Everyone was in shock. I couldn't move as I looked at this little boy. How could this be? It's impossible. 

The boy still had tears in his eyes as he looked at me as if I was his hope. I slowly took a step forward, "Are you sure I'm your Papa, boy?" I asked firmly. 

He nodded and hiccuped, "Yes, Ma told me." That doesn't mean anything. This kid may not even be my son. Ayla probably has had other partners. This pup could be any males.

"She said," the boy continued, "Ma kept this. She said you gave it to her." He pulled out a necklace. But it wasn't just a necklace, it was a locket. My heart was beating hard against my chest, "She gave it me so then I knew what my Pa looked like."

"You're my son," I whispered very quietly. I was in pure shock. I had a son. This whole time I had a son. 

I walked towards him and kneeled down in front of him. His nose and cheeks were pink. 

"Hi Pa, my name is Milo." My boy whispered to me. My heart was sore. I had a son. I had a son. I had a son. 

"Hi, Milo." I couldn't speak properly. I just couldn't believe that I had another part of me living all this time, "How old are you?" I asked with a strained voice. 

He held up his hand, "Five. I'm almost a big wolf, like you."

I felt tears sting my eyes, but I blink them away. I smiled at him, "You are a big boy, aren't ya." As I stared at him, I realized he looked just like me. He looked like me when I was his age. The only difference was that he had curly hair. Ayla had that when she was little. 

Milo smiled back at me, "Yeah, I wanted to grow big and strong so then I could take care of Ma and protect her."

That's when I was snapped out of the moment. Ayla. I put both of my hands on his shoulders gently, "Milo, I want you to tell me everything, okay? Why is Mama in trouble?"

Suddenly Milo looked scared and shook his head. He took my hand was trying to pull me out the door in a panic, "Oh no! I forgot! We have to go to Ma! We have to go and save her! She's in a lot of trouble Papa!"

"Hold up, wait a minute. I can't help Ma, if you don't tell me whats going on."

Milo began to cry, "NO!" He screamed. My eyes widened at his outburst, "We have to go to Ma! Or else I won't be able to see her ever again!"

I didn't know what to do with his outburst. I'm not a father, I mean I am, but I've never had to act like one before. 

Zapora suddenly came along and kneeled in front of Milo. She smiled sweetly, "Hi, Milo. I'm your Aunty. Do you know what that is?"

He shook his head. 

"It means I'm your Papa's sister. I was best friends with your Ma."

He sniffled, "You knew my Ma?"

Zapora nodded her head, "Yup! I sure did. I know you're scared, Milo. But your Ma would want you to listen to your Pa right now, Okay? We are going to save your Ma. But we are going to have to ask you questions, okay? And you can answer however way you like. Do you understand what I'm saying, Milo?"

He silently nods his head. 

She smiles brightly, "That's good." Zay looked back up at me and nodded her head. 

Milo walked through all of us and sat on the couch comfortably. He is so small. Even though he had an intense outburst, I couldn't help but feel pride in the fact he so wants to protect his mother. 

I went and sat down on a chair as well as everyone else. Everyone had settled down and was now prepared to listen to my son. 

"Milo, where have you been living all this time?" I asked softly. 

He played with his locket and said, "I have been living in attic."

THEY'VE BEEN LIVING IN AN ATTIC?!?

I took a deep breath to try and calm myself, "Okay, is it just you and your Ma?"

He nods his head. 

"What does your Ma do?"

"She would leave in the morning to do her jobs, and then she comes back with food for us to eat."

"Where is your Ma?" I asked intensely. 

"She is back at the attic."

"Where is Attic, Milo?"

Milo frowned at that question. He took his time thinking. And then he finally looked at me, "I don't know. Attic is at attic."

This made me confused. How does he not know what pack it is? "Milo, who takes care of your Ma? Who gives her the food?"

Milo again was silent, "Old Ken," he whispers. 

"Who is old Ken?" I said through my teeth. 

"He's the one that gives us presents. But only if I was a good boy."

How do I figure out where they are? What Alpha is called Old Ken? As I was mulling over it in my mind, Milo started to hum a tune as he played with the locket. My ears were instantly listening intensely. I know that song. 

"Where do you know that song?"

Milo frowned at me, "Ma sings it to me every night to help me sleep."

It was the exact same song I would listen to back at...and that's when it clicked for me. Everything connected. I have had traces of her scent everywhere. I thought I was going crazy. But I wasn't. Old Ken was Alpha Kendrick. Ayla has been there all along. 

"Why have you been at Attic all this time? Did you not want to leave?"

Milo suddenly looked sad, "We weren't allowed to leave. Old Ken didn't let us. He would hurt Ma whenever he came. She hid me in the closet."

