The Alpha Breeder

Chapter 1: After You Give Birth

Lyria

"After you give birth, disappear forever."

Those six words shattered whatever little light remained of my heart.

The contract trembled in my hands as I stared at the bold signature waiting for mine to show on it. Every line on the paper reminded me that I was not a woman, at least not to them.

I wasn't someone's daughter.

I wasn't someone's future Luna.

I was nothing more than a womb bearer.

A breeder.

The council chamber was silent except for the crackling fire in the massive stone fireplace. The scent of cedarwood and dominance filled the room, making it difficult to breathe. Around the long oak table sat the six Elders of Blackthorn Pack, each watching me as though they were inspecting some livestock before an auction could take place.

At the head of the table sat the man who had ruined my life without saying more than a handful of words to anyone most especially me.

Alpha Cassian Blackthorn.

His tailored black suit hugged his broad shoulders, and the silver wolf crest on his jacket gleamed beneath the chandelier. His expression remained unreadable while his icy gray eyes were fixed on the documents before him rather than on me. He had not looked at me since I entered the room.

Not even once.

"The terms are simple,"

One of the six elder, Elder Rowan said, sliding the final page toward me.

"You will bear the Alpha's heir. After the child is born, you will surrender the baby to the Blackthorn Pack and leave. You will never claim the child, the Alpha, or this pack."

My fingers tightened around the pen.

Never claim the child.

The words blurred as tears burned behind my eyes.

"You have one minute to decide," another Elder among them said impatiently.

One minute.

As if the rest of my life could be measured in sixty seconds.

I swallowed hard.

Just yesterday, I had been nothing more than an omega struggling to keep my sick younger brother alive. The healers demanded a fortune for the medicine he needed which I did not have, and every pack I had begged for help turned me away. But then the Blackthorn Council found me, they offered me enough money to save my brother's life.

All I had to do was become Alpha Cassian's breeder.

"I don't understand," I whispered. "Why me?"

One Elder scoffed.

"Because your bloodline is compatible."

Another added coldly,

"And because desperate people are easier to control."

The room erupted in quiet laughter while I lowered my eyes as the humiliation burned hotter than anger.

Finally, Alpha Cassian spoke. His deep voice was calm, cold and emotionless.

"Sign it."

That was all.

No explanation.

No sympathy.

No apology.

Just two words.

Sign it.

I looked up instinctively, hoping foolishly that our eyes would meet somehow but they didn't.

He was already reviewing another document as though my existence was not worth acknowledging.

My chest tightened painfully.

This was the most powerful Alpha King on the continent.

The man every she–wolf alive dreamed of marrying.

The man mothers prayed their daughters would be chosen by to become his luna.

Yet today, here I was being sold to him– not as his mate, nor as his Luna.

But as a breeder.

A child bearer.

My hands shook violently as different kinds of thought ran through my mind.

If I refuse, my brother would die and if I accept, a part of me would die instead.

The choice had already been made before I can think about it deeply, and so slowly, I signed my name.

Lyria Ashwood.

The scratching sound of the pen echoed through the chamber as my name appeared on it.

An Elder immediately snatched the contract before the ink had even dried.

"It's done."

Another Elder smiled in satisfaction.

"The ceremony will begin tonight."

Ceremony?

I frowned.

"What ceremony?"

"You'll understand soon enough."

A chill crawled down my spine. I turned toward Alpha Cassian for one last time and he finally lifted his gaze. For one brief second, our eyes met.

His gray eyes held no warmth. No desire or curiosity.

Nothing.

I could have been a stranger.

A servant.

A ghost.

He rose from his chair, buttoned his jacket, and walked toward the massive doors.

When he reached me, he paused and without looking directly at me, he says the words that will haunt me for years.

"After you give birth..."

His voice was as cold as winter.

"...disappear forever."

Then he walked away.

The doors closed behind him with a deafening boom.

