FATED TWICE

Chapter 2: That's Him, Should We Kill Him?

TWO YEARS LATER

Alpha Quinn’s POV

As the cowardly words of the elders echoed in my head, I shoved them aside, focusing instead on the flawless map I had meticulously drafted.

I placed it carefully on the table and studied it intently. A sudden awareness of another presence pulled my attention, and I looked up to meet my father’s dissatisfied glare.

His voice dripped with disgust as he spoke, “What do you think you’re doing, Quinn?”

Unfazed, I shot back, my gaze unrelenting. “What does it look like I’m doing?”

My father struggled to suppress his rising anger, his tone forcefully calm. “I clearly recall the council’s warnings. They strictly advised against this reckless idea of attacking Nexoria. Why are you so bent on disregarding their words and doing the opposite?”

A faint smile crept onto my lips as I leaned back against the table. “I’m pleased to hear you remember, but their words stem from cowardice, and you, of all people, should recognize that.”

His gaze hardened, his voice sharpening with frustration. “They suggested negotiation—something far more reasonable. Did you even consider that route? I know it’s not your preferred method, but you might at least have thought about it.”

I replied with quiet defiance, “Don’t waste your breath trying to convince me. Negotiation has never been, and will never be, my strategy. Let’s face it, Father. This is why your reign was marked by failure. You allowed yourself to be led by cowards and lacked the will to act on your own.”

His face turned red with fury, veins protruding from his forehead as his hands gripped my neck with surprising strength. His eyes blazed blood-red as he shouted, “Quinn! You will not speak to me that way! I am still your father—and I was Alpha before you!”

With a furious shove, he threw me across the room and stormed out. I smirked bitterly, adjusting my posture as I called out, “Carlo! Summon the Gamma for me.”

I grabbed the map, stood tall, and strode back to my throne, trying to quell the simmering rage bubbling inside me. Muttering under my breath, I reaffirmed my purpose. “I am Alpha Quinn—Alpha of the Bloody Keepers Pack. I have never lost a war, and I never will. No cowardly words will sway me, no matter who speaks them.”

Resisting the urge to shift into my wolf form, I steadied myself, gripping the arms of my throne. Moments later, the Gamma entered. Bowing slightly, he greeted me, “Greetings, Alpha Quinn.”

I wasted no time. “We attack Nexoria before dawn. Prepare the soldiers with all necessary equipment. We will take their land and leave no one alive. Anyone who fails to prepare will join the dead bodies we'd kill.”

The Gamma nodded sharply, his tone resolute. “Understood, Alpha Quinn. I will ensure everyone is ready and arrives on time. May I take my leave?”

I dismissed him with a wave, watching his silhouette disappear down the hall. Without delay, I returned to my chambers. I donned my rubber full-bodysuit, strapped on my armored vest, helmet, and shield. My sheath belt secured tightly around my waist, I placed my sword firmly in its holster and stepped out into the cold night.

Through the window, I caught sight of the Gamma and the soldiers already prepared—horses saddled, weapons polished, armor gleaming under the pale moonlight. Turning, I felt a familiar, seething presence. My father stood there, his eyes blazing with fury, but I paid him no attention.

Stepping before my soldiers, I roared, my voice echoing through the night air. “Soldiers of the Bloody Keepers Pack! It is time to overthrow Nexoria! Leave no one alive! Overpower and outnumber them. After tonight, we will be the strongest and largest wolf pack!”

With that, we set off at full speed, the thunder of hooves pounding through the silent forest. Hours later, we halted just before the massive gates of Nexoria, its environment surrounded by towering oak trees. We scouted the area carefully, ensuring there were no immediate threats.

“Gamma,” I ordered coldly, “check the gatehouse and report back.”

The Gamma dismounted, disappearing into the darkness. Moments later, he emerged with two humans in tow. Despite their predicament, they stood boldly, their eyes betraying not a flicker of fear.

“You should retreat,” one of them spoke confidently, “or you and your army won’t live to return.”

I smirked, unmoved by their attitude. “Who dares threaten Alpha Quinn?”

They didn’t hesitate. “We won’t just threaten you. We’ll kill you and your worthless army.”

My face darkened, and I turned to the Gamma with a glare. Understanding my silent command, he slit their throats swiftly with his claws. The bodies crumpled to the ground.

“Attack!” I bellowed, my voice sounding repeatedly as the gates splintered open.

We swarmed into the town, blades slicing through flesh, the cries of Nolan’s defenders blaring out in the chaos. Blood soaked the earth as we cut down every soldier we encountered, their resistance proving weak against our might. My men and I split up, tearing through the town with ruthlessly.

Deeper into the battlefield, I left my men to capture the king. When I returned, however, the sight before me stopped me. Cold—bodies of my soldiers littered the ground, their blood pooling in the dirt. My fury ignited like a wildfire, my wolf clawing to the surface.

I turned to face the king, my bloodshot eyes narrowing into slits as I unsheathed my sword. “You should have told your men to retreat. What I see disgusts me, and now you will bear the consequences of my anger.”

The king smirked, unfazed by my threat. “You’re still as foolish and ambitious as ever. I’ve served my people well and lived long enough. Kill me if you must; I no longer care.”

Enraged, I swung my sword, killing him with a single blow. His lifeless body fell, and I kicked it aside. I scanned the battlefield, my anger only intensifying. Spotting the Gamma, I mounted my horse and demanded answers.

"Where are the rest of their bodies? Why were we outnumbered?”

The Gamma lowered his head apologetically. “Alpha Quinn, I was handling a group of humans when a man appeared. He moved faster than I could see, and before I realized it, he had cut down dozens of our men.”

Grinding my teeth, I growled, “Kill more. We will not leave without victory.”

As I turned, I caught sight of a familiar figure standing still amidst the corpses My heart clenched. “Scarlett?”

Before I could react, the Gamma raised his hand toward an archer. The archer released his arrow, aiming directly at her. “No!” I shouted, spurring my horse forward.

Just as the arrow was about to strike, a blur swept past me, snatching Scarlett and catching the arrow mid-flight. I froze, recognizing the figure immediately.

The Gamma whispered harshly, "Alpha Quinn, that's him. Should we kill him?"