Alpha Reign and His Crazy Stepdaughter

Chapter One

First Person's Perspective

Belle

One thing about me, is that I always act first, then do the thinking later

Today was no different

*SLAP!*

"What the fuck is wrong with you, Belle? Why did you hit me?" I was seeing red, no...

That is an understatement. I was seeing flames. I wanted to destroy everything, I wanted to kill this bastard, and let me tell you, when a she-wolf from the Westwood wolf region was angry, she could do anything

Turning to the right, I found an empty bottle of whiskey that we had shared last night

Without thinking twice, I picked it up and smashed it into the table, leaving me with broken shards and a weapon

"I'm going to kill you, you bastard, I swear I'm going to kill you," I screamed, lunging towards Rowan...

*Thirty Minutes Ago*

"Hey love, I'm home," the door clicking shut behind me was the only response I got

No warm smile, no "welcome back" Just...nothing

I tried again, walking further into the house

"You wouldn't believe what I did to that asshole who's been bothering me all this time"

Still, silence

I sighed. Maybe he was asleep

I made my way to the bedroom, expecting to find Rowan snoring under the covers

But the bed was empty

"Ugh, I'm starving," I muttered, pulling off my clothes and throwing them in all directions of the room

Amidst my undressing, my gaze caught something rather interesting

*I will send the video to Belle, you know how she can get*

Obviously when you see your name mentioned in something, that has automatically become your business, right?

And so I picked up the cell phone

Honestly, I wish I never did

"No, this is impossible," my voice came out as a whisper as I stared at the clip playing on the screen over and over again

"No, this is not real, this is..." I fell on my knees, clutching my hands tightly to my chest. I couldn't breathe

I felt hot tears gather in the corners of my eyes and cloud my vision

Heavy hurried footsteps echoed in the hallway as I screamed my lungs out

"Love, what's happening? What's going on? Why are you screaming?" Rowan held my shoulder as he tried to lift me up. I pulled myself away from him as fast as possible and jumped to my feet

"What..." before the next words could make it out, my palm collided with his cheek, the resounding slap echoing through the walls

"You imbecile!" I yelled "How could you? How dare you?! All these years I've been fighting to prove myself, all these years I thought I wasn't good enough....and it was you all along?"

I looked at the screen again

*Well then, how much do you need? I will pay any amount you want, just make sure Belle doesn't get that promotion*

"Love, what are you talking about?" He was still acting all innocent and clueless?

I turned the phone toward him. Let him see it. Let him hear his own words

"Where did you get that? That..."

"You did this to me," I whispered, staring at him like he was a stranger "You stood by me while I cried, you watched me fall apart. And the whole time... you were the one stabbing me in the back"

Rowan's lips moved, but I didn't hear a word. All I saw was betrayal. The kind that changes a person forever, the kind that made one look like a fool

And I hated it when people tried to take me as one

So I grabbed the broken glass again

He saw the anger in my eyes. He knew he stood no chance

He knew if he let me, I would murder him in cold blood. so he took off, and I chased after him

"Where do you think you're going? Stay right here where I can kill you," My wolf wanted blood, and poor human Rowan didn't stand a chance

He couldn't get too far before I grabbed him and pounced, slapping, kicking, clawing while he screamed for help

The maid heard the commotion and rushed in. I didn't pay attention to that though - my eyes were still locked on Rowan

The next thing I knew, there were hands pulling me off him. Blue and red lights flashing through the windows. Someone reading me my rights while I stood there still breathing hard, my knuckles bleeding,

They put me in a police car and I didn't fight it

***

After days of being locked in a cell

They said Rowan was charging me to court for 'domestic abuse' and physical assault

I was not in the best state of mind throughout the whole trial process, thanks to Nora, my coworker, she stood by me through it all

Eventually the judgement was passed and I was found guilty

The judge gave me two years or a fine of 3 million dollars

Like, what the fuck?

