The Alpha who didn't believe in love

CHAPTER ONE: THE ALPHA OF MOON PARK

The Moon Park territory was known for its strength, wealth, and ruthless Alpha. It was a place where even the bravest warriors lowered their heads when his name was mentioned.

Lucian Winterfall.

At twenty-eight, he was the youngest and most feared Alpha in the history of the northern territories. Tall, broad-shouldered, and dangerously handsome, he possessed a presence that could silence an entire room. His dark hair, sharp jawline, and cold grey eyes made him look more like a king than a man.

But beneath his perfect appearance was a heart that had long forgotten how to feel.

Lucian did not believe in love.

To him, love was a weakness. It made powerful people foolish, turned strong men into slaves of their emotions, and destroyed everything it touched.

He had learned that lesson at a very young age.

And he had no intention of forgetting it.

MOON PARK TERRITORY

"Alpha, the council is waiting for you."

Lucian barely lifted his eyes from the documents on his desk.

"Then let them wait."

His Beta, Adrian, stood quietly in front of him. He had served Lucian for almost ten years and had learned that questioning his Alpha's decisions was rarely a wise thing to do.

"Alpha, they have been waiting for nearly an hour. The elders are becoming impatient."

Lucian finally raised his head.

"Are you telling me how to run my territory, Adrian?"

Adrian immediately lowered his gaze.

"No, Alpha."

"Then stop wasting my time."

"Yes, Alpha."

Adrian turned to leave, but Lucian's voice stopped him.

"Wait."

He turned around.

"What is it?"

"Did you find out who was responsible for the attack near the eastern border?"

"Not yet. Our warriors discovered blood trails leading into the northern forest, but whoever attacked our patrol managed to escape."

Lucian's expression darkened.

"Find them."

"We are already searching, Alpha."

"I don't care how long it takes. Bring them to me alive."

"Understood."

Adrian left the office.

Lucian leaned back in his chair, staring through the enormous glass windows overlooking his territory.

Everything belonged to him. The land, the warriors, the houses, and every business operating within Moon Park answered to his authority.

He had built his reputation through strength, discipline, and fear.

Nobody dared challenge him.

Nobody dared disappoint him.

And nobody dared speak to him about finding a mate.

Especially not the council.

THE COUNCIL CHAMBER

By the time Lucian entered the council chamber, all the elders were already seated.

Every conversation stopped.

"Alpha," they greeted, bowing their heads.

Lucian walked towards the head of the table and took his seat.

"Why am I here?"

One of the oldest council members cleared his throat.

"Alpha, you are approaching thirty. The territory needs a Luna. It is time you considered finding your mate."

Lucian slowly lifted his eyes.

"Is that why you summoned me?"

"Your people need a Luna who can stand beside you. Someone who can help secure the future of Moon Park."

Lucian let out a humourless laugh.

"I have managed this territory without a Luna. I don't see why that should change."

"An Alpha needs more than power. He needs a family, a mate, and an heir."

Lucian's fingers tightened around the armrest.

"Be careful with your next words."

The elder swallowed.

"We only want what is best for you, Alpha."

"Then learn to mind your business."

The room fell silent.

Lucian stood.

"Let me make something clear. I will never allow a woman to control my decisions, and I will never marry simply because a group of old men believes I should."

He adjusted his black suit.

"This meeting is over."

Without waiting for a response, he walked out.

THE MEMORY HE COULD NEVER ESCAPE

That evening, Lucian stood alone in his bedroom.

The room was enormous, decorated in black, grey, and silver. Everything was perfectly arranged, just the way he liked it.

He loosened his tie and walked towards the balcony.

The cold night air brushed against his face.

For some reason, the council's words had brought back memories he had spent years trying to bury.

Memories of his childhood.

Memories of his mother.

And memories of the man who had destroyed everything.

Lucian closed his eyes.

He was only eight years old when his world fell apart.

He remembered the sound of his mother's crying. He remembered standing outside his parents' bedroom, too frightened to move.

His father had been a powerful Alpha, respected by many and feared by even more.

But behind closed doors, he was a different man.

A cruel man.

A man who believed that power gave him the right to control everyone around him.

Lucian remembered the night his mother tried to leave.

"Please, let me go," she had begged.

His father had grabbed her arm.

"You belong to me, Elena. You will never leave this house."

