Hidden Heiress: The Lycan King's Disfigured Queen

VALENTINA

The mood around the pack's court is extremely tense. With doubtful gazes and smug faces bore into me like salt in my fresh wounds, I, Luna Valentina Rodriguez, sat in the middle of the questionnaire of the council.

"Luna Valentina, do you have anything to say in your defence?" The stern voice of the council minister resonated in the grand hall, drawing my lowered eyes toward him.

"There's nothing for her to say. I, Alpha of the Shadow Crust pack, have decided already." My husband, Atlas, said firmly. "She's here for the formalities only."

I looked up at him. Tears brimmed in my eyes as I felt a wave of warmth within my pierced heart. Even after everything, he still chose me.

"But Alpha, you must realize that she is no longer a worthy Luna after-"

"Enough, Minister," Atlas's voice boomed in the court hall, silencing the place like a graveyard. "Valentina is my mate and wife. She may not be in a condition to perform as a proper Luna now, but we must not forget her selfless contributions for over two years. Now, when she has suffered a great loss, both physically and mentally, for which we are all somewhat responsible, you are raising fingers at her? This is absolutely unacceptable."

His words were a resilient shield to me. Under his protection, I felt most secure and loved.

"Alpha, we understand your concerns. We can probably overlook other things, but we must remember that she is unable to bear children, and unfortunately, you remain heirless." The minister rebuked Atlas, and the ache in my heart intensified violently at the reminder of the harsh reality.

"Without an heir, your position as Alpha is at stake." The minister's words echoed in my ears like sharp darts as anguish overwhelmed my soul.

"Everything isn't finished yet; I'll find a way," Atlas growled. "The questionnaire ends here," he barked at the minister, took my hand, and almost dragged me from the hall.

My gaze fell on his tense back. It hurts me so much to see him so worried and at risk because of me, yet his unwavering support fills me with hope to live and move on.

Nothing was his fault, nor mine, yet we both are suffering.

It was just the curse of my fate.

Two days ago, while patrolling the border, an unexpected attack by rogues left me infertile and facially disfigured.

For some reason, I couldn't fight against those beasts as though I had fallen numb and paralyzed.

I almost died that night, but Atlas and other warriors arrived quickly and saved me. When I woke up in the hospital, I discovered that I had also lost my wolf spirit in the attack. It broke me severely, and I feared that maybe-maybe I'd lose Atlas as well.

However, my husband didn't change; he accepted me for who I am, and the way he defended me before the minister-I'm truly the luckiest woman on Earth.

Slowly, I touched his shoulder and felt him tensing under my palm. I caressed his back carefully and heard him sigh. Turning to me, Atlas held my hand and kissed it softly. "I am so sorry, baby; you've been through such bizarre things. I wish I had been there instead of you that night," he whispered. His tone sounded so tired and laden with extreme guilt.

"Please don't say that; you're the only one I have in life." I shook my head vigorously. "I no longer feel hopeless with your unconditional love and support, Atlas. Just never leave my side."

He cupped my cheeks and dropped a peck on my lips. "I will not," he promised softly. "Now, go back to the pack house; I have to finish some work, okay?"

Although I did not want him to live, I nodded, suppressing my desire. He had already done so much for me; I could not hold him back any longer.

With a heavy heart, I nodded slowly and watched him leave.

Back in our room, I was tossing and turning in bed, feeling a little strange and lonely. I am still adjusting to life without my wolf, Kira. Perhaps that is the reason.

I glanced at the clock for the umpteenth time. It was past midnight, and Atlas hadn't arrived yet.

Sighing, I sat up on the bed and dragged my knees to my chest. Atlas never explains much about his work and mostly returns late at night. Sometimes he even stays out for work.

I never question him much, though; he gets annoyed. After all, he's a proud alpha. Also, I believe he doesn't want me to worry much about workloads and takes care of the home like a proper Luna.

Though it wasn't who I truly was, I still tried my best to not let my wildness take over and disrespect him. After all, he had accepted me without questioning my background.

