“She is a kind woman,” he explains. “An omega she-wolf. We are a small pack and don’t see omegas as lesser than others. We need everyone to work together to strive and survive.”
I find his words inspiring. My father was always about rank, which is hilarious, seeing how he didn’t even rank alpha yet cheated everyone into believing he was. When I take over, I want my pack to be a place where everyone is respected and safe despite their rank.
Alma lives in a small, cozy-looking cottage. It looks well attended to, and I am glad to know that the pack is looking after her.
“Alma,” Alpha Arthur says while knocking at her door. “Our guest is here.”
I turn to look at Flora, trying to convey to her that I want her to be with me. She instantly understands and steps to my side. Jace and Vincent, meanwhile, stay further away and talk to some of the guards.
The door opens and a woman peeks outside. She is small in height with brown hair, brown eyes, and olive skin.
“I am sorry to intrude,” I say. “Thank you so much for agreeing to see me.”
Alma gazes at Arthur, who nods at her reassuringly.
“Please come inside,” she says.
I gesture towards Flora. “This is my mate and future luna, Flora.”
Flora smiles warmly at her, and it seems the tension around Alma subsides a little. “We mean no harm,” Flora says quietly.
“We are just looking for the truth, to finally bring justice to everyone involved,” I say.
“You are his son, aren’t you?” Alma asks me.
“Unfortunately, yes,” I say.
Her lips tug slightly. “Is it true what they say about his first wife?” she asks.
“I think it’s no secret anymore that he was and is a terrible mate,” I say.
“He is also a pretty shitty father,” Flora adds.
“And sucks as an alpha,” I add.
Alma looks surprised, but then smiles slightly. “Come in now. I will prepare some tea.”
Flora and I step inside, greeted by a cozy interior. Everything is tidy and well put together.
“The pack looks after me well,” Alma explains.
“I am so glad to hear that,” I say. “To be honest, I never knew my father had a real mate somewhere. Up until recently, I thought my mother was his mate.”
“It must have been a shock for you,” Alma says while putting on some water.
“I wish I could say I was overly surprised,” I mutter. “Pardon me for asking. Why didn’t you move on?” I ask quietly.
“I couldn’t,” she says with tears in her eyes. “I wanted to reject him, but he wouldn’t let me. He is an alpha and stronger. Our laws are on his side.”
So that’s what Alpha Arthur meant about not being able to protect her. My father used his rank and his position over her and her pack. Flora is clearly shocked as well. “I can’t believe it,” she whispers. “He is so cruel.”
Before Alma can reply, we hear small footsteps coming closer, making us turn around to face a little girl in a pink tutu and an equally pink sweater. Almost instantly, I can feel panic seeping through Alma’s whole stance.
“That’s…” she hurries to say. “It’s no one.”
I can see the fear in her eyes, but while she might be able to fool me, she can’t fool my lycan. Regis senses the relationship instantly. I carefully scoot closer and get down on my knees. “Hello,” I smile, pointing at her crown. “Are you a princess?”
She twirls around in front of me. “I am Princess Minnie.”