Blood of the Alpha King

My Omega stepsister, Rebecca, suddenly got pregnant, but no one knew who the father was.

I was furious and about to send people to investigate, but my father, Alpha Arthur Hayes, stopped me.

Ava, this is your child too!

My Mate, Jason Miller, the Alpha of the Stoneclaw Pack, stood silently beside my father, tacitly agreeing with his words.

I understood.

Rebecca's child was Jason's.

Seeing my silence, Jason defended himself:

"You don't want to have children anyway. Rebecca is your sister, just an Omega. Her having a child won't threaten your position as the Luna of the Stoneclaw Pack."

In their eyes, I never said no to them.

But they didn't know I had already fulfilled my promise to my mother.

Now, I was returning to my grandfather, the Alpha King.

Jason's hand was still resting on Rebecca's swollen belly.

The sight stung my eyes.

"Ava, don't be mad at Jason."

Rebecca lay on the bed, a harmless smile on her face.

"The doctor said I'm not well. Alpha Jason was just afraid something might happen to me and the baby, which is why he kept it from you."

"We're both doing this for your own good. You've been Luna for so many years without a child; many people are already unhappy about it."

She said this, then intimately patted the back of my hand.

"When the baby is born, you can be his stepmother and let him call you Mom, okay?"

My father, Alpha Arthur Hayes, cleared his throat, adopting the stern, authoritarian posture expected of Silverfang's Alpha.

"Ava! Once this child is born, we'll merge the two Packs! He'll be our heir! Your sister is unwell, yet she's helping you and your Mate. Aren't you grateful? Why the sour face?"

Jason finally took his hand off Rebecca's stomach and walked towards me.

He tried to take my hand, but I pulled away.

His arm froze in mid-air.

"Ava, after all these years as Mates, don't you understand me? Everything I'm doing is for you, for our two Packs. I can't let others say you're a Luna who can't bear children. And I certainly can't let our two Packs be without an heir."

I looked at him, unable to say a word.

When I considered the current situation of both Packs, I had once suggested merging them.

But they both disagreed.

Alpha Arthur Hayes said that since I was already the Luna of the Stoneclaw Pack, I shouldn't be greedy for the Silverfang Pack.

And Jason said he was responsible for revitalizing the Stoneclaw Pack and couldn't merge.

So, I handled the affairs of both Packs by myself.

Those two Alphas, however, only cared about indulging in parties and leisure, and spending time with Rebecca.

Now that Rebecca was pregnant, they suddenly agreed to merge the Packs. It turned out there was no other reason from beginning to end; it was simply because I was an outsider.

Seeing I was unmoved, Jason's patience wore thin, and he tugged impatiently at his tie.

"Alright, stop this. I've already had David Lee prepare dinner to celebrate. As Luna, you should at least make an appearance."

He turned to help Rebecca, his movements more gentle than I had ever seen him with me.

"Becca, what do you want to eat? I'll have the kitchen make it for you."

Rebecca leaned weakly into his embrace, whining, "I want caviar, and I want you to feed it to me yourself."

"Okay, anything for you."

Before, they had kept their secret relationship from me because they were worried about Rebecca.

Now that Rebecca was pregnant, they no longer cared about my feelings.

The pain of my Mate's infidelity made it hard for me to stand. I leaned against the sofa, watching them flirt openly, as if I weren't even there.

Just then, the Pack doctor walked in, carrying his medical bag.

He smiled broadly and pulled a check-up report from his bag.

"Alpha Jason, Alpha Arthur, good news!"

He handed the report to Jason, his voice booming.

"Miss Rebecca's fetus is very stable. The examination shows it perfectly inherited the powerful Alpha bloodline! Congratulations, Alpha Jason, you have an heir!"

Jason kissed Rebecca hard.

Alpha Arthur Hayes was also flushed with excitement.

The doctor turned to me, a hint of pity in his smile.

"You shouldn't be too sad. Since you can't get pregnant, having Miss Rebecca help you have one is the same. After all, she also has Silverfang Pack blood."

