I Died, and My Alpha Father Went Mad

This wasn't the first time Mom fed me wolfsbane to make me call Dad. Mom always said a tiny dose wouldn't hurt as long as I took the antidote.

At first, Dad worried about me. But every time he rushed me to the doctor, they found nothing wrong. He completely lost his patience.

This time was no different. Their argument grew louder until Dad shoved Mom hard to the floor. Enduring the burning agony of the poison, I crawled over and tugged at his pant leg.

Daddy, please don't fight with Mommy. I'm okay now, I whimpered.

Thud. He kicked me aside. I slammed into the floor. Dark spots danced in my vision as the pain made me curl into a tight ball.

Dad just glared at me with disgust. Drop the act. You pull this every time. How long are you going to keep playing this game?

He turned to leave, but Mom grabbed him frantically. Charles, she's your flesh and blood! How can you just walk away?

He shook her off, furious. What do you mean? You've taught this kid nothing but how to lie! She's exactly like you—disgusting!

Mom froze, a manic glint in her eyes. Like me? Weren't you the one who lied first? You swore you would make me your mate! If you hadn't promised me that, I never would have had this brat! If you don't care about her, then neither will I!

Dad shook his head, indifferent. Whatever. I don't want her anyway.

Hearing that, I forced my heavy head up and begged, Daddy, please want me. I'm a good girl. I don't eat much, I won't cause trouble, and I won't make the Luna mad.

He finally looked at me. Maybe it was because I looked so pathetic, or maybe because I looked so much like him, but a flicker of pity crossed his eyes. He patted my head.

Drop the act. It's exactly what your mother does. I have to go buy your sister a birthday gift today. I'll come see you when I have time.

Damn it! Useless brat! Mom kicked a chair the moment Dad left. She pulled a pillbox from her purse and tossed it on the floor. Take the antidote yourself. Don't you dare die in here and cause me problems!

With that, she slammed the door, her heels clicking away down the hall.

The pills rolled right next to my hand. I used the last of my strength to dry-swallow them. But this time, the antidote didn't work. Vaguely, I remembered the warning label: Repeated use will build resistance.

The burning pain intensified. I started coughing up blood. Instinctively, I wanted to cry out for them. I wanted to say, "Daddy, it hurts so much. I'm really not lying."

But I quickly realized they couldn't hear me. And even if they did, they probably wouldn't care. So I kept my mouth shut as the world faded to black.

Finally, my inner wolf let out a weak whimper, and the pain faded away.

I drifted upward, weightless. Looking down, I saw my stiff, seven-year-old body lying on the cold floor. I was dead.

But I wasn't scared; I actually felt relieved. Since neither Mom nor Dad wanted me, death was a release. They wouldn't have to fight over me anymore, and they could live their own lives.

An invisible force tugged at my soul. When I opened my eyes again, I was in the most luxurious jewelry store downtown. It was brightly lit, and Dad was standing at the counter. His face was gentle, wearing a smile I had never seen before.

Alpha, this is the finest pink diamond in our store, the manager said respectfully, presenting a dazzling gem. It will make a perfect wolf pendant for Miss Maya.

I remembered my own birthday last week. I had asked for a simple cotton dress, but Dad had snapped, Why are you so greedy?

Yet now, staring at the expensive diamond, he smiled at the clerk and said, Maya is going to jump for joy.