The Alpha Who Chose The Outcast

Chapter Four — The Father Who Betrayed Us

I couldn't move.

My father stood only a few feet away.

Older than I remembered.

But unmistakable.

"You're alive."

He smiled sadly.

"Yes."

"Why did you leave me?"

His expression hardened.

"Because staying would have gotten you killed."

"You let me believe you abandoned me."

"I had no choice."

Kael stepped forward.

"You murdered Elena."

My father's eyes turned cold.

"I saved her."

"You told everyone she was dead."

"Because your grandfather wanted her executed."

I looked between them.

"What are you talking about?"

My father sighed.

"Your mother discovered the truth about the Blood Moon."

"What truth?"

He looked at the silver marks on my arms.

"The Blood Moon isn't a curse."

I waited.

"It's a royal bloodline."

Silence.

"The first werewolves were ruled by a Blood Moon queen. Her descendants could communicate with every wolf and command the ancient packs."

I stared at him.

"And?"

"Your mother was the last known descendant."

"Known?"

His eyes met mine.

"You are the last."

Kael stepped closer.

"Then why are you hunting her?"

"I'm not."

My father looked toward the trees.

"They are."

Suddenly, arrows flew through the darkness.

Kael knocked me down.

The forest erupted into chaos.

Wolves attacked from every direction.

My father shifted into a massive gray wolf.

Kael shifted beside him.

For the first time, I saw them fight together.

They moved like brothers.

Then a warrior appeared behind me.

He raised his weapon.

I screamed.

Something inside me exploded.

A shockwave threw everyone backward.

The forest became silent.

I looked down.

The silver markings had spread across my entire body.

Every wolf in the forest was staring at me.

My father bowed his head.

Kael did the same.

I realized they weren't afraid.

They were recognizing me.

Then the leader of the attacking wolves laughed.

"You finally awakened."

I turned.

He removed his mask.

My heart stopped.

It was the elder.

The same man who had ordered my capture.

"You lied."

He smiled.

"Of course."

Kael stepped toward him.

"You've been working with the rogues."

"For eighteen years."

My father growled.

"You murdered Elena."

The elder laughed.

"Your mate was foolish enough to believe she could hide the girl forever."

I felt rage burn through me.

"You killed my mother?"

The elder looked at me.

"She died protecting you."

My hands began shaking.

The elder smiled.

"Now give me your blood, and I will give you the throne that belongs to you."

"I don't want your throne."

His smile disappeared.

"Then I'll take it from you."

He raised his hand.

Hundreds of wolves charged.

Kael ran toward me.

But before he could reach me, the ground beneath us split apart.

I fell.

Kael grabbed my hand.

For one terrifying second, I hung over the darkness.

"Don't let go!"

"I won't!"

The stone beneath him began breaking.

"Kael!"

He looked into my eyes.

"If I fall, run."

"No."

"Lyra—"

"I said no!"

The silver markings on my arms suddenly blazed.

The entire mountain shook.

And somewhere beneath us, something ancient awakened.

A voice whispered through the darkness.

The queen has returned.