It's literally just a few punches.... definitely not something that should give me such a harsh sentence, heck! I don't even think such a fine is legally permissible

BUT

since Rowan was a renowned lawyer with connections..... it wasn't that surprising

To make things even worse, he came to gloat at me. Lucky for him, I had been cuffed

"This is what you get for trying to resist my authority" he said, calm as ever

he didn't even have the decency to be remorseful

"Resist you? wait...you think this is some kind of power play?" I asked, incredulous

"Your ruined my life, you sabotaged my career for three goddamn years, and you think this is all about power play??" he chuckled, actually chuckled

"You just ruined everything, Belle. Don't try to act dumb"

"You know...we could have had something magical, something special and beautiful... but you like to over work yourself, you like to...to be their lap dog, you like to be the doormat for people to step on, people who do not give two fucks about you" he continued, while I just stared, wondering who this man was

"If you had at least tried to think of this from my perspective, you would've realised that I was only trying to protect you.....I was only trying to help you, I mean, I don't mind providing everything for you, I love you, but you? you've refused to see that" a small humorless laugh escaped my lips

I nodded my head, biting down on my lower lips

Wow. Just wow

What hurt more was that he didn't even realize how twisted that sounded

Shaking my head, I rose to my feet

"Get out" I said calmly, even though I felt everything else but calm

he shook his head too, like I was the insane one, like I was the one being unreasonable

"I'll be right here whenever you're ready to have a real conversation, goodbye love" he turned to walk away

tears blurred my vision but I blinked them back immediately

"You won't see the last of me, Rowan, I promise you that" he waited for exactly two seconds, before walking away and never looking back

~~~~

I cried. Very, very hard

When no one was watching, when no one was listening

My heart clenched so hard, I thought it might shatter right there

How had I missed all of it? The signs were there, boldly written

I guess I had been too busy loving and trusting that asshole

Involuntary tears stung my eyes again and I let them fall

He ruined me, simply because I loved

More tears rolled down my eyes as I reminisced the times when he'd hold me against his chest, saying those sweet words of encouragement

Telling me, that even if the world thought I was a failure, to him I was the most successful woman out there

"You're so foolish" I whispered, hitting my head on the wall

After a few more beats, I wiped off the tears and closed my eyes, ready for sleep

But my body rejected the cold, hard, unyielding ground

"This can't be my life, no, I can't accept this kind of fate just like that," I muttered

"I am the victim here, I shouldn't have to suffer..."

"Lady, do you mind? I'm trying to sleep here," I shot a death glare in the direction of the voice. What a shame they couldn't even see me

"Go fuck yourself," I retorted

"What did you just say to me?" The voice came out very low this time

Before I could respond, a huge and buff woman stepped out of the shadows

"I said, go fuck yourself" The problem with me is that I never know when to shut the hell up

She threw a punch in my direction which I swiftly dodged, then proceeded to beat her black and blue.....I paid for that tho, no food for 24 hours, Prison life was shit

Two more days passed, Nora always came to visit me

She started a go fund me, begging friends and her relatives on my behalf, thinking she could raise the money, but it couldn't even make a dent

One time, she got so frustrated and asked about my relatives, telling me to contact them, but I didn't have any

I only had my mother, and I would die first before asking her for money

But apparently, Nora didn't share my resolve, she did her findings and got to work

"Belle Westwood" I heard the voice of the prison guard call out

"You have a call," she said, then proceeded to drag me out

I took the phone hesitantly, not knowing who to expect, and placed it against my ear, only to pull it away barely a second later

"Oh goddess, Belle, you're coming home this time and I would take no damn excuses"

I was shocked for exactly one second, before rolling my eyes so hard, it hurt

Yup. The slut - a.k.a my mother - had spoken

Chapter Two

First Person's Perspective

Belle

The minute my heels hit the airport floor, I was already over it. Jet lag? Check. Sweaty pits? Double check. Hair? Oh let's not even talk about those

My mother had paid the fine and my bail fee which made me a free woman, and because of that, I had no choice but to follow her instructions and come back to Valencia, the city of werewolves... home - felt weird calling it that

Anyway, I barely made it past the sliding doors when a tall, too polished for my liking man stepped in front of me like a well dressed parking cone

"Good evening, ma'am. My name's Seaman and I'll be your chauffeur for the evening," he said with a bow so low I thought he'd tumble off the ground

I blinked "I'm sorry, your name is what?" and followed the question with a not so polite snicker

He straightened, expression blank "Seaman, ma'am"

I squinted in suspicion "You're kidding...right?" He said nothing

"Is this like a prank?... wait, Am I on TV? Who the hell are you even?"

Unbothered, he replied in the same robotic tone, "I was sent by Madam Lorraine, Your mother."

Oh!

Well,

I crossed my arms. "Right. Should've known this had Mom's meddling fingerprints all over it." Then I shrugged, tossing my bag into the trunk he opened without a word.

We hit the road in silence for a minute before I leaned over from the back seat.

"Just so you know," I said, deadpan. "If you're a serial killer, I'm haunting you"

He didn't even flinch. "Noted, ma'am. I assure you I am thoroughly vetted, certified, and have no record of homicide."

I raised a brow. "Mm-hmm. That's exactly what a killer would say."

He adjusted the rearview mirror, his eyes still forward. "Understood, ma'am. Shall I put on calming music?"

"Only if it's Cardi B" I muttered, already slouching back.

"Cardi B doesn't have..." seeing as I was uninterested, he swallowed the rest of his words

-----

The gates creaked open like we were entering some royal estate and not just someone's "holiday home." As the mansion came into view, my jaw dropped– literally

The building was massive, glassy, and unnecessarily dramatic

I scoffed

Of course. This was exactly the kind of place Mom would end up. Grand, guarded, and dripping with money and control.

Of course she'd find someone like this to sink her claws into.

The car barely stopped before I was out, hands on hip as I took in the palace before me. Giant stone wolves flanked the doorway. Dramatic much?

Before I could take a step forward,

The huge gold plated double doors swung open, and there stood Madam Lorraine, in all her regal glory.

The woman knew how to make an entrance. silk dress, flawless hair, and that signature perfume that always made me scrunch up my nose and sneeze.

"Darling!" she beamed, arms open like we hadn't just spoken three times on the phone this week with her screaming in my ears, talking about my bad behaviour and shits. "You're finally here."

"Yep, survived the flight and no one arrested me. Success." I said it dryly but stepped into her hug anyway. Her arms were warm and familiar. I didn't pull away right away.

"You've gotten taller," she smiled.

"And You've gotten shinier," I shot back, eyeing her diamonds.

She laughed. "Come in, come in."

As I stepped into the grand hallway, my gaze landed on a guy leaning casually near the staircase. Maybe 22, dark curls, lean muscle, confidence for days. His eyes lit up with curiosity the second he saw me.

He gave a nod and an easy smile. Like he was used to being noticed.

I gave a polite once over, unimpressed.

"Belle," my mom gestured, "that's Wilde. He's the Alpha's nephew."

"Right," I muttered. No wonder he's got that blood-deep energy.

He smiled, like he heard the thought.

"Nice to finally meet you Belle, we've heard a lot"

I raised an eyebrow, already over it. Whatever charm he thought he had, it wasn't working on me.

I turned back to my mom. "Where's my room? I need a nap before someone tries to emotionally bond with me." Mom and Wilde gave a short laugh

"Not a single change in behaviour, I see" choosing to ignore that, I followed the maid who had bowed and gestured that I followed her.

