Cheated by my Alpha Husband, Claimed by the Rouge King

CHAPTER 3

ALARIC’S POV

I know Celine is confused about my identity. I know she has many questions, but I also know she doesn’t want to pry into my life.

After our conversation, she fell silent. I dropped her off at the Moonfang Pack before taking my leave. I called Alpha King Theodore to inform him that I wouldn’t be coming in for work, as I had urgent matters to attend to—especially since it was only 4:00 AM. I wanted to let Celine rest; I knew she needed it.

She no longer recognizes me. Then again, who would remember the scruffy boy she met decades ago?

Even back then, I knew Celine was the one for me. Just like her wolf, Ember, my wolf, Dalton, recognized her instantly.

Part of me wants to thank Karl for failing to care for Celine, but another part wants to destroy him for the pain he caused the woman I love.

I saw the terror in Celine’s eyes when she realized who I was. As I said, I don’t blame her, especially since my hands have taken many lives—and many more will follow if they stand in my way.

*********

I went straight to my company. It is one of several businesses I own that the corporate world doesn’t realize belongs to me.

I’m well aware that Karl wants to form an alliance with this firm, having no clue that I am the owner. Karl wants to conquer neighboring wolf packs he deems weak to expand his territory. He thinks he’s untouchable, but he’s not. I know he hasn’t revealed his ace yet, so I must protect Celine from him.

After finishing my work at the office, I returned to the Shadow Pack, where I found my strongest warriors training. Here, everyone is family—because every single one of us has a connection to Karl.

I rested and showered before heading to the Moonfang territory. I discussed business matters with Alpha Theodore first before he invited me to the garden.

"How’s Celine?" I asked between sips of tea.

"I’ve sent for her," he replied.

Based on Dalton’s restless behavior, I knew Celine was approaching. I wasn't wrong; I soon heard her voice.

"I’m here."

"She’s beautiful, and that’s our mate right there!" Dalton said cheerfully. He wasn't lying—Celine looked even more stunning now that she was back in her own territory.

"I heard you were talking about me."

"Yes, sweetheart. I’ll leave you two for a moment; I have things to settle. I’m also waiting for Drake," Theodore said.

Once her father left, I pulled out a chair for her. "Did you sleep well?"

She nodded. "Yeah. I managed to sleep for a bit. When I woke up, I got busy. I discarded my old, drab wardrobe. Those things symbolized the death of my old self."

"What do you mean?"

"I know the war isn't over. I want Karl to realize that I’m ready."

"You know I can avenge what they did to you, Celine."

"Where’s the fun in that? This is my fight, and I need to face it. Don’t worry, I’m not that fragile. Karl thought I was weak because that’s what I chose to show him. I thought I had to be weak because I believed he didn’t like strong women—but I was wrong all along. It wasn't strength he hated; it was me."

"I did some digging about you, Alpha Alaric Nightshade of the Shadow Pack of the East," she said, looking me straight in the eye. I knew her next words would carry weight. "You’re a product of the malice of Karl’s family. And the Shadow Pack you built consists of former rogues like yourself—those cast out by corrupt Alphas like Karl. Am I right?"

I nodded. "Everything you said is true. And I’ll tell you the truth about Karl’s mother, I didn’t kill her, and Karl knows that. He and his father are just masterful liars. She was sacrificed by her own husband and son for power, and I was made the scapegoat. I don’t kill innocent people, Celine."

"I know you don’t. Sorry if I doubted—"

"I’m glad you’re both here." Drake arrived from nowhere, accompanied by Beta Yshael. "Karl is desperate," Drake added.

The two sat across from us, their expressions grim.

"What is it, Drake?" Celine asked.

"The company is on the verge of bankruptcy!"

"What company?" I asked, though I already had an idea. I glanced at Celine, who remained calm. She expected this.

"Marigold Treasure. Without your designs, the company’s stock plummeted 40% in twelve hours! I heard Karl is trying to sell the Marigold name to a rival pack just to stay afloat," Yshael explained.

"I know Marigold Treasure is important to you, Sis."

"You know I’ve been planning to take Marigold back anyway, Drake. He has no moves left," Celine answered confidently.

"Let’s not make a drastic move yet," I suggested, pulling out my phone. "It’s better if no one knows your next step, Celine, so Karl can’t find a way out."

I made a quick call while they listened in silence. "Make him think that auctioning the company is his best option," I told the person on the other end.

"Who was that?" Celine asked.

"I’m going to teach you how to play—and how to win, Celine."

A few minutes later, my contact called back. Everything was going according to plan. I briefed them on the strategy, and they immediately agreed.

Days passed until the big moment arrived. I was in the living room of Celine’s family home, waiting for her to come down. When she appeared, I was once again breathless. Her red gown complemented her perfectly.

"Shall we?" I offered my hand and escorted her out.

Wearing masks, we arrived at the auction house. I didn’t bother socializing. Even with the masks, I knew exactly who was in that hall.

The auction began. I sat in silence, waiting for the right moment.

"Starting at 1 million dollars: the name Marigold Treasure, known for the finest jewelry," the auctioneer announced.

I raised my pre-registered paddle.

"Going once. Going twice. Sold for 1 million dollars!"

"What the f**k?! I thought the company would fetch more in an auction!" Sofia rushed toward the podium, screaming.

I looked at Celine beside me. She was silent, radiating sophistication.

"What is the meaning of this? Who bought it? Madeline? That’s impossible! You’re sabotaging us!" Sofia shrieked.

