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Chapter 16 Cooperation and Competition
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2025-03-01 06:47:55
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Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate Chapter 17 The Tables Turning
(Penelope) The council meeting adjourned after three exhausting hours of debate and planning. Pack leaders dispersed toward the buffet laid out in the adjoining hall—a tradition after these gatherings.The scent of roasted meats, fresh bread, and sweet pastries reminded me I hadn’t eaten since breakfast. I selected a modest plate of rare venison, roasted vegetables, and a slice of crusty bread.Most Alphas clustered in groups, continuing discussions from the meeting while their Betas hovered nearby. I deliberately chose an isolated table near the large windows overlooking the Black Forest.I sliced a piece of venison, savoring the rich flavor as I gazed out at the ancient trees. My phone lay beside my plate—I needed to check on Debbie soon. The memory of her tearful face when I left her with Ryan twisted my stomach.“This seat taken?”I didn’t need to look up. Dominic’s scent announced his presence. He placed his plate across from mine without waiting for permission.“Actually, I wa
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-03-01Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate Chapter 18 Protection
(Penelope)I tucked my empty plate away and stood to leave when a heavy hand clasped my shoulder.“Leaving so soon?”I turned to face Alpha Reginald, one of the oldest members of the council. His silver hair slicked back against his scalp. His watery blue eyes raked over me appreciatively, lingering too long on places they shouldn’t.“Council business calls,” I replied coolly, stepping back to break his contact.“Surely you have time for one drink?” He produced a crystal glass of ruby-red wine, extending it toward me. His yellowed smile stretched across his face. “A toast to our new partnership against these mutant threats.”My instinct screamed to decline, but pack politics demanded certain courtesies. Reginald controlled three southern hunting grounds that Iron Mountain needed access to.“One quick drink,” I conceded reluctantly.He pressed the glass into my hand, his fingers lingering against mine unpleasantly. “Penelope, I’ve always admired your beauty and leadership, as well as a
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-03-01Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate Chapter 19 An Unexpected Surprise
(Penelope)The drug still pulsed through me, but consciousness had mostly returned. My fingers traced the torn button on my blouse absently.The trees thickened as we approached Iron Mountain’s borders. Security cameras disguised as bird nests monitored every approach—a modern addition my father had implemented after several attempted infiltrations last year. “It’s quite uncomfortable, having those in your face,” said Dominic. “I still don’t have cameras at the packhouse.”“Maybe you should,” I observed simply. “Times change. Threats evolve.”He nodded thoughtfully. “The rogue wolves?”“Among other concerns.”The car rounded a final bend, bringing Iron Mountain’s massive boundary gates into view.Without warning, a piercing alarm shattered the silence. Red lights flashed along the perimeter wall.Dominic slammed on the brakes as dark figures materialized from concealed positions, surrounding our vehicle in seconds.“What the hell?” he growled, staring at the warriors who had seeming
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-03-01Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate Chapter 20 Disappointment
(Penelope)“Edward met Debbie?” I repeated. “Without asking me first?”My father’s brow furrowed. “I didn’t realize you’d object. He’s your arranged mate, after all.”“Potential mate,” I corrected sharply. “And Debbie is my daughter—my responsibility. No one meets her without my permission.”“Penelope,” my father said soothingly, “you need to see the healer. We can discuss Edward’s visit afterward.”I shook my head stubbornly, ignoring the way it made the world swim. “I need to see Debbie first.”“The drug in your system—”“Is fading,” I insisted, though my unsteady legs argued otherwise. “I promised her bedtime stories.”My father sighed, recognizing the futility of arguing with me on anything concerning Debbie. “At least let me help you to the house.”I accepted his support reluctantly as we made our way up the stone path to the main house. Pack members nodded respectfully as we passed, though their gazes lingered on my disheveled appearance.“What exactly did Ryan tell Edward abou
