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Tony had some of Theodore’s blood coursing through him, linking the two in a primal and mysterious way. As Alpha Wade’s ancient eyes bore into his great-grandson, a complicated mixture of fascination and concern danced across his weathered features. Tony, sensing the intensity of Alpha Wade’s gaze, waved a hand before his face, attempting to snap him out of his daze. “Gramps? What’s the matter?”
Shaking himself from his reverie, Alpha Wade met Tony’s eyes and offered a tight-lipped smile. “Nothing, my boy.”
His gaze flicked between Tony and the laptop, a glimmer of curiosity dancing in his eyes. “I saw you typing swiftly earlier, young one. You seem to have a familiarity with these machines. Is that so?”
Tony’s body tensed, realizing that his clandestine actions had not gone unnoticed. He couldn’t deny his affinity for computers, for it would be a lie that could easily be unraveled. After a moment of consideration, he nodded hesitantly. “I can’t claim expertise, but I have no trouble with searching and typing.”
Alpha Wade nodded approvingly, his aged features wrinkling with pride. “Impressive skills for one so young. I presume you inherited them from your mother, did you not?”
“Indeed,” Tony replied, a hint of pride coloring his voice. “Nelly is a programmer, and as her son, I can’t afford to embarrass her.”
There was a weighty pause as Alpha Wade contemplated Tony’s words. He found it difficult to believe that such dominant genes could persist for generations, but the evidence stood before him. And while others may find giftedness a blessing, Alpha Wade simply wished for his descendants to lead normal, healthy lives.
Alpha Wade managed a smile, his voice tinged with warmth. “Yes, my boy. You have always been your mother’s pride.” Silence hung heavy in the air as they exchanged a knowing glance.
In an attempt to change the subject, Alpha Wade inquired, “By the way, when will your mother return from her business trip?” He took a sip of his tea, eyes fixed on Tony.
Tony’s confusion was evident. “A trip? What trip?”
“Your mother is on a business trip, is she not?”
Tony’s heart tightened. Nelly would never forget to inform them of her whereabouts, especially when her absence grew prolonged. Unable to reach her, a realization struck Tony. She must have concealed her true intentions from Alpha Wade to spare him worry, all the while keeping Tony and others in the dark.
With a determined look, Tony furrowed his brows. “Nelly, what have you planned? Did you anticipate that I wouldn’t reveal the truth to Gramps?”
Suppressing his thoughts, Tony maintained a facade of nonchalance as he turned his attention back to Alpha Wade. “Gramps, why didn’t you play chess with Great-grandpa today?”
Alpha Wade scoffed, his voice dripping with arrogance. “He never stood a chance against me, and I grow weary of restraining myself. I prefer not engaging in such a one-sided game.”
Before Tony could respond, the voice of Alpha King Larry echoed from behind him, brimming with challenge. “Ha! So you’ve grown bold, Alpha Wade? Dare you play a game of chess with me, and we’ll see who’s truly holding back!”
Alpha Wade turned, his face contorting into annoyance. “I have no interest in playing chess with you.”
“Because you lack the courage, I presume?” Alpha King Larry taunted, audacity dripping from his tone.
“Alpha King Larry, learn to accept kindness when it’s offered to you, without pushing your luck!” Alpha Wade retorted, his voice brimming with disdain.
“Who needs your kindness? Speak the truth, for it reeks of cowardice!” Alpha King Larry fired back mercilessly.NôvelDrama.Org content.
“Have you taken your medicine, Alpha King Larry?” Alpha Wade’s voice shifted, concern lacing his words.
“What does my medicine have to do with anything?” Alpha King Larry’s irritated voice rose.
“I fear the strain may give you a heart attack when you inevitably lose,” Alpha Wade responded, a sly smile tugging at his lips.
“Bold words, Alpha Wade!” Alpha King Larry’s voice turned venomous.
As the argument continued to escalate, Tony knew it would only cease when a victor emerged or time wore on. Taking advantage of the commotion, he quietly slipped away with the laptop in hand.
Returning to the solace of his room, Tony prepared to search for answers regarding Nelly’s whereabouts. Just as his fingers hovered over the keys, his phone pierced the silence, startling him. Seeing Alpha Kilian’s name on the screen, a brief hesitation gripped him before he answered. “Hello.”
“Where are you?” Alpha Kilian’s voice reverberated through the line.
“At the manor,” Tony replied, curiosity mixing with apprehension.
“Care for a chat? Just the three of us,” Alpha Kilian proposed.
Tony’s mind raced, uncertain if Alpha Kilian knew the truth about Nelly. Nonetheless, he recognized an opportunity to glean information from the powerful Alpha. With a nod, he agreed. “Sure.”
“I’ll be there shortly. Inform Ben and Donna. Meet me at the entrance,” Alpha Kilian instructed.
Tony complied, hanging up the phone and casting a final glance at his laptop. Tracking Nelly’s location meant nothing if he couldn’t reach her. Resigned to his limitations, he set aside his worries and sought out Ben and Donna.
Half an hour passed, and the trio stood at the entrance of the manor as Alpha Kilian’s car approached. Donna’s excitement was palpable as she rushed toward her father, her cries of “Daddy!” filling the air. Tony, sharing a knowing glance with Ben, felt a tinge of unease. Why had they been summoned for an outing?
Whispering into Tony’s ear, Ben’s voice carried a hint of confusion. “Why are we being taken out all of a sudden?”
Tony could only shrug in response, their questions soon to be answered. Silently, the two followed behind Alpha Kilian as he drove, embarking on a journey with unknown destination. Donna’s voice, full of anticipation, rang out. “Daddy, where are we going?”
Alpha Kilian’s lips curled into a smile. “Somewhere with good food. Is there anything else you desire?”
As Donna shook her head and expressed her delight, a thought lodged in her mind. “Are we inviting Nelly as well?”
Alpha Kilian’s demeanor shifted at the mention of Nelly, catching Tony’s attention. A stiff response followed. “No. Nelly is on a business trip, so it’ll just be the three of us today.”
Confusion clouded Donna’s features as she pressed further. “When did she leave?”
Both Ben and Donna exchanged puzzled glances, demanding an explanation. “Last night,” Alpha Kilian responded tersely.
“Nelly never mentioned a word about this,” Donna mumbled disapprovingly.
“It’s possible she left in haste,” Alpha Kilian offered, avoiding their probing gazes.
Unsettled by the evasive response, Tony could feel the tension in the air. Regardless, they were now at the mercy of Alpha Kilian’s plans, left to unravel the mysteries that lay before them.