Page 56 of The Alpha Next Door

Nylune

Two days later

“I can’t do this.” Nylune stared at the crowd in the leisure room in horror. “Maybe you should go in alone. It’s your party after all. I don’t think I can…”

“Shhhh… breathe. There’s nothing to fear. I’m right here." Adew wrapped his arms around him and held him tight. “Let’s go in and celebrate my first win.”

“I…” Nylune hesitated.

Adew took his hand. “And I can’t believe you’re by my side. I love you.”

Nylune’s insides melted at his words. For two days he’d showered him with so much love. He told him he didn’t care what people thought of him or their relationship. And when it was just the two of them, he didn’t care either. But being here with him like this… it made him nervous and a little scared.

“I know you love me but…they might…” he trailed off as everyone spotted them. They turned as one, the room falling silent. Imaging flashes went off, blinding him. Nylune whimpered, overwhelmed.

“Breathe and stay by my side. It’ll be over soon,” Adew said walking into the room. Nylune stayed close. He tried not to react to everyone staring at him.

“Oh, there you are,” Lars said as he rushed to them. “Are you two trying to kill me? Why did you come late? Everyone has been waiting.”

Adew turned to him and smiled. “I had to convince my mate to come with me.” Lars’s eyes fell on him.

“Are you okay?” He asked. “You look nervous.”

“A little. I haven’t been around these many people in a long time. I don’t know what to do with myself.” Nylune ran his fingers through his hair. He wished he could hide, but Adew wouldn’t let him.

Adew leaned down and kissed him on the lips right in front of everyone, and said, “I know. But I’m right here. You don’t have to stress about anything, okay?” His fingers tightened around his hand giving him the strength he needed.

“Yes, alpha,” Nylune whispered. Adew growled next to him, making him shiver. He opened his mouth to say something, but his parents descended on them. Nylune swallowed as they got closer. He desperately wanted them to accept him. But when they stopped in front of them and said nothing, he wasn’t sure that was going to happen.

“Mom, dad, this is Nylune, my mate,” Adew said.

“He’s…” his mother began and Nylune couldn’t take it. He straightened his shoulders and held his head high.

“I am. I was the alpha king’s omega assistant, and we all know what happened,” he said, his voice louder than he’d intended. The crowd sidled closer to listen. Nylune cringed, but he continued. “You might think I don’t deserve to be with Adew because of my past, but he’s my alpha. He healed me. I don’t expect you to accept me but know that I love your son with all my heart. He’s my everything.”

“You’re mine too,” Adew said.

His mother stepped forward and pulled him into a hug. Nylune gasped surprised. “What happened wasn’t your fault the whole planet knows that. I was startled. I’m sorry for my reaction. My son loves you, that’s enough for me.”

“Me too,” Adew’s father said loud enough for everyone to hear. “Can we get this party started? You can get your story another time. Tonight, we celebrate my son. Lars?”

“Yes, of course,” Lars said, waving everyone away so they were left alone. Music started to play and the tense moment continued.

“I’m mad at you,” Adew’s mother said, slapping his arm.

“Owww! What did I do?”

“You couldn’t bring him home like a normal person?” She hit him again. “You thought we wouldn’t like him, that’s why you did this.”

“No. I know you’re not like that. I just…” Adew shrugged.

“You’re in love. You wanted to show off your mate and forgot all about your parents,” his father said, slapping his shoulder. “I understand. So…” he looked from Adew to him. “When are we having the bonding ceremony?”

Nylune and Adew stared at each other and burst out laughing. They hadn’t thought of that. Nylune hadn’t thought beyond meeting his parents. Now that he’d met them and they accepted him, there were endless possibilities before him.

And he couldn’t wait to bond with his alpha.