~~~~

The room was... excessive.

Floor to ceiling windows overlooking what looked like an endless forestland, honestly not surprising

A bed big enough to fit five people. Marble bathroom visible through open double doors and then there was fresh flowers on every surface *scoffs*

I dropped my bag and stood there for a second, taking it all in

"Of course she'd put me in a room that screams 'we have money and we want you to know it,'" I muttered to myself

But honestly? After sleeping on a prison cot for a few days , this felt like a cloud

I walked to the window, pressing my palm against the cool glass. The pack lands stretched out below-wolves moving in small groups, some in human form, others shifted. There was a training ground to the left where several wolves were sparring

I almost drooled at the sight, they will know me here very soon

My wolf stirred inside me, restless, she wanted out

I think she wanted to run. Wanted to be free after being caged for so long

"Yeah, yeah, I know," I whispered to her "Soon, let's nap first" and I dropped to the bed, yet I got everything else but sleep

My mind kept drifting

I couldn't just stay cooped up in here, how the hell will I carry out my princess duties, if I don't explore huh?

I needed to move, to see, to feel...

Screw the nap

I turned on my heel and headed back downstairs, ignoring the maid who tried to offer me refreshments. I pushed through a side door that led to the back of the estate, following the sound of voices and laughter

The pack grounds were alive with energy. Wolves everywhere-training, talking, and simply living. It was so different from the human world I'd been stuck in. Here, there was a rawness, a sense of belonging I hadn't felt in years

I walked along the stone path, hands shoved in my pockets, just observing. A few wolves glanced my way, curiosity shining in their eyes, but no one approached. Good, I wasn't in the mood for small talk

Suddenly, I felt a strong sharp and sudden pull, like a hook lodged in my chest, yanking me forward

My wolf perked up immediately, alert and... excited?

