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24: Secrets, Lies, and Desperate Ties
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2025-04-13 20:09:45
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Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in   25: When Bonds Break and Scars Remain
A century agoThe wind howled outside, clawing at the walls like a restless beast.He stood near the window, his gaze fixed on the darkened sky.The storm mirrored the turmoil brewing inside him.His chest tightened as footsteps sounded behind him.Soft, hesitant steps that belonged to only one person."You're late," he said without turning.His voice was low, strained.âI wasnât sure if I should come,â Antara whispered.At the sound of her voice, he finally faced her.Her golden hair spilled over her shoulders.Her blue eyes, once so warm, barely met his.âYou shouldnât have come at all,â he said bitterly.âUnless youâve changed your mind.âShe swallowed hard, her fingers curling into the fabric of her gown.âI havenât.âIt felt like the air had been knocked from his lungs.âDonât do this,â he said quietly.âPlease, Tara...âHer eyes closed at the sound of her name on his lips.When she opened them again, her gaze was firm.âIâm sorry,â she said.âIâve made my choice.ââYouâre choosi
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2025-04-14Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in   26: Scars Etched in Silence: The Secrets That Bind Us"
Lena dropped to her knees, calling Milicentâs name, but she was unresponsive.âCedric,â Alpha Darius called amid the chaos.Cedric appeared beside him, sharp and attentive.âTake the slave out,â Darius ordered.âYes, Alpha.â Cedric bowed, then bent down and scooped Milicent into his arms. He carried her in a bridal hold, his gaze lingering on her face as he walked out.Once they were outside, beneath the shade of a tree, Milicentâs eyes fluttered open. She blinked groggily, only to find Cedric staring at her with an amused smile.She squeezed her eyes shut again.âPlease... let me down,â she whined, her voice barely above a whisper.Cedric didnât answer. His smile widened.âPlease, Beta Cedric,â she pleaded. âIâm sorry for what I said. I didnât mean any of it.ââBut you still said it,â Cedric mused, his tone light yet firm. âAnd the Alpha heard every word.âHe paused deliberately, as though savoring the tension.âWhat do you think he should do to you?â His voice dipped lower. âTear yo
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2025-04-14Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in   27: Whispers Bound in Blood
"You were right, she's not Kara Voss," Alpha Darius said as he walked into his office, his beta trailing behind."I told you," Cedric replied.Darius sank into his chair, dragging a hand down his face. "But what I don't understand is why she's hiding the truth. What's stopping her? Trade goods or freedom?""Likely."He scoffed. "And she thought this was the best place to find freedom?"Cedric stepped further into the room, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I donât think so. Remember? She tried to escape when she first arrived. Doesn't seem like someone seeking freedom."Silence lingered between them.Then, flashes of Lena coughing up blood flickered through Dariusâs mind. The way she'd tried to speak but ended up choking on her own words."A-ha!" His hand slammed on the desk. "They're clever. Very clever. Lydia Voss planted her slave here in place of her daughter and had a witch cast a spell to keep her from speaking the truth. Thatâs why she canât talk. She's bound by magic."Cedri
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2025-04-15Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in   28: A Kiss Born of Fate, Secrets, and Forbidden Desires
The scent that hit Vargr the moment she joined him made his heart leap with unexpected joy.But he kept his expression neutral."Finally, I get to see you," she said, her voice soft and almost heavenly."Hmm-mm." He arched a brow. "Have you been looking for me?"She stepped closer and sat down on the stone beside him.Picking up a pebble, she asked, "It seems you don't come out often.""What's the use of being a secret advisor if I make myself known to the pack?"When she glanced up at him, his face was far too close â mere inches from hers.Her breath caught.Those eyes.They were... beautiful."You're undeniably close, secret advisor," she muttered.He chuckled, leaning back with a smile tugging at his lips. "You can call me Vargr."She shrugged and tossed a stone into the water below."Why were you trying to see me?" he asked. "Is there something I can help you with?""I was curious." She tossed another pebble."Curious about what?""I wanted to know what the Alpha thought about th
