The Alpha Fell First

Even after midnight, when the rest of the pack had surrendered to darkness, there were still guards stationed along the corridors, servants moving quietly through the halls, and the occasional sound of footsteps disappearing behind heavy doors. But there was one room everyone knew better than to approach without permission. The Alpha's chambers. Every night, when the moon climbed high enough to cast silver across the castle windows, the same ritual began. A maid was chosen. The alpha had grown to have his needs met. The arrangement had existed for years, and every woman in the pack knew about it. The Alpha made no promises to them, and they expected none in return. The women who entered his chambers understood exactly what was expected of them, and those who were reluctant knew better, the consequences from the alpha. No illusion that the Alpha would wake beside them the next morning and suddenly decide they were his mate. It was simply what happened when a ruthless man wanted something. And Alpha Kael always got what he wanted. The beta was assigned to the task personally by the alpha. He stood outside the servants' quarters, scanning the list in his hand. He had done this enough times that he no longer needed to think about it. A different department each night. The Alpha preferred variety, and the beta had learned never to bring the same woman twice in quick succession. He stopped at one door, knocked, and waited. A young maid stepped out. She looked nervous, but she did not appear surprised. The guard gave her a brief nod. "The Alpha is expecting you." She swallowed. "Tonight?" "Tonight." She glanced down at her dress, smoothed the fabric over her waist, and followed him. There were no questions. There rarely were. Because everyone knew what kind of man ruled the pack. Alpha Kael had been feared long before he inherited the title. His father had been a respected Alpha. A strong leader who believed that loyalty could be earned and that the people around him could be trusted. Kael had once believed the same thing. Then his father died. His twin brother died with him. And Kael could clearly say they died because of. woman. And whatever remained of the young man Kael had once been died that day too. No one spoke openly about what had happened. Too many rumors had circulated. And Kael had made certain there would never be another opportunity for anyone to betray him. He took the Alpha position with an iron fist. He strengthened the borders. Punished disobedience. Destroyed enemies before they became threats. And made every member of his pack understand one simple truth. The Alpha was not a man they could manipulate. He trusted no one. His warriors? not even his advisors. Because really,, no one could be trusted Not even the people who had served his family for generations. And certainly not women. Especially women. The maid reached his chambers. The guard at the entrance opened the door. "Go in." She hesitated for half a second before stepping inside. The door closed behind her. Kael stood near the tall windows, his back turned to her. He was dressed simply, wearing dark trousers and an open black shirt. Moonlight cut across his broad shoulders, emphasizing the stillness of his body. He didn't turn immediately. He could smell her. Hear the quick rhythm of her heartbeat. Feel the nervousness rolling from her in waves. "Come closer." He didn't care about nervousness,, he cared about his needs. His voice was low. The maid obeyed. Kael finally turned. His eyes were cold. Beautiful, perhaps, but there was nothing welcoming about them. The maid lowered her gaze. He studied her for a moment. She looked at him. "Take off your clothes", he said The maid nodded. "Yes, Alpha." She knew better that a punishment awaits if she said otherwise. He stepped closer. Fumbled her breast from the lacy material she wore. And then he left her there and walked over to his huge bed. Taking off his belt, he hurried her up to get undressed and then she came closer to him. His hand found her huge breasts and traced circles round it making her squirm a bit. Then he ordered her to take off his clothes and give him pleasure. She unbuttoned his light shirt and his chest was a display of rippling muscles. Then she went down and pulled his pants down and the hardness downthere flopped against her face. She was amazed and left her mouth open at the sight of his manhood. It was so girthy and long as well. The alpha neededno word He stretched on the bed and the maid asked for permission before she could grab it. He took a little while before he he nodded, always showing one way or the other that he was in control. She took his hardness in her hands and slightly opened her mouth and connected both. She sucked the alpha off and he was grabbing her head and pressing it further into himself. After an aggressive gagging on his dixk, the alpha released and didn't just fall back to sleep. He stood immediately and asked her to lie on the bed. He climbed over her and guided his dixk into her wet entrance. So wet, it was dripping. He wasn't slow, he was here just for himself and only moved at a pace that suited him He went all in and came out and became faster. She held on to the sheets for her dear life. When he came again, he relaxed a little on her and she mistook that for him cuddling. She stretched her arm to touch his too wide frame and he shot a glare. Immediately he asked her to leave the room. He was still on the bed, naked and pleasured. But misconduct wasn't allowed. She ran out of the room , holding her clothes up in her hand. The alpha stood up, walked into the bathroom and took a shower before heading to bed. There were no witnesses. Only the faint glow of the moon beyond the curtains and the passage of time. That was how every night ended. Another woman, another night. Nothing more. By breakfast, he would barely remember her face. It was not cruelty, at least not in his mind. It was protection. Attachment was a weakness. Trust was a weapon someone could turn against you. He had learned that lesson when he was young. He had watched his father die. He had watched his brother die. And he had spent years wondering how that person they had trusted enough could betray all of them, if he hadn't escaped. That question had followed him into adulthood. It had shaped every decision he made. It was why he never allowed anyone close enough to matter. Even his betrothed understood that. Lady Seraphine had been promised to him for years. Their union was political, beneficial to both packs, and expected by everyone who mattered. She knew Kael slept with other women. She knew the maids came to his chambers. She knew he would continue doing it even after their marriage. And she had accepted it. At least, that was what she claimed. Kael had never asked her whether she liked it. He had never cared enough to ask. Their arrangement was simple. She would become his Luna. He would provide her with status, protection, and the power that came with standing beside the Alpha. In return, she would not interfere with the parts of his life he considered his own. That was the agreement. Or so he believed. Several nights later, another maid entered his chambers. Then another. Then another. The routine continued. The castle servants had even developed an unspoken understanding about it. Some even were eager to have a night with the alpha. If the Alpha sent for a woman from the kitchens, the guard went to the kitchens. If he wanted someone from the laundry department, the guard went to the laundry. If he wanted someone from the eastern wing, the guard went there. No woman was supposed to believe she was special. Because none of them were. Except his own mother. Kael made certain of that. One evening, his Beta entered his study while he was reviewing reports. "The northern border patrol has returned." Kael didn't look up. "Any problems?" None." "Good." His Beta hesitated. Kael raised his eyes. "What?" "The usual arrangements have been made for tonight." Kael returned to his papers. "Fine." "The woman will arrive after midnight." "Fine." His Beta turned to leave Then stopped. "Alpha." Kael's eyes lifted again. "Speak." "Your wedding preparations begin next month." Kael stared at him. "I know." "The council believes it would be wise if—" "I don't care what the council believes." The Beta sighed quietly. "Of course." Kael returned his attention to the document. His wedding was nothing more than another responsibility. Another obligation. Another political arrangement. Love had nothing to do with it. He had stopped believing in love a long time ago. People loved until they were given a reason not to. People promised loyalty until betrayal became profitable. People swore they would stay until staying became dangerous. Look where it had taken them. He leaned back in his chair. Outside, the moon rose higher. That was how he liked it. Predictable. Without complications. Without anyone capable of reaching beneath the walls he had spent years building. He had no idea that the routine he had perfected would soon be shattered. No idea that somewhere inside his own pack was a woman who would walk into his chambers and refuse to behave like every woman before her. A woman who would not tremble beneath his stare. A woman who would not leave his thoughts when morning came. A woman who would make the ruthless Alpha question the one thing he had never allowed himself to question. Whether he was truly incapable of loving anyone or whether he had simply never met the woman who could make him fall.