Alpha Kilian cast his gaze downward, the weight of his thoughts evident in his posture. “I don’t really have any specific plans at the moment. I’m just going to go with whatever happens to work!” His voice held a casual tone, but there was an underlying seriousness that hinted at his true feelings.
Tony frowned, eyeing him suspiciously, his young mind struggling to process his father’s words. “Dad, are you being serious right now? Or are you just joking around?” His tone was a mix of confusion and concern, reflecting his disbelief at what he was hearing.
Instead of responding directly to Tony’s inquiry, Alpha Kilian met his son’s gaze with a steady look and posed a question of his own. “What do you think?” The challenge in his voice was clear, as if he was inviting Tony to express his thoughts openly.
“Dad!” Tony’s eyes remained locked on him, filled with a mixture of curiosity and disappointment. He was desperate for a straightforward answer, but all he got was ambiguity, which only fueled his suspicion further.
“I’m serious!” Alpha Kilian insisted, his tone firm and unwavering. He wanted his son to understand that he wasn’t joking, that his approach to life was different from what Tony might expect.
The young boy remained unconvinced, his brow furrowing deeper with each passing moment. “You really don’t have any plans at all?” His voice was incredulous, as if he couldn’t fathom how someone could navigate life without a roadmap.
“Plans are just ideas, mere constructs of the mind,” Alpha Kilian replied thoughtfully. “I’d rather face things as they come, one step at a time. If you don’t have a set plan, your enemy won’t see it coming!” He stressed this point, emphasizing each word as if imparting a crucial life lesson.
Tony studied his father intently, his skepticism still evident in his expression, yet he found a glimmer of logic in Alpha Kilian’s words. It was a complex notion, but part of him was starting to understand the rationale behind his father’s unconventional approach.
After a contemplative moment, he asked, “Aren’t you worried about unexpected events that might arise?” His voice was filled with genuine concern, reflecting his youthful apprehension about the unpredictable nature of life.
“I am!” Alpha Kilian replied emphatically. “But will having a plan guarantee that I avoid those events? Life is inherently unpredictable, and sometimes, you have to adapt on the fly.” His eyes were intense as he conveyed the weight of his thoughts.
“You must have some thoughts or ideas, right? Like, what will you actually do?” Tony pressed, his gaze sharpening with determination. He wanted to know if his father had any intentions at all, or if he was truly just winging it.
“I have some thoughts,” Alpha Kilian replied cryptically.
“Like what? Can you share?” Tony pressed further, eager for more information.
“First, we need to keep Nelly in the dark about our plans,” Alpha Kilian stated, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.
“You want to mislead Nelly?” Tony asked, a mix of surprise and disbelief evident in his tone. The thought of deceiving someone he cared about made him uneasy, but he was curious about his father’s reasoning.
“Nelly hasn’t said anything about this. Do you really believe she’d let us go through with it if she knew?” Alpha Kilian countered, raising an eyebrow. His question was rhetorical, designed to provoke thought rather than seek an answer.
After contemplating the implications, Tony nodded in agreement, albeit reluctantly.
“But Nelly isn’t easily fooled. What if she finds out?” he inquired, his voice laced with concern. The idea of Nelly discovering the truth filled him with anxiety, and he wanted to ensure they were prepared for any fallout.
“The only ones who know about this are you, me, and Dave. How would she find out if the three of us keep quiet?” Alpha Kilian replied confidently. His tone suggested that he had considered every angle of the situation.
Tony straightened up, determination flashing in his eyes. “I won’t tell her. I promise,” he stated earnestly. Alpha Kilian looked at him, his expression softening slightly. “I trust you,” he replied, believing in his son’s sincerity.
Then Tony paused, deep in thought, before saying, “Actually, when Anonymous posted a bounty list on Hacker Community, it really upset the Midnight Fang pack. Their hackers launched an attack on Darknetz, and now they’re sworn enemies.”
Alpha Kilian raised an eyebrow at the mention of “Anonymous,” maintaining a neutral expression. “So? What does that have to do with us?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.
“If given the chance, I want to-” Tony began, but was abruptly cut off.
“There’s no need for that!” Alpha Kilian interrupted, his tone sharp. Tony looked at him, confusion etched on his face. “Dad…”
“I don’t need Darknetz to seek revenge on my behalf!” Alpha Kilian declared, his voice steady and resolute.
