Chapter: 19
*****

Standing at the door, staring into bright golden eyes was Xiher, in his godly Form, this had the Betas gawking in shock.

"Xiher?" Dom gasped in surprise as he and his sister stared at him in awe and disbelief, "You- You're awake?... I can't believe it." He said breathlessly.

Xiher blinks slowly at them. "Yes... I am. And I'm not sure for how long I have been asleep, I can't remember much either." He admitted quietly. There was a pause for a short while as they simply stared at him in wonder.

After a while, Colleen cleared his throat and stepped forward, crossing his arms across his chest. "You can't remember anything? Nothing at all?" He questioned in a low, disbelieving tone.

Xiher hesitated, lowering his gaze from the Beta's, "Yes, I don't." He replied softly.

There was another heavy silence. Luna had mentioned something of this sort occurring. It's like he's reborn, without memories from the past. Who he was or what had happened, leading to what was happening at that very moment. They were all lost for words at the implications of what this could mean for their Alpha. They hadn't expected Xiher to return to full form yet, not that they weren't happy seeing that he is awake. The only issue now was whether or not they should tell him or wait for their Alpha to tell him, which seemed most reasonable.

Colleen held Xiher's hand, giving him a warm smile. "I'm sure everything will be cleared in due time, just stay calm..." He began to lead him out of the room. "...Know that you are safe here and no harm will come to you. Take this as your home if you, please..." He addressed calmly and Xiher nodded. He was beautiful, flawless even like his skin radiates perfection. His eyes sparked with his emotions, the light in their depths dims when he is confused or curious and when he is calm and happy they twinkle like a galaxy of stars. It leaves them breathless each time.

"How long have I been asleep?" He asked, looking from one Beta to the next.

"A couple of months-" Dom muttered, wondering if it was wise to tell him the truth.

"How long is a couple of months?" He asked again and Eva snickered when her brother groaned.

"Eight months, give or take," He replied once again and this time, Xiher nodded with satisfaction.

"Why did I fall asleep?"

This had all three Weres shifting on their toes, they didn't think they should be answering that question. That is specially reserved for their Alpha, the mad genius who thought it was wise to shoot an arrow at his Mate. They wouldn't be caught dead disclosing such information.

"Um... I think you should wait for a little while until you can remember that for yourself," Colleen replied, looking the god in the eyes. Xiher nodded after a few minutes of contemplation, he may not remember much but he could read their demeanor, he knew they were uncomfortable with answering that question and for that, he pardoned them. "... Here, let's walk you to the garden and around the Manor to get you acquainted with everyone and get used to your surroundings." He said, trying to lighten the mood.

"But, before that, I think an introduction is overdue..." Eva spoke up suddenly.

"She's right," Dom agreed, turning to Xiher. "My name is Dominic Stoker, I am the Second Beta to the Alpha Of Alphas, this here is my sister, Eva, she has been the one looking after you, the only one the Alpha trusts enough to leave you in her care... and right there, holding your hands is, Colleen Mcfill, First Beta to the Alpha." Dom introduced, pointing to each respectively.

Xiher nodded and gave a curt bow to the three of them, "It's nice to meet you all." He said, calmly.

"Likewise," Eva said with a sweet grin.

A blush crept over Xiher's pale cheeks. "Thank you for looking after me, Eva..." He nodded to her again and she smiled and waved him off. "Uh... this Alpha you speak off, is he by any chance, my-my Mate?" He asked, fiddling with his hands.

Smiling warmly, Colleen nodded. "Yes, he is."

Xiher stared at him with confusion, his expression turning into one of pure awe at that revelation. His eyes sparkled with excitement and a hint of curiosity. "May I see him?" He asked, gazing up at the tall blonde Beta.

Both Dom and Col chuckled warmly at his innocent request. "Of course, we will gladly take you to see him, I'm sure he wouldn't mind," Dom reassured him with a warm smile.

With a nod, Xiher followed after them as they led him through the spacious hallway, decorated with more paintings on both sides. A painting caught his eyes and he paused to stare up at it. It depicted what appeared to be a scene of the forest, the full Moon was in view, illuminating the whole scene and reflecting the trees in a beautiful silver hue. And standing on a rock the giant Lycan, with burning red eyes, howled to the Moon. His mouth opened and he stared at it in awe for several minutes and in his heart, he knew that Lycan, whoever he might be, was in no doubt his Alpha.

