The Blackfang Alphas and Slaves

02

Lira’s POV

I swallowed, my heart thudding. He was the Alpha. He could take my son whenever he pleased. And yet, the wolf inside me growled in defiance.

But in the end, I had no choice.

Reluctantly, I placed my son into his father’s arms.

Rhordan stared down at him, a deep silence settling over the room. Outside, the storm was fading, but the tension inside these walls was only growing.

Maelon stepped forward, his voice reverent.

"The boy shall be named Kai."

The name seemed to hum in the air, rippling like a prophecy in itself.

Rhordan’s grip tightened slightly. “Kai,” he murmured. Then, finally, he looked at me. “You have given the pack an heir.”

I swallowed hard. “And what does that mean for me?”

His expression remained cold.

“We shall see.”

With that he turned and left.

I sighed.

“So, what do I do now?” I asked Maelon. “Because, let me tell you, I’m not exactly equipped to handle a world-ending prophecy.”

The Seer exhaled. “You protect him, Lira. No matter what.”

I scoffed. “Easy for you to say. You don’t have three angry wives breathing down your neck, waiting for an excuse to gut me.”

Maelon’s lips twitched. “They fear you now. More than ever.”

Fantastic.

As if my life wasn’t already hanging by a frayed thread. Now I had a prophecy-child and three pissed-off noblewomen who probably spent the last nine months fantasizing about how to kill me.

"Great," I muttered. "Just great."

Outside, thunder rumbled again, softer this time, as if the storm had finally decided to rest.

I looked down at my son. "Well, Kai, you sure know how to make an entrance."

His tiny fingers curled around mine.

And for the first time since I was taken from my home, since I was dragged into this life I never wanted… I felt something close to happiness.

***

The sun peeked out from behind the morning clouds, casting golden light over the temple courtyard. The entire pack had gathered both warriors, elders, servants, even those who rarely left their homes. Today wasn’t just another ceremony. It was the day my son, Kai, would be named the next Alpha.

And apparently, it was also the perfect day.

I held Kai tightly, standing at the bottom of the temple stairs. He was barely a full moon old, yet he was at the center of it all, this tiny, wrinkled, sleeping boy who had no idea that his fate was being pronounced.

Maelon, the old Seer, stood at the top of the stairs, arms raised, his robes billowing like he was trying to summon the gods themselves. "Today, we dedicate the heir of the Blackfang Pack!" he bellowed. "The one chosen by the storm!"

A murmur rippled through the crowd. Some in awe. Some in doubt.

Rhordan, the Alpha, stood next to him, looking as serious as ever. He had barely acknowledged me since Kai was born, but now he was standing there like a king, ready to present his son to the world.

I took a deep breath and started walking up the stairs. And that’s when things started going downhill.

First, a sudden gust of wind blew through the temple, knocking over one of the ceremonial torches. Flames licked at the base of Maelon’s robe, and for one horrifying second, I thought we were about to witness a very dramatic Seer barbeque.

Thankfully, one of the warriors stomped it out before Maelon even noticed. The old man was too busy looking mysterious.

Then, just as I reached the altar, a loud, wailing cry pierced the air.

It wasn’t Kai.

It was a toddler from the crowd, who had somehow wiggled out of his mother’s grip and was now running toward the altar, screaming like he was being chased by demons.

Before anyone could react, he tripped and went flying straight into Maelon’s legs. The Seer, caught off guard, staggered backward right into Rhordan.

For the first time in my life, I saw the almighty Alpha stumble.

Gasps filled the air. I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing.

Rhordan growled under his breath and straightened. "Continue."

Maelon, slightly flustered, regained his composure and motioned for me to step forward. I placed Kai into his outstretched arms.

"The gods have willed it," Maelon declared. "This child shall be called Kai."

A hush fell over the crowd.

Rhordan stepped forward. "From this day forward, Kai is my heir. He will be raised as the next Alpha. Let none forget it."

There was a beat of silence.

Then, someone clapped.

One awkward clap.

Then another.

And suddenly, the entire crowd erupted into cheers, warriors pounding their chests, elders nodding in approval.

I let out a slow breath. It was done.

Kai stirred, letting out a tiny yawn, his tiny fingers curling against Maelon’s robe. I wanted to reach for him, to hold him close, but the ritual wasn’t over yet.

Maelon lifted Kai for all to see, his voice carrying over the noise. “From this day forward, let it be known that Kai, son of Alpha Rhordan, is the rightful heir to the Blackfang Pack!”

The pack members, whether out of loyalty or fear, all bowed.

But just as the moment reached its peak, just when I thought we’d managed to get through the ceremony without any trouble, there was a loud, resounding boom.

A clap of thunder, despite the fact that the storm had passed hours ago.

The ground shook. A few pack members gasped, stumbling back. Maelon’s eyes widened as he looked at the sky.

And silence followed, Kai let out his first real wail.

Not a soft newborn cry, but a loud, high pitch sound that sent chills up my spine.

The moment his cry rang out, Maelon turned slowly, looking at Rhordan. “It is as the prophecy foretold.” His voice was hushed but firm. “This child is not just the heir. He is a child that will rewrite Blackfang’s fate.”

Rhordan’s expression remained cold.

I finally stepped forward, holding my hands out. “Give him to me.”

Maelon hesitated before gently placing Kai in my arms. The moment I held him, he settled, his tiny face scrunching before he sighed softly.

One of the elders, a grumpy old man named Sorek stepped forward. “The gods have made their will clear,” he said, his gaze turned towards me before settling on Rhordan. “This child is unlike any we have seen.”

Rhordan finally spoke, his voice steady. “Then we will prepare him for his future.” He turned to the pack. “Kai is the next Alpha. His word will be law. His training will begin when the time is right.”

Another round of cheers erupted, but I could still sense the lingering unease in the air.

Kai was no ordinary child.

And that meant his life and mine had just become a lot more dangerous.