“Dad, it’s not just you who wants revenge. I want it, too. Nelly is my concern!” Tony shot back, his passion ignited. “She’s my woman!” Alpha Kilian responded quickly, defensively.
The two shared a tense stare, the air thick with unresolved emotions.
“I came from her, so I’m closer to her than you!” Tony asserted, his words carrying a mixture of pride and defiance.
At this, Alpha Kilian smirked, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. “If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t even be here. While I may not be as close to her as you are, you’re not as connected to her as I am.” His words were playful yet carried a hint of truth.
Tony fell silent, momentarily at a loss for words as he processed his father’s assertion.
They continued to glare at each other, neither willing to back down, the competitive spirit between them palpable.
“Dad, if you put it that way, does this mean we can’t reach an understanding?” Tony asked, his voice softer now. “I’m just saying I can seek my own revenge!” Alpha Kilian retorted, his tone firm.
“So, you’re saying I can’t be involved in this matter?”
“If you can manage it without involving Darknetz, then go ahead!” Alpha Kilian shot back, his frustration evident. “You’re just making this harder for me!” Tony protested, feeling increasingly cornered.
“Then so be it!” Alpha Kilian replied with finality.
The young boy nodded, determination hardening his expression. “Fine. If that’s how it is, don’t blame me for what I’m about to do!” Alpha Kilian narrowed his eyes, intrigued. “What do you mean by that?”
Tony grinned mischievously, “If you don’t let me be a part of this, I’ll just have to tell Nelly everything that’s happening.”
“No, you won’t!” Alpha Kilian stated firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument.
“Don’t believe me?” Tony raised an eyebrow, challenging his father’s conviction.
All Alpha Kilian gave him was a piercing look, confirming his doubt. “Let’s go, then!” Tony declared, standing up and walking away with purpose.
Alpha Kilian followed closely behind, his mind racing with thoughts.
During the walk, Tony remained silent, his expression serious, while Alpha Kilian trailed him quietly, contemplating the implications of their conversation.
Once inside the castle and up the stairs, Tony headed straight for Nelly’s room without hesitation. Alpha Kilian observed him with a mix of emotions, concern and pride battling within him.
The tension between them felt like a silent contest; whoever spoke first would lose the unspoken battle for dominance in their relationship.
Finally, they reached Nelly’s door, and Tony glanced back at Alpha Kilian, frustration evident on his face at his father’s lingering skepticism.
Fine! If that’s how you want to play it!
Tony pushed the door open and exclaimed, “Nelly! Dad wants to avenge you!” Alpha Kilian was taken aback, unable to respond.
This was not how he envisioned things unfolding. He had anticipated a warmer approach from Tony, perhaps some subtlety.
As he entered the room, he opened his mouth to clarify, but found it empty, his words caught in his throat.
Both stared around, asking in unison, “Where is she?”
The sound of running water echoed from the bathroom, and soon Nelly emerged, looking them over with curiosity. “What brings you both here?” she inquired, her brow furrowing slightly.
“Nelly, I have something important to tell you,” Tony said, his expression serious and intense. Nelly’s attention shifted to him, her curiosity piqued. “What is it?” she asked.
The room fell silent as they locked eyes, the air thick with tension. After a long pause, Nelly finally asked, “Was this what Tony wanted to discuss all along?”
Alpha Kilian looked at her, hesitating before stepping closer and gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Would it disappoint you if I said no?” he asked, his voice softening.
“If that’s the case, it would explain everything that’s happened,” Nelly replied, her tone matter-of-factly, clearly understanding the implications.
Alpha Kilian recognized her sharp insight; any attempt to conceal the truth would only complicate matters further. “It’s true that what he said is something I’ve been considering,” he confessed, his honesty palpable.
Nelly seemed taken aback, her silence speaking volumes as she processed his admission.
“I’ll make amends for everything I owe you. I’ll ensure nothing is overlooked,” Alpha Kilian promised earnestly, his sincerity shining through.
“That’s unnecessary. I don’t care about those things,” she countered, her voice steady and reassuring.
“How can I say I love you if I don’t repay you?” he insisted, his determination unwavering.
“Really, I don’t mind,” she replied firmly, her gaze unwavering.