Little Lucian had stood frozen in the doorway.

"Father, please don't hurt Mommy."

His father turned towards him.

"Get out!"

But Lucian didn't move.

His mother looked at him with tears in her eyes.

"Lucian, sweetheart, go to your room."

He remembered shaking his head.

"No, Mommy. I want to stay with you."

That was the last time he heard his mother's voice.

The following morning, Elena Winterfall was dead.

Nobody explained what had happened. Nobody allowed him to ask questions. His father simply told him that his mother had been weak.

But Lucian knew better.

He had seen the fear in her eyes.

He had heard her cries.

And he had watched the man who was supposed to protect her destroy her.

From that day forward, something inside him changed.

He stopped crying.

He stopped asking questions.

And he made a promise to himself.

He would never love anyone the way his mother had loved his father.

He would never give another person the power to destroy him.

THE PRESENT

Lucian opened his eyes.

His jaw tightened as he pushed the memory away.

"Love is a weakness," he whispered.

A knock came from the bedroom door.

"Alpha?"

It was Adrian.

"What?"

"There's something you need to know."

Lucian turned around.

"Speak."

Adrian entered the room, his expression unusually serious.

"Our scouts have received information from Crystal Park."

Lucian frowned.

"What information?"

"There's been an incident involving their border patrol. They believe the attack may be connected to the rogues we have been tracking."

Lucian walked towards his desk.

"And why should that concern me?"

"Because one of the rogues was reportedly seen carrying a symbol belonging to the Winterfall bloodline."

For the first time that evening, Lucian's expression changed.

"The Winterfall bloodline?"

"Yes, Alpha."

Silence filled the room.

Lucian stared at Adrian.

"Find out everything you can about it."

"Of course."

"And Adrian?"

"Yes, Alpha?"

"If anyone is using my family name to threaten this territory, I want their head."

Adrian bowed.

"Understood."

After he left, Lucian remained standing by the desk.

He had spent his entire life trying to escape the darkness of his father's legacy.

Now it seemed that darkness was coming back to find him.

He had no idea that somewhere beyond the borders of Moon Park, a woman named Yvonne Diamond was about to become part of his life.

A woman who would challenge his beliefs, awaken emotions he had buried for years, and change the meaning of everything he thought he knew.

But Lucian Winterfall had already made one promise.

He would never fall in love.

And fate was about to test that promise.

THE GIRL FROM CRYSTAL PARK

CRYSTAL PARK TERRITORY

The morning sun slowly rose above Crystal Park, spreading golden light across the beautiful territory. Unlike Moon Park, which was known for its strict rules and intimidating warriors, Crystal Park was peaceful and welcoming.

The pack members lived like one big family. Children ran through the gardens, women gathered near the marketplace, and warriors trained in the open fields.

But not everyone was enjoying the beautiful morning.

"Yvonne! Yvonne Diamond!"

A loud voice echoed through the house.

Yvonne rolled her eyes as she hurried down the stairs, holding a piece of toast between her teeth.

"I'm coming!"

"You said that ten minutes ago!"

Standing in the living room was her best friend, Isabella, with her hands firmly placed on her waist.

Yvonne removed the toast from her mouth.

"Good morning to you too, sunshine."

"Don't sunshine me. You're late again."

Yvonne laughed.

"Relax. The world won't end because I woke up ten minutes late."

"Your father is going to end you if you keep behaving like this."

At the mention of her father, Yvonne's smile disappeared slightly.

"Is he looking for me?"

"He's been asking about you since breakfast."

Yvonne sighed.

"Wonderful. What have I done this time?"

Isabella shrugged.

"Who knows? Maybe he finally discovered that you sneaked out last night."

Yvonne's eyes widened.

"Keep your voice down!"

Isabella burst into laughter.

"You're impossible."

Yvonne picked up her handbag.

"And you're too dramatic. Let's go."

The two girls stepped outside, unaware that the peaceful morning was about to take an unexpected turn.

THE DIAMOND RESIDENCE

Alpha Richard Diamond sat behind his large wooden desk, studying a report delivered by one of his warriors.

His expression was serious.

Across from him stood his Beta, Marcus.

"Are you certain about this?" Richard asked.

"Yes, Alpha. Our scouts confirmed that the attackers crossed the northern border yesterday."

"Did they leave any evidence?"

Marcus nodded.