My blood was boiling. Kendrick has been abusing my mate this whole time. My anger was going out of control. Everyone could tell. I was not okay right now. 

Zay came and lifted Milo in her arms, "That's enough questions for now, let's get you all dried up, huh?" She went to the bathroom with my son to try and clean him up. But also probably taking precautions just in case I lose my shit. 

I stood up and started to pace. My hands were in fists and my jaws sore from me clenching it so hard, "Kendricks had Ayla trapped all this time." I growled lowly, "I'm going to kill him. I'm going to kill that bastard!" I roared.

Xander stood up, "Calm down!"

I turned to him with wide eyes. I snapped, "Fuck off! Don't tell me to fucking calm down! You of all people should understand what I am feeling! You thought Lizzy was dead for four years! I haven't seen my mate for five years because I thought she was DEAD! And now I find out I had a son all this time? So no Xander! Don't tell me FUCKING calm down! Fuck you!" I storm out of the damn place. I need to get back to the pack. I need to get to Ayla. 

But before I could even get out the door Mia called out for me. 

"Wait, Soul!"

I grunted and turned around, "What?"

She sighed, "Look, I know you're beyond angry. But just put that aside and think. You need to form a plan or else going there mindlessly in rage won't save Ayla."

AYLA

I groaned and opened my eyes. Pain raked through my body. I groaned and realized in my sleep I rolled unto my back. I groan in annoyance. This is going to hurt. I felt the wounds were dried and stuck unto the sheets. I took deep breathes. I closed my eyes tightly and rolled unto my stomach. I yelled out in pain. Lashes are no fun...at all. I was topless right now because I had too many wounds and bruises that were too sensitive for even the lightest and breathable of fabrics. 

He had beaten...bad. Worse than ever before. He obviously touched me inappropriately because he knew I hated that too. But it was things I had at least experienced before. But he brought a new form of pain to the table. He had humiliated me as well as brought the tremendous pain. He dragged me out for all to see. He ripped my shirt, leaving my skin completely exposed. He tight my wrists around a tree. Then he brought his weapon out. He drew his whip back and whipped me fifteen times. It doesn't sound that much when you think of it as only a number. But when you feel it, when you feel the whip literally digging deep inside your skin, ripping away your flesh...it feels like an eternity. You feel as if it will never end. I fell unconscious after ten lashes. Apparently, he wanted to do more, but the guards stopped him. 

He had also done something bad to my wrist. It hurt badly. It was purple and really swollen. I was scared it was sprained or fractured.

But somehow through all of the pain, I felt peace because I knew Milo was not here to feel it either. 

The door opened to reveal one of the other maids. she came silently and dressed my wounds.
"Most of the servers here are sick Ayla. Leaving you to have to serve dinner to the Alpha tonight."

I rolled my eyes. Of course, he would place that task on me. After she cared for me, the maid got up and left, but before she did. She said, "Oh and by the way, the soon to be Alpha will be joining us."

I nod my head silently. I got up from the bed weakly. I felt numb inside. I had no reason to live now. Milo is safe with his father. And I will remain here, hopefully for not much longer. I will release myself from this world. I have been here five years. Five years of torment. I think that's enough suffering to last me a lifetime. 

I went inside the shower. As soon as the water hit my skin, my eyes widen and I yelped in pain. I legs gave out and stumbled down to the floor. My back was in searing pain. My vision blurred but I try to shake it off. I grab the soap, this is going to hurt. It was a soap that Kendric recently got me. I frowned when it said scenting mask. Strange. So it dulls my scent? why would he do that?  

Once I got out of the most horrific shower I gently put my maid clothes on which consists of a simple short black zip-up dress with a white apron. I winced when the material pressed into my back. I took a deep breath. 

"I just need to serve a few meals and drinks...then it'll be over." I look at myself in the mirror. I've been so focused on Milo for...well ever since he was born, I never had much thought but how I was feeling, what I was thinking considering everything that I had been through. I was not the same girl when I was fifteen. I wasn't that girl anymore. I don't even recognize myself anymore. I used to be so alive. So adventurous. I wanted to everything. But all that had gone. I had to grow up...really fast. I was eighteen, I was alone and I was trapped in this prison with a monster watching my every move. That had been me for five years. 

I couldn't help the tears that ran down my face. My skin was pale, I constantly had purple bags under my eyes. My once blonde hair was now all ratty and lifeless. My eyes that used to be crystal blue...now grey...as if they were reflecting my own internal torment. 

