Chapter: 40
******

Kael stood at the Gates of the Manor, overlooking the vast expanse of land stretching as far as he could see, beautiful gardens and fields with rolling green hills in the distance, all perfectly landscaped and cultivated to perfection. A small river winds its way through the valley to disappear into a hidden pool. A few large ponds are scattered amongst the land. A magnificent view that should have been breathtaking but all Kael saw was an endless stretch of dull grey. The only colors were the white stone buildings and the green grass. Today was not a day for the beautiful scenery. Today is the day he introduces father and son. His eyes wandered to the little figure clenching onto his pinky, standing side by side with him and staring ahead into the Gates.

A small smile stretched across his lips as he watched his son. For all his outward appearances he was the most stoic little man anyone had ever seen. His face was impassive, his mouth set in a frown, dark hair tied back into a short ponytail, hand behind his back. He wore plain clothes without any jewelry or adornment. He had an air about him that screamed quiet confidence, even for his age. Kael admired how strong he already appeared, how maturely he carried his shoulders and body language. He knew he had raised a boy whom Rafa would be proud of. Kael knew deep inside he was doing the right thing, he had no regrets, no hesitation, it didn't matter if they disliked him, he had made up his mind, and he'd waited long enough for this moment. It's time he gave his son the good life and gained himself a Lycan.

What better time is there to come back to River Bay with the Alpha's son than at a time like this? Dare mentioned to him the Alpha's disappearance, and his opportunity to become the shining light the people need at their trying time. And once the Alpha returns, he must find favor with him so they can obtain the Book.

******

Three months have passed since the Alpha's Omega disappeared and Rafa in turn has lost his mind. He has abandoned his duties and his Packs. Even his Betas could not find him. Wherever he was, he made sure to seal his scent, and block his Links, so none could reach him. It was a scary time in River Bay and other Packs in the Alpha's protection and all hands were on deck, trying to find a trace of the Alpha so they could bring him home, but most importantly, they had to know if he was alright.

He could be sick, or dying someplace, but certainly not dead since a sudden death would bring down his Pack and kill many along with him. It worries his Betas greatly, they have visited with the Alpha's Birth Omega and even he could not say for sure where his son is now. They are worried sick that something might have happened to their Alpha of Alphas while he was away from his pack, but there is nothing to do at this point. If he doesn't want to be found, which is clearly what it was, then there is nothing they can do to find him. The pack is still mourning the loss of its Omega and the Alpha himself is nowhere to be found, which makes them feel more alone than ever in their grief. The Alpha's presence would have brought about a certain amount of comfort in their Souls, but with him gone, they all suffered greatly.

Even Leon has been contacted at some point, and he too was confirmed ill from the Alpha's disappearance and disconnection from him. Conri was acting recklessly, although they had seen it coming which was why Colleen didn't wish that he went on with the Rejection, it would have been endurable if the Omega were to be dead than be Rejected. Leon had informed them he knew where the Witch lives as well as who Dare works with, but he could not reveal these details to them unless he told Conri first.

His Links were so highly blocked, none could get through to him.

They had even gone as far as visiting the Seer, but even he had very little to tell. He had mentioned a son of the Alpha being the only Were who will be able to disclose the Alpha of Alphas' whereabouts besides his Omega, and now they have no choice but to wait and hope the said son foreseen by the Seer appears before the Gates of River Bay.

Dom and Colleen weren't very surprised upon hearing the news since they had investigated Kael, the mystery Omega who rescued the Alpha from his Rut. They knew he was with child, but didn't know if the child lived, and once the Seer mentioned a son, it confirmed what they already knew. It just seemed like a sign... something to look forward to. They couldn't find where Kael lived with the Alpha's son, but they knew he was bound to surface one day, so they waited.

"Beta,"

Dom turned from the papers he worked on to find a warrior standing in front of him. His brows furrowed in confusion upon seeing him. "What?"

"An Omega has been standing at the Gates for quite some time now. Either he is lost or he is the one we have been waiting for since he has a child with him,"

Dom didn't let him finish when he Linked his first and ordered him to meet him at the Gates, and as he rushed out of his office he found Colleen running toward him. Both Betas sprinted for the Gates, and Dom reached a bit faster and looked outside to see an Omega standing outside with a child in his arms. The boy appeared to be around two years old, and his features gave off a strong resemblance to his father. A wave of relief flooded his body, and he hurriedly unlocked the Gates and opened them so that the Omega and his son could step in. He saw the child crying and looking up at the Betas, so Dom immediately took the boy into his arms. He felt the child relax in his embrace.

"You're safe." He muttered gently into the boy's ears and began to rub a slow circle on his back, and the crying stopped almost immediately after. "There you go." The pup clung to his neck tightly as Dom continued to rub his back. He smiled at how strong his little grips were. Rafa would be proud, but at a time like this, he hoped he would make time for his son and not continue to wallow in his grief and therefore forsake his son.