I stand frozen where I was as the silence felt unbearable enough to even breathe.

Disappear forever.

A tear escaped before I could stop it but I quickly wiped it away.

No.

I wouldn't cry here.

Not in front of people who believed my tears meant weakness.

Not in front of people who had already decided my worth.

If they wanted a breeder, then I would give them exactly what they paid for.

Nothing more.

Nothing less.

But deep inside, a promise took root.

One day, I would leave this place.

And when I did, no one-not even Alpha Cassian Blackthorn would ever have the power to decide my fate again.

Just then, the chamber doors open once more to reveal a palace guard who hurried inside with his face pale.

"Alpha!"

Cassian stopped without turning around.

"The Moon Priest has arrived."

The guard swallowed nervously before adding,

"He says, the prophecy has awakened."

The entire chamber fell silent.

For the first time that day, Alpha Cassian's expression changed.

And same as every Elder's face drained of color.

Chapter 2: The Woman Chosen by the Moon

Lyria

The words of the guards echoed through the council chamber like a death sentence while I watch every Elder who had mocked me only moments ago now turned deathly pale.

One even stumbled backward while trying to stand thereby knocking his chair to the floor.

I frowned.

A prophecy?

What prophecy could frighten the most powerful people in the Blackthorn Pack?

Alpha Cassian slowly turned around, his sharp gray eyes fixed on the trembling guard.

"Repeat what you just said."

"The... the Moon Priest is waiting outside, Alpha."

The guard lowered his head and continue, "He said the Moon Goddess has spoken again."

Silence.

Even the fire crackling in the fireplace suddenly seemed too loud.

For the first time since I had d entered the chamber, Alpha Cassian's expression shifted from his cold expression to that of concern though it was gone in the blink of an eye, but I had seen it.

Then without another word, he strode toward the door, while the Elders hurried after him as well, robes swaying behind them.

And within seconds, I was left alone in the enormous chamber.

Well...

Almost alone because two female guards remained behind.

"The Alpha ordered that you be taken to the eastern wing," one of them said.

I blinked.

"The eastern wing?"

She nodded.

"You will stay there until tonight."

"Tonight?"

Neither woman answered.

Instead, one gently took my arm.

"This way."

The eastern wing was unlike any place I had ever seen. The polished marble floors reflected the golden chandeliers hanging overhead. Portraits of past Alpha Kings lined the walls, each one wearing the same cold expression.

Power.

Authority.

Control.

Everything this pack valued.

Everything that I had never have.

Servants stopped whatever they were doing to stare at me as we walked past.

Their whispers followed me like shadows.

"So that's the breeder."

"I heard she's only an omega."

"Poor thing..."

"No, lucky thing. She's carrying the Alpha's heir."

"If only she knew..."

The last sentence caught my attention.

If only she knew?

Knew what?

Before I could ask, the guards stopped in front of a pair of enormous white doors.

One pushed them open.

"Your room."

I stepped inside and my breath caught instantly.

The bedroom was way larger than the tiny house my brother and I had shared.

Silk curtains danced in the breeze, a fireplace warmed the room, fresh flowers filled crystal vases while a bed big enough for six people sat in the center beneath a carved wooden canopy.

It was beautiful.

Too beautiful.

This was not kindness instead it was preparation just like animals that were well–fed before slaughter.

A knock interrupted my thoughts from moving ahead.

Three maids entered carrying dresses, jewelry, and expensive perfumes.

One smiled politely.

"We are here to prepare you."

"For what?"

"The Moon Blessing Ceremony."

Another maid gently unfolded a long silver gown. It shimmered like moonlight on water.

I stared at it.

"I don't need something this expensive."

"You do."

"Why?"

The maids exchanged nervous glances until finally, the oldest one sighed.

"Because every breeder chosen for the Alpha must receive the Moon Goddess' blessing before conception."

My stomach tightened.

Every breeder?

"So..."

I swallowed.

"I'm not the first."