Two years have passed, yet he still doesn't know who I truly am. I also don't want to explain it; after all, two years ago, I left my father's home with a broken heart and embraced this new life, and I am more than happy with it.

After a few more rounds of tossing and turning, I decided to visit Atlas in his office. I don't usually do that, but I miss him so badly tonight. Therefore, without a second thought, I left my bed and went to the west wing of the pack house, to his office.

However, my feet froze in the dimly lit, empty hallway, where suspicious sounds echoed. I blinked, looked around, and then again at his office door. Those sounds are coming from there.

A frown creased my brow as I moved forward cautiously. The door was slightly ajar, revealing a faint light emanating from within along with those sounds.

My heart tightened against the ribcage as I recognised the sounds. Those were-moans of pleasure.

Approaching the door, I slowly pushed it open, and I wished I hadn't.

What greeted me and froze the blood in my veins was-Atlas's half-naked broad back bent over a slender naked figure, their lips locked in what looked like desperate passion. The woman's manicured fingers were tangled in his hair, clutching him as if he were her last hope of survival.

Then reality hit me like a thunderbolt in an open field.

Sienna.

The woman I considered my best friend, after Atlas, the woman who is Luna to another pack and always demanded Atlas as her brother, had her legs wrapped around his waist.

I heard their laughter that taunted my ears, their passionate moans that pricked my eardrums with thousands of needles. I felt like I was falling into a cavern of ice as I watched them so engrossed in each other, with no trace of shame.

But hold on, the worst is yet to come-

"Mmm-baby, tell me I'm better than her." Sienna moaned out. "Come on, tell me I am better than that idiot Valentina! Say it Atlas! Mmmm-fucking say!"

"No one can be compared to your love! You're fucking best-aagh! Yes, go on my baby momma." Atlas moaned with a passion I've yet to hear.

"Mm-hm, tell me, Atlas, I am the only one! Tell me!" Sienna screamed. "Tell me it's only our son for you!"

Spinning her beneath him, Atlas grabbed her by the neck and chuckled loudly. "No fucking doubt! I have only one heir baby, our son and he'll take my throne-Aaggh-yes!- I'll make her babysit our son. She's worth nothing more than a maid now."

Their cruel laughter rumbled in my ears. My mind spiralled, and I felt I was floating in the worst ordeal of my life.

"You're one evil man huh?-mmhm-that rogue attack was perfect! Mmmm! And the drug you used to numb her limbs s-so- OGH! So she couldn't fight! Ohhh- And then silver poison to destroy her wolf, haha-Aahh, mmm-you're so bad.Ufff" Sienna cried out when he pounced wildly within her.

"As if you didn't demand, huh?" Atlas chuckled darkly before picking her up and throwing her on the sofa. "And tonight I'll fucking ruin you so bad."

I slipped away, my pants heavy, unable to see or hear them anymore. I rushed away, covering my mouth tightly. Tears poured endlessly from my eyes as I fell onto my knees.

Two years- what have I not done to please him, my Alpha, my mate and my husband? Even though he had a proud attitude, I accepted him as he was and loved him with every particle of my being, but in the end, I found out that it had no value.

For the first time, I have realized that the people I loved and trusted with all my heart ruined me in the worst possible way.

A weak smile touched my lips as I recalled my life from the beginning.

Is it because of what I did two years ago, Goddess? Is this your punishment for my disobedience to my father?

Yet-no answer.

VALENTINA

The woman standing before me looked terrifying. Her once beautiful face, now disfigured, bore a scar that marred the left side of her cheek. Her long lashes were burned during the attack.

She looks horrible.

A single tear traced a path down her ruined cheek. Everything in her life had been lost, thrusting her into the pain of hell.

Her pearly ivory eyes scrutinised deep within my soul, reminding me of my losses that carved each of my cells with remorse and ache, screaming of my defeat and evoking memories of the past.

I had left my father's protection and entrapped myself in Atlas's deadly web.

I wish I could turn the time, then I would have never left my home and perhaps-perhaps accepted my father's stubborn decision of arranged marriage.