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2025-04-16Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in   29: When Power Breeds Contempt and Allies Wear Unexpected Faces
"Do you have no sense of propriety?" Kara demanded, her voice sharp. "When was the last time you bathed?"The young maid lowered her gaze, her face flushing with shame. "I am sorry, Luna.""You ought to be sorry for yourself," Kara retorted coldly. "Leave at once!"The maid bowed her head further and fled, tears tracing down her cheeks."They are but maids, Kara," Valaria remarked with a languid tone, her wine glass poised delicately in her hand. "You cannot expect them to be spotless at all times."Karaâs eyes narrowed, her disdain evident. "Nonsense. My other servant maintains a standard of cleanliness," she scoffed, her eyes rolling dismissively.Selenaâs lips curled into a sly smile. "Isnât that the very reason you hold such disdain for her, Luna? Because she is cleaner and..." She paused, sensing the change in Karaâs demeanor. "I mean... she is more... presentable."Kara yawned, her body stretching languidly across the bed, a portrait of boredom. "Both of you bore me. Leave."The
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2025-04-17Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in   30: Blood, Bonds, and the Forgotten Rituals of the Old Ways"
What Lena encountered as they stepped into the northern wing of the Shadow Fang Pack was far beyond what she had expected. She had underestimated him â greatly.The place was vibrant, almost bustling with life. It mirrored the lively markets of the human world, where merchants called out their wares, eager voices mingled in conversation, and stalls lined the streets, brimming with goods â from richly woven fabrics to fragrant herbs and rare trinkets. The scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air, blending with the faint aroma of burning incense.Children darted between vendors, their laughter ringing out like a melody, while traders haggled with customers over prices. There was warmth here â a sense of community and normalcy that felt foreign compared to the cold tension that clung to the Shadow Fang Packâs main grounds.This wasnât the grim, oppressive environment she had braced herself for. It was thriving, welcoming â a corner of the packâs territory that felt almost un
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2025-04-18Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in   31: Bloodbound and Broken: The Cost of Betrayal and the Burden of Love
"In the ways of the old," the elder began, his voice firm yet distant, "a werewolf wedding was more than just a union of hearts. It was a binding of souls. The ceremony wasnât merely about vows; it was a pact sealed by blood and magic."He paused, giving the room a moment to grasp the weight of his words."The couple would stand beneath the Blood Moon, surrounded by their pack. The Alpha or an elder would draw a ceremonial blade, cutting both bride and groom's palms. Their blood would mix as they clasped hands, creating a bond stronger than words alone."His gaze darkened."But with such power comes risk. If the bond is forced, if one heart wavers or doubts, the magic can turn unstable. A failed bond weakens the mind and spirit. Some say it drives the pair to madness."Murmurs rippled through the room, but Lena wasnât done."And what about... the effects?" she pressed.The elder nodded gravely."A true bond, one forged in love and trust, strengthens both wolves. They become attuned to
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2025-04-19Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in   32: "When Mercy Becomes a Blade"
"My lords," a man greeted, bowing his head before turning to the Alpha. "Alpha, may your reign be long.""What is the matter?" Darius asked.The man gestured to a young human boy, bruised and dressed in torn clothes."For some time now, I've noticed food disappearing from my kitchen," the man explained. "My family and I decided to set a trap. We stayed up through the night and caught him red-handed.""And he's still breathing?" Lord Ronan drawled, sounding bored."My lord, according to our laws, such matters must be brought before the Alpha for judgment.""I know the traditions well," Ronan said, his voice sharp. "But those laws were made for werewolves â not humans. This shouldn't even be a matter for the court."Some of the elders murmured in agreement, shaking their heads."Boy," Alpha Darius called.The boy lifted his battered face, swollen and streaked with dirt."How old are you?" Darius asked."Thirteen years, Your Grace," the boy answered, his voice weak yet steady.Some of th
āļāļĢāļąāļāļāļĢāļļāļāļĨāđāļēāļŠāļļāļ : 2025-04-20
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Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in   46: "Whispers Through the Shadows: The Hidden Truths That Linger in the Silence"
