Chapter 62

Chapter 62

**Mason

1 slumped down in my study, my mind burdened by the weight of leadership. The recent events within our pack had taken their toll on me, and I felt the responsibility settle heavily on my shoulders. In this moment of exhaustion, a soft knock on the door interrupted my thoughts.

“Come in,” I called out, my voice tinged with weariness.

The door creaked open, revealing the figure of iny mother, An nalise. Her presence always commanded respect, and I straightened up in my chair, preparing myself for what was to come.

“Mason,” she began, her voice laced with concern. “I’ve been observing the situation within the pack, and I believe it’s time we had a serious discussion about your role as the Alpha.”

1 sighed, bracing myself for the lecture that was about to ensue. My mother had always been a formidable figure, and her words carried weight within our pack. I had always known she had my best interests at heart, but at that moment, resentment crept into my soul, and uncertainty.

Ever since I had mated Kora, my mother had been against me at every turn. Our bond as mother and son had fractured, and I wasn’t sure if I even wanted to bridge the gap as more of her character came to light.

“Go ahead, Mother,” I replied, my tone sharper than intended. “What do you have to say?”

She took a seat opposite me, her eyes fixed on mine, gaze penetrating

“Mason, being an Alpha means more than just asserting your dominance and protecting the pack physically. It means leading with wisdom, empathy, and diplomacy. It means fostering unity and guiding our pack members through challenges.

I grit my teeth at her tone. Had it always been so condescending?

I listened, my frustration seething beneath the surface. I had dedicated myself to holding our pack together, and to finding resolutions to the conflicts that had arisen. Yet, it seemed like my efforts were constantly falling short in my mother’s eyes. I’ would only be good enough if I was doing it her way.

“You don’t understand, Mother, I snapped, the words escaping before I could stop them. “This mess we’re in, it’s not entirely my fault. I’m just cleaning up the chaos that you left behind.”

Her eyes widened in surprise, her usually composed demeanor faltering momentarily.

“What do you mean?” she asked, her voice tinged with defensiveness, already predicting my next words

“You created the conflict with the traitors’ cave and your grudge against my mate and her family,” I sighed, my voice filled with pent-up frustration. You left me to pick up the pieces and to mend the broken bonds within our pack. And now you dare to lecture me on leadership?”

Mother’s expression hardened, her eyes narrowing. “Don’t you dare blame me for this,” she retorted, her voice icy. “I’ve done my best to prepare you for this role, and to instill in you the values of our pack.”

I stood up abruptly, my anger boiling over.

“Your best wasn’t good enough, Mother!” I exclaimed, my voice echoing through the study.

She rose to her feet, her face a mask of hurt and frustration.

“I did what I thought was best,” she replied, voice trembling slightly. “I made sacrifices for the sake of our pack.”

“Well, those sacrifices have left us fractured, and taking it out on everyone except those who truly deserve it,” I snapped, my tone dripping with bitterness. “And I’m left to clean up the mess.”

Her shoulders slumped, the fight in her eyes fading. “I never wanted this for you,” she whispered, her voice laced with regret. I only wanted a better future for our pack after that man stole your father from me.”

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut; the weight of my own words crashing upon me. I had lashed out in anger, bur beneath it all, I knew that my mother had only wanted what was best for our pack. Of that, I’d never been uncertain. My mother loved our pack-maybe more than she ever loved me.

She turned on her heel and began to walk away, her steps heavy with frustration. It struck me as odd to see my mother storm off in such a manner. She was always composed, and never one to let her emotions get the best of her. But at that moment, she seemed fragile, and vulnerable in her anger.

“Mother. I called out, my voice tired. “Wait.”

She paused, her back still turned to me.

“Yes?” she replied, her voice soft and weary.

“I’m sorry,” I said, the words catching in my throat. “I didn’t mean to blame you for everything. I know you’ve done your best, and I appreciate all that you’ve done for our pack”

Mother turned to face me, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. I tried not to let myself be even more agitated at the sight. What right did she have to cry? She’d ruined so many lives and divided our pack so soundly that trying to bring everyone together was a near-insurmountable endeavor.

“Thank you, Mason,” she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of gratitude and sadness. “I may not have been the perfect mother or leader, but I’ve always loved you, and I’ve always wanted what’s best for our pack

We stood there in tense silence, the room suffocating with unresolved emotions. The weight of our words hung in the air like a heavy fog, obscuring any chance of reconciliation. I had hoped for understanding or a reltindling of the bond we once shared, but it seemed that bitterness had taken root and grown between us.

As the silence stretched, each passing moment intensified the growing chasm separating us. The wounds of past disagreements were raw and unhealed, leaving scars that ran deep within our souls. The divide seemed insurmountable, casting a shadow over the love and connection that had once defined our relationship.

Letting out a heavy sigh, I broke the silence, my voice tinged with resignation.

“I appreciate your words, Mother, I said, my words punctuated by a weary, brittle smile. “But perhaps it’s best to take time apart to reflect and find our paths. Maybe we can rediscover the bridge that has eluded us in that space

Not that she had listened when I’d ordered her away from me and my mate before-proven by the fact she was standing before me now, trying to weigh in on situations that no longer concerned her.

Mother’s face hardened, and her eyes, once warm and filled with maternal love, now flashed with disappointment and anger. She took a step back, creating a palpable distance between us. This was more familiar; her stiff demeanor as she prepared to reprimand me for an imagined slight. Her voice, sharp and laced with an icy edge, mirrored the growing tension in the

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“If that’s truly what you want, Mason, then so be it,” she said, her words carrying a weight of finality. “But remember, ast Alpha, you bear the weight of leadership alone now. Don’t allow your pride to cloud your judgment.”

Her words struck a nerve; a bittersweet reminder of the magnitude of my responsibility.

The responsibility that had nearly cost me Kora.

With those words, she turned away from me again, her footsteps echoing through the study as she stormed off, leaving me alone with my thoughts.