His Mate, His Heirs : The Alpha King’s Claim

Episode Twelve

Chapter Twelve

*First Person's Perspective*

~Marie~

I hesitated at the edge of the woods, staring at the faint flicker of firelight in the distance. I wanted to run back to safety, but my instincts told me to move forward. Kelvin was out here somewhere, and if someone else was nearby, they might know where he was.

"Hello? Is anyone there?" I called, my voice trembling as I pushed past a cluster of low-hanging branches.

"Momma! Come join me! It's so cool in here!"

Kelvin's cheerful voice froze me in place. Relief and confusion washed over me. My baby was safe, but why did he sound so casual? And where exactly was he?

I hurried toward the sound and stopped in front of a makeshift tent, illuminated by a small bonfire. Kelvin sat inside, grinning from ear to ear.

"Kelvin! What are you doing here?" I demanded, my voice a mix of relief and exasperation. "I've been worried sick! Do you know whose tent this is? And what's with this fire? Didn't I tell you to stay away from dangerous things?"

Kelvin tilted his head, looking at me as though I'd just asked the most ridiculous question in the world. "Don't worry, Momma. I built the tent myself. And I lit the fire too. Isn't it cool?"

I stared at him, blinking in disbelief. "You built this? Kelvin, you're five years old. How could you possibly-"

"I thought it would be fun to sleep outside," he interrupted, shrugging nonchalantly.

"Fun?" My voice rose, laced with shock. "Kelvin, weren't you scared? You were out here all alone. You didn't even think to cry for me or hide somewhere safe?"

"No, Momma," he said simply, his tone so calm it was unnerving. "I like it out here."

I crouched down, taking his small hands in mine. "Kelvin, listen to me. This isn't safe. We need to go home right now."

"No!" he said, pulling his hands away. "I want to stay, Momma! I want to know what it feels like to sleep under the stars!"

I stared at him, stunned by his defiance. "Kelvin, this isn't a game. We're leaving now."

I reached for him again, grabbing his arm, but he resisted, his small frame surprisingly strong.

"Ahh!" I gasped as sharp pain shot through my arm. I looked down, horrified to see deep, bloody scratches.

Kelvin stared at his hands in shock. His nails-no, claws-were sharp and elongated, glinting in the firelight.

"I'm sorry, Momma!" he cried, tears streaming down his face. "I didn't mean to hurt you! I don't even know how it happened!" Worry painted all over his face as he stared at the blood dripping from my arm. My eyes grew wide in shock as I stared at him. This wasn't ordinary, this wasn't ordinary at all. I racked my brain, trying to piece together how this could happen. How he could have... claws... claws?

My thinking was all over the place, until finally, it sank in

Werewolves.

The realization struck me like a lightning bolt. Kelvin wasn't an ordinary child. Neither was Kira, nor Kealden. And Lazarus Grey? He wasn't just an enigmatic, dangerous man-he was a werewolf, and alpha maybe

The kidnapping, the throne talk, the secrets-all of it suddenly made sense now. Brandon definitely wasn't asking for the company. He wanted the throne. The f*****g leadership. It's all making sense now

I forced a calm I didn't feel and cupped Kelvin's tear streaked face. "It's okay, baby. It's not your fault. Let's just go home, alright? It's late, and we're both tired."

Kelvin sniffled and nodded, guilt clouding his innocent face. "Mommy... am I a monster?"

"No, sweetheart. You're not a monster. You're my angel. This was just an accident, okay?"

We began walking, though I had no idea which way to go. The forest seemed darker and more oppressive with every step. My arm throbbed, and I could feel the sticky warmth of blood soaking through my sleeve.

"Freeze!" a loud voice commanded ahead of us, and a flashlight beam blinded me.

I shielded my eyes, squinting against the harsh light. "Who's there?"

A man stepped forward-a police officer. Behind him was Carrie, her face pale and lined with worry.

"Did you kidnap this boy?" the officer asked, his tone sharp and accusatory.

"No! He's my son!" I snapped, panic surging through me.

Carrie quickly intervened. "Officer, it's true. This is Kelvin's mother. They must have gotten lost in the woods."

The officer relaxed, lowering his flashlight. "Let me help you both back to the house."

When we reached the house, Carrie gasped at the sight of my arm.

"Oh my goodness, Marie! What happened to you?"

I glanced down at the deep gashes and winced. "It's nothing. I slipped in the woods. Must've been something sharp on the ground."

Carrie didn't look convinced but didn't press further. She grabbed a first aid kit and began cleaning the wound.

"This looks like an animal attack," she murmured, frowning as she dabbed at the cuts.

"It's not," I said quickly, my voice sharper than I intended.

If anyone found out the truth about my children, they could be taken away. I couldn't let that happen.

"Tomorrow, we'll see a doctor," Carrie said firmly as she finished bandaging my arm.

"Thanks," I mumbled, standing up. "Goodnight, Carrie."

As I climbed the stairs, a wave of dizziness hit me. My vision blurred, and my legs gave out. The last thing I saw before darkness overtook me was Carrie's panicked face rushing toward me.

---

When I woke, sunlight streamed through the curtains, and the faint smell of breakfast lingered in the air. My head throbbed, and my arm ached, but Kira's bright smile beside me made everything feel bearable.

"Good morning, Momma," she said sweetly.

"Good morning, princess. How was your night?" I asked, forcing a smile despite the dull ache in my body.

"It was great! How was yours?"

"It was... fine," I lied, not wanting to burden her.

"We made breakfast for you!"

"You did? That's so thoughtful of you," I said, my heart warming despite the events of the night before.

"Don't come downstairs yet, though," she said, her tone serious. "Brush your teeth and shower first. We'll bring it to you."

I chuckled softly, touched by her insistence. "Alright, baby. Thank you."

I stood and headed to the bathroom, but as soon as I stepped inside, dizziness washed over me. My knees buckled, and I crumpled to the floor.

The last thing I heard was Kira's terrified scream before everything faded to black.