Celine stood up, and I followed. I walked behind her as she approached Sofia and Karl. The bidders—people I had paid to attend—began to leave. The only ones left were the paparazzi I’d tipped off, cameras ready. I am willing to do whatever it takes to claim my mate—not just her body, but her soul.

"You did this again?!" Sofia lunged, but Celine was faster, catching her by the throat.

"Surprise? And yes, I did this. What did I tell you last time? I’m not done yet, Sofia Devereaux. I never learned how to be satisfied."

"Let go of me, b***h—!" Before Sofia could finish, Celine threw her aside. As Sofia tried to stand, Celine pointed a warning finger at her.

"Stay! It’s not you I want to talk to. You’re too loud."

Celine finally faced Karl. "Hello again, ex-husband. Did you like what I prepared for you?"

"I didn’t know you weren't a fair player, Madeline."

"I learned from the best. How can I play fair when the opponent is you, Karl?"

"Do you think this is as far as I can go?"

"Nope. I know you have more cards to play. And I don’t want you to just give up—I hate an opponent who doesn't fight back."

Celine glanced at me, her thoughts unreadable. Then, she turned back to him, her voice cold and steady.

"Someone suggested I ask you this... what really happened that accident eighteen years ago?"

The question hit like a physical blow. Karl’s calm facade shattered into something terrifying. Seeing the shift, I immediately stepped to Celine’s side.

"I didn't know you had already reported me to my wife, Alpha Alaric."

Every time he uttered the word wife in reference to Celine, I felt an immediate urge to end his life. But a quick death was too good for someone like Karl.

"I know you're angry, Karl, especially now that everything that should have been mine long ago has been returned to me."

Karl laughed. "You should stop showing up wherever I am, Madeline, I might start thinking you still want me."

"Bye for now, Karl. Better assist your mistress, she might have trouble walking. Let's go, Mr. Nightshade."

The two of us walked away from Karl, who didn’t even bother to help Sofia.

"I know you felt it too, which is why you approached us, Alpha Alaric."

"The real Karl Romanoff is dangerous, Celine. I’m not saying this just to scare you."

Celine didn’t reply, but I knew she understood. Eighteen years ago, I witnessed firsthand how evil Karl truly was, as his father’s blood ran through his veins. Karl and his father didn’t care who got hurt—Karl’s father even killed his own wife just because they found out she was going to reclaim the family fortune if the two of them didn't change.

I was there at the scene, which is why I was framed for the murder of Karl’s mother. I didn’t have enough power back then. Those two tried to kill me, so I fled and became a rogue wolf. I spent two years surviving on my own until I reached the position I hold today.

"What else don't I know about Karl?" Celine asked me after a while.

"A lot more, Celine. Whatever cruelty he showed you before is nothing compared to what he's truly capable of. That’s why I want you to accept my protection."

Silence fell between us. I knew she was weighing her words and her decision, but I could no longer wait. I had been waiting for her for decades.

"You know I just came from a failed bond, Alaric. And you know what I’ve been through."

I was about to answer when we heard an explosion. We looked at each other.

"That was close. It sounded like it came from the Moonfang pack! My family!"

I immediately sped up the car. At the border, we encountered wolves trying to flee Celine’s territory. We jumped out of the car at the same time. I shifted from human to wolf form and immediately lunged at the two wolves approaching our direction.

I grabbed one approaching wolf by the neck and snapped it. I decapitated the other one instantly.

Once the wolves attacking us were dealt with, we ran toward the Moonfang pack. I recognized some familiar faces—many were wounded. There were wolves with marks on their arms that identified which territory they belonged to.

I approached a fallen wolf with a black mark on its arm.

"Karl has started to move," said Drake, who had appeared beside me. "This one is a mutant wolf. Fortunately, we didn't lose anyone, but some of our members have severe wounds."

I looked at Drake. He had a wound on his arm and traces of blood on him.

"It’s a good thing you weren't here, especially my sister."

We walked toward Celine and their parents. Fortunately, their parents were safe, though it was obvious they had just come from a fight.

"What did I do?" Celine asked, shock written all over her face. "Who did this? Do we have rival packs I don't know about? I thought our alliances with neighboring territories were strong?"

"Celine..."

"I need to know the truth so I know what to do! I don't want to be a burden anymore! Look, I want to know what is going on."

"Karl sent them," Drake answered.

"What? How?" Celine looked confused. "Karl doesn't have any resources anymore."

"He does, Celine. There is a lot you don't know about your ex-husband. Karl owns a dark laboratory that supplies forbidden vials and medicines to increase a creature’s strength a hundred times over," I replied.

Her family listened in silence. I had offered them protection before, but they had declined because Celine was the price I asked for in return. And I respected that decision.

"It is dangerous for you to stay here with us, hija," Alpha Theodore said eventually. "It would be better if you go with Alpha Alaric for now."

"No. I won’t leave you." Celine turned to face me. "Right now, our pack needs your protection, especially since Ember has just awakened. I need to ensure the safety of every weak member of our pack. Let’s make a deal."

We locked eyes. I saw the determination in Celine’s gaze.

"I know what you want, Alaric Nightshade. You want me to recognize you as my true mate. And I am accepting the bond in exchange for my pack's safety. Mark me, Alaric Nightshade of the Shadow Pack."

"Tonight, I will claim you, Celine, and I promise to protect your pack and your heart."

After we discussed the arrangements and agreed on what needed to be done, an omega approached us carrying a box. I took it from them.

I shook it slightly before opening it. Inside, we were met with a bloody silver dagger and a note that read…

"If I can't have the Alpha King's daughter, no one will!"