[BL] Alpha, You've Got the Wrong Mate!

Chapter 86: 86 — Did I Wake You?

As he stepped down the stairs, the nobles’ gazes focused on him. Ren kept his head lowered, his gaze on the floor. Not from shame, but from fear. He had completely forgotten that perhaps some of them had seen the posters the temple put up in the capital.

”Stop,” Zayden softly said, wrapping his hand around his wrist again.

Ren clenched his fist, looking up at the General. Did he not know what kind of rumors could spread if he did this? They would mistake him for the General’s partner—even worse: an omega. His heart shuddered at the thought.

”M-My Lord?”

”Papa!” Eiran held his other hand and Ren shut his mouth. Too afraid to hurt the child although everything within him told him to run.

”They look like...”

”A family.”

”Well, as long as the General found a partner, does it truly matter who or what he is?” Leon smiled brightly, looking at the nobles who were about to start another session of gossip among themselves.

In his letters, Soren told him how Eiran resembled Ren. Undoubtedly, Ren was the boy’s father. Although Zayden refused to admit it for reasons Soren was unaware of.

”Tonight is the last time you will be here,” Zayden began. ”There was a lot of commotion during the past few days, making it difficult for everyone. I wanted to give a gift to my son,” he looked at Eiran, who looked up at Zayden, eyes bright at the mention of the gift.

Ren stepped backward, leaving space for the two.

Zayden gently pulled out the box from his left pocket, opening the cover and handing it over to Eiran.

The boy’s lips widened, a bright grin on his face.

”It’s so pretty!”

Zayden nodded, his expression grim although a smile tugged on his lips. He was unsure whether Eiran would like it. After all, it belonged to his mother.

Ren stared at the jewelry in the box, his heart pounding as if it would explode any time.

No, no. It can’t be. No.

The child pulled out the anklet, and the green gems hung on the chain chiming. But Ren couldn’t hear that. All he heard was the deep voice in his head.

”Our child...”

”...We will be there...”

”The happiest...”

”W-Where did you get this from?” Ren’s voice trembled, too low to be heard.

Zayden didn’t pay attention, his focus was on his son. Even if not by blood.

”Do you like it?”

”I love it, Dad! Thank you!” Eiran giggled, hugging Zayden tightly. Then, he turned toward Ren, the anklet in his palm as he extended his hand. ”Look, Papa! Isn’t it pretty?!” His eyes gleamed.

Ren’s stomach twisted.

”Is it pretty?” He grimaced.

This belonged to him. At least until he escaped the Temple. How did Zayden find it? He frowned, glaring at the man standing to his left.

Sending the intense gaze directed his way, he turned. Only an assassin would have such a stare. Analyzing its prey, then strike when the least expected. To his surprise, it was Ren. He swallowed hard, blinking.

Surely, he didn’t want to kill him. Right?

”Is something the matter?” He whispered, making sure the nobles couldn’t hear him.

Most had resumed their discussions, while others danced and the music played in the air like a warm breeze in the summer even if fall had begun. Yet, some remained silent, gazes focused on the three, trying to eavesdrop on their conversation.

Ren noticed the curious eyes, preying upon them. He shook his head. He couldn’t—shouldn’t discuss the anklet here.

”Are you sure? Is it about,” he paused, hesitating before he continued. ”What happened in the forest? We can talk. Right now, if you want.” He added, his gaze was searching for Ren’s. However, the servant stared at the piece of jewelry. ”Do you want one as well?” He whispered, a grin on his face.

Ren frowned at the suggestion.

Zayden gasped, realizing what he said could be mistaken as mockery. Something he didn’t mean at all.

”No, thank you,” his voice was cold and distant. Much more than usual. Then, without waiting for Zayden’s answer, he walked away, followed by Eiran.

The General raised his hand, only to clench it, his nails digging into his palm. Was it too late to fix the misunderstanding?

”It will be alright,” Yohan patted Zayden’s shoulder.

Zayden looked at his uncle, a frown on his face. Yohan pulled his hand away, smiling at him.

”Is this the servant Eiran talked about?”

Zayden nodded with a hum.

”Is he an alpha?”

”What?” He turned, his brows furrowed. ”No... he is...” he paused, looking at Ren’s back.

”A beta.”

Yohan narrowed his eyes, doubtful. ”If you say so,” he shrugged.

***

Ren lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. The anklet’s image flashed before his eyes again and again. He couldn’t ask Zayden where he had found it, nor could he go to Eiran’s room.

The boy had something that belonged to his child. It felt as if everything connected to his baby was being replaced. Even the affection he once had for it seemed to have gone to Eiran as he grew.

For a second, as he stood in the banquet hall, the anklet glimmering under the chandeliers, the thought occurred to him.

What if Eiran were his son?

Maybe that was why he insisted on calling Ren papa, even though he and Zayden had strongly opposed it at first. But how could that be? His son would have been human. Eiran’s growth was inhuman. Ren didn’t even know which species the boy belonged to. Otherwise, he could have researched and found answers.

”If he is my son... I must be the most idiotic father,” he scoffed, mocking himself.

He closed his eyes, but sleep refused to come. His wounds still burned, but they were tolerable. Despite possessing powers, he couldn’t even heal himself.

How laughable.

The door swung open, followed by quiet footsteps.

Ren turned, eyes wide. He didn’t want to fight now—not after defeating all those monsters. But who would come into his room at this hour? The darkness in the room stopped him from seeing the figure that made its way toward him.

”Did I wake you?” Zayden’s voice was soft, almost like a greeting. One Ren wasn’t used to it.

”...My Lord?”