I frowned, my steps slowing as I scanned the area

That's when I saw the most beautiful thing ever

Standing near the training grounds, arms crossed, watching two wolves spar with an intensity that made the air around him hum with authority. He was tall-taller than anyone else around him-with broad shoulders that filled out his black shirt like it was tailored to him. Dark hair, sharp jawline, and a presence that made everyone else fade into the background

He turned his head slightly, as if sensing something

And then his eyes locked onto mine

Time stopped....literally

Everything-the noise, the movement, the world-it all disappeared

And now all I could see was him

All I could feel was this overwhelming, earth shattering pull that made my knees weak and my heart race like I'd just run a marathon

My wolf howled inside me, very loud and desperate

MATE

No

No, no, no, no...

This wasn't happening, I'd just gone through a bad heart break for fuck's sake, I didn't have the emotional ability to bond with a stranger, oh God

But my body didn't care what my brain was screaming. My feet moved forward on their own, drawn to him like gravity itself had shifted in his direction

His expression shifted too, his eyes widening just a fraction, his jaw tightening, he must feel it too

I was halfway across the grounds before I even realized I'd moved

Before I could take another step

"Honey, I see you've met my daughter, Belle"

I froze

My mother's voice shattered the moment like stone hitting glass

She appeared beside him, all smiles and grace, slipping her arm around his waist like it was the most natural thing in the world

Then she leaned up

And kissed him

On. The. Fucking. Lips.

My stomach dropped

She pulled back, still smiling, still oblivious, and turned to me with that same bright, proud expression

"Belle," she said warmly, "this is my husband, Alpha Reign"

Chapter Three

First Person's Perspective

Belle

I couldn't breathe

No, scratch that, I forgot how to breathe

My mother's words echoed in my head like a broken record, each repetition louder than the last

This is my husband

My husband

Husband

The world tilted sideways, and for a second, I thought I might actually pass out right there on the perfectly manicured pack grounds

My wolf was losing her goddamn mind, clawing at my insides, howling and thrashing like she wanted to rip her way out of my ski

MATE. MATE. OURS. CLAIM HIM.

"Belle? Sweetheart, are you alright? You look pale"

My mother's voice cut through the chaos in my head, concern creasing on her perfectly made up face

I forced my eyes away from him, from them actually and tried to form words. Any words at all

"I'm... fine. Just tired.... Jet lag"

Smooth, Belle. Real smooth *rolls eye internally*

But I couldn't look at him. If I looked at him, I'd either combust or shift right there and tear into something or maybe both

"Oh, of course! You must be exhausted from the flight" Mom turned back to him, her hand still resting possessively on his arm "Darling, this is Belle. My daughter, the one I've been telling you about"

There was a pause. A heavy, suffocating pause, before...

"It's... a pleasure to meet you, Belle"

His voice

Oh God his voice

So deep and rough Like gravel and whiskey and every bad decision I'd ever want to make

It rolled over me like a physical touch, and I had to clench my fists to keep from shaking

I finally-finally-dragged my eyes up to meet his

Big mistake

Because he was staring at me with the same intensity, the same shock, the same hunger that I was desperately trying to hide

His jaw was locked tight, a muscle ticking in his cheek. His hands were clenched at his sides like he was holding himself back from something

And he looked just as wrecked about it as I felt....thank God I wasnt the only crazy one around here

"Belle?" My mother was watching me now, her smile faltering slightly "Aren't you going to say hello?"

I swallowed hard, my throat dry as sandpaper

"Oh! Um...Hello," I managed, my voice barely above a whisper

His eyes darkened immediately

"Your mother speaks very highly of you," he said, his tone carefully controlled

"Does she now?" I shot back, sharper than I intended

Mom laughed, oblivious "Oh, don't mind her. She's always been a bit prickly, takes after me, I suppose"

No. I absolutely did not take after her

Especially not in the "sleeping with my fated mate" department

"I should go," I blurted out, taking a step back "Unpack...Settle in....You know..."

"Oh, but we were just about to give you a tour of the grounds!" Mom protested "Weren't we, honey?"

"Actually," his voice cut in, "I have a meeting I need to attend" Mom creased her brows at him and he shrugged "Uh...Council business"

Thank the goddesssss!

