Alpha Maseno

After looking around for a while, I decided to let go of everything and go back inside to see how Sony was fairing. The scent of intruders still lingered, but it didn't seem like they would do anything bad. I was only left wondering if those people would go and harm my dad and granddad; thus, I turned and hurried down the dimly lit hallway and entered my office.

I dialed my dad's number, which I had saved in the favorite section, and waited impatiently until it started ringing. Luckily, I didn't have to wait much because he picked up after the second ring.

"Maseno, do you know what time it is?" He answered the call, his voice full of concern and fatigue.

I could hear the exhaustion in his voice, reminding me that it was late at night. Despite this, I couldn't help but blurt out my worries about the intruders.

"There are intruders in my territory." I quickly explained the situation to him, describing the scents and the darting figures blending with the darkness.

"Oh, god. Are we under attack? Are the soldiers ready?" He asked, his voice trembling with fear.

I paused for a moment before responding, my tone now filled with determination. "We have trained for this, dad. The soldiers are prepared, and we will defend our territory, but that's until they try to attack us. I only called so that you guys can stay alert."

"Thanks son. I'll let the soldiers be alert, and trust me, we will be safe." He responded to my relief. "How is Sony?" He asked after a short silence. "I thought you guys had, and that was why you called at this hour."

I chuckled and then answered him, "We haven't fought, and why would I call you in case we had a fight? I am not a daddy's boy." I rolled my eyes, finally breaking into laughter. It was fun how he always made me sound like a crybaby.

"Oh, come on, my boy. Don't pretend when you are with your dad. I know how that little boy got you whipped. You just move around according to his order. Someone from over there told me that the whole of last week you hadn't been yourself; Sony was mad at you. You guys have settled that, haven't you?"

My dad always had a way of teasing me, making it seem like I was overly emotional. But he knew me too well—he could see right through my act. He mentioned that someone had told him about my recent rough patch with Sony, and I was for sure that it was Doctor Kedeva. He was his little birdie, feeding him about my romantic life.

"Dad, we resolved whatever issue we had between us. We had a heart-to-heart conversation, and now everything is cleared up." I told him.

"This is clearly a miracle. "I never thought that one day you would mention the word heart-to-heart conversation," he chuckled. I know the reason he said that was because he wanted to tease me.

"You better go and sleep, dad. Good night." I said I was trying to change the subject. I knew he was just being playful, but I didn't want to dwell on the past anymore.

"No, son. You haven't told me the reason why you guys fought." I sighed, realizing that avoiding the topic wouldn't work.

Reluctantly, I began to explain the argument that had caused the rift between my son and me. "He was mad because I made a deal with the Maria girl. The one we saved from the dessert."

"What kind of a deal did you make with her that made Sony mad?" He pressed on, ignoring my frustrated groan, which indicated that I didn't want to talk about that anymore.

I pinched the bridge of my nose and took a deep breath, trying to gather my thoughts. "I promised Maria that I would help her find a job, provide her with some financial support until she got back on her feet, and help her get her revenge on Alpha Benna, but that's if she bears me a child. Sony thought I was in love with her and felt like he was the mistress."

"You want a child, Maseno?" My dad's voice broke through my swirling thoughts.

"I understand wanting to help Maria, but bringing a child into the equation is a big commitment. Have you thought about the long-term implications and responsibilities?" A shocked voice, different from my dad's, echoed.

"You are still awake, grandpa?" I asked after I recognized the voice. "The doctor said you should quit being a night owl." I reminded him.

"I know, I know," my grandpa chuckled softly. "But this conversation intrigued me. Maseno, my boy, having a child is a beautiful thing, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Are you prepared for the sacrifices and dedication it requires? Does your boyfriend also want this child?"

"Grandpa!" I called out his name and bowed my head with embarrassment. He couldn't see me because we were speaking over the phone, but I still felt shy.

"What? You must be crazy if you think that I don't know that you are in love with a boy. You are my grandchild; I know what's going on in your head even without you telling me. Now tell me, does the boy also want this child, or did you make this decision by yourself?" He asked, his voice filled with concern.

I didn't answer his question but asked something else: "Aren't you mad at me?" My voice was barely above a whispher. Since my dad knew that I was in love with Sony, he asked me to make time and tell Grandpa about all this.

He has always been against same-sex relationships and marriages, and that was the main reason why I had never had the courage to face and tell him all this. I was afraid that he would ask me to break up with Sony, or worse, he would get rid of him. Listening to him talk and asking questions about him as if it weren't a big deal made me feel confused, nervous, and emotional.

It was silent from the other end. A silent while felt like it took forever. I knew talking about this over the phone and past midnight wasn't a good thing since this was supposed to be a face-to-face conversation, but I still anticipated his response.

For the first time in my life, I closed my eyes and made a silent prayer to the moon goddess, asking her to make my grandpa give me a positive response.

"You know that I have always been against same-sex relationships. But after hearing your heartfelt words and seeing how happy you are, I can't deny the love and authenticity in your voice. I may not fully understand it, but I respect your choices and support you no matter what."

"Really grandpa? Won't you disown me? Won't you be mad at me for going against your wishes?" I asked him, feeling tears of joy stinging in my eyes. At that moment, I wished that Sony could be there with me and hear my grandpa's words all by himself.

He has always been afraid of my grandpa because he thinks that the day he comes to learn about us, that will be the end of us. "I can't wait to tell Sony." I smiled truly, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. I knew that with my grandpa's acceptance, our love would only grow stronger.

"You have yet to respond to my question, Maseno. Did Sony participate in this decision to have a baby, or did you manipulate him into accepting it?" He asked. I might be in love with manipulation, but I would never do such a thing to Sony.

I paused for a moment, a smile curling on my face.

It was clear that he still had doubts about Sony's involvement in our decision to have a baby. I took a deep breath and replied, "Grandpa, Sony, and I made this decision together. We both wanted to start a family, and we're excited about the journey ahead.".

"Really? Why do I feel like you are lying to me? Maseno, I am asking you for the last time: Do you two want a baby?" His voice was now stern. I imagined him furrowing his brows and his eyes twinkling with anger.

Grandpa doesn't like it when someone lies to him. I heistated for a moment, cursing inwardly at his ability to see through me even without looking at me.

"Maseno." His harsh tone pulled me from my half-conscious state of mind to reality.

I jerked up my head and swalowed hard. "We have no choice, grandpa." I admitted.