Alpha King‘s War of Claiming Her Heart

Chapter 1: Miss Evans, Good Morning (Jade's POV) The matter of having s*x is either zero times or countless times; once you try it, you'll get a taste for it and won't want to stop. A passionate encounter ends. The man‘s hands were everywhere, leaving trails of fire across my skin. I gasped as Ethan's mouth found the sensitive spot on my neck, his teeth grazing just enough to make my wolf howl with pleasure. "Ethan..." I moaned, arching against him as he pinned me to the wall. Our clothes had been discarded in a frenzied path across his apartment—my torn stockings tangled with his pristine white shirt on the plush carpet. The scent of our passion hung heavy in the air, mingling with his natural cedar aroma that drove my wolf wild. As the last waves of pleasure subsided, reality began to seep back in. This wasn't love. This was revenge, satisfaction, and nothing more. I slipped from his grasp, my legs still trembling as I gathered my scattered clothing. My fingers fumbled with the clasp of my bra, the lingering sensation of his touch making it difficult to focus. "Where do you think you're going?" His husky voice sent shivers down my spine as his strong arm encircled my waist, pulling me back against his hard chest. "Don't leave," he whispered, his breath hot against my ear. "Stay and sleep." I closed my eyes, momentarily tempted by his warmth. My wolf, Cora, purred at his proximity, urging me to submit to his request. But I couldn't. I wouldn't. "Don't forget our agreement," I reminded him gently, pulling away despite Cora's protests. Our arrangement had begun three months ago—a night I'd never forget. I'd discovered William Hayes, my supposed future mate, entangled with my half-sister Sophia. The betrayal had cut deep, leaving wounds that still hadn't healed. Yes, although I am an Omega, I am fortunate to still have my wolf Cora, although she is very weak, and the hurt and pain brought by future mate's betrayal makes Cora even weaker. That night, drowning my sorrows in alcohol at a pack gathering, I'd nearly collapsed and accidentally fell into the river. It was Ethan who'd found me, who'd taken me to safety. And in my pain and anger, I'd made a decision that changed everything. "I want you," I'd told him boldly, fueled by liquid courage and a burning desire for revenge. I didn't even know his full name. He'd hesitated only briefly before claiming my lips in a kiss that obliterated all thought. Afterward, I'd left my number with clear terms: night meetings only, no staying over, no commitments, and absolutely no mate bonds. After William's betrayal, neither Cora nor I could trust in love or unbreakable mate bonds again. Ethan had agreed, though something in his dark eyes suggested he had his own agenda. Three months later, our arrangement continued—passionate, intense, and strictly physical. I finished dressing and slipped out while he showered, ignoring the strange emptiness that followed me home. Morning came too quickly. I stretched in my soft bed, my body still tingling from the previous night. Cora stirred lazily within me, satisfied yet somehow restless. The alarm clock read 6:30 AM. Time to transform from Ethan Blackwood's nocturnal lover to Miss Evans, the kindergarten teacher. I showered quickly, letting the hot water wash away the lingering scent of cedar and s*x. Choosing a crisp white shirt and casual jeans, I dressed with practiced efficiency. Sitting on my bed, I carefully applied my favorite Blood Moon Nail Lacquer to my toes. The deep crimson color was one of my few indulgences. I pulled my hair into a high ponytail, allowing a few gentle curls to frame my face. No need for heavy makeup—my wolf genes blessed me with clear skin and bright eyes that needed little enhancement. The drive to Silvercrest Elite Kindergarten was peaceful, though my mind kept drifting back to Ethan's touch, his scent, his voice. I forced those thoughts away as I parked. Today was important—we were preparing for the annual music concert, an event attended by all prominent pack families. As the teacher for the most elite class, including the future Alpha's son, the pressure was immense. I entered my classroom, the Silvercrest Cub Den, to find Olivia Parker already arranging tiny chairs in a semicircle. "Good morning," I greeted, setting down my bag. She barely looked up. "You're cutting it close, aren't you?" I ignored her thinly veiled criticism and began organizing the music sheets. Olivia had made her dislike of me clear from day one, her jealousy palpable whenever parents praised my work with their cubs. The morning progressed smoothly as we rehearsed songs with the children. The little werewolf cubs were adorable in their excitement, though keeping them focused was like herding butterflies. Just as I was helping little Emma with her tambourine part, a frantic voice shattered our peaceful morning. "Miss Evans! Miss Evans!" It was Jason, one of our teaching assistants, his face flushed with urgency. "Your class's little wolves are fighting!" My heart dropped. "Where?" "Backstage!" he pointed frantically. I rushed toward the commotion, my wolf senses already picking up the distressed scents of angry cubs. The scene that greeted me backstage made my stomach clench. Zach Blackwood, was straddling Lucas Reed, raining down punches with surprising strength for a five-year-old. "Stop it right now!" I commanded, using my teacher voice that even the most dominant wolf cubs respected. Lucas, his face streaked with tears and a small trickle of blood from his nose, broke free and ran to me. His small body trembled against my legs. "Miss Jade," he sobbed, "Zach insulted me and hit me—it hurts, please comfort me." I knelt down, gently examining his injuries while keeping one eye on Zach. The young Blackwood heir stood rigidly, his small chest heaving with anger. "Lucas, sit here while I clean your nose," I instructed, reaching for the first aid kit we kept backstage. As I dabbed at Lucas's injuries with antiseptic-soaked cotton, I turned to Zach. "Zach, come here please." He approached slowly, his eyes downcast but his posture defiant. I noticed blood at the corner of his mouth too. "You're hurt as well," I said, reaching for a fresh cotton ball. "I'm not hurt," he insisted, though he winced when I touched the small cut on his lip. "What happened?" I asked both boys, keeping my voice calm and neutral. Lucas hiccupped through his tears. "He started it! He pushed me first!" Zach's small hands clenched into fists. "He said I don't have a mom." The words hung in the air, heavy with pain that no five-year-old should have to bear. My heart ached for him. Just as I was about to persuade him a few more words, a voice came from the door: "Miss Evans, Zack's father is here." Father? I have been teaching this class for a year, and usually, it's the family's servants who come to pick up the children. I have never met Zack's parents. "It's alright now, your father is here." I gently touched Zack's face and stood up, a professionally warm smile curling at the corners of my mouth as I extended my hand to the newcomer. "Hello, I'm Jade Evans, Zack's teacher. There was a bit of an accident just now..." Not yet finished speaking, I fixed my gaze on the figure walking in against the light.My breath caught in my throat. My wolf Cora suddenly went alert within me, her awareness sharpening. And then he was there, filling the doorframe with his imposing presence. Ethan... no, Ethan Blackwood, the future Alpha King, stood tall in a perfectly tailored dark suit that did nothing to hide the powerful body I'd been wrapped around just hours before. His dark eyes swept the room, softening slightly when they landed on his son before shifting to me. The corner of his mouth twitched—almost a smile, but not quite. In a deep, resonant tone he greets, "Hello, Miss Evans."