Chapter Eight

Harlock's anger dissipated as he took in the sight of his severely injured son lying on the ground. He had never been happy with the kind of relationship he had with Aiden, but he kept hoping that his son would come around and stop disappointing him, putting their pack at risk.

"Take him to my chambers," Harlock ordered the guards, his voice grave and solemn. "I need to attend to him personally. No one else is to enter until I say so."

The guards bowed their heads in deference to their alpha and carefully lifted Aiden's limp form off the ground. They followed Harlock as he led them back to his quarters, their footsteps echoing in the empty hallways.

As they entered Harlock's chambers, the guards gently laid Aiden on a large fur rug in the middle of the room. Harlock knelt down beside him, his large hand hovering above his son's forehead. He closed his eyes and focused, drawing on the ancient power within him to heal his son's wounds.

Aiden's body was ravaged with bruises and cuts, and his breathing was shallow and labored. Harlock's heart ached at the sight of his son's broken form, but he could not let his emotions get the best of him. He had to be strong for his pack and for his family.

As he concentrated on healing Aiden, memories of his own transformation into a werewolf came flooding back to him. It was a rite of passage that every young wolf had to go through, a symbol of their strength and power.

Harlock remembered the intense pain that had coursed through his body, the feeling of his bones cracking and reshaping, the fur sprouting from his skin. It was a terrifying experience, but one that he had emerged from stronger and more powerful than ever before.

He wondered if Aiden would ever be able to experience that same transformation, if he would ever be worthy of the power that came with being a werewolf. For now, however, all Harlock could do was heal his son and hope that he would learn from his mistakes.

As he continued to focus on healing Aiden, he couldn't help but think about the events of the past few days. He knew that his decision to send the guards after Freya and the baby was a mistake, one that had almost cost him his son's life.

He also knew that he had to make things right, that he had to find a way to make amends and restore the balance within the pack. But for now, his priority was his son, and he was determined to do everything in his power to help Aiden recover.

After what seemed like hours, Aiden's breathing gradually became steadier, and his wounds began to close. Harlock let out a deep breath, his shoulders sagging in relief. He leaned back on his haunches, his eyes closed, and let himself relax for the first time since Aiden's injury.

When he opened his eyes, he noticed that Aiden was stirring. He watched as his son slowly blinked his eyes open, his gaze unfocused and groggy.

"Father?" Aiden croaked, his voice weak and scratchy.

Harlock leaned forward, his face a mask of concern. "Yes, my son. It's me."

Aiden tried to sit up, but his body protested, and he slumped back down with a groan. "What happened?" he asked, his brow furrowing in confusion.

Harlock hesitated, unsure of how to broach the subject. "You were injured," he said finally. "But you're going to be alright. You just need to rest."

Aiden lay on the bed, feeling lost and dejected after the brutal beating he received from his father. He was trying to piece together what happened and why his father would treat him like that. As he was lost in his thoughts, a guard entered the room and informed him that he was being summoned to his father's council chamber.

Aiden slowly stood up, wincing at the pain in his body. He knew his father's anger was not going to subside soon, but he had to do his best to face him. He was conflicted about his relationship with his father, on one hand, he loved him as his father, but on the other hand, he was the leader of the pack and made decisions that were not always in line with Aiden's values.

As he walked to the council chamber, he couldn't help but think about his transformation into a werewolf. It was a family trait passed down from generation to generation, and Aiden had learned to harness his power at a young age. He wondered if his father had always been stronger or if he had been holding back his own power.

As he approached the council chamber, he was greeted by the guard who led him in. His father was already seated at the head of the table, surrounded by the other elders of the pack. The tension in the room was palpable, and Aiden could feel the disapproving stares of the other elders.

Harlock glared at his son as he entered, his expression full of disappointment and anger. "Aiden, we need to talk," he said, his voice stern.

Aiden knew he was in for a lecture, but he had to keep his composure. "Yes, father," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady.

"I understand that you love that human woman, but you must realize that our pack comes first," Harlock said, his tone unwavering. "You know the risks of having a half-human child. It could put us all in danger."

Aiden knew that his father was right, but he couldn't bring himself to abandon his love for Freya. "I understand the risks, father, but I cannot abandon the woman I love and the child we created. I am willing to take full responsibility for my actions."

Harlock's expression softened a bit, and he leaned back in his chair. "Aiden, I know that you are an adult and can make your own decisions, but you must understand that the pack's safety comes first. We cannot afford any weaknesses."

Aiden knew that he could not change his father's mind, but he couldn't abandon his own values. "I hear you, father, but I must do what I believe is right," he replied, standing his ground.

Harlock nodded, his expression serious. "I see that you are determined to follow your heart, Aiden, but you must remember that your actions have consequences. You must also remember that we are family, and we must protect each other at all costs."

Aiden knew that his father's words were sincere, and he felt a sense of relief. "I understand, father. I will always be there for my family and do what is necessary to protect them."

Harlock nodded, and the tension in the room began to dissipate. "I am glad that you understand, Aiden. We may have different opinions, but we must always work together for the good of the pack."

Aiden nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of peace in his heart. He knew that there would be challenges ahead, but he was determined to face them with his family by his side.

But these was far from over…