REBORN TO THE FAMILY THAT KILL ME

Chapter 2

"I’ll do it,” Alexander Vale said, voice steady, unwavering.

Ethan Blackwood’s lips curved into a faint, approving smile as he clapped a hand on Alexander’s shoulder. “I knew I could count on you. If I’d interfered, I wouldn’t be dealing with half the mess we’re in.”

Alexander nodded. “Every device in the company will be replaced. No loose ends. Nothing left for them to trace.”

Ethan’s brow rose. “But… they could just wipe the files, right? Format everything?”

Alexander chuckled, a dry, knowing sound.

“Ethan, the world isn’t like it used to be. Deleted files? Backups? Recovery? Easier than you think. We replace the devices, migrate the data, and the problem ceases to exist.”

Ethan’s eyes widened as comprehension dawned. “So… we’re talking about a complete tech overhaul.”

“Exactly,” Alexander said. “Discreetly. No one notices a thing.”

Ethan leaned back, letting out a quiet sigh.

“I’ll be happy if this gets resolved without a single leak. Without a single mistake.”

Alexander nodded. “It will be.”

He started to turn, but Ethan’s voice stopped him, soft but deliberate.

“You’ll be at the family party tonight.”

Alexander froze mid-step. “The party? Ethan, only Alpha and Beta are allowed. Sons-in-law aren’t—”

“We’re not just relatives anymore,” Ethan interrupted, a glint in his eyes. “We’re brothers. And I’m inviting you personally. You’re coming.”

Alexander gave a subtle nod, appreciation flashing in his gaze. “Understood. I’ll be there.”

“Good,” Ethan said. “And remember—we have work to do. Don’t slack.”

Alexander’s mind was already racing, calculating contingencies, mapping every possible outcome. He walked back to his office, adjusting his tie, thinking aloud, “I never believed the Blackwoods could be involved in something like this. One of the most respected families in the corporate world… and now, money laundering?”

The office door clicked shut behind him. His eyes landed on the framed photograph above the desk: Alpha Orion Blackwood, the patriarch, the founder, the man who had built the empire from nothing. Now deceased.

Below him, a smaller plaque marked Alpha Kael Blackwood, Ethan’s father, currently bedridden, still holding the company’s reins, though barely.

And soon—Ethan would inherit it all. The empire. The wealth. The power.

Alexander Vale leaned against the edge of his desk, mind spinning. He remembered the day Alpha Kain Blackwood had walked into his life, a proposal dangling like a trap disguised as opportunity: marry his daughter, Beta Maya. Back then, Alexander had thought it was a chance to secure his future. Now… Now he knew it was the single biggest mistake of his life.

He ran a hand over his face. I’ve been nothing but a tool. A puppet to clean up their messes whenever it suited them. I’ve defended their sins, erased their tracks, risked everything, and for what? Respect? Recognition? Never.

The hum of trucks outside pulled him back to the present. Technicians were unloading new equipment, carrying away the old machines with efficient precision.

Alexander’s eyes flicked to the moment of opportunity. His pulse quickened.

One swift motion, a small flash drive slid into his pocket—evidence of the Blackwoods’ money laundering. No one noticed. The technicians were too busy to care. He exhaled slowly, relief mingling with adrenaline.

Then his phone buzzed, sharp in the silence. Maya. He hesitated, thumb hovering over the screen. Her name flashed.

Don’t answer.

The phone beeped again—a new message:

"Hope you remember what today is. Don’t come back home tonight. Sleep at the hotel."

Alexander’s chest tightened. The family party. Ethan’s official announcement as heir. Maya’s warning was clear: stay out, or be collateral.

He slid the phone into his pocket and moved. The engine started, tires rolling over wet streets as city lights blurred past.

Memories surfaced unbidden—Maya with another man. Her laughter, his confrontation, the sting of her slap. The pregnancy. The abortion. Every word she’d spat at him: “You have nothing in your name, Alexander. You’re just a tool for the Blackwoods.”

A deep, sour rage settled in his chest. He pressed harder on the accelerator, driving toward the Blackwood estate, toward the party that was supposed to cement Ethan’s rise.

The mansion gleamed, a fortress of marble, crystal, and opulence. Music, laughter, clinking glasses. The crème de la crème of society moved through the hallways, oblivious to the silent war brewing behind the masks of civility.

Alexander’s eyes swept the room. The Blackwoods stood at the center, statuesque, untouchable:

Alpha Kain Blackwood, the first son, the 001, gravitas in every movement.

Alpha Ryker, 002, ruthless, hungry, a businessman who took pleasure in breaking competitors—and sometimes allies.

Alpha Phoenix, 003, the charming playboy, dangerous under the surface of a smile.

Beta Lila, 004, beauty sharpened into a weapon, wit as quick as her tongue.

Alpha Maverick, 005, youngest, reckless, untamed.

Alexander’s gaze hardened. Behind the glitter, the family hid secrets—dark, dangerous, deadly.

He moved through the crowd, head bowed in a display of deference. But Beta Lila’s voice pierced him before he could speak:

“The level of this party has really dropped,” she said, lips curling in disdain. “Even someone like Alexander can attend?”

Phoenix chuckled, eyes gleaming with amusement. “Relax, Lila. Our brother here just keeps the prosecutor happy. That’s why he married into our family.” He patted Alexander’s shoulder, condescending.

“You should know your place. That suit? Looks cheap.”

Alexander’s jaw tightened. He opened his mouth—

Then Maya arrived, all elegance and fire.

“Why can’t he attend?” Her voice carried authority, and for a moment, he thought she might defend him.

She took his hand and took him away, but as soon they reached the other side of the party. She slapped him sharply, the sting sending fire up his cheek. Eyes blazing, she hissed, “Didn’t you see my text? Why are you here?”

Before he could respond, she turned on him again. “Leave. Now. This is a family gathering.”

Alexander Vale’s anger simmered. But he knew when to hold back. His eyes burned as he turned toward the door, only to hear Maya’s parting shot slice through the air:

“A paper will be delivered to you tomorrow. It’s a divorce paper. Sign it.”