Silence answered me.

That was answer enough.

A strange ache settled in my chest.

Why had Alpha Cassian needed breeders before?

Had they all failed?

Had they all disappeared?

Or...

Had something happened to them?

The oldest maid seemed to notice my thoughts.

She spoke softly.

"Don't ask questions no one is willing to answer."

An hour later, I could barely recognized myself.

The silver dress hugged my figure perfectly, my dark hair had been braided with tiny white flowers with a delicate silver necklace that rested against my collarbone.

For the first time in years I could no longer remember, I looked beautiful.

The realization hurt.

Beauty had never changed anything before and it would not save me now.

The maids left me alone while I walked toward the tall window overlooking the Alpha's estate.

The view stretched for miles I could not see finish.

Training grounds.

Gardens.

Stone towers.

Hundreds of wolves moving through the courtyard below.

Everyone had a purpose.

Everyone belonged here.

Except me.

A soft knock came at the door drawing me back from my thoughts.

I turned.

A little girl, no older than eight, peeked inside.

She wore a servant's uniform far too big for her tiny frame. When our eyes met, she smiled.

"You are really pretty."

I laughed quietly.

"No one as said that to me before."

She stepped into the room, holding a tray with tea.

"My name is Ivy."

"I'm Lyria."

"I know."

She hesitated before whispering,

"Everyone's talking about you."

"I'm sure they are."

She bit her lip.

"They are saying the Moon Priest came because of you."

I frowned.

"Me?"

She nodded eagerly.

"They say the Moon Goddess has been silent for over twenty years."

"Until today."

My heart skipped.

"But, I've never even met the Moon Priest."

"I know."

She leaned closer.

"That's why everyone's scared."

Before I could ask another question-

BANG!

The bedroom door burst open as a palace guard stood in the doorway, breathing heavily.

"The ceremony has been moved forward."

"What?"

"The Moon Priest insists it happens immediately."

"Why?"

The guard looked directly into my eyes. His face had gone completely white.

"Because..."

He swallowed hard.

"...he claims the Moon Goddess has already chosen you."

The guard's words left the room in stunned silence.

I stared at him, waiting for him to laugh and admit it was some cruel joke.

He didn't.

My heart pounded painfully against my ribs.

"There must be a mistake," I whispered.

The guard shook his head.

"The Moon Priest refuses to begin the ceremony until you arrive."

I looked toward the little servant girl, Ivy. Her face had gone pale, and she clutched the tray in her trembling hands.

"I have... I've never seen this happen before," she murmured.

Neither had I.

The maids rushed back into the room.

"Hurry!" one of them urged as she straightened my gown.

"The entire council is waiting."

Within moments, I was being lead through the endless palace corridors.

The atmosphere had

changed.

Every servant I came across stopped to stare at me, while some lowered their heads respectfully others looked at me with open fear. Even the palace guards, men twice my size, stepped aside without a word.

None of it made sense to me.

I was still the same omega they had looked down on this morning, so why were they treating me differently now?

The Moon Temple stood at the highest point of the Blackthorn estate.

Unlike the dark stone buildings surrounding it, the temple was built entirely from white marble. Moonlight reflected off its walls even though the sun had not yet set.

As I climbed the long staircase, I heard chanting echoing from inside.

Ancient words.

Words I couldn't understand.

The heavy doors opened to reveal more than a hundred people that filled the temple.

Every Elder was present, the Alpha's generals stood in full armor and Priestesses in silver robes surrounded a glowing altar.

At the center stood Alpha Cassian.

Tonight, he was not wearing a suit unlike the last time I saw him, instead, he wore a ceremonial black robes embroidered with silver thread and a crown of dark metal resting upon his head.

For the first time, he looked less like a man and more like a king.

His gray eyes found mine as I entered. For a brief second, I see something flickered across his face.

Curiosity.

Then it was gone like it never appeared.