For two years, there wasn't a day that passed when I didn't reach for my phone to call my father, yet dropped the idea. I was angry with him, but after losing almost everything, I felt that maybe I was wrong not to have listened to him.

But no more. Before I lose my life at the serpent's hands, I must leave and return home to my father.

"Luna, Alpha is here. He wants to see you." My maid informed me.

I brushed away my tears. My eyes hardened in a way I never thought possible.

"Hmm," I whispered, and slowly walked out of the closet in my bathrobe.

There he is. My husband, standing with a face no one would ever doubt. Full of charm and innocence, but underneath that facade hides a dangerous demon.

My heart twisted in agony when he flashed his sweetest smile.

I thought he was my safe barrier. I thought he was my one and only, my forever kind of love until he brutally stepped into my soul and tore away my love and belief as if they weighed nothing.

"Baby." He murmured and embraced me in a warm hug that no longer felt warm, but a camouflage of his cruel conspiracy.

I didn't return the hug and stood like a cold statue. The pain of his infidelity had sunk deep within me to even pretend to accept his disgusting touch.

Breaking the hug, Atlas cupped my cheeks. "How are you, love?" he asked. Those soft words felt like a sharp dagger plunged deep into my soul.

Staring deep into his cunning, dark gaze, I realized how foolish I was to fall for his sweet disguise. Worse, I dared to believe he was my safest place.

Had it not been for last night, I would never have recognized this person. I would never have learned that the man I loved most was the cause of my greatest suffering.

It turns out, as I am his destined mate, he was obligated to accept me as his official Luna. Therefore, he schemes against me to degrade me. And here I was, in a dreamy illusion of being accepted by my husband...

"Val, baby, what's wrong?" His words broke my thoughts, and my eyes met his.

A slight twitch appeared on my lips. "Nothing," I muttered. "What are you doing here? I thought you were busy finding a solution to my situation," I said, my voice holding a touch of sarcasm that he did not understand.

Atlas held my hand. "I have already found one," he said like a loving husband.

I wonder what part of his plan he is executing now. With a soft smile, I nodded, "Hmm, tell me."

He turned around toward the closed door of the room. "Come on in," he said.

The door opened, and Beta Jayden entered with a little boy in his arms. Immediately, my heart clenched just by looking at the boy. One glance at him, and I knew he was Atlas's illegitimate son for whom he had destroyed me. The resemblance was unwavering.

Atlas took the boy from Beta and stood before me with a sparkling gaze. "He is Arlen, an orphan, so I thought, why not adopt him?"

When I didn't reply, he passed the boy to Jyaden and again held my hands. "Val, I know you always wanted a baby of your own, but now the circumstances have changed. You can't carry a child. Also, you lost your wolf as well. Besides, the council has already raised a question against you. So, I think if we adopt the boy, I can strongly defend you before them. With an heir, they won't have any grounds to oppose you." He said, using his gentle voice.

I gazed at the man. Everything was just because of this child? He hurt me, both physically and emotionally, so his lover's child could become the heir to the pack.

I wanted to laugh out loud but suppressed. Turning to the little boy, I went close to him and slowly touched his cheeks.

He retreated, yanking my hand away. His expression clearly showed fear and disdain. I offered a cold smile; it was unsurprising that he was Atlas's son.

"He's scared of me. Maybe he didn't like me as his mother," I said calmly.

"What are you saying? It's definitely not like that!" Atlas defended his son hurriedly. "He's just a child, try to understand."

"Of course, I do. After all, anyone would be scared looking at my face," I said, flashing him a small smile.

Atlas let out a sigh that seemed intended to evoke sympathy, though I found his performance rather amusing. His acting was so convincing that throughout our two years of marriage, I never once suspected him, or Sienna.

"Valentina, it's not your fault." He whispered, cupping my cheeks.

"Of course, it's not," I softly whispered. It was all your fault.

"Baby, I've decided to adopt this child, not only to present him to the council but because I strongly feel you'd be happier around him. When he'll call you Mother, it will appease your soul. I promise, your wounded feelings will be eased by this little guy." He kissed my forehead, finishing his words.