“But I do,” he countered, a hint of desperation in his voice. Looking deeply into her eyes, he added, “I’ve already let you down once. I won’t do it again. I’ll keep every promise I make, Nelly.”
Nelly returned his gaze, a soft smile forming on her lips. “Okay.” He drew her close and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, a gesture filled with affection.
With a smile, she said, “Your injury is nearly healed, Alpha Kilian. Let’s go back in a couple of days. I miss home and Grandpa.”
For a moment, Alpha Kilian was taken aback, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face. “Alright,” he finally replied, his voice steady.
“I’ll call Grandpa and let him know we’re coming back together. I don’t want him to worry,” Nelly said, her tone practical and caring.
He nodded in agreement. “Sounds good. Let’s do that.”
“Hand me your phone,” she said, extending her hand expectantly.
Without hesitation, Alpha Kilian retrieved his phone and placed it in her palm, trusting her completely. After she took it, Nelly turned to make her call, her mind focused.
He watched her for a moment, admiring her determination, then gradually turned to leave. Tony leaned against the wall just outside the door, appearing relaxed as he checked his nails, a carefree demeanor masking his underlying tension.
When he noticed Alpha Kilian emerging, he remarked, “Out so soon?” with a raised eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on his lips.
Alpha Kilian met his gaze, recognizing the boy’s cunning, which reminded him so much of himself. “I figured you were waiting. Of course, I had to come out and talk to you, given the circumstances.”
Tony smirked, “If you’re having second thoughts, I can always run back in and tell Nelly what you really think.”
“You’re trying to intimidate me,” Alpha Kilian observed, shaking his head at his son’s audacity.
“Absolutely,” Tony replied casually, his confidence apparent.
With narrowed eyes, Alpha Kilian considered him, impressed yet wary.
“Even a fierce tiger won’t harm its own cub, Dad. I’m your son, so you wouldn’t hurt me. What’s the point of this? No matter how you look at me, I’m not scared,” Tony taunted, shaking his head defiantly.
The boy had clearly thought this through, his strategy well-planned, but Alpha Kilian refused to be cornered. He grabbed Tony’s shoulder, locking eyes with him. “True, I can’t harm you, but don’t think that gives you the upper hand.”
He returned Tony’s smug grin, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. “Glad you know.”
“I heard you’re ticklish?” Alpha Kilian raised an eyebrow, his voice teasing.
Tony’s eyes widened in surprise, disbelief evident. “W-Who told you that? It’s not true!” he stammered, panic creeping into his tone.
“It doesn’t matter who told me. What matters is whether it’s true or not,” Alpha Kilian replied, his hand moving toward Tony’s waist, a playful grin spreading across his face.
Just the thought made Tony squirm, laughter bubbling up inside him. “If you do that, I’ll scream for Nelly!” he warned, his voice filled with mock seriousness.
“What’s wrong with that? It’s not like I’m hurting you. It’s all in good fun,” Alpha Kilian pointed out, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
As he reached to tickle him, Tony swiftly escaped, laughter spilling from his lips.
Turning back with indignation, he exclaimed, “How can you be so unreasonable, Dad? I’m trying to help you, and you want to bite the hand that feeds you!”
“What help are you offering me, really?” Alpha Kilian asked, genuinely curious.
“Getting together with Nelly, of course. What I said earlier resolved the issue and helped your relationship with her, right? I’m just trying to be supportive!” Tony explained, his tone earnest.
Alpha Kilian scrutinized him, weighing the truth in his words. “So, you think I should be grateful for your unsolicited help?”
Tony hesitated, then replied, “Well, it doesn’t matter if you thank me or not. Just remember, don’t bite the hand that feeds you. I’m just looking out for you.”
Alpha Kilian chuckled, a lighthearted sound that belied the tension. “Since you put it that way, I might just do that.”
Upon hearing that, Tony quickly put distance between them, feigning shock. “How could you say that, Dad? As an adult, you should be setting a good example for me, right?”
Alpha Kilian was taken aback, momentarily baffled. Setting a good example? When did that become my responsibility?
He continued to stare at Tony, then calmly replied, “You didn’t grow up under my care, yet you seem a lot like me. Clearly, that’s not due to my example; it’s genetics! You’ve inherited my traits, for better or worse.”