Alpha’s Brood

Chapter1

I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing my silver gown for what felt like the hundredth time. The supple fabric rustled softly as I ironed out the wrinkles, my heart racing with excitement and nervousness. Today was the most important day of my life: my coronation as the Alpha King of the Red Moon pack.

Taking a deep breath to calm my nerves, I watched as my stepmother, Elora, and my sister, Lyra, entered the room. Elora smiled, her eyes gleaming with that strange look. Astrid, darling, you look lovely, but don't get too comfortable. You never know what might happen.

I have habituated myself to her condescending manner, so I ignored the jab. "As I stepped into the grand hall, I was struck by its glamour and the sea of esteemed guests. The pack's elite had gathered, including the beta and omega, all awaiting the coronation of the new Alpha king."The air was electric with anticipation, and I could feel the weight of this pivotal moment.

I couldn't stop smiling, my heart was racing with anticipation. All my life I had been dreaming of was finally at arm's reach: being crowned the new Alpha king. I couldn't wait to accept the crown and begin my journey.

At that moment, my stepmother Elora and my younger sister Lyra entered the great hall, their magnificent gowns resplendent with a brilliance all of their own. As they approached us, my gaze shifted to the figure beside them: Kael, my mate.

Kael, my mate, the head of the pack's warriors. His eyes shone with pride as he stared into me with adoration. My heart rose as I fisted my hand mid-air, as if I'd caught a wink, and set it to my chest with a loving look in my eye directed at him. As

I approached the throne; my father's face stood out, a strange look on it. There was some deep-seated resistance in his eyes, coldness that made my heart ache. He seemed to be looking at me with a mask of contempt on his face, a stark reminder of the abhorrence he had always held against me, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

The grand hall door burst open, and my stepmother, Elora, and younger sister, Lyra, swayed in, their gowns shimmering in the bright lights. As they approached us, my line of vision fell on the figure sitting next to them-Kael, my mate. My heart swelled with pride, but my father's next words made my blood turn cold.

"Lyra Woods, my youngest daughter, will be our new Alpha King."

The room exploded in surprise and clapping, and I felt gut-wrenched. I lurched forward, begging for an explanation of why I had been betrayed.

"What are you talking about, Dad?" I cut in, as a deathly silence swept over the pack. I stared my father down, my mind ranting with questions. Why had he pulled the rug out like this from under me? The expression on my father's face did not yield.

It is not a question of training and studying, Astrid. Being Alpha King involves very strong connections with the pack and the pack lifestyle. That includes having a wolf."

My frustration and anger then soared. "But Lyra doesn't even care about the pack! She has never shown any interest in leading or protecting us."

My stepmother, Elora, stepped forward-smiling smugly. "Are you going to question your father's decision, Astrid?" she sneered. "He knows what is best for this pack, and if he says Lyra is the rightful Alpha King, then that's what it is.

Anger bubbled over in my brain as I

readied myself to pounce. But before I could, my father lifted a hand.

"Enough," he said. "Astrid, you will accept Lyra as your new Alpha King, or you will leave the pack."I kept glaring at her, a feeling of resentment building high inside me. "You have no right to speak here, Elora," I spat. "This is between me and my father.

My anger boiled over, but before I could respond, my father raised his hand. "Enough," he said. "Astrid, you will accept Lyra as your new Alpha King, or you will leave the pack."

I couldn't believe it. Leave the pack? To me, there was no such thing. It was my home-my family, my everything. Lyra, however, was taking due attention as she beamed brightly, having the crown being placed on her. Elora shone with pride, flashing triumph in her eyes. I stood there, almost falling to the ground face-first as Lyra passed me, running up the stairs in her tight mini skirt and crop top.

I pinched my cheek shut, hoping it was a dream, but the commotion at the back died down and slowly I opened my eyes to see them there.

Shame clouded my face as their eyes travelled to me. What would they think? I was obviously the firstborn child; it could only mean my father didn't find me worthy, and that was shameful. I met Kael's eyes, and he was just standing there, and I am not sure if he was clapping like the others. Just standing there, staring at me, as if he wanted an explanation from me.

Elora was clapping most in the hall; when her eyes met mine, she flashed a snickering glance my way before I bunched my hands into fists and glared at my sister, standing there, getting all the cheers and praise.

I felt like I had been kicked in the gut, the wind knocked out of me. It couldn't be happening. My father-the one man who had promised me for years, since the time I was old enough to understand anything, that I was to take on the position of Alpha King-was now crowning my younger sister.

I did, and my heart was racing with anger and hurt. "Why?" I demanded, shaking my voice. "Why are you doing this, Father?" My father had a cold, unreadable expression on his face. "You don't have a wolf, Astrid," he said in a firm voice. "You're not fit to be the Alpha King."

I felt as though someone had slapped me. Not having a wolf was always something that had shamed me, but I'd never thought it would be used against me like this. I looked at Lyra, now sitting in the throne, a smug smile upon her face.

Anger and resentment welled in my heart toward her. Turning, I ran, unable even to bear the sight of my sister on the throne. Behind me I could hear all the cheering and clapping; I did not turn to look. I just kept running, tears streaming down my face.

I ran through, not stopping until I reached the edge of the pack's territory. After that, I don't remember anything. The only thing that I knew was my head was aching, probably I hit on something after passing out.

I couldn't help the thought that my life was upside down even as I fell. I had always known I was to be Alpha King, but now that had been taken from me. To add insult to injury, it was given to my lazy, undeserving sister Lyra.

I remembered the times I devoted myself to the pack, all the extra efforts I put in just to prove that I would not fall short of the position. An immense amount of time was spent training, studying, and leading.

I had given all to the pack, and this was how my father repaid me? A wave of anger and resentment welled up inside me against my father and Lyra. How were they doing this to me? How could they betray me in such a way?

Just as I sat, an Alpha from one of the neighbouring pack territories stepped forward to speak with me. Of course, he was the sworn enemy of my father.

He asked me, with a charming smile, "Hey dear, what's wrong? Why is the young lady in tears?" I snubbed him because at that moment, I didn't feel like talking to him. Still, he continued, "Don't you think I can help?"

I tried to avoid him, but he wouldn't give up and kept insisting on an answer from me.

I finally replied, "Just leave me alone." He raised his hands in surrender and said, "Okay, okay, fine. I'll go."

But his tone was indicative, telling me he didn't hold with giving up easily.

What was his aim in seeing me?