Ah, how I ever forgot how outstandingly manipulative he is. In our married life, Atlas always had the final word, using his gentleness. He made me believe he was doing everything for my good while stabbing me in the back.

Every time he made me feel indebted to him for his consideration, and I, like a fool, believed him without a question.

He turned to the boy, saying, "Look at him, He is so innocent and craves love. Doesn't your heart wish to adore him?"

His words burned my wounded soul in a repeated move. Making me infertile he is asking me to adore his illegitimate child.

What a disgusting piece of shit.

A subtle smile played on my lips as I nodded. "Undeniably, he's charming," I remarked.

"But, did you observe a striking resemblance? He's your spitting image, Atlas. As if he is your own blood!" I feigned astonishment. "Fate is indeed capricious, isn't it? Yet, I sense a disparity; the little one does not bear even the slightest resemblance to me at all." I faked a longing, sorrowful expression.

My words, nevertheless, stiffened him. His face was drained of colour. A frown of nervousness creased his brows.

"Nn-no baby it's not like that. I-it's just a coincidence." Atlas panicked for a split second, trying his best to take control of the situation. He probably didn't realize this point, out of excitement over his victory.

I almost burst out laughing but controlled myself in time.

Seeing him tense sent a wave of satisfaction through my heart. Although my anguish and losses far outweigh his, I still consider it a success.

"Atlas," I touched his arm, "Don't worry, I will adopt him," I said with an icy smile. Why not play a little before crushing down his desires just the way he did to me?

Oh my dear, dear Atlas, you have no idea whom you have messed with. You knew a loving and obedient wife; now you know the true Valentina Rodriguez.

My acceptance brought tremendous joy to his face. His handsome face which was ugly within, gleamed with mirth and he pulled me into a tight embrace.

"You have no idea how relieved I feel, Val." He kissed my head. "I knew you'd never disappoint me and would make a decision as Luna of the pack!" He almost moved to tears, making my lips twitch at the perfection of his deceit.

"We no longer need to worry about an heir or the throne." His joyous words rang in my ears like a taunt as I watched him with amazement.

"You'll always be my most beloved Luna, baby," he announced, as if his love for me were undying, while the truth is that he never loved me at all.

"I'm so glad to have met you; otherwise, I wouldn't know men like you exist," I said, my taunted remarks were so clear yet nothing entered his fat head.

He gently caressed my cheeks and said proudly, "I know."

Atlas is a manipulative and arrogant man. His ego is bigger than his brain, yet my deep affection for him stemmed from his endearing and charming nature; however, I have since learned that this was merely a disguise.

I'm curious, how many times did he sleep around with his lover behind my back? Perhaps those nights when he stayed out of home with an excuse of important work, and mind me if I say, those nights were countless.

Nowadays, with many chemicals and potions, it's nearly impossible to feel the betrayal in the mate bond. Otherwise, I wouldn't have had to endure so long, and perhaps I could have saved myself from this agonizing anguish and loss.

"Baby, where are you lost?" Atlas asked, interrupting my thoughts again.

"In you," I answered, looking at him intently.

Again not understanding the mockery, he grinned like a fool and touched my head, "hey, get ready; we will meet the council," he said.

A sneer touched my lips as I shrugged. "Well, I feel I don't want to meet the council. In fact, I have another plan," I said calmly.

"And what is that?" He raised an eyebrow, unable to contain his irritation. This is Atlas; he despised disobedience.

My lips curved into a smirk as I took my wedding ring off my ring finger and threw it at him and stated coldly, "I, Valentina Rodriguez, reject you, Atlas Darwin, as my mate, husband and Alpha."

VALENTINA

An anguished howl echoed, piercing the air in the room. The searing pain tore through the quiet atmosphere as I stared at the disgusting man in disdain-it was his howl of a broken bond.

He had let go of his son. Kneeling on the ground, his eyes shot up at me in anger and disbelief.

"Wha-at the fuck is wrong with you?" He emitted a guttural growl. His bloodshot eyes glared at me.

My fists clenched, my nails digging into my soft flesh. With a tight, throbbing heart, I felt the twist of the shattered bond within me.