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-03-01Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate Chapter 21 Return to Darkwood
Penelope’s POVI stuffed the last shirt into my overnight bag and yanked the zipper shut. The clock on my nightstand read 7:15 AM—I’d barely slept at all, my mind racing about this visit I’d promised. Going back to Darkwood territory after all these years felt like walking into a cage I’d barely escaped.“Mom, where are you going?” Debbie’s small figure appeared in my doorway, Sparkles the unicorn dangling from her hand. Her bright green eyes blinked up at me, worry written across her little face.I knelt down in front of her. “Just for one night, sweetheart. I’ll be back tomorrow before you know it.”“But you never go away,” she whined, her lip jutting forward in that adorable way that never failed to tug at my heart. “Never ever.”“I know, baby.” I hugged her tight, breathing in her baby scent. “But this is important. Grandma and Grandpa will stay with you the whole time.”“Can I come too?” she asked, brightening at the potential adventure.My chest tightened. “Not this time. But I
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-03-08Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate Chapter 22 Memories
Penelope’s POVI hurried up the steps into Sophia’s embrace. Her arms wrapped around me, strong and warm and nothing like Dominic’s cold ones. She still used the same perfume, a blend of lavender and spice that brought back bittersweet memories.“Look at you,” she said, stepping back to examine my face. “So beautiful and strong now. Nothing like the frightened girl who left us.”“Thank you for inviting me,” I replied, suddenly emotional. “I’ve missed you.”Her eyes crinkled as she smiled. “Come inside. We have years to catch up on.”The pack house interior was also unchanged with its clean marble floors, antique furniture, portraits of past Alphas lining the walls. The smell of lemon polish and old wood brought back a flood of memories, not all unpleasant.Sophia led me to her private sitting room, a cozy space with plush chairs and bookshelves that reached the ceiling. A tea service waited on a small table.“Sit, darling,” she urged, taking my hand. “Tell me everything. These years
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-03-08Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate Chapter 23 Jealous Rage
Dominic’s POVFiancé. The word burned through my brain like acid. Her fiancé. Edward-fucking-Northern Crescent. That plastic smile, those hands touching her at the banquet, dancing with her like he had any right…I paced the study, fury making my claws extend and retract involuntarily. So many years I’d spent in this hollow existence, her absence a physical ache I couldn’t shake. Now she’d returned stronger, more beautiful, belonging to another…“Damn it!” I slammed my fist into the wall, and the plaster cracked under the impact. Pain shot up my arm, but I welcomed it—anything to distract from the tightness in my chest.A soft knock interrupted my rage. “Alpha?” Kelsey’s voice called through the door.“What?” I barked.She slipped inside, closing the door behind her. “I thought you might need company.”Her dark curls fell across her shoulders as she approached, hips swaying exaggeratedly. Years ago, I’d used her body to forget Penelope’s, but that hollow substitute had never filled t
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-03-08Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate Chapter 24 A Scheme
Penelope’s POVI stepped into Sophia’s room, rummaging through the luxurious wardrobe.A deep burgundy wrap dress caught my eye. I pulled it free, the hanger scraping against the wooden rod. I’d just lifted it over my head, standing in my underwear with the new dress clutched to my chest, when footsteps sounded.I spun around. Dominic stood in the doorway, eyes widening as they met mine.“Get out!” I snapped, pressing the burgundy fabric against myself. “I don’t need any help.”His jaw tightened. Without a word, he turned toward the door, his hand closing around the brass knob. He twisted it sharply.Nothing happened.Dominic’s shoulders tensed. He tried again, jiggling the handle harder. His eyebrows drew together, confusion replacing his previous indifference.“It won’t open,” he muttered, yanking the handle with more force.I quickly slipped the burgundy dress over my head. “What do you mean it won’t open?”“I mean it’s locked.” He rattled the door again. “From the outside.”I rus
ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-03-08
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Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate Chapter 75: The Revelation
