Lahat ng Kabanata ng The Lost Alphas Daughter: Kabanata 31 - Kabanata 40

I meet Gaia at Gail’s after dragging myself from the house. Braden doesn’t say a word to me, but I feel his eyes follow my every step as I leave.Gail’s sits in the heart of the pack, its crooked roof and weathered stone exuding charm, the scent of freshly baked goods wafting through the air. As I step inside, the warmth wraps around me, chasing away the lingering chill from my skin. I head straight to our usual table at the back. It’s private, offering a clear view of everyone else sipping coffee and eating pastries, while keeping us somewhat hidden. I keep my head high as I walk through Gail’s, nodding politely to the pack members I pass. They don’t know, I remind myself, over and over.Gaia is already seated, two steaming mugs of hot chocolate waiting—topped with marshmallows and whipped cream. There are also two colossal pastries on plates. She bounces up from her seat as I approach, her long, wild blonde hair pulled into a high ponytail. She’s effortlessly chic in jeans, knee-hig

The morning light streams through the curtains, illuminating a bright sky and sun. Of course, the weather would be perfect on the day I need to speak with Alpha Ansel. I stare at the chandelier, unmoving. I’ve been like this all night, lying so still, watching shadows dance across the ceiling, that my limbs are stiff. I should just get it over with. Ansel will be in a good mood after last night, after all. I wrinkle my nose at the thought. I’m happy for Gaia, but… ugh.I dress quickly, slipping into a formal black skirt and silk blouse, pulling my hair up before adding a necklace and bracelet. I slide on sheer tights and step into black heels. My signature red lipstick and a touch of mascara complete the look. Maybe if I look like myself, I’ll feel like myself. I grab my coat and head out, catching a beam of light under Braden’s office door. His voice is low, probably on the phone. I don’t know why he’s up so early and I

Running from Ansel’s office, I nearly collide with the maid outside. Was she eavesdropping? She gives me a dismissive huff, then strides off as I hurry down the long corridor, hearing another enraged roar echoing behind me. I really shouldn’t have said that. I definitely pissed off the Alpha. Where is Gaia? I burst through the front door, stumbling down the steps as the cold bites into my skin, jolting me with a fresh wave of dizziness. Running after losing so much blood probably isn’t the best idea. The chill in the air cools my clammy skin, though, making me feel a bit steadier. My heel catches on a raised root, nearly twisting my ankle. Whoever said running in heels was easy… lied.I stop, pulling off my shoes and tossing them aside. At least the frozen ground is solid enough to walk on without sinking into mud—so much for presenting myself with any dignity. I can almost picture Bradens disspointed face as I walk barefoot home. A sharp snap of a branch makes me whip my head around,

As if sensing my hesitation, he steps closer, his presence a magnetic pull I can't ignore. “Listen, Claudia, aren’t you tired of everyone keeping things from you? Don’t you want to know the truth?” His steel-grey eyes hold mine, and I feel the reasoning in his words settle deep within me.“I…” His scent wraps around me, and I find myself swooning again. Goddess, what’s happening to me?He studies me with a softness that feels out of place. “I understand if this is a lot to process… maybe you aren’t ready,” he murmurs, his gaze drifting over me as I struggle with a strange fog clouding my thoughts. I do want answers, but how can this stranger, of all people, give me what I need over the people I already… trust?“I do have questions,” I snap, trying to shake off whatever spell he seems to cast over me. “But I’m not about to ask some stranger who hasn’t even told me his name to share things about my life and this pack!” I force myself out of the trance, the flustered feeling churning ins

Braden’s smirk lingers, an unsettling hint of amusement dancing in his eyes as he considers my question. For a moment, he’s silent, swirling his wine thoughtfully. I lean in slightly, waiting, sensing he’s weighing whether to share whatever’s on his mind.“Claudia…” he finally begins, voice low, almost conspiratorial, “there are things about your family that… well, I’m not sure you’d even want to know.”My fingers tighten around the glass. “What does that mean, Braden? Are you saying you know something and just chose not to tell me?”He sighs, his gaze drifting toward the fire. “It’s complicated,” he says, as if that somehow justifies keeping secrets. “The Alpha has his reasons, you know. Sometimes there are… truths that don’t benefit anyone. Sometimes it’s better to let sleeping dogs lie.”I clench my jaw, fighting the frustration that’s building. “But it’s my family. I deserve to know, even if it’s not pretty.” I search his face, trying to read beyond the shadowed expression he wear