My Fated Alpha's Cruel Game

Elena’s POV

My mother had slept for a few hours, and when she finally stirred awake, I decided it was time for her to meet Damien. I brought him into her room, my heart hammering against my ribs as I prepared for this long-overdue introduction.

Mom’s eyes were cloudy with confusion at first, studying Damien’s face like she was trying to place him in her memory. I took a deep breath and explained that he was my mate, that I’d been living with him for the past five years.

The change in her expression was immediate. Her face brightened, not dramatically, but enough that I could see a spark of genuine happiness there. It was the first real emotion I’d seen from her since arriving.

"I hope she hasn’t been too much trouble for you," Mom said, her voice still weak but carrying a hint of her old teasing tone.

Damien’s smile was warm and genuine. "She told me about all her childhood adventures. But honestly, she’s been incredible for my pack. They love her completely and respect her as their Luna."

"From an omega in a trailer hidden in the woods to being a Luna," Mom mused. "That’s quite a journey."

"It really is," I agreed, squeezing her frail hand.

Mom turned her attention back to Damien, her gaze becoming more serious. "Does he treat you well?"

"He treats me perfectly," I assured her.

"Thank you for taking care of my daughter," Mom said, her voice growing stronger with emotion. "Promise me you’ll keep doing that. I need to know she’ll be safe when I’m gone."

"You have my word. You don’t need to worry about anything," Damien replied solemnly.

I remained in the room with Mom for several more hours, but eventually I felt suffocated by the weight of everything. I needed air, needed space to process what was happening. I stepped out the back of the packhouse, hoping the fresh air would clear my head.

The reality was crushing me. She was dying, and I wasn’t prepared for this at all. Nobody ever really is, but the guilt was eating me alive. Five years I’d stayed away. Five years of missing time that I could never get back.

I’d done it to protect my son, to keep Marcus from discovering he was the father. I still wanted to maintain that secret, but with everything happening, I wasn’t sure how much longer I could manage it. The kids were with their nanny at the hotel, and I had no idea what would unfold here.

As I walked around the exterior of the packhouse, I found myself searching for hidden entrances, wondering if Marcus’s father might be hiding in the basement or somewhere else on the property. Mom was certain she’d seen him, and if that monster had actually killed my father, I would gladly return the favor.

A sudden rush of wind whipped past me, and I straightened, instantly alert.

"What the hell are you doing here, Julian?" I demanded.

"I was curious how long it would take you to return," he said, stepping into view.

"My mother is dying," I said flatly.

"I’m sorry about that," he replied, though his tone suggested other priorities.

"That doesn’t explain your presence here."

"Marcus must have filled you in by now. Multiple wolf packs are aware of the military threat," Julian explained.

"Why is this your concern?" I asked.

"Because you’re the prophet. How many times must I explain this?"

"Fine. If I’m this prophet, then tell me exactly what I’m supposed to do. You want me to eliminate Marcus and reclaim this pack. You want me leading here. How does any of that prevent a war?" I challenged.

"You really don’t understand why the military is investigating, do you? Or how they became aware of our existence in the first place," he said, looking genuinely surprised.

"No, how would I know? I’ve been focused on my own life," I snapped.

"Marcus is taking extreme precautions to keep everyone hidden because this pack is specifically being monitored," he revealed.

"So Marcus did something to expose us," I realized.

"His wolves have been crossing territorial boundaries. They’ve been murdering humans," Julian said.

The words hit me like a physical blow, leaving me completely stunned.

"What did you just say?" I whispered.

"They’re killing innocent people. And they’ve been witnessed by survivors. People have reported seeing enormous wolves behaving unlike any natural wolf," he continued.

"Wolves don’t even exist in this region naturally," I said, my mind reeling.

"Exactly. That’s what alerted the military. Marcus is responsible for all of this," Julian stated.

"What is your family doing about it?" I asked.

"Nothing we can do without exposing ourselves," he admitted.

"You know what? I’m really starting to despise you. Marcus has already drawn their attention. There’s nothing I can do to change that now," I said bitterly.

"Leadership change would be an excellent starting point. You might convince them you’re not a threat, that it was just one rogue Alpha causing problems."

"They’re murdering humans. No one will believe it’ll stop just because Marcus’s gone," I argued.

"I saw you examining his house. You know his father is here too," Julian observed.

"Am I the only one kept in the dark? I thought I was supposed to fix everything, yet nobody tells me anything," I exploded.

"I didn’t think you could handle everything at once. After that meeting with Damien, I knew he’d never let me near you again. We’ve been monitoring this pack, tracking their activities," he explained.

"And there’s more, isn’t there?" I asked wearily.

"There is. But right now, consider all the other wolves in this country. The innocent ones actually protecting humans. This pack is the exception. I know if you were in charge, you’d never permit human casualties," Julian pressed.

"Of course not. But you don’t understand what you’re asking," I protested.

"Forget this pack. They treated you terribly growing up. Most of them deserve consequences for what they did to your family. I don’t blame you for leaving. But think about Damien’s pack, your pack now. Think about your friends. Think about your children," Julian urged.

A low growl emanated from the back door, and I spun around to see Marcus emerging, his face twisted with rage.

"You have children?" he asked through clenched teeth.