Saving Tragedy Chapter 129

**Ashton's POV**

Rose's words lingered in my mind long after the room had fallen into silence — a nagging echo I couldn't quite shake off.

I knew she hadn't meant to cut so deep, but fuck... she definitely had.

It hit me harder than I wanted to admit to her in the moment — the fear in her voice, the doubt flickering behind those big doe eyes when she'd spoken about Tommy's future.

She thought I was setting him on the same path I'd been forced to walk...

The path that had carved me into the ruthless bastard I was today and she was somewhat right in what she was saying. 

It was my duty to raise a strong son, for his own protection, knowing that people would strike him down if they felt for a second that he was a weak Alpha... but I could also make an effort to raise him to be decent and understanding, always putting the people of his pack first! 

I ran a hand back through my hair, exhaling sharply as I stared out of the bedroom window. The morning sun was already high in the sky, casting golden streaks across the treeline.

I couldn't blame her for worrying — not after everything she'd seen — but I'd be damned if I let my son carry the same weight I had to over the years from a ridiculous age.

Tommy was still so small... so fucking innocent. I was determined to give him a normal childhood for as long as possible before the serious shit would have to start... 

But one day...

One day, those tiny hands would grow into large fists.

One day, he'd have to learn what it meant to be stronger than the monsters clawing at our borders... stronger than the packmates who would one day bow their heads to him without question instead of to me.

It was in his blood — whether Rose liked it or not - and I could already tell he would live up to his name... 

A low growl built up in my chest at the thought, my wolf pacing beneath my skin — just as restless as I now was.

He's ours. We'll protect him.

But for how long until he doesn't need us anymore?

How long before the world started sinking its claws into him... shaping him into something harder, colder — something like me?

I was still lost in my own head over it all when the bedroom door suddenly burst open, followed by the unmistakable sound of small, thundering footsteps.

"DAD!"

Tommy's shriek pierced through the thick tension clouding my mind, snapping me straight out of my own self-loathing as I turned to see him.

He barrelled into the room at full speed, his little body launching itself straight at me like a fucking missile.

I barely had time to reach out before I caught him mid-air, grunting as I wrapped both arms around him and lifted him up effortlessly.

"Whoa, easy there, little Alpha!" I smirked, spinning him around in the air until he was giggling uncontrollably. His small hands clung to my shoulders, his wide blue eyes practically glowing with excitement.

God, I'd missed that sound...

"You're back! You're back!" he chanted breathlessly, bouncing in my grip. "I thought you'd be gone forever!"

I clenched my jaw hard, the guilt slamming back into me like a fucking freight train.

I never should've left on his birthday.

I should've fought harder to stay...

But there was no way I could've. 

Jacob was far too big a threat and if I had stayed, then Sawyer, Millie and their daughter might've lost their lives. 

"I'm back now, buddy," I murmured, pressing a rough kiss to his neatly combed hair. "And I'm not going anywhere today... I promise."

Tommy beamed up at me, completely oblivious to the storm still raging behind my eyes - all surrounding him.

"Good! 'Cause you missed the best part of my birthday!" he pouted dramatically, his little arms folding across his chest in the exact same way Rose did whenever she was trying to make a point.

I bit back a smirk, glancing over at her where she stood leaning against the doorway, arms crossed and one brow arched.

I was definitely outnumbered in this house.

"The best part, huh?" I echoed, setting Tommy down on the bed. "What's that?"

He grinned wide, blue eyes sparkling as he leaned in close — like he was about to let me in on some big secret.

"We got to eat cake for breakfast the day after." He stated shockingly. 

I barked out a laugh at that, shaking my head. "Cake for breakfast? Sounds like your mom's been spoiling you rotten."

Rose snorted from across the room. "Someone had to make up for your absence." She teased, as I rolled my eyes at her low blow. 

Tommy didn't seem to notice, too busy bouncing on the mattress with that wild, endless energy only a five-year-old could have.

"I wanna eat cake again today!" he declared proudly. "Can we, Daddy? Please?"

I chuckled, reaching out to ruffle up his hair. "We'll see what your mom says, little man." I state, passing the buck over to Rose. 

Tommy's face scrunched up in mock annoyance. "But you're the Alpha! You're supposed to be the boss around here!" He retorted. 

Rose let out a sharp laugh from the doorway, shaking her head. "Not in this house, he's not." 

I shot her a warning look, but the little smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth told me she wasn't the least bit intimidated. 

Smartass.

Did she learn nothing last night then?! 

But still... she wasn't entirely wrong.

I'd face down rival Alphas, rogue packs, and entire fucking armies without blinking — but one glare from my mate and I was done for.

Tommy's giggles filled the room again as I grabbed him, tossing him over my shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

"Alright, alright... no cake for breakfast," I announced gruffly, ignoring his protests as I carried him across the room. "But how about we start with a proper late breakfast first, huh? Your old man's hungry!"

"Finally, some sense!" Rose teased, pushing off the doorframe.

Her soft smile lingered on me a little longer than necessary — a silent truce hanging between us after our heated argument earlier.

I gave her a small nod in return, letting her know we'd talk later — when little ears weren't listening.

For now, I could push it all aside.

For now, I could let myself just be a father... not an Alpha.

Not a man carrying the weight of the entire fucking pack on his shoulders.

Just Dad.

And fuck...

I'd fight tooth and claw to hold onto that feeling for as long as I could — before the world tried to steal it from me.