As the Omega approached, his face lit up in a warm smile. The Seer had mentioned her son would be loved and greatly cared for, it made Kael happy seeing the bond growing between the Betas and their Alpha's son. "Hi," He greeted and stretched out his arm. "I'm Kael, I don't think we have officially introduced ourselves," He beamed at the Betas and they took turns shaking his arm.

"I am Colleen and this is my Half Dominic, we are the First and Second Chosen Betas of the Alpha of Alphas," Colleen introduced and Kael nodded smiling as if he didn't need the introduction, and he didn't, he's lived in River Bay for many years, and so he's familiar with all of them, but of course, they aren't familiar with him. Always so busy with their Alpha, they hardly notice any who aren't their family or a Mate. "Is this your child?" Colleen asked after a while. Although he could tell, he wanted to hear it from him.

"Yes, this is my son, Raphael, " He replied happily.

Dom raised his brows slightly and looked at Colleen, but he only shrugged. "And is he the Alpha's son?" He asked again and Kael nodded.

"Yes, conceived the night of his Rut,"

"You intended for this to happen, didn't you?" Dom asked bluntly. "I saw it in your eyes that day, you were determined to go up to a Raging Lycan in Rut while we all hid away from his wrath. You wanted to have the Alpha's child, but why?"

He blushed a light pink and shook his head. "How can you ask me why? Clearly, I did it for the Glory, he is the Alpha of Alphas and I am a greedy Were who wants the best of life. I desired to be the first to birth the Alpha's Pup and I did it." He explained. It seems he's heard the question multiple times already.

"It was an accident," Colleen reminded him.

"One that has given me the Lycan's son..." Kael muttered quietly and Dom watched his expression change into something bittersweet and sad, and a sense of guilt settled deep within his chest. "But that doesn't matter anymore, does it? I have heard that only he can bring his father home, so in the end, it was for a good cause," He smiled.

"You've heard?" Dom asked.

Nodding, Kael checked on his son who was sound asleep in Dom's arms. "The Alpha of Alphas is missing, everyone has heard," He answered simply before leaning over to kiss his forehead lightly. "Now, shall we begin?" He asked, Colleen, nodded and walked ahead of them.

"I'll bring you to the Alpha's bedroom," Colleen said as he walked.

"His bedroom?" Kael asked, his footsteps falling a beat behind them. "Why?"

"The Seer said once his son is placed in a room surrounded by his Father's Pheromones, he would be able to open a Link which through it, we learn the Alpha's whereabouts," Colleen replied firmly and Dom nodded in agreement.

Kael didn't say another word and simply followed silently behind them. He nodded a few times to the servants who greeted them as they walked passed and his shoulders raised with pride, knowing the respect that would be accorded him as the Birth Omega to the Alpha of Alphas' first son. He wanted this to happen so badly, and now that it has finally happened, he didn't know how to handle himself, but he tried to appear unbothered, but deep down, he wanted to jump about in joy. Now, all that is left to do is win over the Alpha's heart, and since he has Rejected his Mate, he stood a chance with him.

They reached the Alpha's Room just in time, and Dom laid the Alpha's son down against the pillows. Once they were done Kael walked toward the bed and sat down next to the sleeping form of the child while Dom and Colleen slowly paced the room.

"Should we wake him up?" Colleen asked after a while and Dom shrugged. "The Seer didn't say if he needed to be awake or asleep to open a Link, did he?" He asked and once again Dom shrugged, his gaze fixed on the sleeping child. Colleen sighed and walked toward the bed, he sat on the other side of the boy and gently placed a hand on his shoulder to shake him awake, but a flash of memory flooded his mind upon contact with the Pup and a Link opened up. They could hear the Alpha breathing softly in his Father's Mating Chamber and immediately they knew they had found him.

He took his hand away from the sleeping Pup and ordered Kael to bring the boy to a room they had prepared for them. Kael agreed and carried his son and as they walked out of the Alpha's bedroom, his eyes wandered to the bookshelf he knew would hold the Book Of Neer. He must find a reason to come back here and search for that book. Dare needs that book if he must defeat the Alpha Of Alphas, and he needs that book to be free from Dare's vows.

******
Once Dom and Colleen left the Omega and his son in the care of the House Staff, Colleen summoned the other Four Betas and they all met up in the Pack Hall.

"We know where the Alpha of Alphas is," He started and they all nodded along, knowing what he meant. "Anya, you have a keen eye, you'll be our eyes, and Clyde, should the Alpha try to resist, use force, it's an order." He ordered, receiving nods in return. "Mano and Reece, please, be on your best behavior," He added and turned to his Second. "Let's bring our Alpha home to his son... Shift!" He charged and they all shifted and took off in the direction that Anya led.