Nightfall in Lenaâs ChambersA soft voice stirred her from sleep. Her eyelids flew open. It was powerfulâcompelling.Dressed in a simple nightdress, she rose, drawn to the voice that called to her very soul.It led her beyond the familiar paths of the pack, deeper into the territory than she had ever ventured.At last, she arrived at an ancient dwelling, its walls weathered by time. She stepped inside."LenaâĶ"The voice whispered again, guiding her down a narrow passage, deeper stillâuntil the air grew heavy, thick with an unfamiliar scent.A scent that struck her like a blow.It was faint yet intoxicatingâsmelt like frost-laced cedar and crushed wildflowers.She pressed forward, descending into a dungeon.There, amidst the dim torchlight, stood a figure. A golden mask concealed half of his face, but his eyesâpiercing, molten goldâbore into her."Beloved." His voice cracked as he inhaled deeply, his entire form shuddering. "You smell ofâhoneyed jasmine and aged myrrh." He sniffed, "Su
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in   45: The Gathering Storm
"How long has she been thus?" Lena inquired the moment they stepped beyond the chamber."Two nights past," came the reply."And how long shall she remain so?"Dylia pondered for a moment before speaking. "That, I cannot say. You see, Milicent was not merely wronged in bodyâshe was stripped of her dignity, her very spirit wounded. Such a loss cannot be mended with time alone.""Then what must be done to aid her?"Silence fell between them.At length, Dylia spoke again. "Has she kin? A beloved, perchance?""I know not," Lena admitted."In such a case, we must seek one who holds her dear. If she knows there is one who awaits her, one who has not abandoned her, it may give her reason to return to us. Yet, I cannot promise she shall ever be as she was."Lena exhaled softly, nodding. "So be it." Then, after a brief pause, she lowered her voice. "There is another matter I must speak of."Dylia regarded her in silence."Come with me," Lena urged, stepping away, beyond the hearing of Cedric wi
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in   44: "The Battle Within"
The battle raged within Dariusâs mind.Two dark beasts stood locked in confrontation.Their growls reverberated through his consciousness, a constant clash of power.A massive black wolf appeared, sleek and controlled.It positioned itself between the Lycan beast and its adversary.Draven, the embodiment of Dariusâs wolf form, stood firm.His gaze was steady, his posture unwavering.He was the image of restraint, the side of Darius that kept chaos at bay.Before him, Craven, the enormous black Lycan beast, snarled.His fury crackled in the air like wildfire, an untamed force of nature.The Lycanâs massive form shook with frustration.His beastly eyes were wild with rage, teeth bared."As expected, you all acted like fools," Craven growled.His voice rumbled deep within Dariusâs mind."If I hadn't been restrained, my mate wouldnât have been wounded, beaten, and nearly violated.""But you two planned this and locked me away for half a century."Tension thickened the air, the weight of C
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in   43: When Thrones Crumble and Vows Shatter
A night past.Within the castle of the witches' clan, Kara paced the chamber, her fingers trembling with barely restrained fury.That treacherous wretchâher own friendâhad taken up with her husband, and she, the rightful wife, was left to seethe in silence.What was her mother planning? Why was it taking so long?"Why have you not touched your meal?" her aunt inquired as she entered, the maid trailing behindâthe same girl Kara had dismissed upon arriving."I've no appetite," she snapped."Foolish girl. We do not waste away over a husband's whore. Nay, we welcome them if it serves our purpose. Stop this sulking and come eat.""I should sit at table while my hands itch to tear that harlot apart?"Her aunt sighed, stepping forward to rest a firm hand upon her shoulder."Your mother is handling it, that much I am certain. You know the woman she is."Kara wet her lips, bitterness sharp on her tongue. "My mother tells me nothing. Explain to me how my own husband took my handmaiden to his be
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in   42: Brief Awakening of the Marked One"
"Beloved..."The voice was gentle yet firm, slicing through the haze of pain and fear. Her eyelids fluttered open, vision blurred, but she recognized the familiar mask, the piercing eyes that haunted both her dreams and waking hours. But this time, instead of mismatched eyes, they were gold."Are you hurt?" His voice was calm, steady, a chilling contrast to the storm raging within her.A sob tore from her throat. Words failed her.His expression darkened. "Did they touch you?"She trembled, breath shallow, suffocating under the weight of horror pressing against her chest like an immovable stone.He exhaled sharply. Then, quieter, softer, yet deadlier, he spoke again."Close your eyes. Do not open them until I am done."She obeyed, squeezing them shut, waiting.Then, a voice rang out."Who dares stand in our way?" one of the men sneered.He did not answer. The very air trembled, thick with an unearthly force, monstrous and beyond mortal comprehension. His body shifted, bones cracking,
