CHAPTER 42: SHE KNOWS HOW TO HOLD A GRUDGE

Zander glares at Zalia and Mila before he stands from his chair. They could have at least warned him that she was behind him.He reaches up to ruffle his black hair as he turns around. Standing a few feet away is a short and plump woman with shoulder length black hair and light make up. She wears a flower black dress and a matching cardigan, beige flats on her small feet. Behind her, standing at twice her height, his father stands in a black sweater and slacks.

"Mother," Zander gives a soft smile and leans down to kiss her cheek. She pats his chest, the faint scent of her fruity pheromones wafting past him. "I’m sorry it’s taken me so long, work has been keeping me busy."

She makes a noncommital hum and pulls away. She’s so pissed. That much Zander can see. She’s not scolding him for only now showing up, or picking at the fact that he’s dressed more casually than anyone else here. Completely dismissing her eldest child, she walks away from him to greet the two lady’s at the table. Zander groans as his father grabs his shoulder and gives it a light squeeze.

"You need to try harder than that." The older man chuckles.

Zander pushes his hand off and glares at him. "I wouldn’t have to if you hadn’t told her anything."

"You’re going to blame me?" His father pouts. He crosses his arms over his chest, his gaze sliding to the three women a few feet away. "What else was I supposed to say when she brought up marriage proposals? She does it more often than not, you know." He turns his green eyes to his son and raises a thick black eyebrow. "You said you didn’t want to go on any dates, so I gave her a reason to put them to a stop. You should be thanking me."

A staff member of the house hold passes by with a tray of more drinks and his father grabs one with a murmured thank you. He gestures for his son to grab one as well, but Zander shakes his head. "Besides, am I wrong?"

The staff member walks away and places the tray on the table before dismissing himself.

Zander clenches his jaw and taps his finger against his thigh. This is all going wrong. In all technicality, his father is wrong, but Zander never corrected him, so as much as he hates to admit it, he is wrong too. The dominant alpha scoffs and rubs the back of his neck. He glances behind him where his omega mother coddles her daughter and best friend, a beaming smile on her face.

"She’s lonely, you know." His father says, following his sons line of sight. He frowns, a seriousness settling on his aging face.

Zander’s eyebrows furrow, she doesn’t look lonely as she teases Mila. "What could she possibly be lonely for? Are you not giving mother enough attention?"

His father smirks and runs his thumb along his lower lip, "Oh, she’s getting lots of my attention."

Zander turns away from him and gags, "Don’t say that in front of me please."

His father sighs, the teasing in his tone vanishing. "She wants another omega in the house." He says. "She’s surrounded by alphas all the time. She may be well at handling them, but I’m sure it takes a toll on her."

Zander frowns and glances at his short and stubby mother. If she’s struggling then she’s doing well at hiding it. "Is that why she’s so adment about selling me off? Just knock her up again." He says dismissively.

"Watch your mouth boy." His father smacks him on the back of his head. Zander hisses and steps away from him, reaching up to rub the aching spot. "You don’t talk about your mother like that."

Zander grumbles under his breath, "Why isn’t she pushing Zalia to get married?" He gestures at his spoiled sister who laughs too loudly to be considered lady-like. "She’s a bloody alpha too."

His father swirls the liquid in his glass and smirks, "Zalia already has an omega."

Zanders head turns to him so quickly he almost gives himself whiplash. He blinks, his lips parting in shock. His father said what? "What?" He bites the word out with incredulity.

"I was wondering how you react to that." He laughs and takes a sip from his drink, "It’s true. She brought him over last week."

Zander scoffs, his gaze shifting to his younger sister who laughs at something Mila said. "Why the hell didn’t anyone tell me about this?"

"We tried." His father snorts, nudging his shoulder with his own. "You’re the one who didn’t show up to the gathering. Again, might I add. I’m sure your mother want to scold you, but she’s holding back. She doesn’t want you to run off."

"Damn it. Why didn’t she bring him today?" If she did, he’s sure his mother wouldn’t be so cold towards him. Even as he thinks it, he knows it isn’t true. She knows how to hold a grudge. Zander groans and drags his hand down the side of his face. "No wonder she’s still riding my ass about this. What all did you tell her?"

"That you already found an omega you wanted and no longer need to go on dates." His father shrugs. He finishes off his drink and sets it on a stand nearby.

Zander glances at his mother, "Why hasn’t she at least asked me about the one I found, then?" He almost skips over his words. He can’t directly say he has an omega. He hasn’t so far, his father has just been making assumptions. So, at least if they accuse him of lying he can say he didn’t. But he also can’t outright say the one he found is a beta. Not yet, at least.

"I believe she’s waiting for you to tell her yourself." He pats his back, "Good luck, son. Because she’s downright livid."