The Moon Priest stepped forward. He was an old man with snow–white hair and golden eyes that seemed to see through every lie.

"So..."

His gaze settled on me.

"You are Lyria Ashwood."

I lowered my head respectfully.

"Yes."

He circled me slowly.

The entire temple watched in silence until finally, he stopped.

"This is impossible."

The Elders exchanged nervous glances.

"What is it?" Elder Rowan asked.

The priest ignored him.

Instead, he lifted his hand toward my forehead.

The moment his fingers hovered above my skin-

A brilliant silver light exploded around us.

Gasps filled the temple.

The priest staggered backward.

"No..."

His voice trembled.

"It cannot be..."

The glowing moon symbol above the altar suddenly burst into radiant light.

Every candle in the temple ignited at once.

The ground shook, while outside the temple, wolves began howling.

One after another.

And then dozens more joined them.

The Moon Priest fell to his knees.

"The prophecy..."

He looked directly at Alpha Cassian and continued.

"...has begun."

The temple erupted into chaos.

"What prophecy?"

"How is this possible?"

"She is only an omega!"

The priest raised his voice above the panic.

"Silence!"

Instantly, everyone obeyed.

He slowly stood.

"There has not been a Moon–Blessed Female for over a thousand years."

Every face turned toward me.

"The woman standing before you..."

His golden eyes filled with awe.

"...has been personally marked by the Moon Goddess."

A cold shiver ran down my spine.

Marked?

I looked down at my hands.

Nothing looked different.

"I don't understand," I whispered.

The priest smiled sadly.

"You will."

He reached for my wrist.

As he gently lifted my sleeve up, a silver crescent shaped mark began to glow beneath my skin.

I gasped.

"I have never seen that before..."

Neither had anyone else.

An Elder stumbled backward.

"The Moon Mark..."

Another whispered in terror,

"It actually exists."

The priest turned toward Alpha Cassian.

"There is no longer a choice."

The Alpha's expression hardened.

"What do you mean?"

"The breeder contract is no longer an ordinary contract."

The old man's voice echoed through the temple.

"The children born from this union..."

He paused.

"...will decide the future of every werewolf alive."

The temple fell deathly silent.

I felt my knees weaken.

Children?

Future?

What was happening to me?

Before anyone could speak again-

A deafening roar shook the temple walls.

The stained–glass windows shattered and a violent gust of wind rushed inside. The massive temple doors slammed open on their own and from the darkness beyond came a chilling voice.

"You cannot let her carry the Alpha's heir..."

Every head snapped toward the entrance.

A hooded figure stood there, surrounded by black mist. He slowly raised one hand and pointed directly at me.

"Because if she does..."

His voice turned deadly.

"...she will become the end of us all."

Chapter 3: Mine to Protect

Lyria

The hooded man's words echoed through the Moon Temple.

For one terrifying second, no one moved. Then chaos erupted immediately everywhere.

"Protect the Alpha!"

"Seal the doors!"

"Capture him!"

The palace guards charged toward the stranger, swords flashing beneath the temple lights.

I stood frozen watching the black mist surrounding the intruder twist like living shadows. I could not see his face beneath the hood, but I could feel his eyes on me.

Not on Alpha Cassian.

On me.

"Kill her!" he roared.

"Before the prophecy can be fulfilled!"

The words had barely left his mouth when dozens of black arrows shot from the darkness.

"Down!" someone shouted.

The temple exploded into screams.

The first arrow struck a stone pillar, shattering it into pieces.

Another one narrowly missed one of the Elders.

The guards raised their shields, but more arrows rained from every direction.

This was not a one man work instead, it was an ambush.

Someone had planned this.

"Lyria!"

Before I could realize what was happening, a powerful arm wrap around my waist making the world spun and a second later, an arrow buried itself exactly where I had been standing.

I stared in horror.

If I hadn't moved, it would have pierced my heart.

I looked up.

Alpha Cassian was holding me.

