The Alpha's Forbidden Mate

CHAPTER 3

DARMEN P.O.V

I awoke, startled, with my claws instinctively extended, embedded into the fabric of my bed. A shiver ran down my spine as I realized I had just experienced a nightmare—one that hadn't haunted me for over a century. I took deep breaths, attempting to steady myself as my claws gradually retracted into the shape of my nails. Seated on the edge of the bed, I pondered the significance of this unsettling dream when I sensed Carl's presence within the house.

With haste, I slipped on my slippers and made my way downstairs. En route, I crossed paths with a maid who I knew had been sent to inform me of Carl's arrival.

I got to the sitting room and saw Carl who was standing and awaiting my presence.

"Good evening, Alpha," he greeted respectfully.

"Follow me," I commanded, and he obediently trailed behind me.

CARMEN P.O.V

Seated at the dining table, enjoying some fruits and perusing a magazine on babies, I sensed Carl's entrance into the house. We exchanged pleasantries before the Alpha descended the stairs. His demeanor suggested a need for a private discussion with Carl—a rather peculiar occurrence. Curiously, I also detected a faint scent of the woods lingering in the air.

This couldn't be solely attributed to my heightened sense of smell due to pregnancy. I truly perceived the unmistakable aroma of damp leaves and earth. Thoughts flickered through my mind, wondering why this scent invaded the Alpha's home.

DARMEN P.O.V

"Give me every detail, leaving nothing out," I commanded Carl as we reached one of my secret rooms, the air heavy with anticipation.

"It's called Maria's Orphanage. It was initially opened by a woman named Mrs. Maria but is now managed by her late husband's sister since both are deceased. I searched for the specific lady you mentioned, Alpha, but couldn't find her," Carl reported, his voice laced with frustration.

A surge of anger pulsed through me upon hearing she remained elusive. "Did you search everywhere?" I inquired sharply.

Carl explained, "She led me through the entire house, but there was a particular apartment within the compound that she claimed wasn't part of the orphanage. I couldn't gain access to it without arousing suspicion."

I rolled my eyes, a mixture of exasperation and determination welling within me. "I must find her," I declared, an unwavering resolve taking hold. "Even if it means dismantling that supposedly sacred apartment" I resolved silently to myself after dismissing Carl.

ROSE POV

I sat down, crying my eyes out, as I remained confined in the apartment meant for insane people at the orphanage. Regret consumed me for having shared with Luke what I had witnessed the previous night—the sighting of a wolf. If only I had kept my mouth shut and been more cautious, Mrs. Agatha wouldn't have overheard our conversation. She despised such tales, deeming them blasphemous, and had no qualms about dragging me to the section reserved for the mentally unstable, completely ignoring my pleas.

Initially, the chilling cold had frightened me, but it paled in comparison to the terror I felt now, surrounded by people who were not mentally sound. The room they had confined me to was small, its door secured with iron bars. Inside, I found myself with a lady who laughed incessantly, uttering peculiar and nonsensical things. The laughter of the others, similarly afflicted, sent shivers down my spine. I cried until exhaustion consumed me, clutching my rumbling stomach, aching from hunger. As I stared out of the window, I wondered when this nightmare would finally come to an end.

Amidst my despair, I suddenly heard the sound of approaching footsteps. Someone whispered my name—it was Luke, the sweet child who saw me as his big sister.

"I'm here," I whispered, extending my hands through the window's narrow opening. Swiftly, he passed me some loaves of bread and fish before retreating back inside. My worry intensified, as I hoped he wouldn't be caught. I couldn't bear the thought of the poor five-year-old suffering the same fate that I was currently enduring

DRAKE P.O.V

Rest and sleep eluded me for days as I grappled with disbelief. I couldn't fathom how Darmen, the alpha, was willing to unleash chaos rather than granting me that parcel of land. "How dare he?" I seethed, my frustration boiling over as I flung a glass cup from my trembling hands, its shards scattering across the room.

In the midst of my anger and confusion, a knock at the door disrupted my thoughts. It was Lucy, my wife, and the last person I wanted to see in that moment. "What are you doing here?" I snapped, my tone laden with visible anger.

"Well, your mum is here to see you," she replied, her voice tinged with hesitation, sensing my volatile mood. And there she was, my mother, entering the room as expected. She looked impeccable, adorned in expensive attire. One could only expect such elegance from the wife of the former alpha, my father.

"Get a hold of yourself," she urged, concern etched on her face, as she reached out and gently held my face, her touch offering both reassurance and a reminder of my lineage.

