Chapter 5

For a moment, I just stared at Donald.

Then I laughed.

It came out rough and disbelieving, the sound of someone refusing to let fear win.

“You’re bluffing,” I said hoarsely. “You’re just saying that to mess with me. That pompous asshole Alpha blackthorn would never even agree to interact with us, much less agree to form an alliance.”

Donald tilted his head, watching me like I was something mildly amusing. Then he laughed too. Though his was Not hysterical like mine.....his was smooth, confident, and cruel.

“Oh, Mabel,” he said, shaking his head. “Why would I waste my time messing with you?! If only you knew how insignificant you really are to me.”

My stomach tightened.

“And it was actually Alpha Blackthorn himself who suddenly reached out to me yesterday,” Donald continued calmly. “It was he himself who offered the partnership not me.”

My breath caught. “Why would he do that?”

Donald shrugged, “Maybe it was because he heard I was the Alpha now,” Donald added, smirking, “and that I was about to marry your sister Anna. It’s you he hates, not us.”

“No,” I whispered, shaking my head. “No, you’re lying.”

“I’m not,” he said flatly. “He sent word personally.”

I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry.

“Why?” I stammered. “Why would you ever accept anything from that bloodthirsty monster? He’s our worst enemy! He slaughtered my family!”

Donald shrugged. “Because I’m not emotional and I have no problem with him.”

I stared at him in horror.

“Plus, He offered us free access to the northern resources,” Donald went on. “Trade routes. Weapons. Territory and Money.”

My heart pounded violently.

“And all he wants in return,” Donald said slowly, “is whatever he asks for.”

I snapped.

“That’s a trap!” I screamed, chains rattling as I surged forward. “You idiot! He’ll use this alliance to destroy us! That’s how he works!”

Donald burst out laughing.

“You really are naive,” he sneered. “You don’t understand politics, Mabel. You never did.”

He leaned closer, his voice dropping.

“You were only meant to serve men not do business. That’s all women like you are good for.”

Something ugly twisted in my chest.

“You think I don’t see it?” he continued. “Women are weak. Emotional. That’s why they’re not trusted to run packs.”

I stared at him in disbelief, rage boiling over.

“You say that,” I snapped, “but you only became Alpha because you married me! You would have nothing without me!”

His smile suddenly vanished at my words.

“This pack is mine,” I hissed. “It belongs to me and It always will. You’re just a fraud.”

Donald’s face darkened with fury.

“Shut up,” he warned.

“You’re incompetent,” I shot back. “And I won’t let you destroy the pack my parents died protecting.”

He stepped closer, eyes blazing.

“And what will you do about it?” he challenged. “You’re weak. Wolfless. Powerless. Locked in chains.”

I met his gaze, unflinching.

“I’ll get my freedom,” I said quietly. “And when I do, I’ll hunt you down.”

His brow furrowed slightly.

“After that, I’ll take back ten times what you stole from me.” I snarl with all the hate I can muster.

And For just a second.., just a second...he looked uneasy.

Then he scoffed. “Dream on bitch.”

Then He turned and walked away.

….

A few hours later, guards dragged me out of the dungeon.

They forced me into rough servant clothes, thin, ugly fabric that smelled like sweat and old soap. My wrists ached where the chains had been removed, replaced by raw red marks.

They shoved me into the grand hall where Anna stood beside Donald, glowing.

She wore one of my beautiful gowns, with her hair styled perfectly, my mother’s precious jewels adorning her neck. She leaned into Donald like she owned him, and everything else.

“Doesn’t she look pathetic?” Anna said, smirking when she saw me.

Donald chuckled. “Perfect for tonight.”

They were giddy and Excited. Like children waiting for a festival.

“Our guest will be impressed,” Anna said smugly.

I felt sick.

In my mind, I pictured seeing Alpha Blackthorn as I always imagined him ....old, twisted, ugly inside and out. A monster whose face matched his cruelty.

Then suddenly, the doors boomed open.

And a line of tall, broad northern warriors marched in, their presence heavy and intimidating.

“Announcing the arrival of the great Alpha among Alphas, Alpha Alistair Blackthorn.” one of them called loudly and the air immediately shifted.

Then he stepped inside… The Demon of the North had arrived.

But the moment I saw him, everything I thought I knew shattered.

Because this man was not the old decrepit man I had Imagined, No, He was young, Huge and had the most piercing stare I had ever seen.

I frowned in confusion, because he looked nothing like the rumors said he would be.

This man was Tall. Broad. Muscular in a way that screamed power. Dark hair framed a sharp, strikingly handsome face, his eyes glowing with something ancient and dangerous.

But at the same time, this man was most definitely the powerful Demon of the north because The pressure of his presence alone was suffocating.

All around me, People began to drop to their knees instantly.

But Not me.

Instead of bowing, I lifted my chin and stared straight into the eyes of the man who destroyed my life. I would cower for no man. Not any more.

And the second he saw me, He froze suddenly In place, then low dangerous growl began rumbling from his chest causing Everyone in the room to stare at us in shock.

Then… Slowly and deliberately, Alpha Blackthorn lifted his hand, pointed at me and growled one word at me.

“Mine.” He sneered and my heart froze.