Chapter 40: Something Unexpected

최신 챕터

• Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate   Chapter 155: A Father’s Joy

  Dominic’s POVI kept my eyes fixed on Debbie as she bounced around the training grounds behind the pack house, her excitement infectious as she discovered each new area of my family’s territory..“Daddy, what’s that building over there?” Debbie pointed toward the weapons storage facility.“That’s where we keep our training equipment,” I explained, lifting her up so she could see over the fence. “Swords, bows, practice gear for teaching pack members how to fight.”“Can I learn to use a sword? A real one?”“When you’re older,” Penelope said quickly. “Much older.”“But I’m already really good at fighting! Miss Carter says I’m the best in my age group!”The pride that swelled in my chest was overwhelming. My daughter—brilliant, fierce, determined—had gotten my competitive spirit, my refusal to back down from challenges.“Fighting and weapons training are different things,” I told her gently. “But yes, someday I’ll teach you everything you want to learn.”Debbie’s face lit up like the sun.

• Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate   Chapter 154: Coming Home

  Penelope’s POVI brought Debbie to visit Dominic’s pack house for the first time since she was born, my hands gripping the steering wheel as we passed through the security gates.“Mommy, look how big everything is!” Debbie pressed her face against the passenger window. “Are all those people Daddy’s family?”“Some are family, some are pack members who live and work here.” I followed the winding drive toward the main house. “Remember what we talked about—best behavior.”“I remember! I’m gonna be the politest ever!”The pack house rose ahead of us, all stone and tall windows. I’d been here before, but returning as the mother of Dominic’s acknowledged daughter felt completely different. Every window seemed to watch our approach.Dominic appeared at the front entrance before I’d even stopped the car, and behind him stood Luna Sophia in an elegant blue dress. “There’s Daddy!” Debbie fumbled with her seatbelt. “And there’s a fancy lady! Is that my grandma?”“That’s Sophia, yes. Mind your man

• Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate   Chapter 153: A Daughter’s Heart

  Penelope’s POVI sat on Debbie’s bed that evening, her stuffed animals forming a protective circle around us.“Mommy, why do you look scared?” Debbie asked, her green eyes studying my face. “Did something bad happen?”“Nothing bad, sweetheart. Actually, something wonderful.” I smoothed the blanket around her legs. “But it’s very important, so I need you to listen carefully.”Debbie sat up straighter, clutching her elephant. “Okay. I’m listening really good.”“You know how you’ve always wondered about your daddy? How you used to ask me where he was?”“You never told me,” Debbie said slowly. “But you always got sad when I asked.”“I got sad because I was keeping a secret from you. A big secret that I thought was protecting you, but now I know you deserve the truth.”“What secret?”My heart hammered against my ribs. “Your daddy…has been here the whole time.”Debbie’s eyebrows pulled together. “I don’t understand.”“Ice Cream Uncle,” I said gently. “Dominic. He’s your real father, Debbie.”

• Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate   Chapter 152: A Promise

  Penelope’s POV“Ladies, continue your drills,” I called out, my voice shakier than I wanted. “I need to speak privately.”The women scattered across the mats, their whispers following us as I led Dominic toward the back corner where equipment racks blocked most sightlines.“Penelope,” he said quietly, “it’s over. The council found everything—his laboratory, the ritual chamber, financial records connecting him to the kidnapping operation.”“I should have believed you.” The words tumbled out before I could stop them. “About the cliff, about Ruby, about everything. You kept trying to warn me, and I called you paranoid.”“The evidence looked convincing—”“No.” I cut him off. “The evidence looked convenient. Too convenient.” I shook my head. “I let old hurt cloud my judgment.”Dominic stepped closer, close enough that I could see the exhaustion lines around his eyes. “You were protecting Debbie. Any mother would have done the same.”“But I knew you. Deep down, underneath all my anger and

• Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate   Chapter 151: The Final Proof

  Dominic’s POVThe council chamber felt different on this final day of proceedings. Instead of the tense atmosphere that had dominated previous sessions, there was a sense of resolution in the air. I scanned the assembled crowd for Penelope’s familiar face but didn’t find her among the spectators.Nathan sat in the front row where she was supposed to be, his hands folded as he waited for the formal announcements. When he caught my eye, he nodded—a gesture that would have seemed impossible just days ago.“All rise for Elder Richard,” someone announced.We stood as the Elder entered, his ceremonial robes rustling as he took his position behind the elevated bench.“Please be seated,” Richard said, settling into his chair. “We are here for the final disposition of charges against the Darkwood Pack in relation to the kidnapping of minor children and related criminal activities.”My stomach clenched despite knowing what the verdict would be. Weeks of investigation had led to this moment, but

• Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate   Chapter 150: The Chamber of Horrors

  Penelope’s POVThe underground laboratory beneath Edward’s estate felt like descending into hell itself. Council investigators led me through reinforced corridors carved from solid rock, the air filled with smells that made my stomach turn.“The main ritual chamber is just ahead,” Investigator Remus said, his voice echoing off the stone walls. “I must warn you, the contents are disturbing.”Nothing could have prepared me for what I saw when we entered the central room.An altar dominated the space, its black stone surface stained with dark substances that looked suspiciously like dried blood. Carved symbols covered every inch of the walls—twisted designs that seemed to writhe in the flickering light from overhead fixtures.“What is all this?” I whispered, my voice barely audible.“Ritual implements,” Remus’s assistant explained, gesturing toward tables covered with ceremonial knives, ceremonial bowls, and devices I couldn’t identify. “Specifically, rituals involving the transfer of blo