The Alpha's Eternal Mate

Chapter Seven: Friend or Foe

Kathryn's POV

I had to look for a way to get out of the house. Although my end game was revenge , I had to build momentum slowly. And I needed the help of people. Powerful people who I had missed in my past life due to my position as a concubine. They had overlooked me and most had gotten acquainted with Cassandra.

A few had remained neutral, choosing to be spectators of our royal family drama. I remembered how Cassandra's connection had her in making my life hell and aiding the loss of my child while I was unjustly imprisoned.

It had been a power tussle and we had both gotten pregnant at almost the same time. Why not eliminate your opponent instead of waiting for the worst to happen?

The worst that could happen was that I would give birth first, it would turn out to be a boy and equally the heir of the Alpha's throne. She had feared this happening and had smartly acted, killing my poor child.

My eyes were turning red from my thoughts when I heard a familiar voice I could never forget.

A pretty face that people would never suspect. It was my best friend from my previous life.

“Oh goddess, Kathryn! You're fine now! Why didn't you call for me when you woke up?” She complained, rushing over and holding my hand with a pout. “I heard someone important came to ask for your hand in marriage.”

I lowered my eyes to hide the emotion behind them as I looked at the hand she held on to. She was clenching it so tight that it would leave a mark. I would have missed the obvious signs of jealousy if I hadn't experienced this life once. I thought with a self mocking smile.

“Come on, talk to me.” She shook me and urged me to talk.

I maintained my composure and drew back my hand from her grip. Looking back at her with a cold smile, I responded curtly, “I'm fine.”

In my past life, the one reason I had grovelled so shamelessly and had lost my mother was because of her. She had been my most trusted friend, yet a secret follower of Cassandra. She secretly disdained me and did everything to earn the support of the legitimate daughter and Legal wife of the Alpha King. To her, I had been a test of loyalty, an obstacle she had to remove…

I had been most grateful to her for helping my mother escape from the pack when they turned against her due to the false accusations of treachery levelled at her. I had been in prison and could do nothing. And even if I hadn't, I was powerless.

To my shock, I received a gruesome gift— my mother's head in a box, sent to me in prison. It was at that point that I snapped mentally. Never to be normal again.

I couldn’t let her see my thoughts, the storm raging inside me. This life was different. This time, I would not be a victim of her schemes, Cassandra’s manipulations, or the pack’s cruel games.

“Why are you so quiet? You’re acting strange,” she pressed, her eyes narrowing. Her voice was sweet, almost soothing, but I caught the underlying edge of curiosity laced with suspicion. The same edge she had used countless times before, leading me into traps I hadn’t even seen coming.

“I’m still recovering,” I said, feigning a weak smile. “It’s overwhelming to think about what’s next.” I paused deliberately, watching her closely. “You said someone important asked for my hand in marriage. Who?”

Her eyes flickered for the briefest moment. I recognized it…a glint of resentment she tried to mask with fake excitement. “Oh, I’m not sure. I only overheard a few whispers from the attendants. But if it’s true, you must be ecstatic! Isn’t this everything you’ve ever dreamed of?”

I nodded slowly, the corners of my lips curling into a faint smile. “It is.” And it would be my weapon.

Her grip on my hand tightened briefly before she let go, smoothing out her expression. “You’re lucky. Truly blessed. You’ll have to tell me everything once the proposal is finalized!” She stood, brushing imaginary lint off her dress. “But don’t overthink it. Rest for now. I’ll visit you again soon.”

I watched her leave, my face a mask of indifference. Only when I heard the door click shut did I let out a sharp breath. My fingers clenched the fabric of my dress as the memories surged.

This woman, my so-called best friend, had been the first domino in my fall from grace. She had whispered lies, sowed distrust, and orchestrated my isolation. My mother’s death… It hadn’t been Cassandra who suggested the brutal execution. It had been her, the one I trusted most, who convinced Cassandra that my mother posed a lingering threat to their plans.

I stood and walked to the window, staring at the sprawling grounds outside. Every corner of this house held memories of betrayal both from family and friends. It reminded me of the countless nights I had spent weeping over losses I couldn’t understand.

Not this time.

This time, I would play the game better. I would use the alliances they never expected me to build, the strength they underestimated, and the knowledge they didn’t think I’d possess. My end game wasn’t just revenge, it was justice. And justice demanded patience, cunning, and a heart cold enough to withstand the fire of retribution.

For now, I’d let her believe she still had the upper hand. Let them all believe it. It was the first step in dismantling their illusions.

With a deep breath, I closed the curtains and turned back toward the room. There was much to do, and I couldn’t afford to waste another second dwelling on the past. Every moment counted in this delicate web I was weaving.

I had to go meet that man.

The only one who had supported me despite the opposition from majority. He had helped me get out of prison and had begged me to come be with him.

He loved me. Not as a lover. But like a brother. One I never had.

I had to pay him a visit, and I had to do it today.