Chapter 6 6: The Original Alpha

ZANE

Finally.

Everything was finally lining up the way it was supposed to.

All the pretending, all the patience, all the nights I forced myself to tolerate Camile's voice, her presence, her clingy little smiles, it all paid off.

I sat on the edge of my bed, rolling my shoulders, letting the satisfaction settle deep in my bones.

God, I used to hate looking at her.

Everyone thought I was such a devoted husband, but inside? I could barely stand the sight of her. Dull eyes. Soft personality. Nothing remarkable. Nothing powerful.

Nothing special.

And I was stupid, so fucking atupid to ever think she could be the one I was searching for.

The night I met her, everything had aligned too perfectly. Every prophecy, every sign, every omen pointing to where I'd find the true original Alpha.

I convinced myself it had to be her. I forced myself to believe it. Even when she never showed a single spark of power. Even when she breathed too lightly, like she was afraid of taking up space.

Fuck, that shit always irritated me.

I actually convinced myself that someone as plain as Camile could be the original Alpha.

I grit my teeth at the memory.

How pathetic.

The real Original Alpha, my Emma, showed up just two months after I married Camile. Two months. Fate had practically slapped me across the face saying "Wrong girl, idiot."

So, I had to make the right choices, cold, calculated ones to align myself with Emma.

To free myself from Camile without raising suspicion. To play the sympathetic husband while setting myself up for more.

Get Emma pregnant and bring our son here to be cared for by Camile.

Bring Emma into the family under the guise of being a wet nurse so she could still bond with our son.

Perfect plans.

Now look where we are.

Emma and I are getting married in less than three months. Three months until I finally have access to everything I've been promised, everything I deserve.

Power so old it terrified the wrong people. Power strong enough to put entire packs on their knees.

Power that will make Arlo and Kael look like children.

Power that would make both of them bow to me.

The second their names crossed my mind, Arlo and Kael, I felt my jaw tighten.

Those two bastards had been a thorn in my side since we were teenagers. Always so smug. Always so sure they were better.

The worst part? They were better.

They were stronger, sharper, more dominant. They carried themselves like they owned every room they entered, and every damn time, they made sure I remembered exactly where I stood.

Insignificant.

Like some helpless pup instead of the Alpha I was.

I hated them for that. I hated the way they looked down on me, the way they talked to me like I was lesser. Like my bloodline didn't matter. Like I didn't matter.

But soon?

Soon I'd be the one looking down on them.

Soon they'd know what it felt like to be overshadowed.

Soon they'd fear me!

Ironically, they were the ones who pushed me into desperation, the ones who made me hunt for the Original Alpha with an obsession that nearly consumed me.

And I found her.

I found the one power that could crush them both and put them exactly where they belonged.

Under my boot!

I scoffed when Camile drifted into my thoughts again.

What a fucking waste of time she had been.

Thank the moon goddess she was out of the picture for good. I didn't care where she went or what she did. Her existence was irrelevant now.

The door to my room opened softly, pulling me from my thoughts. Emma stepped inside, wearing a flimsy night dress that exposed all her delicious goods, her hips swaying as she entered fully.

Her scent washed over me, rich and commanding beneath the soft sweetness she used as a disguise.

I smirked.

She smiled, closing the door with her foot.

"You look tired," she murmured, voice low and teasing. "Too much thinking again?"

"Maybe." My voice came out in a soft growl.

She hummed, crossing the room with slow, swaying steps that were absolutely intentional.

"Well... let me help you relax."

Before I could say anything, she was already slipping onto her knees between my legs. Her hands rested on my thighs, warm and sure, and she looked up at me through her lashes with a knowing smirk.

My breath caught.

She reached for my belt, fingers working the buckle with smooth ease.

I didn't stop her.

Wouldn't.

The leather came undone with a soft click.

And when she freed my dick, I exhaled and her smile widened, dark, satisfied, and wicked as sin.

This is what I'm talking about. I thought to myself, groaning and throwing my head back as she took me into her mouth.

My original Alpha. The daughter of prophecy. My future wife. The one who'd give me the powers to crush everything in my way.

Most especially, Kael and Arlo.