Episode Five
1271 Words
Claire’s POV
“Awwn, I yawned as I woke from my giant sized comfortable bed, adjusting to life in my fathers pack was easier, the life I wanted and I had always wished for is here but….. Since my father’s announcement, the pack had made me an instant legend among the pack members.
The lost daughter of Alpha Michael, the princess who had survived against all odds. But I wasn’t here to bask in their awe, I was here to take control of my future, and that started today.
I had my bath quickly, Dante would be waiting for me in the hallway, he has a duty to perform as my personal guard or potential.….
As I descended the marble staircase, Dante beside me, his presence as unshakable as a stone fortress, his expression remained unreadable, silver eyes scanning the room with calculated awareness. He had been assigned as my personal guard, and he took the role far too seriously, which made me uncomfortable and sometimes even annoyed me more than it should have.
As we reached the bottom step, something caught my attention, a thin layer of oil, barely visible against the smooth floor and some maid who rushed back into the room after the stairs, immediately they saw me.
My wolf stirred, “A trap.
I didn’t pause, instead, I adjusted my step at the last second, smoothly sidestepping the slick spot. Behind me, a servant carrying a tray walked into the same area his foot slipped, the tray clattering to the ground. Gasps filled the hall.
My lips curled slightly, Someone had planned for me to be the one sprawled on the ground. Dante said nothing, but I felt his gaze on me.
I turned, my voice sharp. “Who prepared this hallway today?”
A young maid hesitated before stepping forward, her hands trembling,“M-my lady, I.I did, *She stuttered.
I narrowed my eyes. “Did you intentionally spill oil on the staircase?”
Her face went pale. “N-no! I would never!”
She was telling the truth, but someone else wasn’t, I glanced at Dante, expecting some kind of acknowledgment, perhaps even a smirk of approval.
But he simply stood there, impassive as ever, that sucked. Sighing, I turned back to the maid, “Be more careful next time.” She nodded rapidly, bowing before scurrying away.
I exhaled, flicking my gaze back to Dante. “Not even well done?” His lips twitched slightly, just barely. “You want praise for escaping a fall, “He asked arrogantly.
I scowled. “I want praise for catching onto sabotage before I landed flat on my ass, “I said harshly.
He tilted his head, “then I’ll be sure to clap next time, “he mocked. I rolled my eyes, “Such an annoying man, I doubt if he was going to be useful with my plans, “ I muttered angrily. I needed no one to praise but I knew someone must have spilled oil intentionally, but it's too early for me to start harassing the staff and I might make enemies if I accused the wrong person, but my mind says it's Dante's work.
Later in the evening, I found Dante in the training courtyard, sharpening a dagger against a big stone. I leaned against the wooden post, watching him with amused interest. “You always look like you’re preparing for war, “I asked jokingly.
I must have pissed him off earlier, or probably I was angry and his words added to it, but I have no choice than to do as I have planned. I decided to get to know him more, I know he has a soft spot aside from the angry looks he wears everyday.
He didn’t glance up a bit, “A habit?, “ I questioned but he ignored me.
I smirked, stepping closer. “Have you ever been married?” His hand stilled, for the first time, he actually looked caught off guard. Amusement danced in my chest, So the untouchable Beta could still be rattled.
His silver eyes met mine, something unreadable flickering within them. Then, he smirked. “Why? Are you considering the position? “He uttered.
My breath hitched, something in the way he said it low, sent goosebumps trailing down my spine, it wasn’t just a tease, I felt wet. It was a challenge and I refused to break eye contact. “That depends more on you, “I whisper.
His brow arched. “On what! Me! Why!, “he stuttered.
I stepped closer, dropping my voice, “If your last wife is still breathing, or you are too scared to bed a woman, maybe, “I said seductively.
His smirk deepened. “I’ve never been married, and don't dare mock me “he yelled and added, “Do you want to know if I can bed a woman?
His words hit me, I have never felt this way, even when I was with Ethan, but I need to show Dante that I can't be moved by his words.
“Good, I tilted my head, watching him carefully. “Would you like to?, “I asked.
His eyes darkened, as if he sensed I wasn’t joking, as if he knew I was playing a much bigger game than he could see.
His next words were slow, deliberate. “Are you proposing, princess?”
A slow smile spread across my lips. “Maybe, “I replied, my tone seducing.
Dante chuckled, shaking his head as he returned to sharpening his blade, but I saw the way his muscles had tensed. He didn’t realize it yet, but I had just set my first trap.
That night, I decided to have a talk with my father. I visited my father in his study, my heart steady and my mind set. Father looked up from his desk, surprised to see me. “Claire, what a surprise visit, you hardly come into my study since I assigned Dante as your guard, “I said.
I exhaled, stepping forward, I don't want to beat around the bush, “I want to marry Dante, “I said boldly.
The room fell into silence. My father blinked. “Excuse me?”
“I want to marry your Beta,” I repeated, my voice firm. “And I would like to have a welcome back ceremony where you will announce our engagement, “I added.
Father stared at me as if trying to decipher my motives, he had asked me for a celebration but I had refused and here I am, suddenly requesting for one.
I knew what he was thinking, the thousands of questions to ask, why would I, his long-lost daughter, suddenly want to marry a man I barely knew, the reason behind my sudden interest in a welcome party? But he didn’t question it, instead, he slowly leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “Dante is a good man,” he murmured. “Loyal. Strong, a perfect man.”
I nodded, keeping my expression unreadable, even though I was shaking inside. I don't know if he will agree to it but I have already made up my mind, to do as I have planned whether he agreed or not.
“Are you certain? ” I smiled, “Completely.”
Father studied me for another long moment, then, to my satisfaction, he nodded in agreement.
“Very well, a slow smirk curled at the edge of my lips, Ethan get ready for I am coming for everything you hold dear.
Step one of my revenge had begun.
- Writer
