and it has been gnawing at my life span for a while now."

"We've been through this father," I interjected. It was unceremonious to do so but right now, I didn't care. "The doctor has spoken to us severally about your concerns and we know for a fact that you will get over this phase and come out stronger than ever." "Father," Loki began this time, "You speak in parables. Can you shed more light on what you just said, I don't think any of us understood the message you were trying to pass across."

"Permitting Arielle's return would be a slap in the face of everything our family's honor stands for. The Van Tyson's don't go back to strays or things we've discarded in the past." Xavier began, taking each word slowly.

"I understand, Father. The decision hurts and it comes at a great price that-"

"Silence, Loki!" Xavier thundered and immediately Loki's mouth snapped shut. "You do not want to test my patience, all three of you."

Memories of the past came rushing to mind. Nothing good ever happened once our father let go of the reins holding his nasty temper, it was bound to end in violence and show of force. There was only one way it would end, Father would force us to kowtow to whatever decision he chose to go with in the heat of the moment and there was nothing any of them could do about it, ever.

The signs were clear already, if things didn't take a drastic turn, they could kiss their inheritance goodbye.

"I'm sorry, Father." Loki apologized profusely.

"We've gone past worrying about public validation except when it is necessary." Xavier began again, "Arielle returning would fill the ears of everyone with gossip and fairy tales about different scenarios that could've happened during the time she was gone. Our name would be dragged through mud but if we survive that, I can die a happy man."

The silence in the room was deafening. Loki, Jonathan, and I stood rooted to the spot as our father's words washed over us. I couldn't believe my ears, this was the most unexpected moment I had ever experienced. I was at a loss for words, our grand plans of getting Father to reject our offer concerning Arielle's return and getting him to revoke the option of naming his Beta as heir had come crashing down in all our faces. "Father, I don't.. How can, I-" Loki stuttered, unable to get his words right.

He was still reeling from the shock. Never in a million lifetimes did he ever think his father would entertain the notion of Arielle's return. Something wasn't right, he had never seen his father so desperate before.

"The truth about your son would have to be hidden from the public for a while until Arielle becomes pregnant once again or she fakes being pregnant. Anything that would prevent the news from getting out would suffice."

"This isn't you, Father," Jonathan said this time, he had been silent for a long time.

A small part of him was happy over the fact that his wish had been granted but he was generally wary about the fact that father had been all too eager to go ahead with her return.

"Sacrifices have to happen if we all want to get what we desire," Xavier replied. "You three seek the throne, it's been your birthright since you were born and you would do anything to see it remain intact. I seek the continuation of the Van Tyson's legacy and lineage at any cost and like you three, I am willing to do anything to make that happen."

"This is going against your morals and everything you believe in," I said, eventually finding my voice. "You wouldn't have entertained this idea in the past, this is low even for you, Father."

"You do not get to stand there and judge my actions, son. If you were so elated about bringing Arielle back, why are you shocked I gave into your requests, except you had an ulterior motive coming in here in the first place?" Xavier taunted his sons, urging them to take the bait.

I remained silent, not bothering to answer the questions. It would be unwise to and my brother felt the same way as we all remained mute.

"My decision stands," Xavier said with a note of finality. "Arielle must be brought back here at any cost."

The signs were clear already, if things didn't take a drastic turn, they could kiss their inheritance goodbye.

"We haven't figured out if she would be willing to return here yet." I began, eager to plead our case.

"Everything I own belongs to you until my heir is named. Use everything at your disposal to ensure that she comes back here and is reinstated as your Alpha. A Van Tyson always goes back for its own. I will not let my grandson be raised amongst unworthy people while he has a legacy waiting here for him to claim when he comes of age."

Xavier couldn't believe the words flowing out of his mouth with ease, he felt irritated at himself. This wasn't the standard he was supposed to lower himself to but after barely surviving a meticulous attempt at assassinating him, he was willing to pull out all the stops to get what he wanted.

I shared a look with my brothers, unspoken words passed between us but we understood the message. We had no other choice, we had a plan and a vision to get what we wanted but somehow, we ended up losing the only trick we had up our sleeve and we were now at the mercy of our ruthless father who wouldn't take anything other than positive confirmation for the task he has set out for us.

Loki hadn't said a word ever since Father turned around to approve of his plan, I understood the silence as it consisted of his pent-up frustration and anger at having lost out yet again to our father. "Loki," Xavier began, his eyes landing on his eldest son.

"Yes, Father."

"You were quite vocal during the start of this meeting that you requested but now, you have chosen to remain mute. Even after hearing my decree, you haven't acknowledged it yet."

"We will begin our attempts at convincing Arielle to return home with our son." Loki forced out. "We only request that you give us more time and postpone your decision to name an heir in a month."

Xavier fell silent, considering his options. He had wasted a lot of time handing out opportunities to his sons at their every request and he decided that was all he would grant.

"I will name my heir in a month. Nothing is going to change about that, that's all the motivation you need to hasten your actions."

"Dialogues and negotiations require lengthy processes and you know this," Loki argued. "She has a new pack and an Alpha at her beck and call, it won't be easy to pry her away from their grasp without them putting up a fight." "Tell me, Loki. What's the problem with getting violent to get what you seek?" Xavier retorted.

"I do not want to start a feud over Arielle," Loki replied. "There are other ways to get what we want other than losing good soldiers when war breaks out."

Xavier shrugged, he didn't care how they went about getting her back, he wasn't going back on his words.

"In a month, if Arielle isn't home by then. I will name my Beta as heir in front of the entire pack."