LOVE AND REVENGE WITH MY ALPHA

CHAPTER 4

~ELENA~

"Breaking News: In an unfortunate turn of events, a massive explosion rocked the warehouse of billionaire Sebastian Ashford late last night. Seven lives were lost due to the blast, and five million dollars' worth of products were burnt to ashes. The cause of the explosion remains unknown, and investigations are currently underway. Emergency services..."

Elena froze, her eyes fixed on the TV screen. "What have I done?" she whispered to herself. The headline was like a punch to the gut. She had unintentionally sparked a war between two great families. If Sebastian found out she had used his name to lie, the consequences could be severe. He could press charges against her, and the very thought made her feel like squeaking with fear.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps. Lara, her sister, walked downstairs looking utterly exhausted.

"Good morning, sleepyhead. Did you get any sleep at all? You look so worn out," Elena remarked, noticing the dark circles under Lara's eyes.

"Not really," Lara sighed, sinking into the living room couch. She hesitated, her voice cracking as she finally spoke. "Sebastian broke up with me yesterday."

"Oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry. What happened?" Elena's heart ached with conflicting emotions. She felt a strange sense of relief but quickly pushed it aside as she moved to comfort her sister.

Lara wiped a tear from her cheek and sniffled. "He said he didn't love me and that he was only dating me to see if he could fall in love. But why would you date someone if you don't love them? It doesn't make sense. Everything was fine until yesterday."

Elena hugged her sister tightly. "Some people don't know what they want and hurt others in the process. It's not fair to you, Lara. You deserve someone who genuinely loves you."

"I know, but I thought he was the one. We had so many plans... now it all feels pointless," Lara added, her voice filled with despair.

"I know it feels that way now, but trust me, it won't always be like this. You're strong, and you'll get through this," Elena encouraged her.

"Thank you, Elena. You're the one who's strong. Even after your bad experience with Lucius, you're still headstrong," Lara said, managing a weak smile.

Elena's phone buzzed with a message from their father. She read it thoroughly and then looked at Lara with a smile. "Lara, let's go to a party."

The message was an invitation to an engagement celebration hosted by one of the five great families. All prominent werewolves would be there. Their father, a beta and a fierce warrior, had stopped fighting after their mother died, dedicating himself to being a true father to his daughters.

They arrived at the grand mansion, adorned with luxurious designs and wolf statues. The place was bustling with guests. Elena recognized some representatives from the great families and felt a mix of awe and anxiety. Her gaze landed on Chloe, her former best friend, and she scorned at the memory of their last interaction.

"Let's get a drink," Elena suggested, noticing Lara's reluctance to socialize.

"Good idea," Lara agreed, her current mental state not suited for mingling.

After a few drinks, Elena felt tipsy and decided to step outside for some air. Lara continued to refill her shots of whiskey laced with wolfsbane. Elena's mind wandered to the series of events that had led to this moment, and she sighed helplessly. She was lost in thought when a familiar voice interrupted her.

"I didn't imagine seeing you here, little pup," Lucius grinned dangerously as he approached.

Elena sneered at him. "What do you want from me?"

"Nothing much, although I wonder what you were doing in the hospital during our last interaction," he replied, his smile widening.

Elena instinctively touched her stomach, fearing that Lucius might know about her baby. "Why do you care what I was doing in the hospital? I could be visiting my sister," she lied.

"Yes, but something doesn't add up. Perhaps I will make you tell me," Lucius said, grabbing her throat and lifting her off the ground. Elena wheezed for air, struggling futilely against his grip.

Just as hope seemed lost, a familiar voice cut through the tension. "Let her go!" Sebastian growled, his eyes flickering golden.

Lucius turned his attention to Sebastian, mocking him. "So, this is the bastard you've been cheating on me with? He looks even uglier than his campaign posters."

Sebastian ignored the taunt and walked over to Elena, helping her up. "Are you okay?"

"I-I'm f-fine," she breathed.

Lucius continued to mock, "How pathetic! Are you going to fight me or play husband with that w***e?"

"Sebastian, please don't fight him. He's just looking for an excuse to hurt you," Elena pleaded, regretting her earlier lie.

"I'm not looking for an excuse. It was me who attacked your warehouse and slaughtered your warriors," Lucius smirked.

"You know the implications of attacking me, one of the great families. You are breaking the peace treaty," Sebastian said calmly, piecing together the situation.

Lucius giggled sinisterly. "Don't joke with me. Elena told me you are the one she is cheating on me with. I have every right to attack you for stealing my wife."

"How could you, Lucius? You were cheating on me with my best friend. Now you claim to be righteous? Don't you ever call me your wife. I, Elena Greenwood, reject you, Lucius Blackwater," Elena spat angrily.

Lucius' face twisted in pain, but he didn't accept the rejection. "I told you before, Elena. Even if you reject me, I won't accept it. You are mine and mine alone!" He rushed towards her, but Sebastian blocked his path.

"Get out of my way! This doesn't concern you," Lucius growled.

"It does concern me. You declared war on me. You understand the ramifications, don't you?" Sebastian was ready to defend Elena.

Lucius' eyes changed color, his hands shifting into werewolf claws. But before the fight could begin, Chloe ran towards them, urgency in her steps.

"Lucius! Darling! You have to read this!" she called, showing him a message on her tablet.

"This is rather interesting," Lucius said, his hostile aura dissipating. He glanced at Elena and Sebastian before turning around. "We will meet again," he promised with a smirk.

Chloe chuckled at Elena before following Lucius. "Let me help you up," Sebastian said softly, offering his hand to Elena.

"Thank you for saving me. I'm... I'm sorry for dragging you into this," Elena apologized.

"Let's just go inside. We'll talk about it later," Sebastian replied, leading her back into the mansion.