I woke up in my room, feeling slightly more relaxed than before. The sound of Lucy's voice reminded me that my mother was present, offering a glimmer of light in my world. Making my way to the dining area, I found Lucy and the maid busy in the kitchen, while my mother watched TV. Approaching her, she signaled that we needed to talk privately, so we both headed to my study room. I could sense Lucy's curious gaze, her eyes filled with questions.

As we entered the study room, I locked the door behind us, ensuring our conversation remained confidential. Taking our seats, I couldn't contain my worry any longer. "Ma, Darmen doesn't seem to be yielding at all," I expressed my concern.

"Hush, boy. Lucy has already informed me about the situation," she reassured me.

"But have you remembered what the werewolf book of old says about the alpha? It states that the alpha's strength diminishes if he hasn't bonded with a werewolf," she revealed.

"But after all these years, it appears Darmen's strength only continues to grow," I replied, my anxiety mounting.

"It may not be what it seems. However, I have another idea. We should seek out Agatha," she suggested.

"Do you mean Agatha, the..." I stammered, my voice trailing off.

"Yes, Agatha the dark witch," she confirmed.My eyes widening, reflecting both shock and fear.

I sat there, wide-eyed, contemplating her proposition. Agatha, the dark witch, was a name associated with dark magic and unknown consequences. Could I really consider such a path?

"Yes, that's the only remedy to make you stronger. Do you wish to be treated as a mere subject, with no inheritance from the royal family? Or worse, would you want the truth to be revealed, leaving you defenseless?" she questioned with utmost seriousness.

Silence filled the room as her words hung heavy in the air. I couldn't bear the thought of being reduced to a commoner or the truth of what transpired a hundred years ago coming to light. My future would be doomed.

Swallowing my fear, I asked hesitantly, "Do you know where she resides?"

"Yes, I do," my mother replied, a half-smile playing on her lips.

CARMEN P.O.V

It was morning, and I decided to take charge of making my own breakfast. Inspired by a cooking video I had watched the previous night, I thought to myself, "How hard could it be?"

As I joyfully prepared the meal, the maid stood nearby, assisting me with some of the necessary tasks. It was during this time that we engaged in a real conversation—a rarity for me in recent times. It felt refreshing to connect with someone on a deeper level, and we shared genuine laughter.

I noticed Darmen descending the stairs, ready for work. "Good morning, boss," the maid greeted him. "Good morning, brother," I chimed in with a smile. However, instead of reciprocating our greetings, Darmen bluntly addressed the maid, questioning her presence in the kitchen. "I don't pay you to have someone else cook for you," he admonished her.

"I'm so sorry, sir, but she..." the maid attempted to explain herself, but her words stumbled out hesitantly.

"Well, I decided to cook for myself," I interjected, flashing a smile at Darmen, aware of the "are you kidding me" look he shot my way.

"Sit down, the food will be ready soon," I invited him, maintaining my cheerful demeanor.

"I won't be having breakfast," he declared as he turned to leave, accompanied by his bodyguards. Just as I was about to reach out to him, my hand accidentally touched the hot pot, causing me to cry out in pain. "Ouch!" I exclaimed, quickly clutching my now reddened hand.

Without hesitation, Darmen, who was on his way out, swiftly rushed to my side. He gently held my hand, urgently instructing the maid to fetch a healing balm. In that moment, I looked into my brother's eyes and saw not only the protective alpha but also the tender soul beneath his tough exterior. He cradled me delicately, as though I were a fragile object, and it was a glimpse of his true nature.

DARMEN P.O.V

I arrived at my office, situated at the pinnacle of my magnificent building. As I settled into my chair, a sense of relaxation washed over me. Thoughts of what had transpired with Carmen occupied my mind. Was she merely being dramatic, or was there more to her actions? Regardless, she was all I had, and I couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to her or my unborn niece.

Deciding to focus on the tasks at hand, I directed my attention to the day's work. Just as I anticipated, Carl knocked on my office door and entered, providing me with a rundown of the upcoming meetings. It promised to be a long day ahead.

Later in the evening, after completing my daily responsibilities, I intended to head home. However, as I sat in my office, my thoughts lingered on the girl I had encountered in the woods. This time, I had witnessed her in pain through a vision that appeared hazy, yet I could feel her anguish. Conflicting emotions surged within me, a tumultuous mix of sadness, anger, and possessiveness that defied explanation.

Without hesitation, I initiated a mind link and immediately called for Carl. Recognizing the urgency in my voice, he swiftly made his way to my office.

"Take me to the orphanage now," I instructed him, my tone heightened with urgency and concern