Penelope’s POVThe world stopped turning. My lungs forgot how to breathe. Edward froze beside me, his face draining of color.Dominic leaned against the doorframe, his clothes torn and bloody, his skin covered in dirt and scratches. His gray eyes locked onto mine with an intensity that made my skin prickle. Despite his injuries, he stood straight.“You’re alive?” Edward asked, his voice oddly flat.“Are you disappointed?” Dominic replied coldly.Something in his tone sent a shiver down my spine. What did he mean by that? I glanced at Edward, whose hands had tightened into fists at his sides.Edward recovered quickly, his shocked expression morphing into relief so perfect it almost seemed rehearsed. “What are you talking about? We were all worried about you.”I stood up, my body moving without conscious thought. My feet took one step forward, then stopped. Every cell in me wanted to run to Dominic, to touch him, to confirm he was real and not a grief-induced hallucination. The relief ma
Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate Chapter 74: Waiting
Penelope’s POV“Her condition has stabilized,” the healer told me, glancing at the monitors surrounding Debbie’s small bed. “The wolf vine extract neutralized most of the silver toxin. Your blood transfusion did the rest.”I nodded automatically, barely processing his words. My body felt hollow, like someone had scooped out my insides and left nothing but an empty shell.“She needs rest now,” he continued. “The IV will keep her hydrated. With luck, she’ll wake by morning.”“Thank you,” I mumbled.The healer patted my shoulder awkwardly before leaving the room. The door clicked shut behind him. Silence settled over us.I stared at my daughter’s face. Her color had improved. Her breathing came easier now. The immediate danger had passed. I should have felt relieved, but the weight on my chest only grew heavier.Dominic. Gone.My phone rang. Ryan’s name flashed on the screen. I grabbed it, heart leaping into my throat.“Did you find him?” I demanded.“We’ve searched the area below the cli
Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate Chapter 73: Rescue
Dominic’s POVThe wind whipped around me as I plummeted through darkness. My stomach lurched into my throat. Time slowed. Each second stretched into eternity as gravity pulled me toward certain death.I reached out, fingers grasping at nothing but air. The cliff face disappeared above me, Edward’s silhouette growing smaller against the night sky.My life didn’t flash before my eyes like people claimed. Instead, a single face filled my mind: Penelope. Her green eyes, her stubborn chin, the way she protected Debbie so fiercely.“I’m sorry,” I whispered into the rushing air.The ground rushed up. I closed my eyes, bracing for impact. This was it.Something solid crashed into me mid-air. Not the ground—something warm and alive. My eyes flew open as strong limbs wrapped around my torso. A powerful body collided with mine, absorbing the momentum of my fall.We hit the ground hard but not fatally. The breath exploded from my lungs. Pain shot through my back, but it wasn’t the shattering pain
Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate Chapter 72: Heartbreaking News
Penelope’s POVI looked around the room, scanning for any sign of Dominic. The hallway behind Edward remained empty. My gaze returned to Edward, a hint of urgency creeping into my voice.“Didn’t Dominic come back with you?”Edward’s face fell, his expression shifting to one of dejection. He lowered his head, unable to meet my eyes for several long seconds. When he finally looked up, his amber eyes showed what appeared to be genuine sorrow.“There was an accident,” he said softly. “We were both trying to reach the wolf vine. It was growing on the cliff face, difficult to access.” He paused, swallowing hard. “We accidentally fell off the cliff while fighting for the wolf vine.”My breath caught in my throat.“I managed to grab onto a ledge,” Edward continued. “But Dominic…” He shook his head slowly. “Competition is competition, but I never thought it would turn out like this.”His words crashed in my mind, echoing painfully inside my skull. My heart ached as if physically torn in two. A
Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate Chapter 71: A Mother’s Vigil
Penelope’s POVI sat in the clinic room, the wound on my arm throbbing faintly beneath the bandages. The pain medication had dulled the worst of it, but nothing could numb the ache in my heart as I stared at Debbie’s small form on the hospital bed.My daughter lay unconscious, her skin unnaturally pale against the white sheets. Tubes and monitoring equipment surrounded her, beeping steadily with each heartbeat.I stroked her little hand with my fingers, willing her to wake up, to open her eyes and call me “Mommy” again.Outside the window, the sky was darkening. Night was falling, and still no word from Dominic or Edward. The wolf vine they sought was Debbie’s only hope, according to the healers.As I watched the shadows lengthen across the floor, a strange sensation washed over me. My heart gave a sudden, painful lurch, as if something important had been torn away. The feeling was so intense I gasped, my hand flying to my chest.“Are you alright?” A nurse checking Debbie’s vitals look
Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate Chapter 70: Betrayal on the Cliff
Third Person POVThe question about Edward’s Rogue characteristics distracted Dominic slightly, causing him to fall behind a few steps. He immediately refocused and accelerated his pursuit, pushing his muscles harder to make up the lost ground.The two wolves reached the cliff top almost simultaneously, both panting from the exertion. They reverted to their human forms, bodies materializing from fur and muscle.Standing at the edge of the cliff, they looked down at the steep rock face below. Several emerald green wolf vines swayed gently in the wind, their silver-edged leaves gleaming in the moonlight.Dominic and Edward exchanged a glance, mutual understanding passing between them despite their animosity. They simultaneously took a step toward the cliff edge, each determined to be the one to retrieve the life-saving plant.“Wait,” Edward said suddenly, his eyes widening as he looked past Dominic’s shoulder. “Look! Penelope’s coming?”Dominic turned reflexively, his head whipping aroun
Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate Chapter 69: Race Against Time
Third Person POVAfter the bandaging was done, Penelope’s body temperature dropped dramatically. Her teeth chattered uncontrollably as shock set in. The silver toxin, though removed from her wounds, had sapped her strength and left her system vulnerable.Edward reacted quickly. He slipped off his expensive suit jacket and draped it gently over her shoulders. The fabric, still warm from his body, enveloped her like a protective shield.“Thank you,” Penelope said weakly, pulling the jacket tighter around herself.Dominic watched the exchange, a pang of jealousy twisting in his chest. He stood awkwardly by the examination bed, suddenly aware he had nothing to offer her—he’d already torn his shirt into bandages.The emergency room doors suddenly burst open with a bang that echoed through the corridor. A healer strode out, his white coat stained with alarming amounts of blood.Dark circles shadowed his eyes as he removed his surgical mask. His expression, grave and exhausted, sent ice throu
Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate Chapter 68: Silver
Penelope’s POVI burst through the clinic doors, Debbie limping in my arms. “Help!” I screamed. “My daughter needs help!”Medical staff in white coats immediately surrounded us. A female healer with silver-streaked hair took Debbie from me.“Silver poisoning,” she diagnosed immediately, seeing the residue on my daughter’s neck. “Get her to emergency room three!”They whisked Debbie away on a gurney, leaving me standing in the hallway, my arms suddenly empty. The adrenaline that had kept me going evaporated instantly. My knees buckled, and I collapsed onto a bench against the wall.Trembling overtook my body as I stared at the wounds on my arm. Blood continued to seep through Dominic’s makeshift bandages, dripping onto the white tile floor. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the crimson drops. My vision tunneled, focusing only on the blood that matched what had stained Debbie’s little dress.Edward moved first, squatting in front of me. He took my hands in his, trying to catch my unfocus
Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate Chapter 67: Attack in the Restroom
Dominic’s POVI leaned across the table, keeping my voice low enough that nearby diners couldn’t hear. “There are many suspicious points about Ruby’s death. The knife wound on her stomach didn't match the mutant’s attack pattern. Your convenient arrival at the scene. The fact that you were the only witness.”Edward’s face hardened instantly. “Are you implying I had something to do with her death?”“I’m simply pointing out facts,” I replied. “Strange coincidences surrounding you.”“That’s slander,” Edward said sternly. “Be very careful about making such accusations without evidence, Dominic. My family name carries significant weight in pack politics.”“Threats now?” I asked. “That’s telling.”Edward’s lips curved into a cold smile. He abruptly changed the subject. “Speaking of danger, I hear your pack territory has recently seen frequent occurrences of mutated werewolves. The Council has marked it as a high-risk area, hasn’t it?” His tone turned mocking. “Hardly seems like you could pro