The bond I swore to cherish for a lifetime, I broke today. The pain was intense, but it could not be compared to the anguish of betrayal.

I swallowed the burning ache in my soul. My lips twitched at his suffering. "Karma," I murmured. "I rejected you, Atlas Darwin This is where your manipulation ends."

Atlas stood up; since my wolf spirit dissipated, the weakness of rejection didn't linger long.

"But why would you do that? Who gave you the right to reject me?" His tone sharpened. His jet-black eyes dilated further, radiating extreme annoyance.

No wonder his pride was hurt. He clearly desired the result, but his male arrogance flared because I was the one initiating the rejection.

"What are you so annoyed about? I have just earned you your freedom, Atlas. Congratulations." I stated with a slight touch of a satisfying smirk on my face.

Although it could not satiate my traumatized soul, it still felt satisfying to crush his ego.

"I will leave," I muttered with a composed demeanour, looking deep into his eyes. "So, accept my rejection," I demanded.

Atlas raised a brow at me, sending me a look of taunt as if he had heard the most ridiculous jokes of his life.

A cold chuckle escaped his lips as he stepped toward me. "And where would you go?" he asked sarcastically.

"It's none of your business," I refused to answer his question. I was definitely not going to inform him of my plans. "I just want to leave."

After I left my father's shelter, I vowed never to use his name to gain anything. Meeting Atlas, I felt as though I had found a precious gem who would protect me, and I would never have to look back.

So, I never utter anything about my past, living in the delusion of being accepted and loved as I am.

Clearly, I was mistaken, and that cost me everything I cherished. Perhaps it was my karma.

"Valentina, calm down," Atlas said, seeming unexpectedly composed. Slowly, he started walking toward me. "Is it about adoption? If so, why don't you take some time to adjust?" He suggested softly, getting closer. "We will see the council and make the announcement once you're ready."

Raising his hand, he touched my cheek. I, however, did not allow him and yanked his hand away.

"Don't touch me!" I snarled at him, my patience and kindness melting away.

His eyes glowed furiously. "Stop throwing tantrums like a child," he commanded, his raised tone immediately causing the servants and his Beta to lower their heads in submission.

I didn't, though. I kept my eyes fixed on him. I have alpha blood that never learned to submit without my will.

By his expression, he didn't like my strong stance. He is a man who wants women at his feet. He believes only a son can inherit, and daughters should bear heirs for the alpha and follow their husbands.

It astonished me to think I willingly accepted his nonsensical thoughts in my life and let him control me.

"Val, love, calm down," He used his gentle facade once more. "I understand you're going through a rough patch, baby, but you're not alone in this. I'm here with you. We're in this together. I promise you, everything will be alright soon."

"Think carefully, this little one is going to solve all our problems, and we will have our happily ever after," he muttered softly, as though he were coaxing a little child.

"Really?" I arched a brow, as the corner of my lips rose slightly in taunt. "I wonder how you'll conclude our story-by eliminating my existence from this world, or perhaps declaring me crazy before the pack?"

Atlas froze; for a split second, I witnessed his surprised expression before he again suppressed it.

"Right now you're talking like a crazy woman, Valentina. No one's against you, you just need to calm down and think before you speak." He said there was a hint of warning in his words.

I couldn't help but smile. "No wonder," I whispered, realizing how right I was to feel that he planned to eliminate me soon.

"I am calm, Atlas. In fact, I've never been calmer in my life. I do not want you anymore," I stated word by word and walked toward the slightly ajar door.

I technically don't need him to accept the rejection. He already broke it by killing my wolf spirit; therefore, there would be no more pull of the mate bond. Therefore, I'd just leave this hell.

His expression became severe. He clenched his fists, appearing on the verge of losing his composure.

As I was so ready to leave the room, a figure unexpectedly appeared with a worried face, blocking my way.

It was Sienna.

"Guys, what's going on here?" She asked softly, glancing at me and Atlas.