I close my eyes, not wanting to look at myself no more. I lean down and splash cold water on my face. I took a deep breath. I shake my head. I can't allow myself to break. I have to be stronger than that. I shut off my emotions. I don't...no....I can't let myself feel. If I release everything in full force, I will be shattered. People say brokenness can be pieced together. But when something is shattered, pieces are lost, pieces that will never be found.  I have put together what I have left and be as strong as I can. 

I try to stand up straight, but it was too painful. I let my hair down this time to try and cover bruises. 

"You can do this Ayla, you've been doing this for five years." It's a little easier knowing my baby was safe. 

I turn and slowly make my way downstairs towards the dinner. 

SOLOMON

I got back to the pack only a few hours ago. Alpha Kendrick had prepared a big meal for me. As I sat in my chair, I had not even greeted him. I was quiet, trying to calm my wolf. It was going crazy inside me right now. It was extremely difficult to not let my wolf jump on this table and kill Kendrick right then and there...because I wanted to...so bad. I knew better though. If I did that, it would ruin the plan. 

I looked at him with pure hate. He was just sitting there happily eating as if he wasn't a complete, disgusting, sick, twisted monster that he is. 

The injustice that has been done upon not only my mate but my CHILD is so strong. I wanted payment for Lizzy, Mia, Ayla, and Milo as well as any other poor soul he had hurt too.

"So I assume your visit was good Solomon?" The bastard asked. 

I didn't look at him, I just stared right in front of me and nodded my head, "Yeah...it was definitely...eventful. A night of many discoveries."

Kendrick's brows raised, "What kind of discoveries?"

I shrug, "Oh you know, meeting new relatives and all. It was quite exciting...meeting people I had never met and yet...we share the same blood."

Sophie was sitting across from me, eating silently. I felt sorry for her. She had a monster for a father. I wonder if maybe I could even take her with me back to my pack. She could live a good life there, maybe even find her mate. I felt I needed to at least get her away from her sick father. 

"Where is my whiskey, Rosalie?" Kendrick asked the old lady maid standing on the side.

She bowed her head, "I'm sorry Alpha, I will get the new server to get you some."

Kendrick frowned, "The new server?"

"Oh we had to just get one of the cleaning maids to be the server tonight. She never served before."

The bastard nodded, "Which maid?"

"Your personal one, Alpha." Then she left for the Kitchen. I saw Kendrick stare at the door Rosalie walked of and gulped. He had paled slightly. He turned back to his food and coughed in his hand. He looked up at me and smile tensely. 

"Well ain't this food just wonderful. The taste dances on my tongue." 

I clench my jaw. Don't do anything Stupid Solomon Nightwalker. 

Another lady maid came in to give the whiskey to Kendrick. As the bastard was trying to make small talk with me, he lifted his glass up for the maid to pour it. As the woman tipped the whiskey bottle into the glass, her hand was shaking, making the two glasses clang together slightly. And then she accidentally poured some on his lap.

"Bitch!" He shouted. The maid cowered. Kendrick realized his outburst and quickly sat back down. He coughed and nodded his head, "It's okay, just leave! Now! And hurry up!"

As the maid was shaking. She was slouched over slightly. She winced as she walked. I stared at her. Her hair was long and loose, hanging over her face. 

"Sorry Alpha, I'll pour you another one." My heart stopped when I heard that voice. that voice I had not heard for five years. 

She raised her head towards me, "Would like dri-" But she stopped halfway as soon as she saw me. She was in such pure shock that the whiskey bottle fell from her grasp and smashed on the floor.

"Ayla," I whispered to myself. 

AYLA

I was dreaming. This was not real. This had to be some cruel joke. Solomon. My mate. SOLOMON. He stared right back at me in shock.

I quickly looked at Kendrick and saw him scowling at me. 

I kneeled down on the ground and started clean the glass with shaking hands. I couldn't breathe. Solomon was here. Right in front of me.

Suddenly I saw big hands covering my own. I just stared at them as I felt the addicting sparks course through my veins. I couldn't believe it. I slowly looked up. He was so close to me. He stared into my eyes intensely. 

"Do you need help...Miss?" He asked me with a quiet voice.

I shake my head without breaking eye contact, "N-no th-thank you...sir."

He stood back up and went to his chair. He is acting like he doesn't even know me. Or maybe its because Alpha Kendrick was in the room.

I stood up and looked around the table. I quietly but shakily collect the empty plates around the table. I went to Sophie and she smiled at me. She was always very kind whenever I talked to her. I went towards Kendrick to take his plate, but he took a hold of my wrist...my injured wrist. I tried not to show it, but it hurt like a motherfudger. He pulled me down to whisper in my ear, "We're going to need to talk later on...in the attic." I felt the blood drain from my face. I took a deep breath. Don't show it on your face. Don't let the mask slip or else you'll get even more of beating later on. 

