The Alpha's Secret

As I was about to leave, King Benjamin suddenly wrapped his arms around me from behind. I froze, my heart pounding violently in my chest. I tried to pull away, but his grip only tightened.

“Don’t go,” he pleaded, his voice low and unusually gentle.

I turned to face him, desperate to look into his eyes. His gaze looked almost innocent as he spun me around and drew me closer to him.

“I never asked anyone to bring you here,” he confessed.

“That’s not what I was told—”

“Whatever you were told is a lie,” he cut in.

“Remember the words I said to you that morning? I meant every one of them.”

“How is that even possible?” I interrupted. “It was only one morning. Whatever happened between us was a mistake—something that was never meant to happen again. I only allowed it because I feared you would kill me or cast me into the wild like the other maidens who cleaned your chambers—”

“I would never do that.”

“It is forbidden for an Alpha to be seen with a non-shifter—”

“I am the Alpha!” King Benjamin thundered. “I make the rules. This is my pack, and I do as I please. Everyone here answers to me—including you.”

I tore myself from his hold and stared at him in disbelief. It was as though he had completely lost his mind.

“Guards!” he called sharply. “Take her to my chambers and summon the chief maiden.”

About thirty minutes later, his furious voice echoed through the halls as he confronted Madam Laura.

“You have no right whatsoever to interfere in my affairs!” he barked.

“I’m sorry, sir. Luna Tanya—”

“Luna?” he snapped. “She is not my Luna yet. And you will take orders from no one but me. Is that understood?”

“Yes, sir,” Madam Laura replied, her voice trembling.

By now, everyone must have heard what had transpired. I hated being at the center of it all. I refused to believe I was the cause of his anger.

“What is going on here?” Tanya’s voice cut through the tension.

I recognized her instantly. The maidens often whispered about her—fearless, powerful, the daughter of one of the pack’s most influential chiefs.

“Do you now shout at your workers?” Tanya asked.

“I heard you all the way from the gates.”

The sound of her heels sent shivers through the guards and maidens alike. Even locked inside the king’s chambers, I felt a chill run through me.

“You are not my Luna,” King Benjamin warned coldly. “Do not ever try to control me again.”

His eyes burned red, veins bulging as he stormed away.

“And if I don’t listen?” Tanya challenged.

“I will serve you their heads on a platter,” King Benjamin replied.

I was still trapped inside King Benjamin’s chambers, with nowhere to go. I paced from one corner of the room to the other, desperately searching for an escape—any way out.

When the door opened, my thoughts scattered. My heart raced uncontrollably. I couldn’t face what waited outside. I feared Madam Laura. I feared the consequences. Most of all, I was terrified of what Tanya would do if she discovered I had shared an affair with her husband. Regret hit me instantly.

“Why are you pacing?” King Benjamin asked, tossing his shirt onto the bed.

I shivered. My hands trembled as I clasped them together. “I’m sorry if I caused any trouble—”

“You didn’t,” he said softly.

“Please… may I return to my duties?” I begged.

As he stepped toward me, I retreated instinctively, my back inching away.

“Don’t be afraid of me, Naya,” he said gently.

“Don’t fear anyone—especially not in this palace. As long as you are here, I can protect you.”

“I don’t need your protection,” I replied, my voice steadier than I felt. “All I want is to go back to work.”

I finally came to a halt when the wall stopped me from retreating any farther. King Benjamin placed one arm above my head, caging me in. He leaned closer, inhaling my scent, a slow smile forming on his lips as his eyes roamed over me. With his other hand, he lifted my chin, forcing my face upward before crushing his lips against mine in a fierce kiss. His hand slid to my waist, holding me firmly.

“No other man will ever have you but me, Naya,” he said darkly. “You can run. You can hide. I will still find you.”

He kissed my face again, softer this time.

“Why?” I whispered. “Why does it have to be me? I’m not the right Luna for you. Tanya is your fated mate—”

“She was chosen by her father and the elders,” King Benjamin cut in. “Not by the Goddess.”

“I don’t want to be caught with you—”

“Then we keep it a secret,” he said quietly. “Give me a chance let me show you how to love me. I don’t have answers for what I feel. I don’t know why your presence affects me this way. All my life, I have protected others, fought for my people, bled for my pack. For once, I want something for myself—even if everyone stands against it.”

His voice softened. “I can’t control these feelings. I can’t control what’s happening to me right now. All I know is that I want you. And if that isn’t love, then I don’t know what is. I love you, Naya.”

“What?” I breathed weakly. “But I can’t even shift. I’m not worthy of being loved.”

“Give it time,” he said gently. “We’ll do this your way. As secretive as you want. Just don’t avoid me when I call for you." He pleaded.

I nodded in agreement. I agreed to do whatever he wants. I wants to know how my worst enemy would make me fall in love with him.