Chapter 30

Reina's POV

It was night. Around 10pm.

Today had been a great first day in my new home, and my father made sure I enjoyed every bit of it as he took me around and showed me different amazing places in the park, especially the woods that had several animals.

We hunted together, savoring the warmth of the breeze and the beautiful sight of the waterfall.

After living in a faraway pack all my life, I had always dreamt of this day. My father visits once in a while because he doesn't want his enemies to know about my existence.

He would tell me how the entire vampire race was seeking my head, how they were relentless in capturing me.

Because of this, I trained harder, mastering a lot of skills and abilities. My wolf had grown so fierce and sharp that I graduated as the most powerful female in school.

All my classmates were asking me how I could reach such a level without knowing I had the Alpha blood in me. The secret was only between me and the proprietor. Dad had paid a lot to keep my secret.

After twenty years, I was finally home—where I truly belonged. My father had told me how my mother died, and now my only desire was to lead the war to destroy the vampire clan.

I hated them with a burning passion.

But something strange happened today at the palace.

I asked about the hunter’s daughter, and when I was told she had fallen in love with a vampire and escaped with him, I wasn’t furious. Not at Diane.

Instead, I was fascinated.

I couldn’t stop imagining how that forbidden romance had started, how it grew until it consumed them both.

They broke the rules for their love, and that made me really want to meet her.

I really hoped to meet her someday, holding on to the belief that she was still alive.

And somehow, deep inside, I was sure she was—though I couldn’t explain why.

The only thing that ruined my mood today was the mate scent I caught—from that fool.

I had always desired to meet my fated mate, and I imagined a strong, handsome and noble Alpha. There were a lot of charming princes I met in my former pack since I turned eighteen.

Although they were all that I wanted in a man, they didn't have my mate's scent.

I didn't want a chosen mate because the bond isn't so strong.

How could the moon goddess play a filthy prank on me by giving me a stupid mate at the end?

All my father told me about Jaden had made me hate him even before I came to this pack, and I already planned on how I would make his life miserable, only to sniff my mate's scent from his body.

It irked the shit out of me.

Just then a knock sounded on my door, and I already knew it was my father from his soothing scent.

"Come on, Dad. You took so long..." I pouted, sitting up from the bed and leaning on the bed with a pillow on my thighs.

"Yeah. Since I would spend a lot of time with you that night, I wanted to make sure I wrapped every pending issue up. Are you ready to hear the whole story?" He smiled, and I nodded eagerly while he sat beside me.

I had made him promise to tell me everything about Diane and her vampire lover, then all I should know about Jaden, my ex-mate. Also, about the school I would be enrolling in.

But I was more interested in Diane and Leo's love story.

"I will only tell you all I know. If she were here, she would be able to give you the full details on how it all went on. But even if she didn't escape, I would have killed her. The punishment for betrayal is death!" He seethed, and I nodded even though my heart didn't agree.

I don't want Diane dead.

He began the story, and I was keen, listening with rapt attention and imagining everything in my head.

"So she sacrificed her wolf ability and her hunter blood to save him? Wow... That's wild!" I exclaimed, folding my arms.

"Leo ruined her life." He sighed. "She was going to be a potentially great hunter in this pack."

"You're right. Sometimes we end up loving the wrong person. But I believe she enjoyed those moments, especially as Jaden had shattered her in the first place." I shrugged, and he nodded.

"I am happy you rejected that boy. He is very ambitious and acts rashly. I know he will fall into our trap." He added with a smug smile, and I chuckled.

"For sure. He is still obsessed with the throne, and that would blind him. I can't wait to lay him on the rock and chop off his head for betrayal!"

My reply made him grin. "I trust you. Soon, we will rule over the vampires and expand our territory. You will be the greatest female alpha in the world."

I blushed hard, nodding.

"Stop flattering me yet," I said and yawned.

"Alright. Time to sleep. You would need a rest after the long journey." He pecked my cheek, and I smiled.

"Yes. But I need one more favor."

He paused in his tracks. "Say it, dear."

"I think Diane was deceived by that so-called Leo. He hid his true nature and made her fall in love with him. She won't have given him her heart if she knew who he was." I sighed, and he raised an eyebrow.

"What do you want to ask of me?"

"Is there a way to check if she is still alive and bring her back home?" I mumbled, and for the first time, his eyes went darker on me.

"What? Are you out of your mind?"

"I'm sorry. I just feel she would have been my best friend here." I muttered, blinking and avoiding his gaze.

"In school, you will meet a lot of friends! Diane is dead to us. It would be a huge favor if they had killed her, but if she ever shows up, I will personally dismember her body!" He threatened with a sharp voice and then stomped out.

"But Diane did nothing wrong. She is innocent and had fallen for a trick." I hissed, lying with my head buried in my pillow.

Just then, another knock landed on the door.

"Dad, it's okay. I am not angry with you. We will talk tomorrow," I said aloud, thinking he was the one knocking to apologize for raising his voice at me.

But then the door opened and, to my dismay, I saw Jaden standing at the door.

He looked pitiful, hair disheveled and eyes puffed like he had been crying.

"You knocked and couldn't wait for me to open the door?" I said coldly.

He stepped in, shutting the door from behind.

“You wouldn’t have opened it if you had heard my voice. You hate me. You just met me, but it’s like I’ve been your enemy for years. Why? Did someone turn you against me?” he mumbled, crouching beside my bed.

“I don’t hate you. I just don’t want you as my mate,” I said, turning away.

“You stripped me of my Beta title and made me an ordinary hunter—”

“That was my choice. I didn’t want you as my Beta, either!” I snapped. “Now tell me why you’re here before I throw you out.”

“Love…” he whispered, reaching for my hand.

“Don’t touch me. Don’t even try,” I warned sharply.

“What can I do to make you like me? I might have wanted the throne before, but only because I thought the king had no heir. No one knew about you then.”

“Fine. Then leave. We can talk tomorrow. I’m tired.”

He shook his head, his voice heavy. “You’ve already demoted me. I’ve lost my right to enter the palace or visit your room freely.”

“I can change that—if you request it.”

“Reina, you’re beautiful and perfect. I waited so long for my mate. I stayed pure, ready for the one meant for me. The Moon Goddess gave me you. Please, let me love you.” He breathed.

I burst into laughter.

"I heard Diane sincerely loved you with all her heart. You promised to make her your chosen mate and queen—even said you'd reject anyone else." I scoffed, and his eyes widened in surprise.

"You used her heart for a dare game. Why did you have sex with your best friend, Selene? You shattered her, and that led her to the club, where she fell into the vampire's trap. You ruined her, and I hate you more for that. Leave now!" I yelled, and he was too stunned to speak.

"It was a mistake...." He managed to say, trying to explain.

I stormed to the door, opened it, and pointed outside. “I don’t care. Leave.”

“I—”

Before he could finish, I grabbed his collar, yanked him out, and slammed the door behind him.