The Ruthless Alpha

Alpha Kane

The drive was long and silent, the tension inside the SUV suffocating. The Bloodmoon warriors sat stoically, their faces unreadable. Every time I tried to steal a glance at them, my gaze was met with cold indifference. I kept my hands clasped tightly in my lap, my fingers digging into my palms as I tried to steady my breathing.

The sun was setting by the time we arrived at the Bloodmoon territory. The landscape changed dramatically as we crossed the border—a dense forest gave way to sprawling fields, the horizon dominated by the imposing silhouette of the Bloodmoon packhouse. It wasn’t like Silverclaw’s packhouse, which was more modest and functional. This was a fortress.

The mansion loomed like a dark shadow against the fiery sky, its sharp angles and towering spires giving it an air of foreboding. The SUVs rolled up the long driveway, and my stomach twisted as we came to a stop in front of the massive iron gates.

One of the warriors stepped out and spoke into an intercom. The gates groaned open, and we drove inside. The courtyard was just as intimidating as the mansion itself—lined with dark stone, it seemed designed to make anyone feel small.

When the SUV door opened, I hesitated, clutching my bag to my chest.

“Out,” the scarred man barked, his voice cutting through my paralysis.

I scrambled out of the vehicle, my legs unsteady beneath me. The cool evening air was thick with the scent of pine and something darker—something that made my insides stir uneasily.

The Bloodmoon packhouse doors opened, and several figures emerged. My breath caught when I saw him.

Kane.

No one needed to say who he was. It was clear from the way he walked across the gravel. Hos entire presence demanded respect.

He was taller than I’d expected, his broad shoulders and sharp features making him look every bit the ruthless Alpha I’d heard about. His jet-black hair was tousled but clean, and his piercing silver eyes seemed to cut through me as he approached. His expression was cold, his jaw clenched, and his aura exuded power in a way that made my knees weak.

He stopped a few feet away from me, his gaze sweeping over me with obvious disdain. I felt like a bug under a magnifying glass.

“Caden, This is the Alpha’s daughter?” Kane’s voice was low and dangerous, and he directed the question to the scarred warrior who had escorted me.

“Yes, Alpha,” Caden replied without hesitation.

Kane’s eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I thought he might call out the lie. But then he scoffed, his lips curling into something that wasn’t quite a smile.

“She doesn’t look like much,” he said, his tone dripping with contempt. “Are you sure this isn’t a joke?”

The words stung, but I kept my head down, remembering Alpha Darius’s command. I couldn’t reveal who I was.

“She’s what was offered,” Caden said firmly.

Kane’s eyes flicked back to me, and he stepped closer. I froze as he leaned in, his face mere inches from mine. “You don't speak much?”

I swallowed hard and shook my head.

“Good,” he said, straightening. “At least you know how to keep your mouth shut. That’s something.”

He turned and started walking toward the packhouse, gesturing for the others to follow. One of the warriors shoved me forward, and I stumbled after them, my legs trembling.

Inside, the packhouse was just as intimidating as its exterior. The grand foyer was vast and dimly lit, with dark wood paneling and high ceilings. A massive chandelier hung above us, its crystals refracting the dim light into faint glimmers.

Kane stopped in the center of the room and turned to face me again. “You’ll stay here until I decide what to do with you.”

I frowned, confused. “I thought—”

He cut me off with a sharp glare. “Don’t think,” he snapped. “And don’t assume you know anything about me or this pack. You’re here because your father offered you as tribute. That doesn’t mean you’re welcome.”

I bit my tongue, forcing myself to stay silent.

“Take her to the east wing,” Kane ordered one of the warriors. “And make sure she doesn’t leave her room unless I say so.”

The warrior nodded and motioned for me to follow. As I turned to go, Kane’s voice stopped me.

“One more thing.”

I froze, looking back at him. His silver eyes burned into mine, and his voice was as cold as ice.

“If you cause any trouble, I’ll make you regret it.”

I nodded quickly, my heart hammering in my chest. The warrior led me down a long corridor, the silence between us heavy. When we reached a room at the end of the hall, he opened the door and gestured for me to enter.

The room was sparse but clean, with a small bed, a wardrobe, and a single window that overlooked the courtyard. It was far nicer than anything I’d ever had at Silverclaw, but it still felt like a prison.

The door clicked shut behind me, and I sank onto the bed, clutching my bag tightly. Kane’s words replayed in my mind, each one a reminder of the dangerous game I was now part of.

I was in his world now, and I had no idea how I was going to survive it.