The room filled with laughter, like sharp needles, piercing my ears again and again.

I clutched my phone, my nails digging into my flesh.

Jason held up the report and walked towards me.

"Ava, look how adorable he is. From now on, he'll be our child."

Alpha Arthur Hayes quickly added, "But Ava, even though the child will be registered under your name, he'll still call Becca 'Mom.' We can't forget the birth mother."

They were as persistent as ever, believing I would agree to all their requests.

Just like soon after my mother's funeral, my father brought home a stepsister who was only half a year younger than me.

He said she was the daughter of a deceased friend, but her face was ninety-nine percent like hisI later found out she was the daughter of his Omega mistress.

Just like when Jason said he wanted a child, I tried countless methods.

Even though I had told him before we Mated that it would be difficult for me to have children.

This was because seven years ago, I had made a solemn vow at my mother's deathbed.

I swore to help my weak father support the Silverfang Pack and to pave the way for the declining Jason.

At that time, our two Packs had just formed an alliance. My mother hoped that my Mate Bond with Jason would solidify the fragile alliance and bring prosperity to both families.

For my mother, my father was her love, and Jason's father had saved her life.

But for me, my father never treated me like his daughter, and Jason disliked my strong-willed nature.

They desperately wanted a new heir.

A powerful Alpha bloodline that had nothing to do with me.

Especially my father, Alpha Arthur Hayes. He thought my powerful strength came from his bloodline.

But he forgot that my mother was the Alpha King's daughter.

Now, the seven-year agreement was up, and it was time for me to leave.

I turned, shutting the room full of family joy behind the door.

Walking to the deserted balcony, I dialed Marcus Collins, the Alpha King's assistant.

"Marcus, seven years are up."

The other end of the line was silent for a moment, then a sigh came through.

"Miss Ava, the Alpha King has prepared everything. With just your word, all funds injected into Arthur Hayes's and Jason's companies will begin to withdraw within twenty-four hours. We expect all funds to be pulled out in six days. Afterwards, the Alpha King will send warriors to reclaim most of the Silverfang Pack and Stoneclaw Pack territories."

"Good, begin."

Hanging up the phone, I felt the shackles that had bound me for seven years finally loosen.

Jason had walked over at some point, frowning as he looked at me.

"Who are you on the phone with so mysteriously? Ava, I'm warning you, don't take my money and waste it outside."

He lectured me as if it was his right, completely forgetting that I was the one managing all his companies.

I ignored him and walked straight to the dining room.

The long dining table was laden with dishes, all of them Rebecca's favorites.

Jason meticulously deboneed fish for Rebecca, completely oblivious that I hadn't even touched my forks.

Alpha Arthur Hayes was red-faced from drinking.

"Ava, transfer all the company shares under your name to Rebecca's child. Consider it a welcoming gift for the future Alpha."

I looked up at his calculating face.

I nodded.

"Okay."

My immediate agreement surprised them all.

Jason was the first to react, a satisfied smile on his face.

"I knew Ava was the most reasonable. The shares in my company that you hold, transfer those too. For our child, I'm sure you'll be willing."

Rebecca leaned into Jason's embrace, feigning worry as she tugged on his sleeve.

"Jason, don't be like that, Ava will be unhappy."

Alpha Arthur Hayes scoffed.

"How could she be? She's very happy! Right, Ava? Come on, propose a toast to Becca and say a few words of blessing."

Jason picked up a glass of red wine and handed it to me.

"Propose a toast to Becca and say a few words of blessing." His tone brooked no argument.

I looked at the glass of wine but didn't take it.

Jason's face instantly darkened.

"You don't want to? Before, to fight for territory, you led the charge, how many scars did you get, how long were you unconscious? Why didn't you say 'no' then?"

Alpha Arthur Hayes chimed in, his tone mocking: "Exactly. Back then, when you were carried back gravely wounded, we thought you were done for. Now, for the continuation of the bloodline, we ask you to say a few words of blessing, and you're unwilling?"

