First Move Being Reborn

Leonard’s gaze remained fixed on me as he lifted his hand slightly.

“Guards,” he said calmly. “Bring in the bowl of poison.”

Some guards came forward, and placed a bowl before me.

I stared at it for a second.

Then I laughed hysterically, the sound tearing out of my throat like something broken beyond repair.

“So this is it?” I asked hoarsely. “You want me to drink poison and just… die?”

Leonard didn’t flinch.

“Yes,” he replied flatly. “That is the collective punishment decided by the pack.”

My laughter faded into trembling breaths.

“I wouldn’t,” I said, shaking my head. “I won’t.”

My chest rose and fell erratically as I forced the words out. “Normally, a prisoner is entitled to at least three trials. Three chances to prove their innocence. That’s the pack law.” I lifted my head to stare at him. “Leonard, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten such a simple rule.”

He stepped closer. I could smell him, and feel his presence looming over me.

Then he leaned down and whispered, his voice low and cruel enough to shatter what little hope I had left.

“If you don’t drink this,” he said softly, “then your little brother will.”

My breath stopped.

“You wouldn’t dare,” I whispered.

His lips curved. “I already dared to frame you,” he replied casually. “What else do you think I wouldn’t do?”

Tears blurred my vision as my heart pounded violently in my chest.

“I don’t have any deep enmity with you,” I cried. “You said you loved me. You said you loved me all these years. So why… why would you do this to me?”

He straightened, eyes cold and unfeeling. “Love you?” he scoffed. “I’ve always only loved Isla. I just couldn’t openly be with her.” “From the very first time I approached you,” he continued, “I already had something in mind.”

He looked down at me like I was something repulsive.

“I mean, why would you even think I’d want to be with a useless omega like you?” The words shattered me completely.

“Leonard,” I screamed, my voice breaking apart, “don’t you dare hurt my little brother! Don’t you dare!” Before my father died, he made me swear.

To protect my brother with my life.

And now…

I clutched my stomach desperately. “Leonard,” I sobbed. “I’m pregnant with your child.”

My voice trembled uncontrollably.

“I found out about it recently, and was going to tell you about it.”

For a split second, something flickered across his face. Then irritation.

“So what?” he snapped. “Isla is pregnant with my pup too.”

Isla smiled. “And she’s obviously going to give birth to a stronger child.”

I stared at him in disbelief.

“Are you really going to kill me,” I whispered, “and your own child?”

“I don’t care about you,” he said calmly. “Or that child inside you.”

He looked down at me without a shred of pity.

I smiled, it was a hollow, defeated smile.

“Okay,” I whispered. “Just… keep my brother safe. No matter what.”

My hands trembled violently as I reached for the tray.

I looked upward, my lips quivering as tears streamed down my face. “Moon Goddess,” I whispered brokenly. “If you can hear me… please. Give me one chance. Let me come back.” I drank it, and the poison burned instantly, tearing through my throat and chest like fire.

I coughed violently, blood spilling from my mouth and splattering onto the cold stone floor.

Romano laughed again. “Oh,” he said casually, as if remembering something insignificant. “I didn’t mean what I said earlier.”

My vision blurred as I lifted my head weakly.

“I’ll still kill your brother.”

“No!” I sobbed, crawling toward him despite the agony ripping through my body. I grabbed his feet, clutching them desperately.

“Please,” I begged. “You have everything now. Everything. Just let him live. Please.” But he kicked my tummy hard.

I screamed as the poison and the brunt of his force tore through me, burning my insides like fire.

I collapsed forward, convulsing. “My… pup…” I choked.

Blood spilled from my lips as my insides twisted violently.

The pain was unbearable. I could feel my baby, dying inside me. “I’m sorry,” I sobbed, clutching my stomach weakly. “Mum is so useless…”

My vision blurred.

“I’m the reason you’re…”

I choked, my breath coming out in broken gasps as darkness crept in from the edges of my sight.

Just before I lost consciousness, I heard Leonard speak again. “Don’t blame me, I’ll make sure to inherit everything you own,” he added lightly.

“As your husband.”

The world went black, and my body jolted.

A sharp breath tore from my chest as my vision swam, light and color bleeding into one another. For a moment, I couldn’t tell if I was still dying or if this was simply what was supposed to happen after dying.

My fingers twitched, I was standing.

There was a low murmur of voices surrounding me. There was laughter, and the clinking of glasses. Music was also playing softly somewhere in the distance.

I blinked once, then again, trying to understand what was happening. My gaze shifted slowly, carefully, afraid that if I moved too fast, everything would shatter. The temporary Alpha stood beside me wearing the ceremonial robes he only ever wore once.

My chest tightened.

This place…

This was the banquet.

The mandatory gathering, that all Alphas were required to attend once in a year.

My throat went dry. I swallowed hard, my ears ringing as memories surged forward, aligning themselves with horrifying clarity.

If I was calculating it correctly, this was five years before the day I was betrayed. My breathing slowed as the realization settled, heavy and undeniable. I had been reborn. I forced my hands to remain still at my sides, even as my pulse raced.

The moon goddess… She really answered me.

This was just before it all went wrong. A strange calm washed over me.

But I didn’t feel relieved. I felt clarity.

I no longer cared about being Alpha of my pack. That dream had died with me.

If I was going to rise again, I would rise so high that no one would ever dare look down on me. I would make myself untouchable.

My eyes shifted, and I saw Jesse.

One of the Alpha King’s sons. A very bold idea came to my mind immediately. I knew the events that would transpire in the next 5 years like the back of my hand. The Alpha king didn’t have much longer to live, and tonight was the night Jesse would be framed by his brother, also a contender for the throne. He would be framed for rape before dawn. If I was able to strike a bargain with him…

Isaac, my fathers beta whispered into my ears that it was soon our turn to greet the Alpha King.

That pulled me out of my thoughts, the temporary Alpha stepped forward, bowing deeply.

I followed, lowering my head with practiced grace. Just as we straightened, Jesse suddenly turned. He walked toward one of the side exits, disappearing beyond the tall doors.

My heart pounded. There it was. The beginning of what happened that night.

I didn’t hesitate, I quickly stepped away from the temporary Alpha’s side and followed him immediately.

I was careful to keep my distance, when he suddenly stopped and turned around.

I didn’t have time to react. I walked straight into him. My breath left me in a short gasp as his hands came up instinctively, steadying me before I could stumble. The next second, my back hit the wall behind me, cool stone pressing into my spine as his body blocked me in.

His eyes narrowed. “What do you want?” he asked while scanning me up and down suspiciously. “You’d better give me a good explanation, if not…”

I could see his claws slowly coming out, I understand the threat in his words all too well.