When the Betas turned to find him standing there and staring intently at the painting, they felt their Wolves howling within them in pure joy and as they tried to approach him, they heard the voice of their Alpha calling for them.

["Get here, NOW!"]

Leaving Xiher in the care of Eva, they turned the other way.

["YES, ALPHA."]

**********

After he made the call to his Betas, Conri felt a sudden wave of uneasiness inside of him. He couldn't stop it. The feeling was just...there, and not quite rational. Not yet in control. It was like a bad dream that didn't end when you woke up. It left a strange sense of unease lingering on his shoulders and hands. Like he could have sworn something would happen or was going to happen. And that wasn't all. His stomach twisted with worry as he paced the office room. The spacious space suddenly didn't seem big enough for the huge man that filled it. Conri tried to breathe. Slow and steady, deep into his chest, but it just didn't work. The sound of his own frantic heartbeat echoing through his ears, filling the silence until the pounding became an endless cacophony.

He stopped pacing and stared out at the sea view through the glass floor-to-ceiling windows. From this distance, the ocean was so blue, almost iridescent. So calm and placid and unblemished. Like someone had painted a perfect picture right there before his very eyes. And his heart began to slow down. The tension ebbed from his body. He took a couple more measured breaths and sat in one of the plush black leather chairs facing the window. Then he leaned over it and held his forehead. His eyes kept looking toward the open door and wondering how much longer it would be before his Betas showed up. When they finally came, it was like his entire world had shifted and everything had gone topsy-turvy. There was no way his brain could handle the news they brought with them. No way.

"He is awake, Alpha, and in his true Form, but he doesn't remember much," Dom said calmly.

"More like don't remember nothing at all," Colleen added. "Which I think is not the bigger problem." He rubbed his arms nervously, looking at Conri worriedly.

"What do you mean?" Dom asked. His voice held a slight edge.

"The problem is what will happen when he begins to remember, especially when he remembers why he died and had to go through this whole phase." Colleen's expression remained blank, but his voice grew quieter as he continued. "He saw your portrait and I saw it in his eyes, the heat, the desire, the adoration, he is desperate to meet with you. Now, imagine what damage it would do to your Mates Bond should he begin to remember," He looked at Conri pointedly. "...Remember what your Birth Omega said, he would return to Calm Ethereal and you will be alone, without a Mate." He finished. The look on Conri's face was grim and serious. The Betas were equally tense and silent. After a few minutes of quiet contemplation, he sighed and stood up.

And when he turned to face them Rafa was present in his eyes and both Beta bowed in greeting. "You're right," He said softly. He looked at the Betas for a moment. Then he spoke again, louder this time, and his tone gained strength and confidence, "I am the Alpha, it is my responsibility to protect my Pack, Mate or no, he deserves to be told the truth so that when he begins to remember, it wouldn't come as much a shock," He nodded once and walked briskly towards the door. Both Betas rose and followed after their Alpha with Colleen yelling for him to stop and think the decision through.

"What if he hates you after you've told him? What if he decides to return home? What happens then?!" He yelled after their Alpha.

A look of anger flashed across Conri's face. He clenched his fists so tight that his knuckles went white. But he didn't stop walking. "Keeping it away, going along as if nothing happened, then he grows attached to me and I him, and then finally he remembers and it hurts him so much that he still leaves... Which do you think would be worse to recover from?!" He yelled over his shoulder. He spun around and faced Colleen with fire in his eyes. "After everything I have done to him, this is the least I could do." He shook his head with a frustrated sigh. He started to turn back when Colleen challenged another question.

"What did you do to him that night, Alpha?"

He knew instantly what night he meant. Sighing, Conri faced them. "The night of the Full Moon was the first time I saw him. I didn't Mate with him that night but somehow, he already bore my Mark. I became enraged with confusion and I threatened him to control his Pheromones, told him I didn't want to smell him, and I bit him, twice..." He admitted and his jaw tightened in guilt. It wasn't even a conscious thought; he simply felt a need to say those things and see the look of utter betrayal on his Betas' faces. Until now he hasn't told them the reason behind his anger spree the next day.

"You gave him the Markings of the Unwanted..." Dom muttered, his brows furrowed. "Why, Alpha?" He looked confused. "Why didn't you just shoo him away? He was clearly in his Heat Cycle, do you understand what that may have done to him? Dom was in near tears as Xiher's suffering began to unfold in his mind. He once knew an Omega who died from the Repressed Heat Cycle. The pain became unbearable and she died. He could not even begin to imagine the pain and suffering Xiher must have endured.

