Chapter 30

　　Hope

　　I try my best to smile as we eat and celebrate, during the banquet, but it’s too much for me. I stand, kiss my father on the cheek, and Maximus on the lips.

　　‘Please excuse me while I freshen up,’ I say, forcing a smile. I run quickly to the nearest bathroom. I’m not feeling very well at all, but I don't want anyone to think of me as weak, or unwell.

　　Feeling better, I rejoin everyone at the table. I’m so caught up in conversation with my father about my life, I don't realise how late it becomes.

　　‘I think it's time we finish up here and go to bed, before we travel home tomorrow,’ Maximus says, smiling; I nod stand, and take his hand.

　　‘Before I wish you a good night, I want to know what you want. Do you want to live with Alpha Maximus and I, or do you want to reclaim your position here, as Alpha?’ I ask.

　　My Dad is taken back by my question.

　　‘What do you want me to do?’ He asks.