"Oh!" Mom looked disappointed "Well, alright then. Belle and I can explore on our own"

He nodded curtly, his eyes flicking to me one last time before he turned and walked away

But not before I caught the way his hands were shaking

Haha

At least the feeling is mutual

~~~~

I barely heard a word my mother said during the "tour"

She talked on about the pack house, the training facilities, the gardens, the history of the estate-but all I could think about was him

The Alpha, whose my mother's husband and supposedly my mate too, gah! That's too much

And it wasn't just bad...it was catastrophic

"...and of course, there's the Luna ceremony next month. It's going to be quite the event!"

I stopped walking

"Luna ceremony?"

Mom beamed, happy that she's finally gotten my full attention "Yes! A formal celebration to honor my position as Luna of the Valencian Pack. Everyone will be there. The council, neighboring packs, even some of the elders from the old territories"

Of course. Because this situation wasn't complicated enough already

"That's... great, Mom. Really"

She studied me for a moment, her expression softening "I know this is all very new for you, Belle. And I know we haven't always seen eye to eye. But this-" she gestured around us, "-this is a fresh start. For both of us."

A fresh start

Right

If only she knew that her "fresh start" was currently my worst nightmare

By the time I made it back to my room, I was ready to scream

I slammed the door shut behind me and leaned against it, sliding down to the floor

My wolf, Isla, was still going ballistic, whining and pacing and demanding I go find him

"Absolutely not," I hissed at he. "He's married. To our mother. This is not happening"

But even as I said it, I knew it was a lie

Because the bond didn't care about logistics. It didn't care about morality or family drama or the fact that this was the single worst possible match in the history of terrible matches

The bond just was

And it was pulling at me, very relentlessly

I pressed my palms against my eyes, trying to think

Options, I needed options, they weren't many but i cohld come up with a few

Option one was to leave. Just pack my shit and get the hell out of Valencia before this got any messier

Or Tell my mother. Watch her world implode and probably get banished from the pack, that would be both hilarious and not

Or, I reject the bond, which would definitely kill both of us slowly and painfully....I shohld cross that out of the list

Or Do nothing and hope it went away

All terrible options

I hit my head on the door "I am so screwed"

Just then, my phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out absently, expecting some spam notification or a message from one of my old friends

Instead, my screen lit up with a news alert

BREAKING: Westwood Woman Arrested for Domestic Abuse - Drug Addiction Suspected

Now, I wouldn't care, If my name wasnt Westwood

, instantly, blood turned to ice

I clicked on the article, my hands already shaking

And there it was. My face

Plastered across the screen like I was some kind of criminal

Belle Westwood, 23, was arrested last week following a violent altercation with her long term boyfriend, Rowan Mitchell. According to sources close to the couple, Westwood has a history of aggressive behavior, often escalating when under the influence of drugs and alcohol

"What the fuck?" I breathed

"She would get high and just lose it," one anonymous source stated "Rowan tried to help her, but she was out of control. He's lucky to be alive, to be honest "

My vision blurred with rage

The incident, which left Mitchell hospitalized with multiple injuries, has sparked conversations about domestic violence and substance abuse in relationships. Mitchell's lawyer has stated that his client is "traumatized but hopeful that Belle gets the help she needs."

I threw my phone across the room

It hit the wall with a satisfying crack, but it didn't make me feel any better

That lying, manipulative, backstabbing piece of shit

He didn't just take me to court, he didn't just humiliate me

He destroyed my reputation. Made me out to be some unhinged addict who beat him for fun

And people would believe it. Because why wouldn't they? The article was everywhere. My name, my face, my life-reduced to a lie

I paced the room, Isla snarling and snapping, feeding off my fury

"I'm going to kill him," I muttered "I'm going to find him and rip his throat out with my bare hands"

You can't, Isla said, her voice surprisingly calm Not like this

"Watch me"

We're smarter than this, Belle, we're stronger than this

I stopped pacing, my chest heaving

We have something he doesn't, think about it she continued and I paused to do so, but nothing came

We have power now

I frowned "What are you talking about?"

Our mate, she said simply The Alpha who just happens to be the most powerful man in the werewolf world

My breath caught

She was right

I was mated to the most powerful Alpha in existence. Someone with influence, resources, connections that stretched across every pack, every territory

A slow, dangerous smile crept across my face

What if I used that?

What if I used him to destroy Rowan?

Without using violen or blood shed, but wkth sheer power and influence

With the kind of systematic, calculated revenge that would leave Rowan with nothing

Isla purred in agreement

It was risky....heck, It was insane

But it was perfect

I picked up my cracked phone from the floor, staring at the article one last time

"You want to play dirty, Rowan?" I whispered "Fine then, let's play"