Conri let out a bitter laugh, it almost sounded like he was in physical pain then he shook his head. "I was mad, a Weretiger was-"

"Your Fated Mate?" Colleen finished for him and he nodded. "He is more than just a Weretiger, he is a God, your Omega, you were too cruel to him. How much he must have suffered and through it all he still managed to find you, right after the night his Clan was attacked and you killed him." Colleen stated, shaking his head sadly. He gave Conri a pitying look and for the first time in over forty years, they saw their Alpha in tears.

Conri broke down, sobbing heavily, holding a fist pressed against his mouth and his other hand covering his face. His shoulders slumped forward and shook as his emotions overtook him. He stumbled backward, dropping onto his knees, his back pressed against his private Elevator doors, and wrapped his arms around himself. He looked like a child. A lost confused child. So helpless, it was almost painful to watch. They could hear the muffled sounds of his sobs as he wept bitterly. "I know... I know I hurt him again and again and I swear I have no idea why I kept doing that to him. It's like anytime he walks into my line of sight, I see an enemy and not a Mate..." Conri whimpered quietly. "I hate myself for not remembering the time and day it was I first Mated him, the day he took my Luna Mark and you heard what my Birth Omega said, he said he would not have my Luna if I didn't Mate and Marked him and I can't remember when that happened, no matter how hard I think about it." He choked out between gasps. A tear fell down his cheek, dripping off of his chin, his shoulders heaving. Conri closed his eyes tightly as he leaned his head back against the doors to rest and try to calm down.

Colleen knelt next to him, placing a hand on his forearm, his other hand wiping tears away from his eyes. "It's alright, Alpha, you will remember, and I'm sure whatever is causing the fug in your Memories will be cleared soon and you are right, you have to tell him." He comforted him.

Dom moved closer, his gaze lowered, and knelt beside his Half and met the Alpha's still closed eyes. "You took his Heat Cycle. I know for certain that he never experienced his Heat normally since that night and even now, in his God Form, it will affect him as he is an Omega. You must fix this, Alpha. Command him into Heat after you have confessed to him, and help him get back what makes him an Omega. You know what it means when an Omega does not experience the Heat Cycle? It is painful and deteriorating to their health. Soon his Pheromones will disappear and no Alpha or Beta would bed an Omega without Pheromones and even worse, he will never get pregnant. So, fix this quickly before it is too late if it isn't already." Dom pleaded urgently.

Conri slowly opened his eyes, the pain etched deep into his face. "I will fix it, all of it, I will apologize every day of my life until he fully forgives me and even if he doesn't and decides to return home, I will not stop him...I will let him go. But, he must know the truth." He stared into their faces and gently rose to his feet. "Where is he?" He asked.

Dominic pulled his phone from his pocket and sent a quick text. Getting a reply a second later, he pushed the phone into his pocket and looked at his Alpha. "Fell asleep in your bed after a heavy Lunch," He informed them and Conri hissed.

"How did he find my Room?" He asked, shifting.

Dom exchanged glances with Colleen before replying to the Alpha's question. "He followed your smell, he may not remember anything, but he is linked with you. He is your Mate, Alpha and you have claimed him, long before now."

Rafa growled, his eyes blazed in both hunger and possessiveness. He was shifting fast and the Betas knew the outcome.

"Hey, slow down...easy," Colleen pulled the Alpha strongly by his wrist causing Rafa to push him back and the Beta went flying a few feet across the hallway but Dom was in his way blocking him before he could make a run for it.

"Colleen is right, Alpha, I don't mean to challenge you but, please, you must control yourself." He cautioned him. Rafa growled lowly, baring his teeth. He looked from Dom to Colleen who was still holding his ground. Dom sighed deeply and ran a weary hand over his eyes. "Fine. Go, but remember," He looked at the Alpha sternly. "You won't like it."

"What?" Rafa snapped.

"You are still recovering, Alpha, and seeing him vulnerable in your bed could force your Rut back," Dom said and held his Alpha's gaze steadily, unflinchingly. "And should that happen, be sure to Command his Heat, before you Mate with him this time. Failing to do so will be the end for him, Alpha, and you would suffer a lot more than you have suffered these past months-"

Rafa didn't wait for him to finish before he took off.