chapter 3
1067 Words
Chapter Three
Keal's POV
I sat before a map laid out on a table, my mind elsewhere. The tussles for power within the packs did not leave me to take a single breath. Borders, alliances, and resources had to be juggled with care. Especially when Alpha Donovan was practically my sworn enemy, seeking an open door on every opportunity that might present itself against me.
A knock on the door pulled me from my musings.
"Come in," I replied crisp and short.
Darian, my Beta, came in, his face cautious. "Alpha, there's someone here to see you. A woman."
I frowned, setting the map aside. "A woman? Who is she?"
"She didn't give her name, but she says it's urgent."
I stood, confusion mingling with curiosity. Women didn't come to me unannounced, especially not without a purpose. "Where is she?"
"She's waiting in the main hall," Darian replied.
I nodded and strode to the door. "Let's see what's up with this."
---
The moment I stepped into it, I spotted her. She stood near the entrance, out of place. Her hair was a mess, her clothes rumpled, and something in her eyes caught me- part fear, part resolution.
No, it wasn't that-the instant our eyes met, I felt some sort of pull, like I'd seen her before. And yet she was a complete stranger, yet so. familiar.
She stared into me, and for some time, neither of us said a word. Then she took a hesitating step forward; her voice was trembling, though steady enough to catch my attention.
"You're Alpha Keal, right?
"I am," I said, folding my arms across my chest. "Who are you, and why are you here?"
She hesitated, her hands twisting nervously. "I need your help," she finally said. "Please… I know this sounds syupid but I need a place to stay."
I raised an eyebrow, her words catching me off guard. "A place to stay? Why would you come here for that? Don't you know it is a crime to come unannounced to an alpha.
I stared at her for a moment and just as my anger was rising and just as I was about to tuse my voice she spoke.
"I have nowhere else to go," she said, a slight break in her voice. "My father disowned me. I-please, just hear me out."
"Your father?" I asked, narrowing my eyes. "Who is your father?"
She hesitated before her gaze dropped to the floor. "Alpha Donovan."
The name was like a blow to me. My jaw clamped as rage burbled in my chest. Alpha Donovan, the man who for years had tried to destroy me, who had attacked my pack, stolen from my borders, and now his daughter was here, begging for my help?
"No," I said with finality. "Absolutely not."
Her eyes shot open, and a flash of panic crossed her face. "Please," she said, taking a step forward. "I have no place to go. My father wouldn't take me back in. I-"
"You think that I am interested in your sob story?" I cut in sharp. "You are the daughter of my enemy, you do not belong here.
Her lips trembled, but she didn’t back down. Instead, she blurted out the words that stopped me in my tracks.
“I’m pregnant,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
I stared at her, my heart thundering in my chest. “What?”
She swallowed hard, her hands trembling at her sides. “I’m pregnant… with your child.”
For a moment, I couldn't speak. Her words swirled in my mind, but they didn't compute. It had to be some kind of trick, some ploy to get under my skin.
"You're lying," I said, my voice low and dangerous. Did your father send you?”
"I'm not, and he did not" she insisted, stepping closer. "You know it's true. We… We spent the night together. You might not remember, but I do. And now I'm carrying your child."
Anger coursed through my veins, hot and burning. I didn't want to believe her, yet something in her tone, her desperation, stayed me. Could it be true?
No. It didn't matter. Even if it was the truth, I couldn't let her stay. She was the daughter of Alpha Donovan—a liability I couldn't afford.
I turned away from her, clenching my fists to keep control. "Darian," I called out, my voice cold.
"Yes, Alpha?
Throw her out," I replied flatly.
"What?" she gasped, her voice rising in panic. "You can't do this! I'm pregnant with your child!
I spun back to her now, my eyes narrowing. With two quick steps, I was in front of her, looming over the tiny thing. I reached out without a speck of hesitation and took hold of her neck, not cruelly, just firm. Her eyes went wide, and I could feel the hammering of her pulse under my fingers.
Listen to me, and listen well," I said in a low, ominous tone. "You aren't welcome here. Stay away. If I catch sight of you in my territory again, I won't be so. forgiving."
Her eyes brimmed over with tears, though she didn't say another word.
"Darian," I said, still looking at her. "Take her away."
"Yes, Alpha," he responded, moving closer to perform the task.
I let her go, and she stumbled backward, clutching at her neck as if in a desperate need of protection.
"This isn't over," she whispered, her voice trembling.
"It is for me," I said, turning on my heel to walk back to my office.
Once inside, I slammed the door behind me, the sound reverberating in the quiet room. I leaned against the desk, my hands gripping the edges as I tried to calm the storm raging inside me.
Pregnant. With my child.
The words on repeat in my head, each word landing a little harder than the last. I didn't want to believe her, but there was a part of me that couldn't dismiss it completely. And if it were true…
No. I couldn't go down that path.
I picked up my phone and sent off a quick message to the Black Shadow Pack.
"Tell Alpha Donovan to keep his low-class daughter away from my pack.
I tossed the phone onto the desk and let out a long, frustrated sigh.
She was gone. That was all that mattered.
- Writer