All these years, one of them, though weak in character, tried to maintain an Alpha image, while the other, though weak in strength, still projected an Alpha's authority.

Tasks that required risking one's life to defend the Pack naturally fell to me.

Six days left, I counted in my mind.

Then, I took the wine glass Jason had practically shoved against my mouth, and turned to Rebecca.

Her face held an ill-concealed triumph.

I raised the glass, speaking each word clearly.

"I wish you, may all your wishes come true."

That night, faint sounds came from the next room.

I lay in bed, staring into the darkness.

The subtle noises, like sharp stings, pierced my ears again and again.

Rebecca's delicate laughter, Jason's low responses, and the faint creak of the mattress.

But even sharper was the blurred sensation transmitted through the Mate Bondripples of pleasure, the intertwining of their scents.

The spot where Jason had left his Mark began to burn with excruciating pain.

I clutched the sheets, my nails digging into my palms.

A sharp agony erupted from the depths of my soul, instantly spreading through my limbs.

My Alpha, my Mate, was at this moment, in my house, next door, entwined with another woman.

I rushed into the bathroom, dry-heaving, but nothing came up.

In this vast mansion, they were just a wall away.

I grabbed my jacket and drove to the lakeside villa.

It was a home my mother had left me.

I wasn't sure if this distance would stop the pain from the Mate Bond, but at least here, I wouldn't feel sickened by their affair.

Sitting by the cold lake, the night wind made me shiver, but it brought a slight relief to the burning in my chest.

I felt a little dazed.

Once, if I merely turned over in bed, Jason would immediately wake up, pull me into his arms, and ask, "What's wrong? Had a nightmare?"

If I said I couldn't sleep, he would get up to warm me a glass of milk, or simply chat with me until I felt sleepy again.

I also remember the year my mother first died, my wolf soul was often restless.

He would wrap me in his scent, patiently comforting me.

He truly loved me then.

But that love had still vanished.

Perhaps I was too busy, too busy to respond to his every approach.

I remember the last time Jason and I argued. It was when I had worked for several days straight on a project and missed a long-planned trip.

He lashed out at me for the first time, calling me a cold-blooded work machine, saying I only cared about work, didn't need a partner, and wasn't worthy of being his Mate.

I was somewhat bewildered then.

I was just trying to make things better for them, to make our two Packs stronger, just like my mother did. What was wrong with that?

Isn't that what a competent Luna does?

Supporting two Packs was busy and exhausting. Everything left no room for me to overthink.

By the time I came back to my senses, everything had become like this.

My phone vibrated; it was a message from Jason: "My father and I took Rebecca on vacation to relax. Transfer six million over to me."

I replied "Okay," as I always had.

Then I messaged Sarah Jenkins, the financial assistant for the company, giving them unlimited spending authority.

Since I would no longer be the company's manager, whether they spent all the money was no longer my concern.

The night wind was cool. I hugged myself.

From now on, I would only live for myself.

I stayed at the lakeside villa for a few days.

Jason didn't call once.

Only Sarah Jenkins, the financial assistant, called me cautiously.

"Luna Ava, Alpha Jason their spending at the Kingdom's overseas resort has already exceeded ten million. If this continues, the company's cash flow will be cut off."

That resort was the Alpha King's property. They wouldn't dare default, so they had to use company money to cover it.

This was the Alpha I'd been loyal to for years.

Stupid, incompetent.

I leaned against the headboard, looking out at the gray lake.

"Let them be."

Sarah Jenkins on the other end grew anxious: "But Luna Ava, the first payment for the southern project is due soon. If that money is touched, we'll default on the contract! According to the rules, we might lose the mining rights to that territory!"

"Do Alpha Jason and Alpha Arthur Hayes know about this?"

Sarah Jenkins spoke with difficulty: "They said it's fine, that with you around, you'll take care of it."

I chuckled softly: "Then let them default."

I hung up the phone and started packing.