Two years ago, when I met Sienna, she seemed sweet, gentle, and innocent. Since she was the adopted daughter of the Red Moon Pack, I considered Atlas and her relationship sacred, and I never minded their closeness.

Seeing her face, the flare of anger only ignited further within me. And, to make matters worse for the two of them, the little guy in Jayden's arms threw his hands in the air toward Sienna and cried out, "Mama."

Everyone froze, especially the two serpents, making me laugh out loud. Sorry, I couldn't hold it back anymore!!!

"Val, it's not what you're thinking; he's just close with Sienna." Atlas attempted a failed explanation, making my lips curve into a sardonic smirk.

"And here I thought he was a warrior's son, recently orphaned. How did he become close enough to Sienna to call her 'Mama'?" I inquired, throwing a knowing smirk at the selfish man.

"Valentina, I-I was close to that warrior's family, so he knew me well!" Sienna blurted out, and I burst into laughter.

My gaze curiously fixed on Atlas; his face had turned dark. "Once he is just an orphan, and next, he is the son of a warrior. Interesting. Why don't you two just sit together and do your homework before spitting out your lies?"

"Valentina, listen to me. You're not-" Atlas tried to convince me again, but I dismissed him with a wave of my hand.

"Oh please, the boy who's your exact copy, calling Sienna his mother-I might be a fool, but not enough to fail to see the clear truth," I said. I feel nothing but ridiculously annoyed.

"And must I tell you Atlas, I had witnessed you and your "sister's" deeds last night, so sacred and pure." I sneered as my taunting words fell, stiffening them both.

"I am done with your betrayals, Atlas, I just want to leave this fucking place and get rid of you and your fake empathy." My tone sharpened as I stated those words icily.

"Alright, fine, I accept that we had an affair and Arlen is our son," Sienna spoke as if she was frustrated with everything. "But look at him," she pointed at Atlas. "Even after you lose your wolf, your beauty, he is still willing to accept you as his Luna, and you're being nothing but a selfish brat."

Just as fake and poisonous as Sienna is, she suddenly acted magnanimously and tried to convince me. Well, nothing much, just another manipulative bitch.

"Besides, where would you go, leaving the pack? You're just a wolfless, weak, and disfigured omega, how would you survive out there? So it's better to go down on your knees and beg him to accept you and shelter you." She advised me arrogantly which only made me smirk in utter disgust.

I wonder how they would react once they hear my true identity.

The people I loved and trusted used me, hurt me in ways that I never expected, and now trying to announce how great they are. Well, what could be more expected from these traitors?

"Shelter?" I chuckled; the sarcasm rang on the walls. "How? By orchestrating my demise? Or, by launching a rogue attack on me and hurting me? or better, killing my wolf?" I snarled, the rage in my voice heating the atmosphere.

Their eyes widened in disbelief which made me chuckle coldly at their stupid faces. "Your game ends here," I murmured, feeling drained.

I just wanted to leave this place, I have had enough of their betrayals. I couldn't fight them staying here, I just wanted to return to my father and stay with him forever.

However-

"What are you but a scarred, wolfless omega, Valentina?" Atlas's words halted my steps, making my eyes snap in his direction.

In just a few seconds, his demeanour changed. His usually kind and gentle eyes had turned dark and evil. It didn't surprise me, though; I had already gotten a taste of his cruelty. He simply dropped the act, no longer faking it since his deeds were revealed.

"You think once you step out of the pack, you'll survive? What do you have? You only had your beauty, now it's gone. You're now worse than an omega." He sneered at me.

Tilting his head, he tsked. "You only have two options: either walk out and get ripped apart by the rogues and other creatures, or kiss my feet, and maybe I'll give you shelter in some corner of my territory. Accept my son, put on an act before the pack and the council, and live a good life."

His words resonate deeply within me, burning my heart with a fury that inflamed my veins. Anger overtook me and before anyone expected, I rushed to him, raised my hand, and landed a hard slap on his fucking sorry face.

"I'll see you very soon, Atlas Darwin. Just wait and watch." I gritted my teeth and then I turned and walked out-my head high, my heart in pieces, and my wounded soul howling in grief.