A proposal

We stared each other down. Even though I had to raise my head and stretch to look at him, I wasn't going to give up.

We both reeled our wolves in and steadied ourselves.

Ellis whimpered behind me, clearly terrified.

"You must have a lot of nerve to yell at me... Omega," he sneered, his voice dripping with malice.

I didn’t let it faze me, glaring back heavily.

"Inside," he commanded, turning to walk back into the house.

I hesitated but eventually followed, holding Ellis’ hand protectively.

The house was gloomy but well-organized and beautifully decorated. Dante sat down on a couch, gesturing for me to sit on the one across from him.

I held Ellis close and sat. "Yes?"

Dante smirked, anger still burning in his eyes. "I must say, you put on quite the show back there," he said with disdain and a hint of amusement.

I hummed in response, already wanting to get straight to the point.

His eyes narrowed. "What do you want?"

"Treat your son better," I said bluntly.

He looked taken aback. "And who says I don't? He only just started school today."

"I’ve seen enough in one day. Your son is detached, barely spoke to his classmates, hardly ate, and was scared to go home. Now I can see why," I replied, eyeing him with annoyance.

He huffed and rolled his eyes. "I don’t know why he’s acting that way."

"You don’t know? He’s your son! How can you not know? Maybe because you neglect him? You seem not to care!" I snapped.

"I do care! It’s just... I’m one person, okay? I’m trying," he said, a touch of vulnerability creeping into his voice.

I sighed, calming myself. "He’s not okay. Your son isn’t acting like other pups, and it worries me—especially that he hates his own home."

Dante sighed, glancing over at Ellis. I could see the guilt flicker across his face. "I’m trying..." he muttered.

"Oh, really?" I said sarcastically.

"Don’t talk like that! I am trying. I just... I get upset sometimes," he admitted, his voice softening.

I rolled my eyes. "Then why didn’t anyone pick him up from school?"

"I... I forgot."

That was the last straw. "You forgot? Your own child?"

"No, I forgot the closing time," he muttered, running a hand through his hair.

"Urgh! You’re so—" I groaned in disbelief.

"I have a pack to run! I’m doing my best to take care of him, too! It’s overwhelming! Stop acting like you know what I’m going through!" he yelled defensively.

"I might not run a pack, but I have 23 pups in my class. I know all their allergies, likes, dislikes, parents’ numbers, favorite toys—everything off the top of my head!" I shot back, fed up.

"It’s not the same, Omega!"

"My name is Lucia! And you’re right—it’s not the same! You have help; I don’t. You could assign a driver to pick him up, but instead, you’re being nonchalant and blaming your workload!"

I could see him absorb my words before he sighed, slumping back in his chair.

"Maybe I am a shitty dad, okay? I... I’m having a hard time."

I softened slightly but stayed firm. "This can’t continue."

"Fine, then! What do you want me to do?" he yelled, raising his hands in frustration.

"Treat your son better," I repeated.

He rolled his eyes and huffed. "I’m clearly struggling, so here’s what we’ll do," he said, leaning forward in his seat.

I narrowed my eyes, listening intently.

"Work for me."