Today marked the seventh anniversary of my mother's death.

It was also the last day of my promise.

I bought a bouquet of white roses, my mother's favorite, and went to the cemetery on the west sidethe traditional family burial ground of the Silverfang Pack.

But standing before that familiar headstone, I froze.

The photo on the headstone was unfamiliar.

The name carved on the epitaph was Lillian Wright.

Rebecca's biological mother.

All the blood in my veins instantly solidified.

Behind me, I heard Jason and Rebecca's laughter.

"Ava, you're here so early."

Jason carefully pushed Rebecca's wheelchair, afraid of even the slightest bump.

I pointed at the cold stone tablet, my voice trembling.

"Where's my mother?"

Jason frowned, seemingly displeased with my attitude.

"Ava, keep your voice down, don't scare Becca."

He shielded Rebecca behind him before slowly explaining: "Becca dreamed a few days ago that Lillian said she was lonely on her own there."

"I had someone check, and your mother's grave site has good feng shui and energy, so I had Lillian moved here. After all, your mother has been gone for so many years."

Alpha Arthur Hayes followed behind, his expression one of complete justification.

"Your mother never liked these formalities when she was alive. A grave is a grave, it's all the same. Now it's perfect, giving it to Lillian gives her a good final resting place."

I looked at the three of them as if watching an utterly absurd scene.

"So where is my mother?" I asked, enunciating each word.

"Her ashes have been moved to the public cemetery in the back," Jason said dismissively.

"Don't worry, I arranged everything, your mother won't be without a place."

Rebecca peeked out from behind him, timidly saying, "Ava, don't be angry. My mom is also your elder, and now she's my baby's grandmother. She's part of both our Silverfang Pack and the Stoneclaw Pack. Taking care of her fulfills your mother's last wish."

"That's right, Ava." My father, Alpha Arthur Hayes, tapped his cane on the ground.

"You promised your mother you'd protect both the Silverfang and Stoneclaw Packs. Now Lillian is part of our family too; you can't play favorites."

They used the promise I had upheld for seven years to force me to accept this outrageous act.

I looked at the unfamiliar headstone for a long time, and then, suddenly, I laughed.

I didn't argue with them anymore.

I turned and walked towards the public cemetery in the back.

Following the administrator's directions, I found my mother's small niche, so small that her name hadn't even been carved on it yet.

I cradled the cold urn and walked out.

As I passed them, I didn't stop.

Jason probably thought I had finally given in. His tone softened.

"Ava, stop acting like a child. Come home tonight, we'll have a nice family dinner."

"Becca even brought you a gift."

What a grand blessing.

I walked faster.

Leaving their sickening voices behind.

I placed the signed divorce papers on the bedside table in the master bedroom.

Ensuring that I had no further legal ties to the Silverfang and Stoneclaw Packs.

Then I returned to my grandfather'sthe Alpha King'sterritory.

They didn't know that my grandfather had disowned my mother because she insisted on marrying my father.

But he adored me.

He promised me that if I was willing to cut ties with them, he would appoint me as the Alpha Female of the powerful Moonshadow Pack.

This meant I would become the only female Alpha in the Kingdom.

...

Back home, Jason suddenly felt uneasy.

He frowned and asked Alpha Arthur Hayes: "Father, isn't today Ava's mother's death anniversary?"

Alpha Arthur Hayes replied indifferently: "It's just missing one memorial. I'll have the servants make it up tomorrow."

But just then, David Lee rushed in.

"Alpha Jason, Alpha Arthur, it's bad! The company's cash flow is gone, and a dozen projects have all defaulted!"

"Our partners on the projects have all sent notices, saying if we can't produce the money, they'll take Pack territory in exchange!"

Alpha Arthur Hayes frowned and yelled: "Where's Ava! Tell her to get over here and deal with this immediately!"

David Lee cried urgently: "Luna left a message and then became unreachable."

Jason grew even more uneasy: "What did Ava say?"

"Ava said, Your problems are no longer my problems!"