Page 73 of Claimed By the Alpha

I didn’t tell him yet what I needed, not before Joanne and I were ready to go. The first time your wolf shows itself can be hard, and what we were planning wasn’t going to make it any easier for her.

I had to keep faith in our bond, wishing I could guide her enough to take a stand and show her power. To claim back what was rightfully hers.

Even though I said to Finlay that I came back to claim the throne, my interest in it hadn’t changed, I only wanted Joanne. I didn’t need to be the ruler of this Realm, nor did I need to be the leader of the Alpha Board. I only wanted peace and to live my life with the one I loved.

So now, as we walked through the dense forest to our defining moment, I held onto that hope of peace. Seeing that as the light in this darkness. A dream I could have because I had already tasted it, and I wasn’t willing to let it out of my grasp.

“There it is.” Finlay pointed to the wall covered in veins, shielding the hidden passage behind it. “That will take you to the throne room. They were gathering there to plan their next move. They believe you have taken Joanne hostage.”

“Thank you,” I said to Finlay. It would give us some element of surprise. Derek and William were expecting an army, not just me and Joanne.

This battle could only be won if we outsmarted them. We have played our cards, tricked them into believing we were ready for war. And now, as they were discussing strategies while their army was gathering outside, we could take out the one we needed without further bloodshed.

As Finlay had explained, most believed what was in the history books, the ones William had created. Derek’s pack never knew William was behind everything, and when I told him about William’s son, he had no clue what had happened to him.

In none of the books was it mentioned. There was only this painting of Joanne and her tiny bump, but nothing after that. Finlay always thought she lost her child when she was killed.

It pained me to speak of this all, especially when I saw the tears well in Joanne’s eyes.

It was ages ago, and she couldn’t remember it, but I wondered what had happened. Even though he wasn’t my son, wasn’t the son of my first self, he felt like mine. It felt like a failure for leaving him. And I could only hope I could repent for that mistake.

Finlay hesitated when he was about to leave, eager to stay by Joanne’s side as I expected.

“Go, Finlay. We will be okay,” Joanne said, sensing the same thing I was.

He sighed and hesitantly nodded. “I’m sorry, I should have seen it.” He didn’t wait for a response and turned on his heel, rushing to where he was needed—the gathering army.

I thought she would be nervous, scared even for what came next, but all I sensed coming from her was this eagerness.

But her words surprised me even more. “I remember what my father told me.”

-Joanne-

I remained silent when we followed behind Finlay as memories showed themselves. My father’s voice lured me closer as my body heated.

“Listen to me. You can’t trust them.”

“Dad, what are you talking about? I just started working there.” I peeled myself from his strong grip, his fingers digging into my arm as fear was edged on his face.

I staggered and grabbed Isaac’s hand, needing him to steady me. His worried gaze wandered over my body, and I gave him a reassuring nod. I had to know more, needing to be sucked in.

“You are not going back there. Trust me on this, pumpkin.” My father glanced over my shoulder and quickly pulled me with him.

“Derek and your mother will meet up with us later. But I need you to listen.” The urgency in his voice made my skin crawl and fear rise beneath it.

“Okay, okay. You are freaking me out, Dad. What is it?”

He sighed, his shoulders tense as he ushered me into the car.

He didn’t say a word until we drove north on the highway. “We aren’t humans. We are part of an ancient bloodline that descends from the Goddess Helia. You are a reincarnation of her daughter and were mated to Celine’s son.”

“What the hell are you saying?” I said, interrupting him because the words he spilled my way made me blink rapidly.

My father was a serious man. He wouldn’t make this up to play with me; my brother Derek might, but my father. Never.

Gripping the steering wheel harder, his knuckles turned white. “You were betrothed and are in this life as well.”

“Wait? You are marrying me off to some guy.” My words were faster than my mind could process his.

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