This was just a formality
958 Words
Veera took a step back in shock, her face pale. She couldn't believe it.
“You… you’re the cur— I mean, the Alpha?” she stammered, turning to Amaia with a mix of fear and confusion. “What… what is the Alpha doing here?”
Rief and Alen were just as stunned, their expressions frozen in disbelief.
Dixon casually slid his hands into his trouser pockets and said in a firm, commanding tone, “Is this how you greet your Alpha?”
The instant his eyes flashed red, they all instinctively bowed, an uneasy tension flooding the room.
“To what… do we owe the honor of your visit?” Rief asked nervously, the fear on his face unmistakable, especially considering the rumors he’d heard.
“Well, since you asked,” Dixon replied coolly, “I’m here regarding your daughter, Amaia. I'm curious. Why isn't she going to the academy?”
Rief exhaled slowly, choosing his words with caution. “With all due respect, Alpha, my family matters are… private. Not your concern.”
Dixon’s lips curved into a slight smile. “Hmm. Is that so? Refresh my memory—didn’t I make it a rule that every resident of Redmoon must attend the academy? Your family business is yours, fine. But what about my laws? What happens when you decide to break them?”
“Alpha,” Rief tried to explain, feeling cornered. “My daughter, Veera, already attends the academy and she should be enough. I do not want Maia there. She's better off staying at home…”
A collective gasp filled the room as, in the blink of an eye, Dixon had Rief pinned against the wall.
Amaia’s heart leapt into her throat, and she gulped, not sure she was liking that her father was being treated like that. She immediately felt guilty.
“What the hell were you thinking bringing him here?” Alen whispered between clenched teeth, feeling the urge to slap her.
Veera quickly stepped back and whispered sharply, “Mom, keep your distance from the alpha. He's cursed, I'm telling you.”
Rief groaned as Dixon’s hand tightened around his neck, the searing pain spreading through his skin. He struggled, but couldn’t break free.
“Who do you think you are to challenge my authority?” Dixon growled, his voice sharp with anger.
“Her… her father,” Rief choked out defiantly, his throat burning under the Alpha’s grip.
Amaia shifted uncomfortably. “Alpha… please, let him go. You’re hurting him.”
Dixon finally released him. Rief collapsed to the floor, gasping for air, clutching his scorched neck as he coughed violently.
Still breathless and seething, he glared up at Dixon. “I’d rather die than let my daughter set foot in that academy. I will never allow it. I will never watch that happen!”
Dixon raised a brow, clearly amused.
“Is that so?” he said calmly. “Then death it is, because from this moment forward, Amaia is my responsibility. She’s going to that academy whether you approve or not. All of this?”—he gestured to the scene—“was just a formality.”
Rief’s heart raced in fear. He pulled himself to his feet and turned to Amaia, fury burning in his eyes as he saw the guilt on her face.
“What is this, Amaia?” he snapped. “I’m your father! How dare you defy me like this?!”
Amaia looked away, her voice low but steady. “Maybe I wouldn’t have if you ever acted like one… if you didn’t treat me like I didn’t matter.”
Slap!
Her head jerked to the side as Alen struck her hard across the face.
“You ungrateful brat!” she shouted. “How dare you do this to us?! How could you disgrace this family like this?! You’re a worthless daughter!”
Amaia’s eyes filled with tears as she turned to her mother.
“I’m sorry, Mom. But I have to do this. If none of you will let me live a normal life… then I’ll leave. Isn’t that what you all wanted anyway?” She paused, turning her gaze to Veera. “Especially you, right?”
Then, without another word, she looked to Dixon and said firmly, “Let’s go, Alpha.”
She took his hand, and they turned to leave.
Veera stood frozen, stunned by the way Amaia had grabbed him. Her confusion was written all over her face.
As they reached the car, Amaia exhaled deeply, trying to release the tension boiling inside her. Then she snapped, “Were you actually planning to kill my dad back there?!”
Her voice was sharp, accusing.
Dixon simply shrugged, slipping his face cap back on. “The man was being disrespectful. I can’t stand that.”
“Oh really? So anyone who disrespects you just gets strangled to death, huh?” She shook her head, feeling stressed out.
“I don’t owe anyone an explanation,” he said coldly. “But sometimes, a statement needs to be made. I’m the Alpha of this pack, the one and only authority. Redmoon thrives because of me, it stands above all others because of what I’ve built. I won’t tolerate disrespect from anyone.”
Amaia sighed, her anger softening into frustration. “My dad just… he didn't let me go. I don’t understand what’s wrong with him.”
Dixon shook his head, uninterested. “Let’s go. I never his permission anyway. You’re starting the academy as soon as possible.”
The car door was already open for them. They climbed in, and one by one, the convoy of cars drove off.
Rief had listened to their conversation and his jaw clenched in frustration.
- Writer
