Chapter 3. Cornered by the Alpha

I suddenly woke up looking for Conan. I noticed that my wounds had been treated and walked around the room with my eyes, finding my nephew in a crib near my bed. My attention was captured by the enigmatic figure of the wolf, who had an icy white hue mixed with silver lights, entering the room.

“Don’t come any closer, beast!” I screamed, making an effort to look threatening, though my voice betrayed the nervousness I was feeling.

The wolf continued to advance, stopping in front of me and sitting on his hind legs. He made a mocking sound, as if he found my threats amusing.

“I’m warning you, creature. I will not allow you to hurt my baby!” I will repeat my words, and then there will be no doubt.

The furry one approached, looking at me intensely and smelling the surrounding air.

“This dog is not yours. The smell is similar, but not identical. It belongs to me,” he growled, showing his canines.

“Are you talking? Or am I going crazy, listening to a wolf conversation?” I stammered, perplexed.

“Give me the cub, human!” he growled even more menacingly, his voice resounded with authority.

“Puppy? You will not touch my baby!” I cried desperately, standing in front of the crib in a defensive posture.

The wolf came closer, and I tried to attack him. However, with a quick, barely noticeable move, he managed to knock me to the ground and put his weight on me, sniffing my neck.

“Being such weak prey, you shouldn’t challenge me,” he growled.

I shuddered, feeling a shiver in my spine.

“Her smell is similar, but not the same. You are not her, and this is not her cub!” he screamed, his teeth serrated near my warm skin.

Suddenly he turned away, turning into a tall man with fair skin and a proud look. His muscle-building exuded power and vitality. His dark hair framed a sculpted face, and a well-groomed beard added a touch of sophistication. His confident posture and dominant presence drew attention, but mine went straight to the scar that ran from his shoulder to the middle of his bare chest.

“WHAT ARE YOU?” I exclaimed, shocked and frightened.

He declared with determination, “This puppy belongs to me!”

“Why do you call him a puppy? Who do you think you are to claim him?” I asked, raising a defiant eyebrow.

“I am your father and your king!” His voice sounded fierce and chilling.

“I-I... are you the father?” I stammered, bewildered by the revelation.

“Yes, therefore, the pup belongs to me,” he declared imperiously.

“No!” My response was firm, challenging his claim.

He arched an eyebrow, assessing my defiant reply.

“No? Interesting,” he commented, noting my growing determination.

Taking a resolute stance, I declared, “I promised my sister that I would care for and protect her child as if it were my own. I won't let you take him, even if I have to fight to the death!”

He observed me, recognizing the courage emerging in me. A nearly imperceptible smile crossed his lips, but his confusion and nervousness prevented her from noticing.

He acknowledged, “You don't have the scent of death about you; I believe your story.”

“Scent of death?” I repeated, surprised.

“Yes, your sister, she exuded illness and death. But there was something unique about her.” His eyes narrowed as he reflected. “At least, that's what I thought.”

Tears welled up in my eyes.

“If you knew she would die,” I clenched my fists in anger, “why didn't you take care of her? Why did you abandon her? And why have you only now appeared, wanting to take the only memory left of her?” I exclaimed, staring at him without yielding.

“Your sister disguised her scent well, leaving no traces. I found her through the scent of my pup. I sensed the threat around him and his desperation,” he pondered, approaching.

“Why did you attack me?” I asked, remembering the chilling scenes in the cemetery.

He shrugged. “I didn't attack her. I protected them.”

“Weren't the other wolves with you?”

“No, they're from a different pack. They want to destroy my heir and take my throne.” His gaze glittered, and I could feel the hatred in his words.

“Throne? Are you a king?” I asked, wide-eyed.

“Better yet, I am an ALPHA.” he said with a tone of pride and honor in his voice. His majestic posture revealed his power.

“What is an alpha?” I continued, still confused.

“You humans are so depressing...” He rolled his eyes with disdain.

I watched her posture carefully as she wiped a stubborn tear running down my face.

“I need answers. Who attacked us? Why do they want to kill Conan? How did you meet my sister?” I exhaled after answering the questions that were plaguing my mind.

“They were attacked by the Crescent Moon Pack goons. I’ve already answered your question about the cub. Don’t be slow, humans. Follow the answers,” he said clearly, clearly irritated by the questioning.

“All right, Mr. Rudeness.”

In a roar, he roared, “Mr. Alpha or King, cheeky human.”

His roar makes me take a few steps back until I lean into the cradle. Conan wakes up crying, as scared as I am. I turn to catch him, but a strong, rough hand supports him before I can reach him. His speed is absurd, beyond normal.

“Please don’t hurt him.” I lower my voice, afraid he’ll crush my nephew in his strong arms. “Give him back to me, please.” I slowly extend my arms.

“He is my heir. My blood, my firstborn, and the future leader of this band. Why would I hurt him?” He frowned, looking at me like a question mark.

Strangely, the baby calmed down in his arms, as if he recognized him just by being near. Maybe he’s telling the truth, maybe he’s the father of this child! My sister had warned him that he was an extraordinary being, but none of this makes sense. How did she meet him? Why did she hide from him?

I raised my chin defiantly, compelling him to keep his gaze on mine.

“How did you meet my sister? Why did she feel she had to hide from you?”

A mist hung over his gaze, making me shiver under the weight of his presence. His eyes were aflame with predatory intent. Despite his intimidation, I didn't avert my gaze. I needed the answers, and, more importantly, I needed to know if we were in danger here!