Chapter 16: The Talk and An Unsettled Debt

~ Victoria/Anna ~

I didn’t expect a miracle to happen overnight, yet it hurt to hear such a harsh rejection from Constantine’s father. I didn’t cower under the Alpha’s scrutiny with his sharp, cold eyes because Constantine had his father’s eyes too.

Instead of trembling, I nodded and bowed my head a little. “I understand, Alpha Horace. I know you won’t believe nor value my love for Cameron, but I will prove to you I deserve to be with him.”

Alpha Horace raised his chin. “Oh? How?” He sneered and shook his head. “You’re only bluffing. The easiest way to prove it is to leave him. It’s the best for everyone.”

“I can’t do it, Alpha.” I shook my head.

“Why? Because you are pregnant with his pup?”

I was startled to hear that. Then, instinctively, I placed my hand on my stomach. “I ….”

Alpha Horace sighed, then he said, “Follow me.” He glanced at Constantine. “You too.”

Both of us followed Alpha Horace, leaving the Great Assembly and entering his house. It was a grand house with a black fence, white wall, and a gray roof. What masculine colors! Constantine opened the door for me and held my hand. His warm hand gave me the strength to prepare for what would come later.

Alpha Horace led us to the living room. Again, it was a grand room. The floor was black, and it felt cold on my feet. I guessed it might be from granite.

Then he pointed his hand to the couch. “Have a seat.”

After we all sat, he said nothing and again scrutinized me until I felt uncomfortable. But if I showed it, he would be happy to think he defeated me. No! I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.

So, I smiled. “So, what do you want to talk about, Alpha?”

“Bold and beautiful.” Alpha Horace’s lips twitched a little. “Cameron, as we proceed with our plan, if it’s successful, we’ll talk again about your woman.” He let out a sigh. “I am old. If all is well, I want you to be the next Alpha in three months.”

“So soon, Father?” Constantine straightened his back.

“As long as the Hurricane Dawn Pack and our pack can have a peace treaty, I have no other wishes.” Then he gazed at me. “I want to see your pup grow well.” Finally, he stared at Constantine again. “I promise if the Shadow family accepts the new arrangement, I’ll announce your marking ceremony after you ascend to the Alpha’s position.”

“So, you accept Anna?”

Alpha Horace said nothing. “Not so soon. I want my grandpup, but we’ll see later whether she is suitable as Luna.”

Since Alpha Horace treated me as if I weren’t in the room, I nodded. “No worries, Alpha Horace. I’ll be the next Luna.”

Outside of my expectation, Alpha Horace grinned. “I like you. If only Cameron came forward to tell me the truth about you months ago, I wouldn’t ask him to be Lisa’s mate.”

“Thank you, Alpha. No matter what will happen later, I promise I’ll be by Cameron’s side.” I had spent one life with Cameron, and I would stake everything to have a happy ending with him in this second chance.

“Even if you should live as a mistress for your whole life?” Alpha Horace lifted an eyebrow.

“If I must. I don’t mind not becoming a Luna, but I’ll serve the pack as a Luna should be.”

“Why?”

“Rank, position, and status are all nothing for me.” I glanced at Constantine and held his hand. “The most important thing is I can support him with my life.”

Alpha Horace clucked his tongue. “You’re good at talking. But being a Luna needs more than that.”

“I agree, Alpha. I’m willing to learn.”

Alpha Horace said nothing. He laid his back on the couch as his stare was elsewhere.

Constantine nodded at me, then pulled me to stand. “Father, we’ll leave then.”

“Not yet. She can leave, but not you.”

As I heard that, finally, I caressed Constantine’s hand with my fingers. “Okay, you talk with your father first. Then I’ll go back to my room.”

“No, your place now is in my room. Stay there. I’ll be back soon after I finish talking with my father,” he whispered.

So I bowed to Alpha Horace. “I’m leaving, Alpha Horace. Thank you.” I was only a few steps from the couch when Alpha Horace called me.

“Anna.”

I turned my body. “Yes, Alpha Horace?”

“Are you truly pregnant?”

I shook my head. “I don’t know, Alpha. But I’ll let you know if I do.”

He nodded. “Please take good care of your health. My grandpup may have been there already.”

It was odd how Alpha Horace treated me. At this point, I thought he might care about me, but he liked to discourage me too. He made me confused, but I nodded at him. “Thank you so much for your concern, Alpha.”

I walked back to Constantine’s room, but before I entered the room, someone closed the door, grabbed my hand, and pushed me to the corner.

“Well, well, well. Look who’s here?”

I frowned, but the face before me was familiar. “Have we met before?”

He snickered and gave a mock bow. “Upsilon Michael Wolfie, ma’am.”

The name didn’t ring a bell. “I’m Omega Anna Warren.”

“I know. But I believe we have an unsettled debt.”

I wrinkled my forehead. “What do you mean?” As his stare was now on my body, I crossed my arms over my chest. “What?”

“Still feisty as you used to be.” He caught my chin and touched it. “So soft. I want to taste you again.”

I immediately jerked myself out of his grasp. “What?! You must be out of your mind. Leave!”

“Not yet! Before I get what I want.”

“Do you want to lose your head? If Cameron sees you now, he will kill you.”

Michael laughed and bent his body forward. His arms blocked me to the wall. “Just like the old-time, Victoria.”

I gasped. No way anyone knew my name. “H-how do you know—”

“Because we’re long-time acquaintances. Remember me?” He grinned and lowered his face to mine. “I’m Kenneth.”

Before he could kiss my lips, I kicked his crotch with my knee. “Yeah, and I’m your nemesis. Get lost!” Then I ran to Constantine’s room, entered it, and locked the door after slamming it first.