As I got to Solomon, my hand was shaking as collect his plate.

"Thank you, miss." He said without looking at me. However, I did see him glance at Ken. He looked like he wanted to kill him. Did he know? 

I walked out of the room and into the kitchen. I put the plates the plates in the sing and I just stood there. I still could believe it. Solomon was here. He was HERE.

But then it clicked. He's the one engaged to Sophie. He was the soon to be Alpha. I felt hurt because well...he's my mate! But then I shake my head. 

"It doesn't matter. This whole thing doesn't matter." He's not here to save me. He's here to marry the girl he loves. Solomon hadn't changed at all. He's still the same bastard that broke my heart. I've lived five whole years without him. I'm sure I can live the rest of my life without him too. I've trained myself to disconnect my feelings from him. I don't feel anything when I think of him.  We were young, we were in love. We were mates, our bond broke...I have to move on. 

SOLOMON

I looked at the place Ayla was standing for a while. I can't believe I saw her. I saw her after five years. It was unreal. 

The air of the room changed. I looked at Kendrick, and he seemed angry. His eyes went to me and they were black...void of emotion, "You know whats so good, Solomon?"

I raised my brow. 

Kendrick smiled but without humor or joy...there was an evil glint in his eyes, "Alliances. Because you know for a fact that if an alliance was broken...war would break out. Wolves would be killed, tortured. War is an ugly business. And no one wants that. That is why alliances can be so good. It's good leverage because no one wants to risk war."

"But sometimes war can be necessary when the risk is worth it." I cut through firmly.

I was on full alert when Ayla came back with a broom to sweep the rest of the glass off of the ground. She did not raise her head at all. She concentrated on the task at hand.  

Kendrick laughed humorlessly. "Ayla, my darling," he said. I felt the rage inside me increase, "Come here, will you?"

Ayla stopped what she was doing. I could see she physically paled when Kendrick told her to come, but her face did not show any sign of distress. She made her way towards him.

Kendrick put his arm around her waist and pulled her close, making her stumble towards and winced. My nose flared as I tried to breathe in order to calm myself...but it was not working...at. all. 

"Ayla has been such a good maid. Always doing exactly what she is told. I remember saving her from a horrible storm while she was still cooking a pup in her belly. And now she repays me, by serving," Kendrick looks at me, "She serves my EVERY need. And her work...ALWAYS satisfies me." 

My hands were fisted under the table. Not yet Solomon, not yet. Don't crack just yet. That's what he wants. 

Ayla was looking up. She was not looking at anyone.

"However,"Kendrick continued, "Recently, she had been a very VERY naughty girl. She let a certain miniature someone escape...and as a result, she was punished. I am quite an artist when it comes to punishments, Solomon," He laughed humorlessly, "Would you like to see some of my artwork?"

Kendrick stood up abruptly. Ayla tried to take a step back but he yanked her forward making her wince. He spins her around and rips the back of her dress open, revealing fresh whip slashes all over her back. I saw her shoulders shook as she cried.

Kendrick looked at me with madness in his eyes, "Don't you just love my artwork, Solomon? I was thinking of doing some more tonight if you'd like to join me."

Okay...I cracked. I stood up and jumped off my seat. I was in full rage. I lunged at Kendrick and pinned him against the wall, "You Motherfucker! You will NOT touch my mate every again!" I roared. 

kendrick laughed, "She's not your mate anymore and you know it. She is my own personal whore."

I roared and punched Kendrick as hard as I could. 

AYLA

I was shocked. Solomon was attacked, Kendrick. He was punching Kendrick over and over again while mumbling profanities. 

My legs gave way and I fell to the ground. I just watched Solomon beat Kendrick till he was recognizable. He can't do this! He will be in trouble! He could start a war! I can't let him do that for his own sake.

"SOLOMON!"I screamed. He stopped punching and looked up. His eyes were black. He was ANGRY. He got up and walked towards me. I backed away, slightly scared and nervous. But he just bent down and picked me up without a word. He was acting totally out of instinct right now.

"We're getting out of here." He growled.

"Wait!" I screamed, "Did Milo get to you?"

Solomon nodded and stared at me, "Yes Ayla. Our son is safe."

I sigh relief. He did it. Solomon kicked the door open and walked outside with me in his arms. I couldn't believe it. Solomon was literally carrying me out of this place. I looked at the place that was my hell from over Soul's shoulder. He saw that I was staring at it. 

He kept walking in long strides, "You're never going back to that place ever again Ayla. You're going HOME."He said firmly.

Home. It was so strange. I accepted the fact that I was never gonna get to see my home again long ago, but I was. I was going back home. I sagged against Solomon. I was going home.