Alpha’s Redemption

Gathering Courage

The days leading up to my decision were a blur of preparation, nerves, and relentless determination. If I was going to do this, I couldn’t leave anything to chance. Rafe wasn’t the kind of man who would fall for clumsy attempts or half-hearted games. He was Alpha Rafe—ruthless, calculated, and utterly untouchable. If I wanted to catch his attention, I needed to be perfect.

My wolf purred with anticipation, her excitement surging through me like a live wire.

Make him see us, she growled, her tone dripping with predatory satisfaction. Make them all see.

I stood in front of the mirror, studying my reflection with a critical eye. For too long, I’d seen myself as nothing more than Dorian’s mate, an extension of his identity. But now, I forced myself to see beyond that.

My long, dark hair fell in loose waves around my shoulders, its glossy sheen catching the light. My skin, warm and golden, glowed from the oils and scrubs I’d indulged in over the past few days. I traced a finger over the curve of my cheek, noting the faint blush that gave me a youthful, radiant look.

But it wasn’t just my face I studied—it was my body.

I’d always been aware of my curves, but I’d never thought of them as a weapon. Now, though, I saw them differently. My full hips, the swell of my breasts, the way my waist dipped in sharply before flaring out again—it was all a canvas waiting to be painted with intention.

My wolf growled her approval. We are beautiful. He will see that.

I turned slightly, letting my gaze sweep over the curve of my backside, the strength in my thighs. I’d always been a little softer than the other she-wolves in the pack, but now, I embraced it. Softness didn’t mean weakness.

I chose a dress from my closet, one I’d never dared to wear before. It was deep red, the color of ripe cherries and forbidden desires, with a neckline that plunged just low enough to tease but not reveal too much. The fabric clung to me like a second skin, highlighting every dip and curve.

As I slipped it on, I couldn’t help but smile at my reflection. The woman staring back at me wasn’t the broken mate who had spent days hiding away in her room. She was confident, bold, and ready to take back control.

Still, a flicker of doubt crept in as I adjusted the hem.

Rafe wasn’t just anyone. He was the Alpha of our pack, a man whose presence alone could make even the strongest wolves falter. He had a reputation for being ruthless, both in business and in the way he handled pack matters.

And he was Dorian’s father.

The thought made my stomach churn, but my wolf’s growl cut through the doubt. This is for us. For our pride. For revenge.

I squared my shoulders, forcing myself to breathe deeply. I’d been through enough pain, enough humiliation. This wasn’t about Dorian anymore—at least, that’s what I told myself. This was about proving that I was more than the weak, discarded mate.

I spent the next few days preparing myself for what I knew would be the most daring move of my life. It wasn’t just about the dress or the way I styled my hair; it was about embodying the confidence I wanted Rafe to see.

In the mornings, I trained harder than I ever had before, pushing my body to its limits. The sweat on my skin reminded me of my strength, of what I was capable of. At night, I practiced my smiles and glances in the mirror, experimenting with subtle tilts of my head and how my lips curved.

It felt silly at first, but the more I practiced, the more natural it became.

My wolf’s excitement was infectious, her energy buzzing in my chest as I imagined the moment I’d finally approach Rafe.

He won’t be able to ignore us, she purred.

But even as I built myself up, the doubts lingered in the back of my mind. What if he didn’t see me the way I wanted him to? What if he saw through my plan entirely?

I shoved the thoughts aside, refusing to let them take root. I couldn’t afford to falter now.

By the time I stood in front of the mirror again on the night I’d chosen, I barely recognized myself. The dress hugged my curves in all the right places, and the soft red lipstick I’d applied gave my lips a sultry, inviting look. My eyes, framed by thick lashes, glimmered with a confidence I hadn’t felt in weeks.

I ran my hands down the sides of my dress, smoothing the fabric and feeling the electric hum of my wolf’s energy beneath my skin.

You’re ready, she said, her voice steady and sure.

I nodded, more to myself than to her. My hands trembled slightly as I reached for the small clutch on my dresser, but I steadied them quickly. I couldn’t let nerves ruin this.

As I stepped out of my room, the sound of my heels clicking against the hardwood floor echoed through the hallway. A few pack members glanced my way, their eyes widening as they took in my appearance.

Good.

I wasn’t invisible anymore.

By the time I reached the main hall, my heart was pounding in my chest. I hadn’t even seen Rafe yet, but the anticipation was enough to make my pulse race.

This was it.

I wasn’t sure what would happen next, but I knew one thing for certain: I was done hiding.

Rafe was dangerous, intimidating, and completely out of reach—but that was exactly what made this plan so perfect. If I could get close to him, if I could make him see me as something more than just Dorian’s ex-mate, I could take back everything that had been stolen from me.

I could make them all regret ever underestimating me.

And so, with my wolf’s encouragement and the weight of my determination, I set my sights on the Alpha.

This was only the beginning.