Chapter 10%
After leaving Freya’s hospital ward, Wanda paced the stone corridor of the Blackthorn Pack Hospital’s main lodge, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. Her sharp amber eyes–betraying her Omega lineage–her eyes burned with ambition. There was no softness to her now, only calculation and barely veiled fury.
She spotted a healer wolf in training approaching, and Wanda instantly softened her expression into a sweet smile.
“Excuse me, sweetheart. Could you tell me which room Elder Alpha Alaric Blackthorn is resting in?“}
The young she–wolf halted, her nose twitching slightly as she caught the scent of anxiety and deceit.}
“Who are you?“}
“I’m…” Wanda hesitated, her mind racing. “I’m his in–law. My daughter is carrying the Blackthorn Alpha Bloodline. It’s urgent.”
The healer’s brows furrowed. “Elder Alaric is in a weakened state, his heart is still weak, it nearly killed him. He’s not receiving guests.” “Oh, don’t be ridiculous!” Wanda snapped, her charm evaporating. “I’m telling you, my daughter’s pregnant with Alpha Draven Blackthorn’s pup! That makes her kin by blood. What right do you have to bar me?“}
Her sudden outburst caused several pack members lounging nearby to turn their heads, ears twitching at the sound.
The healer’s eyes darted toward the nearest patrol wolf and quickly hissed, “Lower your voice! Elder Alpha Alaric is in room 202–but if you storm in uninvited, the guards will have your head.”
But Wanda was already marching off, her heels clicking with purpose as she made for the silver–inlaid elevator carved with Blackthorn family sigils.
She had decided she would speak to the Elder Alpha, but not without destroying the barren Luna, Ella Moonfall’s reputation. Carefully, she would spin the story, omitting the inconvenient truth that her beloved daughter, Freya, had actively seduced Alpha Draven Blackthorn. Freya had clawed her way this high; Wanda would not allow her to fall back into the shadows of her Omega bloodline.
Not now.
Not ever.”
Elder Alpha Alaric’s POV
Inside room 202, Alaric Blackthorn, the former Alpha and current Council Elder, sat propped in bed, his skin pale. His silver hair was damp with sweat, and thick veins pulsed along his weathered neck. Scrolls and parchments filled with Pack’s Affairs were scattered across his lap. His senses had dulled with age, but the moment the chamber doors burst open, his spine stiffened like a wolf scenting danger.
A woman he didn’t recognize dropped to her knees beside his bed in a single, dramatic thud.
“Dear in–law!” The woman wailed, clutching at his coverlet. “You have to help us–help my daughter!“}]
Alaric’s eyes widened in alarm, a growl curling low in his throat.
“Who in God’s name are you? Guards–“>
“I’m Wanda Hart, an Omega, Freya Hart’s mother!” The woman cried, tears and snot smearing her face as she sniffled loudly. “My daughter is carrying the future Alpha’s child! That barren she–wolf, Ella Moonfall, has no claim to the Blackthorn Luna title anymore!“} Alaric froze, his hand hovering above the hospital call button. His eyes narrowed. “What did you just say?”
The woman who introduced herself as Wanda seemed to sense the hesitation and pushed closer; she remained on her knees like a supplicant in a royal court. “My daughter, Freya–she and Alpha Draven have been together for months now. He says Ella can’t bear pups after her last miscarriage, But she clings to the title like it’s her right! It’s not fair!”
Alaric’s face darkened. “You dare insult the Luna of this Pack in front of me?”
“She’s not Luna if she can’t give you heirs!” Wanda cried, now fully hysterical. “My Freya is gentle, fertile, devoted to Alpha Draven–why should she raise a pup in the shadows like some rogue concubine?”
Alaric slammed his palm against the solid oak bedside table, the sound echoing through the room like thunder. The motion triggered a fit of coughs that wracked his frail body. His wolf stirred beneath the surface, agitated and snarling.
When he finally steadied, his eyes glowed faintly gold, proof that even weakened, the wolf inside him was listening.”
“Speak clearly,” he ordered. “What do you mean, Ella cannot bear pups?“>
“Your son, Alpha Draven, told us himself,” Wanda said quickly, sensing her opportunity. “He said Ella Moonfall was a barren luna, her womb was broken. She’ll never shift safely, much less carry a pup!”
Alaric stared at her long and hard, then slowly exhaled. “Nonsense,” he muttered, though his gaze betrayed uncertainty. “Ella Moonfall is a strong Luna. She was chosen by the Moon Goddess herself.“@
“But what is strength if she can’t secure your bloodline?” Wanda whispered desperately, crawling closer again. “Freya is already carrying the heir. Doesn’t that count for something? And yet she’s still has no title.“}
Alaric’s jaw tightened. The politics of pack succession were brutal, rooted in blood, legacy, and the strength of the Alpha bond. A barren Luna was a weakness in the eyes of the Council.
After a long silence, he waved a tired hand. “I understand. You may go.”
Wanda’s eyes immediately brightened. “Then–the mating ceremony–the wedding-“M
“I said I understand. That is all. Do not presume authority in my territory.“”
His voice had gone cold like mountain ice.
Salesiano. It is all. Tiul presume autonly my lemory.
0:
His voice had gone cold like mountain ice.
Reluctantly, Wanda rose and dusted off her knees. As she reached the door, she turned once more, her voice edged with desperation. “Please, Elder Alaric… think of your grandson. He’s already growing within her. Doesn’t he deserve a rightful name?“}}
Alaric didn’t respond. His eyes were closed, but beneath the surface, his wolf stirred restlessly.”
A few moments later after Wanda left, Alaric’s eyes slowly flicked open. A low growl rumbled in his chest as he reached for the phone beside him.
He pressed a number. “Beta Serio,” he said, his voice low and edged with authority. “I need you to dig into something… now.”
D
