Bound To The Alpha King

Chapter 12

Stephen’s POV

I sat in my office while Elder Ronan, head of the military, listed off locations of the latest attacks. Maps and files were spread across the table. Red marks covered the territories near the eastern border. Again.

“The rebels hit another transport route last night,” Ronan said. “They targeted weapons and supply crates. They left nothing behind.”

I leaned back in my chair and tapped my fingers against the armrest. This wasn’t new. Every time a kingdom is formed, there are fools who think they can tear it down. They think the old ways were better. They think I should have left the packs divided and weak.

“Any leads on who is guiding them?” I asked.

“We believe rogue leaders who escaped the purge have joined forces with former Betas,” he answered. “They are gathering those who lost power during the Conquest. They won’t stop unless we….”

“We destroy them,” I finished for him. “Completely.”

He nodded.

The Elder of Trade, Victor, cleared his throat like he was scared to speak. “They’re attacking markets and ports specifically, Your Majesty. The damage has already slowed business across the kingdom. If it continues, the people will begin to panic.”

I stared at the report he placed on the desk. Dozens of photos showing destroyed docks, burnt ships, stolen cargo. The rebels were growing bold. They weren’t just angry dogs anymore, they were organized.

“Whoever is helping them has information,” I said. “They know exactly where to hit.”

Victor swallowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

I stood up and walked to the window. The city outside was busy, alive, moving like a machine only I controlled. Wolves walked the streets with purpose. Soldiers marched. Merchants sold goods from every conquered pack. A new world built by me.

“It ends now,” I said.

Both Elders straightened.

“All industrial operations will halt,” I ordered, “Effective immediately.”

Victor’s mouth opened like he wanted to protest. “But, Your Majesty….”

“You have two weeks,” I said to Ronan. “Find the rebels. Kill every last one.”

Ronan bowed. “Understood.”

Victor tried again, slower this time. “Halting operations could make the public uneasy…”

“I don’t care if they are uneasy,” I said. “Fear keeps them loyal.”

He lowered his head quickly. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

This kingdom was built on discipline. The moment I allowed softness, everything would collapse.

Before either of them could continue, the door opened without a knock.

Katherine walked in.

Her hair was messy like she forgot it existed. She wore simple clothes and looked tired, but her eyes were cold. She didn’t bow. She didn’t greet anyone. She walked straight to me like all the guards in the hall didn’t matter.

Victor bowed to her but she ignored him.

Ronan stepped back out of instinct. Good. Even he knew she wasn’t a regular girl.

I raised a brow. “Katherine. Done running for the day?”

“No,” she said. “But I read your books.”

I smirked. “Did you now?”

She moved closer and stopped in front of my desk. “Ask me questions.”

Ronan and Victor both froze. I could tell they were waiting for me to snap at her. But I didn’t. I was curious what she thought she gained from a few pages of propaganda.

“You want a test?” I asked.

“Yes. Do it.”

I crossed my arms. “How many packs existed before the Conquest?”

“Fifty-five,” she answered quickly.

“And what was the main source of corruption?”

She spoke like she’d practiced every line. “Illegal dealings with rogues. Weapons, land, and power exchanges.”

“Good,” I said.

Pain flashed behind her eyes but she didn’t flinch. “Next.”

So I pushed deeper.

“How did my father die?”

She stared straight at me. “He was assassinated at a collaboration meeting. No one knew who did it… until you blamed Silverveil.”

I felt something shift in the room. Ronan looked down, Victor held his breath. They hated when she mentioned Silverveil. They wanted her existence erased.

“And what did that lead to?” I asked.

She took a slow breath. “The destruction of Silverveil pack. Mine. Everyone I loved.”

Ronan and Victor looked terrified for her, but I was impressed. She didn’t look away once.

“And tell me,” I said, stepping closer, “Who was the only survivor?”

She didn’t move. “Me.”

Her voice didn’t shake at all. She wanted me to see her strength. She wanted to show me she wasn’t the broken girl those tutors mocked.

But I knew the truth. Her strength was real, but so was her fear.

“Good girl,” I murmured.

Her jaw tightened. She hated when I said anything like that. And that made me want to say it again.

She breathed out slowly. Then she surprised me.

“My turn.”

I raised a brow again. “You think you get a turn?”

“Yes,” she said. “One question.”

I waited.

She looked right into my eyes. “Did you investigate Magnus pack before deciding everyone else was corrupt?”

The room went dead silent.

Even the guards outside stopped breathing.

Ronan took a step back like she just punched me in the face. Victor’s hands shook. They both waited for me to explode but I didn't move.

Her voice didn’t soften. “If you were so sure every pack was corrupt… did you ever check your own?”

I stepped closer and she didn’t move away. The anger she expected wasn’t there. Instead, something else pressed against the back of my teeth.

“You think you’re clever,” I said quietly.

“I think I want the truth,” she answered.

I held her stare and she waited. She didn’t blink. She wanted to see guilt or hesitation. She wanted a c***k.

I didn’t give her any.

I turned away from her and picked up a new report from the desk. If she thought she could corner me, she wasn’t ready for this world yet.

“Class starts again tomorrow,” I said. “Don’t sneak out.”

She didn’t leave. “You didn’t answer my question.”

“I don’t owe you answers,” I replied.

“And I don’t owe you respect,” she shot back.

Ronan inhaled sharply. Victor’s eyes widened.

I smiled a little.

She really had no idea who she was dealing with.