25

                                    

                                          
We followed the crowd outside, where more people joined as the night went on. Alexander didn't give another formal introduction, but it was clear that the word had spread quickly from those not at the dinner as to who me and Sebastian were. 
It was strange feeling so many eyes on me, but I could understand their curiosity.
The outside space was gorgeous, with benches and tables scattered around to provide seating. The four of us took a seat at one of these benches, but Alexander soon left with Sebastian. Something about introducing him to the head warrior and ensuring he would be recognised as a pack member if he were to go on a run alone.
Caleb and i enjoyed the quiet of the night for a moment before he spoke.
"Damn it, I left the clothes for Alexander and Sebastian to change into after the run upstairs. Will you be alright on your own for a minute whilst I grab them? The others are just over there if you need them."
I hummed and nodded in confirmation, to entranced by the darkening night sky and all its stars to be worried.
"I'll be back on a minute." Caleb assured, stroking my hair as he left.
I continued to stare at the sky, admiring the stars that light pollution had stopped me from seeing for so many years. I felt someone sit at the other end of the bench, but I was content to keep my gaze upwards until they gave a rough cough to clear their throat.
I tilted my head to look at the new presence. A girl, a few years older than me, raked her eyes over my body as if inspecting me. She was thin with pale skin and red hair.
"It's a shame, you know." She mused, a sour expression on her face.
"What?" I questioned.
"The mating bond could have brought Oaken Claw two powerful new leaders, but instead we got you."
I stood up at the statement, too shocked to reply. She grinned and also stood, taking a step closer to me.
"Some scrawny kid who doesn't look like he could stand up for himself, let alone his mates or pack."
She took another step closer, using her hands to push me back.
"And some random mutt from who knows where."
I gritted my teeth and clenched my fist. It was ine thing to make fun of me, but to go for Sebastian. One of the first people to ever show me genuine love and care. Who the hell did she think she was.
"What, did I hurt your feelings?" She mocked, going to push me again, harder this time.
She was wrong about one thing, though. I may be scrawny, but I did know how to fight. I'd always use aftershock clubs and activities to put off going home at the end of the day, and that led me to a self-defense club. It was nothing fancy, but I'd learnt to hold my own. I never used it at home, but part of me felt better knowing I could pit up a fight if I really felt the need. This feeling of security pushed me on to take the lessons all 5 years I could.
"What are you gonna do about it?" She teased. She went to pish me much harder, intending to knock me down, but I'd had enough
She was taller than me and likely stronger too, but most importantly, she was cocky and arrogant. She underestimated me.
I wrapped my hands around her arm just before she made contact and changed the direction of her momentum. I twisted her round, making her loose balance and falling face first to the ground. I kept my grip on her arm, twisting it behind her to keep her down.
The chattering that had filled the space abruptly ended as everyone turned to see the commotion. Before I knew it, strong arms were gently pulling me away as a man rushed over to help the girl to her feet.
The scowl had been wiped from her face, replaced with a dazed, shocked expression.
"Lucas, what happened?"
I turned to face the person who grabbed me. Alexander looked at me, eyes filled with confusion and concern. Once I saw him, all of the days, anxiety and frustration hit me at once.
"Daddy!" I sobbed.
My legs fell from under me, and I would have fallen if it wasn't for Alexander scooping me up and holding me on his hip. I clung to him as he rubbed circles on my back.
"It's okay, buddy, it's okay. Can you tell me what happened."
"She... She said I couldn't stand up for anyone  and-and she called Papa a mutt and-and that it was a shame that you were mated to us." I did my best to explain between gasping for air.
I felt a rumble from Alexander's chest as he growled at the same time as the other man began to speak.
"Sienna!" He scolded her.
"Dominic, take care of your brat. I don't want her anywhere near us for at least the rest of the night."
"Yes, alpha, I'll deal with her." The man, Dominic, bowed slightly before dragging her inside.
My crying settled as Alexander continued to soothe me before passing me to Caleb, who had now returned.
"Dada?" I whined quietly.
"Shh, that's right, baby, it's just me." He reassured, slipping a pacifier into my mouth.
"The others need to go on their run soon, so why don't we go back upstairs? I think it's nearly someone's bedtime."
I wanted to argue that I wasn't tired, but I knew that would be a lie. I was exhausted, so I nodded at his suggestion.
"Goodnight, sweetheart." Aleaxnder leaned down to place a kiss on my forehead, quickly followed by Sebastian.
"Ni-ni Daddy, ni-ni Papa." I yawned as I spoke, nuzzling into Caleb's comfortable hold.
Once we were upstairs, Caleb took us straight to the little section of my room and pulled some of my new pyjamas from the wardrobe.
He placed me on my back on the changing table before beginning to undress me, cooing and ticking me as he did so.
"Looks like someone had an accident." He remarked, taking off the sodden diaper.
"Nu.. I'm big boy." I whined, covering my face with my hands as he cleaned me and placed a new diaper on.
"I know you are, baby, but even big boys have accidents sometimes." 
He dressed me in the pyjamas and returned me to his hip to take me to the bathroom. He made quick work of brushing my teeth and wiping my face, whilst I struggled to keep my eyes open.
I barely registered when I was placed in my bed,  now with crib walls up to stop me getting out. I made a small noise of upset but was quickly placated by having my bat plush placed between my arm.
"Good night, my love." Caleb spoke gently.
"Na-night Dada." I replied sleepily before allowing myself to slip into a peaceful slumber.
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AN
It's a bit of a longer one this time. I know the whole alpha's mate gets left alone for a minute, and harassed by a pack member thing is a bit cliché but hey 🤷I like what I like.
Thanks for reading, and I hope you continue to enjoy.
See ya