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in   41: "When Screams Fade into Silence: A Cry for Help That Never Came"
Warning: This chapter contains R-rated content and potentially triggering material. Reader discretion is advised. If you find such themes distressing, feel free to skip this section.âCome in,â Selena instructed, her voice calm yet firm. âSee that he is given something to drink.âThe maid curtsied and left the room.Selena turned her gaze back to Cedric. âI am inclined to believe youânot because of the Alphaâs name, but because you have shown some measure of truth. Yet I remain doubtful because of your claim to hail from the Shadow Fang Pack. My Alpha considers your kind an enemy, and I see no reason to trust that he would send you here. Speak plainlyâhow did you truly come to possess this seal?âCedric gave a low chuckle just as the maid returned with a cup of wine.âLeave us,â Selena ordered.The maid obeyed without question, bowing deeply before departing.Alone now, Selena folded her hands in her lap, her eyes never leaving Cedricâs face.âYou live up to your reputation,â Cedric s
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in   40: The Luna They Sought, The Sacrifice She Made
Restlessness gnawed at him, his heart pounding fiercely. His wolf stirred in his slumber, then jolted awake, pacing anxiously."Our mate," his wolf growled. "Somethingâs happening to her."Vargr shot to his feet. "Keep enjoying yourselves," he told Jaime. "I must find the Luna."As if the gods themselves willed it, a child stumbled toward the gathering, her dress stained with blood."Some wolves..." she sobbed, her voice trembling.The crowd hushed, encircling her in alarm."Whose blood is that?""Are you hurt?"Questions flooded from the villagers."Do not frighten the child with your clamor," the old storyteller commanded. "Let her speak."Silence fell like a stone.Vargr knelt beside the girl, his voice calm yet firm. "What happened?""Three men came to the gate," she stammered. "They asked for Lena... they wanted to know which of us was her. None of us knew what to say... so they grabbed us, and..." Her breath hitched."And?" Vargr urged."They... they killed one of us," she whisp
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in   39: "The Prophecy of Blood and Doom"
Later that evening. The village gathered around a roaring bonfire. Sparks danced into the night sky, carried by the crisp breeze. Children giggled as they chased each other, their faces glowing in the firelight. Lena sat close to the fire, her gaze fixed on the old man at its center. He stood with a wooden staff in hand, his voice carrying over the crowd."Love," the old man began, "is not born from words or promises alone. It thrives in patience, in sacrifice... in choosing to stay when walking away feels easier."The crowd murmured in agreement. Some couples linked hands, others exchanged quiet smiles."Respect," the man continued, "isnât just listening when itâs easy. Itâs understanding when words wonât come, and choosing kindness when anger tempts you otherwise."Lena shifted closer to the fire. Memories stirredâher motherâs laugh, her gentle hand resting on her shoulder. She remembered her village before the raids, before slavery, before her life had been stolen from her. The
Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in   38: Bonds Tested, Trust Betrayed
Vargr followed Lena down the narrow forest path.After a short trek, they reached a clearing where a grand carriage stood waiting. Two powerful black horses stood hitched to it, their breath misting the cool night air.A cloaked figure leaned against the carriage, hand on the hilt of a sheathed sword. At the sight of Lena, he straightened.âYouâre late,â the man said, his voice sharp yet familiar.Vargrâs eyes narrowed. The manâs face was hidden beneath his hood, but the smug stance â and the hint of a smirk â put Vargr on edge.âWhoâs this?â Vargr asked, stepping protectively beside Lena.She ignored him, pulling open the carriage door. âWe need to leave. The guards will notice I'm gone soon.ââYou didnât answer my question,â Vargr pressed.The cloaked man chuckled. âRelax.â He pushed back his hood, revealing sharp features and dark hair. âNameâs Jaime.ââFriend of mine,â Lena said. âHeâs helping us.ââHelping us do what?â Vargr shot back.âGet away,â Jaime answered. âUnless youâd ra
