The Alpha's Claimed Mate

Chapter 5

Who is Alpha Rowan?

I sat for a moment, letting the plan settle in my mind, trying to focus on the anger I felt. But as I stayed there, a heavy swirl of emotions hit me. The hatred that had been burning inside me suddenly disappeared, replaced by confusion—an agonizing, bittersweet mixture of worry and longing.

Did he feel the mate bond?

Did he know who I was?

Would he reject me?

My thoughts raced. As much as I despised him, a part of me still reached for him. He was the most beautiful man I had ever laid my eyes on. His presence wrapped around me, leaving a bittersweet ache that I hated…and secretly craved.

My body betrayed me whenever he crossed my mind. Heat gathered between my thighs, the pressure tightening until I could feel the wetness build. My heart raced violently, each beat thickening the want growing inside me, fueled by every f*******n image of him.

I couldn’t bear the thought of being rejected.

No—I couldn’t survive it.

But did he feel the same pull?

The question hit me hard, sharp and merciless, bringing a sudden wave of doubt that tightened my chest. He was too perfect for me.

Too handsome.

Too strong.

Too wealthy.

Too powerful. Far beyond what someone like me deserved.

But he owed me. Yes, he did.

He betrayed my parents, and the least he could do now was not betray me.

That is… if he still had even an atom of conscience left in him.

“You know we can’t force him to accept us,” Mira murmured.

“He wouldn’t dare!”

“I will make him pay,” I spat, my voice shaking with fear and anger.

“You really need to calm down, Nyla. I don’t even know if you hate him or love him, but you need to pick a side.”

“And before you make any rash decision, I advise you to ask him for an explanation. Things might not be the way you think they are,” she added softly.

“I don’t need you to lecture me on what to do and what not to do,” I snapped as I sprang to my feet and headed for the kitchen.

The meeting was still ongoing, but they were preparing to move into the inner chambers for private discussions—the kind of place that is heavily guarded, sealed off, where even whispers wouldn't escape.

I leaned closer, peering through the narrow c***k in the door. I told myself I only wanted to check if they had eaten the food served earlier… but that was a lie. My real reason pulsed in my chest.

I wanted to see him. My mate. Even just a glimpse would be enough.

The plates were almost empty, with a few pieces of meat and food left on them, as if they had eaten too quickly.

Just then, footsteps echoed in the room. Luna Elizabeth was heading toward the kitchen. Why did she leave the meeting?

My chest tightened, a wave of fear running through my spine. I quickly straightened my dress and stepped away from the kitchen door,positioning myself so I wouldn’t be caught and hoping she didn't notice someone was at the door.

The door opened with force and her voice filled the room.

Do I have to tell people everything?”

“Don’t you know you’re supposed to clear the table?” she barked.

“We’re sorry, Luna!” we chorused, our voices trembling as we ran to the dining room. Plates clinked in our hands, and I felt my fingers shake as we hurried to tidy the room.

I tried to stay steady, forcing myself to remain calm so I wouldn’t make a mistake that could get me punished. Even though I could heal quickly, the pain lingered, and the bruises left marks on my skin that could never be erased.

As dawn drew closer, the Alphas were finally ready to leave. One by one, they headed to their luxury cars, each accompanied by their Beta.

Others lingered behind, exchanging polite words and fake smiles. Luna Elizabeth beamed from ear to ear as she bade her guest goodnight.

I scanned the area, looking for Alpha Rowan, but he was nowhere to be seen.

Where was he? How could he leave his guest alone? That wasn’t like him.

I hurried toward his study, he spent most of his time there. I needed him to tell me everything he knew about Alpha Darius.

As I drew closer, the voices grew louder and more intense. Alpha Rowan was in the middle of a heated argument with someone, his voice was sharp and forceful.

I could tell he was angry from the way he spoke, and the other person’s tone was equally tense. Something about the way they spoke made it clear this wasn’t just a disagreement, it was serious.

“I don’t know how you’ve managed to fool everyone all these years, but Rowan… look, you can’t fool me.”

“You were supposed to kill her when you found her, but you didn’t. You think I don’t know why…”

“Ha… ha… ha… I do, Rowan. I do.” he mocked.

“You’re scared of the prophecy —that’s why! I know you are!”

“You really think she will save you? The man that killed her parents?” the voice spat, shaking with rage.

“Derick, keep your voice down. This is my house… and she lives here,” Alpha Rowan said sharply.

“And so? You think she would never find out the truth? Just wait, Rowan… wait and see,” the other voice snapped, his voice boiling with rage.

Derick? Alpha Derick?

Were they talking about me?

Did Alpha Rowan know who I was all along?

What prophecy?

He wasn’t the one who killed my father… so why would Derick say something like that?

The question kept tearing through my mind, my heart pounding so hard it felt like it would burst from my chest.

Tears welled up, blurring my vision, and a sharp, stabbing pain hit my chest. My legs gave way beneath me, my feet trembling as I staggered back.

Just as I was about to collapse, a strong hand caught me. My body tensed, and I turned around quickly to see who it was…

Alpha Darius.