All Chapters of Surrogate Bride To The Alpha Stand-in: Chapter 31 - Chapter 40

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 — 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 — 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 — a sense of community and normalcy that felt foreign compared to the cold tension that clung to the Shadow Fang Pack’s main grounds.This wasn’t the grim, oppressive environment she had braced herself for. It was thriving, welcoming — a corner of the pack’s territory that felt almost un

"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 — 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

Beta Cedric crept silently through the forest, his steps muffled by the damp earth. His sharp gaze never left the witch as she moved between the trees, plucking herbs with practiced fingers. He’d tracked her since she’d left Lydia’s home, careful to keep his presence hidden.Then, just as his amber wolf eyes flared and his claws extended, a whisper of wind brushed past his ear — the telltale hum of an arrow slicing through the air.The arrow struck the witch’s back with a sickening thud. She crumpled to the ground, her eyes wide with shock as blood bubbled from her mouth.Cedric spun around, instincts roaring to life.A figure — crooked and cloaked — vanished into the trees, black shadows curling in its wake like living smoke.A mage.Cedric turned back to the witch, but his breath caught.She was gone. Not a trace of her body remained — only a faint smear of blood and crushed herbs scattered across the dirt.---Darius didn’t say a word as he gripped Lena’s arm and marched her throug

Twenty-four hours.That was how long Scarlet had been trapped in this godforsaken cell. The cold stone walls seemed to close in on her, and the silver chains that lined the floor had seared her skin every time she moved too close.She had screamed until her throat was raw, banged on the iron door until her fists ached, and cried until her tears ran dry. None of it mattered. No one came. No one cared. Not even a drop of water had been offered."Please..." she rasped, her voice weak and broken. "Get my uncle... I'm dying."Her legs gave out beneath her, and she slumped against the wall, her breath shallow."Don't worry, you'll be out soon," a voice drawled.Her head jerked up. She knew that voice — even in her nightmares."Uthred," she croaked, her voice barely stronger than a breath. "You damned soul.""You look dreadful," he sneered. "Give me what I asked for, and you'll be free."Scarlet let out a bitter laugh. "I’ll tell the Alpha your plans."Silence. A cold, unsettling silence."I

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.“You’re late,” the man said, his voice sharp yet familiar.Vargr’s eyes narrowed. The man’s face was hidden beneath his hood, but the smug stance — and the hint of a smirk — put Vargr on edge.“Who’s this?” Vargr asked, stepping protectively beside Lena.She ignored him, pulling open the carriage door. “We need to leave. The guards will notice I'm gone soon.”“You didn’t answer my question,” Vargr pressed.The cloaked man chuckled. “Relax.” He pushed back his hood, revealing sharp features and dark hair. “Name’s Jaime.”“Friend of mine,” Lena said. “He’s helping us.”“Helping us do what?” Vargr shot back.“Get away,” Jaime answered. “Unless you’d ra