ALPHA KAEL'S BREEDER

chapter 12

Chapter 12

Vanessa’s POV

The walk down the stairs with Daniel was a test of my patience. Every step felt like walking on shattered glass—uncomfortable, prickly, and impossible to ignore. I’d never liked him, and the thought of that stranger flashed again in my mind like a bad nightmare on loop. Kael is not the kind of alpha you mess with. So how in hell did he give that b***h the audacity to flaunt herself in his space like she owned the place?

My fist tightened involuntarily, nails digging into my palm.

When we finally reached the living room, my gaze drifted around until it landed on the large portrait hanging proudly on the wall. Alpha Kael. He looked like a god—chiseled jaw, sharp eyes that could freeze fire, the kind of man who seemed carved from legend. My fingers itched to touch it.

I moved slowly to the edge of the room, almost reverently, and traced my finger lightly along his jawline, from the sharp chin to those hypnotic eyes.

“He looks like a god,” I whispered, my voice thick with awe.

Daniel gave a weak giggle. A sound so out of place coming from him, I nearly snorted. Finally, something reasonable.

“Yes,” he said, “he really is what you just said.”

I glanced at him, eyes narrowing. “Tell me, Daniel. What relationship does Alpha Kael have with that madwoman?”

His smile faltered, and he straightened, suddenly stiff, like a soldier standing at attention.

“I’m not in a position to speak of my Alpha’s private matters,” Daniel said smoothly, voice low but firm.

Of course. That was the answer I expected. One he gave like a trained parrot, rehearsed and dry.

I rolled my eyes so hard I thought they might get stuck. “You’re always ‘not in a position,’ huh? Typical. You keep playing your little loyal lackey card, but it’s obvious you know more than you’re letting on.”

Daniel’s jaw tightened, but he held his ground.

“Well, Vanessa, some things are better left unsaid.”

Some things? Like what? How Kael lets that woman parade around like she’s queen of his world while everyone else pretends it’s normal?

I crossed my arms and lowered myself onto the couch with a sharp sigh, making the leather creak beneath me. “Fine. Since you won’t talk, at least serve me something strong.” I snapped my fingers at him. “Whiskey. Neat.”

Daniel blinked, clearly surprised by my boldness, but nodded and disappeared into the kitchen.

As I waited, I noticed two maids enter quietly from the side entrance, each carrying large, ornate bags. Their faces were polite but reserved—like they were used to handling delicate situations. I tilted my head, curiosity prickling. Visitors? Deliveries? Or something else?

Daniel returned moments later, sliding a glass of amber liquid toward me. The smell hit me—a sharp burn, exactly what I needed.

“Any visitors expected?” I asked, swirling the whiskey.

He shook his head. “Not that I know of.”

The room was still, except for the soft rustle of fabric as the maids disappeared down a hall.

Just then, the front door swung open with a loud creak, and my heart dropped into my stomach.

There she stood, framed by the doorway, the exact image of chaos wrapped in ice—Elena. Alpha Kael’s ex. The woman who could ignite a firestorm just by blinking.

Her lips curled into a mocking smile as her eyes locked onto mine. “Hello, Vanessa Leo.”

Every muscle in me tensed.

I stood up abruptly, whiskey forgotten, and faced her without flinching.

“Elena,” I said coolly, voice sharp like a knife hidden in silk.

Her smile only widened. “Still playing the innocent little upstart, huh? You have no idea what has always been coming your way. I am back now, you know right?.”

I laughed, bitter and low. “Honey, I’ve been playing this game since before you even thought you were in it, you're not back into his life, you just feel like barging in like a crazy b***h you've always been.”

Her eyes narrowed, dangerous. “Watch your mouth.”

I took a step closer, fearless. “Or what? You’ll cry to Kael? My man wouldn't even listen to you”

Her mocking laugh echoed through the room like broken glass.

“Kael doesn’t need to protect me anymore. I protect myself,” she said, voice dripping venom. “But you, Vanessa... you’re just a pawn. A pretty little distraction, he will use you, well, venessa I'd advice you keep off.”

My blood boiled, but I forced a smirk. “Funny. I was going to say the same about you.”

Daniel shifted uneasily nearby, but neither of us moved. This was a battle of words, but the air between us was thick enough to cut.

Elena stepped forward, dangerously close now, eyes blazing. “I’m not here for petty squabbles. I came to remind you—this is my territory. You’re trespassing.”

I tilted my head, unimpressed. “The only thing you own here is your bitterness.”

Her expression flickered, anger flashing behind her eyes. “You want to start something? Fine. But remember, Vanessa, every game has rules. And you’re already breaking them.”

I matched her stare, every inch a challenge. “Then let’s see if you can keep up.”

A tense silence fell, broken only by the soft thud of the door closing behind the maids. Daniel stepped between us, clearing his throat.

“Ladies,” he said carefully, “let’s not forget who we serve here.”

Elena’s eyes flicked to him, a dangerous smile playing on her lips.

“Don’t lecture me, Daniel. I know my place,” she said, voice silk over steel.

I clenched my fists, feeling the fire rise in my chest. This woman was poison, wrapped in pretty lies.