The Truth Behind Claiming Serafina

Alpha King Daxton’s POV

~Wedding Day~

"Alpha King, a body was found just before dawn."

Lord Cassian's voice sliced through the heavy silence, his tone clipped and serious.

I didn't turn immediately.

My gaze remained fixed on the standing mirror before me as my attendant fastened the clasps of my ceremonial robe.

The deep black and crimson fabric draped over my broad shoulders, the weight of tradition pressing against my skin.

Lord Cassian stepped further into the chamber, his reflection appearing in the mirror.

"Same method. The heart was taken."

My fingers stilled against the fabric. A slow, simmering rage coiled in my chest.

I finally turned, my golden eyes snapping to Lord Cassian's. "Where?"

Lord Cassian pulled a folder from his coat, flipping it open.

"In the main city. Near the merchant quarter."

He handed me a photograph. The image was gruesome.

A clean, precise kill.

No signs of struggle.

The victim's chest cavity was ripped open with brutal efficiency, the heart completely missing.

This wasn't random.

It was deliberate. And the message?

Unclear but dangerous nonetheless.

My jaw tightened as I handed the photo back. "My brother?"

"He's reinforced the city patrols but is requesting further orders."

I exhaled slowly.

"Tell him to double security and begin a full-scale investigation."

Lord Cassian nodded. "And us?"

"We return to the city in two days."

Lord Cassian bowed in acknowledgment. But just as he turned to leave, I spoke again.

"What about Serafina?"

Lord Cassian hesitated briefly before answering. "Madam Rachel is preparing her now."

I gave a curt nod and turned back to the mirror.

Last night, I had left her waiting at dinner.

It hadn't been intentional.

I had simply lost track of time during a strategy meeting with my warriors.

By the time Lord Cassian reminded me, it was too late.

Did she sit there waiting?

Did she fume in silence?

Or did she curse my name under her breath?

I almost smirked because Serafina from Northern Ironveil wasn't a timid little thing.

She was mouthy and sharp-tongued when she wanted to be.

But then, I recalled the state I found her in yesterday.

For a brief second, my wolf had snarled, baring its teeth in silent outrage.

Not at Serafina, but at her absence all these years.

She had stood there in front of me, trembling, yet still holding her chin up.

No weeping, no begging.

She had refused to come with me and instead made her demands.

I had given her an order.

Her father had cast her out. And still, she tried to fight me.

A slow smirk curled at the corner of my lips.

She had fought me over the room, too.

She had demanded her own space as if I had ever planned to share mine with her.

So, I let her have her distance.

I had given her exactly what she wanted.

A room far away, buried in the maze of staircases and corridors.

Had she learned her lesson after climbing all those stairs last night?

Maybe now she understood: I don't negotiate. I command.

"Done, My Alpha King." My attendant took a step back, retrieving a red velvet box from the table. He opened it, revealing a golden crest bearing the emblem of my bloodline.

With careful hands, he pinned it to the left side of my chest, followed by other ceremonial accessories.

Something was off. I frowned, adjusting the crest slightly. "It's slanted."

The attendant paled. "Apologies, My Alpha King. I'll fix it immediately."

As he hurried to correct it, the door swung open. I didn't need to turn to know who had entered.

Randall Cole. My uncle.

His presence filled the room before he even spoke. Commanding. Overbearing. Relentless.

Beside him walked Oscar Elrod, one of my trusted advisors and closest allies.

Unlike my uncle, Oscar was calm and methodical. He spoke only when necessary, but when he did, his words carried weight.

I already knew why my uncle was here.

"Daxton." My uncle's voice was sharp. "Call off this wedding."

I sighed, barely concealing my annoyance. "We've had this conversation already."

"That's because you have refused to listen."

He took a step forward, his dark eyes narrowing. "The Council Elders are against this. They see Serafina as a threat."

A slow blink. "Do they?"

"They do not support this union and will do anything to eliminate her," my father pressed.

Ah. So, it had already begun.

I wasn't surprised.

The Council Elders were predictable, power-hungry fools.

And I was prepared for them.

"Then she will have to survive," I said simply. "And I don't need their support."

My father's nostrils flared.

"Daxton, this is madness. What kind of King takes a cursed woman as his bride?"

I slowly turned to face him fully.

"The kind of King who does not answer to anyone."

Power rolled off me, thick and suffocating. It was a warning.

My uncle's jaw ticked. "This isn't a joke, Daxton!"

He was losing. And he knew it.

The silence stretched out for seconds.

Then, Oscar finally spoke. "You misunderstand, Randall."

His voice was controlled and unwavering as he turned to my father.

"Daxton didn't choose Serafina Voss out of emotion. This is a calculated move."

My father exhaled sharply. "Then enlighten me."

Oscar's gaze remained steady. "Had Daxton chosen a royal Alpha's daughter, the others would see it as a power play. A declaration of war."

A pause.

"They will fight for dominance. It will divide the packs, creating internal war."

Oscar's eyes flickered toward me. "By choosing a powerless, wolfless woman, he prevents that battle. At least for now."

The truth was laid bare.

This wasn't about Serafina.

This was about keeping the werewolf leaders from tearing each other apart.

There were five major clans in our Werewolf Kingdom.

And each pack took turns ruling the tribe on a five-year term.

As the next in line to the throne, some fights were inevitable.

My uncle was silent.

His jaw ticked, but I could see the gears turning in his mind.

He knew Oscar was right.

After a long pause, my father exhaled sharply. "I hope you know what you're doing."

I met his gaze without hesitation.

"I always do."