Chapter 150: A Distraction?

AARON. I walked beside Frida, holding her hand as we made our way back to the family house. The night air was cool, and the faint glow of the moonlight cast shadows over the path. I was still processing everything—the council meeting, seeing Frida after so many years, and the tension with the female wolf that had just confronted Helena. My mind was racing, but I kept it together for Frida's sake. She really didn't need all that drama. She was unusually quiet for a seven-year-old, and I could tell she was thinking about something. I glanced down at her, wondering what was going on in that little head of hers. After a few more minutes of silence, she finally spoke. 'I had a dream about someone." she said, her voice small. I frowned, curious. 'A dream? Who did you dream about?" She looked up at me, her eyes wide, and described a man. 'He was tall, with dark hair and these big, brownish goldfish eyes. He looked… mad, but he was also really sad. He told me he's coming back to Lunaville." My heart skipped a beat. I knew who she was talking about. She didn't say his name, but the description matched Dorian perfectly. He had been exiled from Lunaville years ago, and there had been rumors that he was still lurking around, waiting for the right moment to strike. I never thought the day would come. 'Did he say anything else in your dream?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm. Frida shook her head. 'No. But he said he was coming back soon. He said it would be during something big. A party or something." The Luna Festival. That had to be it. It was the only event where Dorian could blend in, the only chance he would have to cause real trouble. The festival was coming up soon, and wolves from all over would be gathering in Lunaville. If Dorian planned to return, that would be the perfect time. I squeezed Frida's hand a little tighter, trying to mask my concern. I couldn't let her see that I was worried. 'It was just a dream, Frida. Don't worry about it." She nodded, but I could tell the dream had bothered her. It bothered me too. If Dorian was really planning something, we needed to be ready. But I couldn't think about that right now. I had to focus on…well, everything. We reached the house, and I opened the door, guiding her inside. The familiar scent of home hit me immediately. The warmth, the faint smell of my mom's cooking….it all brought back memories I hadn't thought about in a long time. My mom and dad were sitting in the living room, waiting for us. They both stood when we entered, their eyes immediately landing on Frida. 'Frida, sweetheart, come here. Why did you run off like that?" my mom said, holding out her arms. Frida let go of my hand and ran over to her, hugging her tightly. 'I saw Aaron. I wanted to go with him." She said lowly. My dad gave me a nod, acknowledging my presence but not saying much. He was never one for words. I stood there for a moment, watching them. It felt strange—like I was an outsider looking in. I didn't even know Frida existed until today. And now she was here, like she had been part of the family all along. I couldn't wrap my head around it. Once Frida was settled on the couch with my mom, I decided it was time to get some answers. 'Why didn't you tell me about her?" I asked, my voice calm but firm. My mom looked up at me, guilt flickering in her eyes. 'We didn't want to overwhelm you, Aaron. You had enough responsibilities as an Alpha. We thought it was best to keep Frida away, where she would be safe." I crossed my arms, leaning against the wall. 'Safe from what?" My dad finally spoke, his voice deep and steady. 'From the dangers outside, from the enemies we have. We didn't want you getting attached to her and risking her safety. You know how it is, Aaron. As Alpha, you can't afford emotional attachments. It weakens you." I clenched my jaw, trying to control my frustration. They made it sound like Frida was just another responsibility, another part of the pack they needed to manage. But she was more than that. She was my fucking sister. 'So, what now?" I asked, my voice sharp. 'She's seven. She's not going anywhere. How long were you planning to keep this from me?" My mom sighed, her hand resting on Frida's head. 'We weren't planning to keep it from you forever. But you were always so focused on the pack, on your duties. You also never accepted your responsibilities fully. We wanted you to acclimatize, grow up. We didn't want to distract you." I stared at them, not sure what to say. I understood their reasoning, but it didn't make it right. Frida was part of my family, and they had kept her hidden from me like some kind of secret. 'I get it," I said finally, my voice softer. 'But I should've known. She's my sister." My mom nodded, looking at me with sad eyes. 'You're right. We should have told you sooner." More like they shouldn't have lied to me in the first place. But I was alright now, my answers were gotten. There was a long silence, and the only sound was Frida quietly talking to herself as she played with her hands. My dad got up from his seat and walked over to me, placing a hand on my shoulder. 'She's safe here, Aaron," he said quietly. 'She's protected. That's all that matters." I nodded, but inside, I still felt uneasy. Frida might be safe now, but with Dorian's possible return, things could change. Scratch that, everything could change. As the thought settled in my mind, I glanced over at Frida. She was growing up, and I wasn't going to let anyone, or anything, hurt her. I just hoped I could keep that promise. .