Ruse

Ryker -POV

"Silence and sit down; let me explain," Mom commanded sharply. "I am a hybrid, part wolf, part demon. As the first heir of the demons, my mixed blood made me ineligible to be their queen, so I was exiled. In my rogue state, I met your father, my mate, but I concealed my demonic powers from him."

"Why did you kill Dad? Was it because you didn't love him, or did you want to prevent the Moon Goddess's sword from slaying more demons?" I asked, my voice laden with suspicion and hurt.

"I did love your father, but things went terribly wrong," she began. "On a trip, he discovered my true origin. His hatred for demons was profound, and it led to a fierce confrontation. Not to mention, I resented him for having a son, Elton, with another woman. Our argument escalated, and your father, in a fit of rage, tried to kill me."

Mom paused, her eyes distant. "In self-defense, I unleashed my power and, unintentionally, killed him. Unable to return to the Pack, I created an illusion that we bo