His grip was firm, one arm around my waist while the other drew a gleaming black sword from his side.

Its silver blade glowed beneath the moonlight.

The entire temple seemed to fall silent in shock that the Alpha King had drawn his weapon.

"Stay behind me," he ordered.

His voice was calm.

Cold.

Commanding.

I blinked.

Was he protecting me?

"But-"

"I said behind me."

Something in his tone made

me obey without another word.

The next second, three masked assassins burst through the shattered windows. Their eyes burned crimson which showed they were not wolves.

Rogues.

One lunged toward me with twin daggers but Cassian moved before I could even scream.

Clang!

His sword collided with the assassin's blade making the impact echoed through the temple.

The rogue flew backward, crashing through a marble bench.

Another attacked from the side but Cassian didn't even turn as he spun, driving his elbow into the man's chest before kicking him across the room.

The assassin coughed blood and collapsed.

I had never seen anyone move so fast.

No wonder they called him the strongest Alpha.

"Protect Lady Lyria!" the Moon Priest shouted.

Lady?

Only hours ago, I had been nothing more than the Alpha's breeder.

Now everyone was risking their lives for me.

Nothing made sense to me panymore.

The hooded man laughed.

"You still don't understand, Cassian."

His voice echoed unnaturally.

"It isn't the girl we fear, instead, it's what she is carrying."

My heart skipped.

Carrying?

I wasn't even pregnant yet.

Cassian's expression darkened.

"Enough."

The Alpha disappeared.

No...

He moved so quickly that my eyes couldn't follow all I heard next was a loud explosion that shook the entire temple.

The hooded man was thrown backward, smashing through the enormous wooden doors.

Dust filled the air.

When it settled, Cassian stood with his sword against the stranger's throat.

"Who sent you?"

Silence.

"I'll ask only once."

The hooded man chuckled.

"You think this ends with me?"

Cassian pressed the blade harder. Blood trickled down the assassin's neck.

"You have ten seconds."

Instead of answering, the stranger smiled. Then his body suddenly burst into black flames.

"No!" one of the Elders shouted.

The fire consumed him in seconds. Nothing remained not even his ashes.

The entire temple fell silent.

"He..." I whispered.

"He killed himself."

The Moon Priest slowly closed his eyes.

"No."

His voice was heavy.

"That wasn't suicide. It was forbidden shadow magic."

A murmur spread through the temple.

"Shadow magic?"

"I thought it disappeared centuries ago."

The priest looked directly at Cassian.

"This is far worse than we imagined."

Cassian sheathed his sword.

"Explain."

"The prophecy has already awakened enemies who should never have known about the girl."

"The moment the Moon Mark appeared, they had began hunting her."

A chill crawled down my spine.

Hunting...

Me?

Why?

I was just an omega.

I had never hurt anyone.

The priest turned toward me.

"Lyria."

I swallowed.

"Yes?"

"From this moment onward, you cannot leave the Alpha's side."

The words stunned the room.

One Elder immediately objected.

"That's impossible!"

"The contract clearly states she will remain in the eastern wing until conception."

The priest shook his head.

"The contract no longer matters."

"The Moon Goddess has spoken. The girl must remain under the Alpha King's personal protection."

Every eye shifted toward Cassian.

His jaw tightened which means he clearly didn't like the idea.

Neither did I.

Living beside the man who saw me as nothing more than a breeder?

That sounded like another prison.

Cassian finally spoke.

"I'll do my duty."

Duty.

Not concern or kindness.

Duty.

The word stung more than I expected.

Just then, another guard rushed into the temple, his face drained of color.

"Alpha!"

Cassian turned sharply.

"What now?"

"The eastern wing..."

The guard struggled to catch his breath.

"It's on fire."

My heart dropped.

"My room?"

The guard nodded.

"It wasn't an accident."

His next words froze the blood in my veins.

"They found a woman's body inside..."

"...wearing your clothes."