Chapter 18

"You’re really smart.” Kane praised me as soon as the guards left with Diane’s parents, and I felt my heart flutter with excitement.

“I think outside the box. I uncover people’s true motives,” I said with a gloating smile. “Diane’s parents never imagined I’d discover their hidden plan.”

The king nodded in approval.

“You’d make a fine ruler… if given the chance,” he said, leaning back on his throne.

“I won’t let you down,” I replied confidently. “You’ll be proud of me as your heir.”

My grin vanished as his head snapped towards me, his expression strange.

"My heir?" He muttered, eyes narrowing at me. "Who told you that?"

My heart dropped into my stomach and I tried to convince myself he was just joking, maybe playing an expensive prank on me.

“N-No one told me,” I stammered. “I just figured it out… even my father advised me to train harder. As the Beta’s son, I thought—”

Alpha Kane burst into laughter, throwing his head back. He picked up a goblet of wine and took a long gulp, still chuckling.

I chuckled unease, wondering if it was a friendly laughter, but then he stopped, his eyes gleamed with sharp intensity.

“You and your father must be jesters,” he hissed. “And I’m laughing because you’ve both made fools of yourselves.”

I blinked, confused and humiliated. “I… I don’t understand, my king.”

He leaned forward with a stern look. "What don't you understand?" His voice grew cold.

"Had I ever called you my heir or mentioned anything like that to you? The story I told you wasn't all true and complete because I didn't want anyone to know about my secret daughter who would take over the throne after me."

My breath caught. This can't be true.

"I wanted to keep her safe that is why nobody knew. My daughter wasn't killed by the vampires. Her mother hid her under the basement. She’s twenty now—strong, fierce, just like her father—and ready to take the throne.”

Air escaped from my lungs, his words hitting me like a punch to the chest. I was speechless, stunned and shattered.

“Prepare to serve as her Beta,” Kane snapped. “And stop aiming above your rank. As the Beta’s son, you are meant to be a Beta. Take your greedy eyes off the Alpha’s throne.”

“I’m sorry,” I murmured. “i didn't know you had a child. I just thought since you had no child, I would be next—”

“Even if I had no child,” he cut in, scoffing, “Shouldn’t it be my decision who rules after me? What gave you the audacity to assume it would be you?”

Shame burned hot on my face. My mouth clamped shut as I stared at the floor, trying to absorb the blow.

It was the worst moment of my life.

Anger and humiliation slapped me in the face and I realized I had lived all my life in delusion, believing I was the one, while he simply had a daughter who he was arranging the throne for.

At that moment, my father walked in, smiling—until he saw my expression. His smile faded.

“What is your rank in this pack?” Kane barked, his tone sharp.

“My king, you made me your Beta,” my father replied cautiously, already knowing where the question was heading at.

“And as Beta, what should your son grow up to become?”

“The next Beta, unless the Alpha decides otherwise.”

Kane’s eyes blazed. “Then weren’t you foolish to fill his head with fantasies of being Alpha?” His voice seemed more aggressive now.

"I am very sorry, my king. I deserve to be punished."

Kane sneered. “No. You won’t be punished. It’s not a crime to want more for your child.” He leaned forward with a dark smile. “How about a duel with me? If you win, you become Alpha—and then your son will rule after you.”

“No, my lord. I wouldn’t dare!” My father dropped to his knees, and I followed immediately, knowing such a duel would mean his death.

He wouldn’t stand a chance.

“Now you see how hard it is to claim the Alpha’s seat,” Kane growled. “Stop daydreaming.”

“We will remain your loyal Betas,” my father said. “We’ll fight for the pack.”

Kane nodded, motioning for us to stand. “Your son is strong, smart, and sharp. He’ll make a fine Beta for my daughter, who returns home in two days. I can’t wait.”

Kane's eyes shimmered, a huge smile spreading across his face as he looked up to the heavens in happiness.

"Wow, no one knew you had a daughter. That is really a great news, and it calls for a great celebration too! She must look like a goddess, regal, noble and powerful as you." My father grinned.

Kane chuckled and shook his head. "There would be no feast. She is just 20. I am bringing her back to train her and give her the fatherly love she had been deprived of for years." He paused and sighed.

"I just don't know how the vampires got the information about her, but I know they already knew my daughter was returning and would attend that school. That is the only reason Leo snuck into this pack as a teacher in the same school, just to capture her. I am so lucky."

For the first time, I saw tenderness in Kane’s eyes. His love for his daughter ran deeper than his hatred for the vampires. He would sacrifice everything for her.

“You two are the only ones I’ve told. I trust you—but know this: my trust is dangerous. Betray me, and you’ll regret it.” He warned, his eyes sharp like a predator who could strike any second later.

“We are loyal to you and to your daughter,” my father said. “We will give our lives to protect and guide her." My father said cheerfully with a smile.

He seemed genuinely happy about the new heir he just found out about, but that wasn't the same for me.

My dream had crumbled.

My heart had shattered at this news, and I felt absolutely useless and empty.

Do you know how much I dreamt of being the Alpha? How I wake up every morning and wish it was finally the day to be enthroned!

Even in school, I had made sure everyone was aware that I would rule them in the future, and that was why girls wouldn't stop lurking around my bed, hoping to be my queen.

I had lived for this. Trained for this. Believed in it with everything I had.

How would I face the shame of losing it all and remaining the common Beta that would be bound to following the Alpha's orders?

And worst of all...

I would serve under a female Alpha.

Damn it!