Denderick’s POV
It was mid-afternoon, and the sunlight streamed through the narrow window in my study, brightening the parchment spread out before me.
I was focused, meticulously going over the alliance details when the door to my study flew open with a bang. I didn’t need to look up to know who it was-only two people I knew would dare enter my space with such disregard. Giselle and her father.
And sure enough, it was the latter.
“Denderick!” Alpha Marcus’s voice thundered through the room, filled with a rage that was as tangible as the air we breathed. He stormed in, his face flushed, his eyes blazing with fury. The door slammed shut behind him, and I calmly set down my quill, keeping my composure.
“Marcus,” I greeted, leaning back in my chair. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Pleasure?” Marcus spat. “You think I’m here for a pleasant visit? You’ve got some nerve, Denderick. I’m here because you’ve treated my daughter like she’s nothing, while you elevate that… that breeder above her!”
I held his gaze, staying calm. “Giselle has been a valued member of this pack, but-”
“But what?” Marcus interrupted, slamming his fist on my desk. The parchment shifted under the force, but I didn’t flinch. “She is supposed to be your Luna! The woman my bloodline gave you, the one who’s supposed to stand by your side, bear your heirs, and secure your position! And what have you done? You’ve thrown her aside for some lowly wench who’s done nothing but lie and deceive!”
“Giselle is my Luna in name, yes,” I said, keeping my voice measured. “But we both know this arrangement was never about love or loyalty. It was an alliance and nothing more. Aria’s presence complicates things, but that doesn’t diminish Giselle’s role.”
“Complicates things?” Marcus scoffed, his eyes narrowing. “You’ve done more than just complicate things, Denderick. You’ve humiliated my daughter, made her the laughingstock of the pack. She came to me in tears, devastated by how you’ve disregarded her. Do you know what it’s like to see your flesh and blood so broken?”
I felt a flicker of guilt, but I pushed it aside. I couldn’t afford to let emotions cloud my judgment. “Marcus, I’ve tried to make things work with Giselle, but-”
“Don’t you dare make excuses!” Marcus roared. “I’ve heard enough of your lies. You’ve allowed that woman to stay here, to challenge Giselle’s position, and for what? Because she’s carrying your child? She can be your breeder without you having to punish my daughter for it!”
“That’s not true,” I corrected, though I kept my tone steady. “Aria isn’t challenging Giselle’s position. She never wanted to be Luna-”
“Then why is she here?” Marcus snapped. “Why do you keep her close, protect her like she’s something precious? You’ve made a mockery of our alliance, Denderick. And I won’t stand for it!”
I gritted my teeth, trying to keep my temper in check. “Aria is here because I need to ensure the safety of her child, of our child! She’s done nothing to warrant the hatred you and Giselle have shown her.”
Marcus leaned in, his eyes cold as ice. “Do you think I care about that woman’s lies? She’s nothing but a breeder that you can replace. But what’s worse, Denderick, is that you’ve fallen for it. You’ve let her turn you against your people, against your own Luna. How long before she destroys you completely?”
“I won’t let that happen,” I growled. “I’m not blind to the risks, Marcus. But I won’t be manipulated by threats, either. I’ll do what’s best for my pack, even if it means making difficult choices. I am the authority here!”
Marcus’s eyes flashed with anger, and he straightened, towering over me. “Difficult choices? Is that what you call betraying my daughter, treating her like she’s expendable? You made a vow when you took her as your Luna, and you’ve broken it, Denderick.”
I could feel my patience wearing thin, but I forced myself to stay calm. “I’m trying to protect my son and his mother, Marcus. My decisions may not be what you want, but they’re necessary.”
“But you’re prioritizing Aria, aren’t you?” Marcus sneered. “You’ve chosen her over your Luna. And for what? A lie? Because let me tell you something, Denderick-you’re being played for a fool.”
I stood up slowly. “What are you trying to say?”
Marcus smirked, a cruel glint in his eyes. “You think that Logan will let embarrassment go unchecked? He will come for your head, trust me.”
“Denderick can do nothing. Edward is my son!”
“Is he?” Marcus’s smirk widened, his voice taking on a mocking tone. “I’m just telling you what I know will happen. But it doesn’t matter, because you’re blind. And if you don’t make things right, if you don’t restore my daughter’s place as your rightful Luna, I’ll make sure the Council of Alphas hears about this. I’ll make sure they strip you of your title, of your throne. And then what will you be? A disgraced Alpha with nothing left to his name.”
Anger surged through me, and I took a step forward. “You’re threatening me?”
Marcus didn’t flinch. “I’m giving you a choice, Denderick. Fix this. Put that breeder back where she belongs, or face the consequences. You may be strong, but you’re not invincible. And when the Council finds out what she has done, they’ll tear you both apart.”
I stared at Marcus, my mind racing with the implications of his threat. He was serious, and I knew he had the power to follow through. But I wasn’t about to let him dictate my life, my choices.
“Get out,” I growled through gritted teeth.
Marcus raised an eyebrow, a smug expression on his face. “Think carefully, Denderick. This is your last chance. Do the right thing, or lose everything.”
“Get out!” I roared, my anger finally boiling over.
Marcus chuckled darkly, turning on his heel and heading for the door. “You’ve made your choice, Denderick. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”