Chapter 557: Helpful Venom

Apparently, release didn’t mean freedom. Christian had assigned a werewolf guard to watch over Roman, and even now, as a servant led him toward his quarters, the guard followed closely behind.

Leon was there too, walking silently at his side. His presence said everything Roman needed to know, though he didn’t speak. Roman’s jaw clenched as he stalked down the hall, anger burning in every step.

"This is your—" the servant began, trying to introduce the room, but Roman didn’t wait. He shoved the door open and stormed inside.

Leon caught the door before it slammed shut and stepped in after him. "Roman," he called after him firmly.

But Roman ignored him, striding inside. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much space to retreat to, and Leon quickly caught up. He grabbed Roman’s shoulder and spun him around.

"What the hell do you want?!" Roman barked, his voice raw with rage.

For a split second, Leon froze, stunned by the sheer fury on his son’s face. Then his own jaw tightened. "I get that you’re angry," he shot back, "but making reckless moves like this isn’t an option!"

"What do you even care?!" Roman shouted, his voice breaking at the edges.

"I CARE BECAUSE I’M YOUR FATHER!" Leon roared, his chest heaving. His voice cracked, guttural with emotion. "I care because I’m a father terrified of losing his only child!"

Roman’s breath hitched, but he didn’t move.

"I might not win any awards for Father of the Year, but I am concerned when my son throws himself into danger and shuts me out. You have no idea what it does to me, knowing I’m helpless to protect you."

The air between them was electric, raw with years of hurt and unspoken words. Roman’s shoulders shook. His eyes filled, brimming with tears he couldn’t hold back.

Then, like a dam breaking, the pack link opened between them. Roman’s voice echoed painfully in Leon’s mind.

"You hurt me!"

"I know,"

Leon answered instantly, his own eyes misting over. Through the link, he could feel Roman’s pain as clearly as his own heartbeat.

"I’m so sorry. A thousand apologies won’t erase what I’ve done, but I’ll keep saying them if I must. I don’t care if you hate me, if you never forgive me—just... don’t put yourself in danger like this without telling me. I can’t lose you, Roman. I can’t."

Something deep within Roman shattered at those words. With a choked sound, he lunged forward, wrapping his arms around Leon.

Leon held him tight, clutching his son like he might vanish if he let go, both of them crying like children.

"My little Romy, I’m so sorry."

Leon used the childhood pet name he hadn’t spoken in years, and it only made him cry even harder.

Compared to other Alphas, Roman had always been the most sensitive, deeply in touch with his emotions. And right now, he was baring it all, every raw, aching piece of himself.

It felt like forever before they broke apart. Roman wiped at the tears in his eyes furiously. He wasn’t a child anymore, for crying out loud.

His father was looking at him with a new glint in his eyes. Roman knew what it was.

Hope.

It made him uneasy but a little comforted at the same time. He hadn’t forgiven his father, not yet. But he wasn’t as angry as he had been before.

"About Alexa—"

"What your mother said is true, Roman. She never wanted you. It’s all my fault."

The light in Roman’s eyes dimmed.

Leon immediately added, "We might not have wanted you, but that doesn’t mean I regret having you, Roman."

Roman gulped as Leon placed one hand on his shoulder and the other gently cupped his face. His voice softened.

"I will never forget the happiness I felt when I first carried you. When those tiny hands wrapped around my finger and pulled it into your mouth. Or your naming ceremony, when you peed straight into my mouth while I was proudly showing you off to the pack."

A startled snort escaped Roman’s lips, unbidden.

Leon chuckled, smiling fondly at the memory. "You’ve been mischievous since birth."

His tone turned firm. "Forget what your mother said. Don’t let the words of a disturbed woman sink into you. You are not a mistake, Roman Draven. You’re my son, the future Alpha of the South Pack. Don’t provoke Elijah carelessly and make me lose my heir."

Then Leon turned toward the door, careful of the guard outside. Through the pack link, his voice reached Roman’s mind.

"How’s Violet?"

"Safe,"

Roman answered curtly. Just because they’d shared a moment didn’t mean he trusted Leon completely. The less his father knew about their plans, the better. Who knew if Elijah hadn’t already anticipated all this? Roman wasn’t taking that risk.

Leon understood and didn’t press further. Out loud, he said, "No more reckless fighting."

"No promises," Roman replied dryly.

An awkward silence followed. Then Leon finally gestured at the door. "You know where to find me if you need me."

"Sure." Roman played it cool.

"I’ll leave then." Leon opened the door, and nearly collided with Asher Nightshade. The guard who’d been posted outside was gone.

Asher simply tilted his head in acknowledgment. Leon nodded and stepped aside to let him through.

The moment the door shut, Roman let out a relieved breath. He and Asher crossed the room and embraced tightly, like brothers reunited after years apart.

"That was close," Roman said, pulling back. He searched Asher’s face carefully. "Violet and Griffin?"

"They made it out."

Roman exhaled, relief flooding him. One plan down. Countless more to go.

Then he studied Asher’s tired expression. "How are you holding up?"

"Super," Asher replied with abnormal cheer. "Every single one of my father’s Alphas wants me dead."

"That’s twisted." Roman grimaced at first, only for his lips to curl in a dangerous grin. "And exciting. Where do we begin?"

"First," Asher said. "I need your venom."

Roman’s brow arched.

"Preferably bottled."