"One of our warriors found a strange symbol near the abandoned watchtower."

He placed a small piece of paper on the desk.

Richard examined it carefully.

His expression changed immediately.

"The Winterfall symbol?"

"Yes, Alpha."

Richard leaned back in his chair.

"That cannot be a coincidence."

"Should we inform Moon Park?"

Richard remained silent for a moment.

"Not yet. I want to know why someone carrying that symbol is operating near our territory."

A knock interrupted their conversation.

"Come in," Richard ordered.

The door opened, revealing Yvonne.

"Good morning, Daddy."

Richard looked up.

"Yvonne. Sit down."

She glanced at Marcus before taking the chair opposite her father.

"Am I in trouble?"

"Must you always assume that you're in trouble?"

"Well, experience has taught me a few things."

Marcus tried to hide his smile.

Richard shook his head.

"Your mother would have spoiled you even more."

Yvonne smiled.

"She knew I was special."

"She also knew you were stubborn."

"That too."

Richard's expression softened, but it quickly became serious again.

"Yvonne, I need you to be careful. There have been suspicious movements near the northern border. Until we understand what's happening, I don't want you wandering outside the territory."

Yvonne frowned.

"Daddy, I'm not a child."

"I know. But you're my daughter, and I won't take unnecessary risks with your safety."

She sighed.

"Fine. I promise I'll be careful."

Richard nodded.

"That's all I ask."

THE NORTHERN BORDER

Later that afternoon, Yvonne and Isabella walked through the marketplace.

Yvonne stopped at a small jewellery stall and examined a silver necklace.

"Isabella, look at this."

"It's beautiful."

Yvonne lifted the necklace towards her neck.

"I think I'll buy it."

"Of course you will. You always find something you want."

Yvonne laughed.

"That's because beautiful things deserve to be appreciated."

They continued walking until they reached a quieter road leading towards the northern gardens.

Isabella suddenly stopped.

"Yvonne, shouldn't we head back?"

Yvonne glanced at her.

"Why?"

"Your father specifically told you not to wander around."

"We're still inside Crystal Park."

"That doesn't mean I trust your definition of being careful."

Yvonne shook her head.

"You're such a coward."

Before Isabella could respond, a strange noise came from the trees.

Both girls froze.

"What was that?" Isabella whispered.

Yvonne turned towards the forest.

"Probably an animal."

Then they heard it again.

A low growl.

This time, it was much closer.

Isabella grabbed Yvonne's arm.

"Let's go."

But before they could move, a wounded man stumbled out of the trees.

His clothes were torn, and blood covered his arm.

"Help me," he whispered.

Yvonne immediately rushed towards him.

"Oh my goodness! What happened to you?"

The man grabbed her wrist.

"Stay away from the northern border."

Yvonne frowned.

"What? Who did this to you?"

He struggled to speak.

"Winterfall..."

His eyes suddenly rolled backwards, and he collapsed.

"Isabella! Help me!"

The two girls tried to lift him, but he was too heavy.

Isabella quickly called for the guards.

Within minutes, several warriors arrived and carried the injured man away.

Yvonne stared at the forest.

Something was terribly wrong.

And the name the stranger had whispered continued to echo in her mind.

Winterfall.

MOON PARK TERRITORY

Lucian stood in the training grounds, watching his warriors practise.

His black training shirt clung to his broad shoulders, and sweat glistened along his neck.

"Again!" he commanded.

Two warriors immediately resumed fighting.

Lucian watched their movements with an unreadable expression.

"Your left side is exposed. If this were a real battle, you'd already be dead."

The warriors lowered their heads.

"Sorry, Alpha."

"Don't apologise. Improve."

Adrian approached him with a tablet in his hand.

"Alpha, we received a report from Crystal Park."

Lucian took the tablet.

"What happened?"

"One of their warriors was found injured near the northern border. Before losing consciousness, he mentioned the Winterfall name."

Lucian's eyes narrowed.

"Is he still alive?"

"Yes. But he's unconscious."

"Did he identify the attackers?"

"No."

Lucian handed the tablet back.

"Arrange a meeting with Alpha Richard. I want answers."

Adrian nodded.

"Should we send a formal invitation?"

Lucian gave him a cold look.

"Do I look like a man who needs an invitation to speak with another Alpha?"

"No, Alpha."

"Then make the arrangements."

Adrian turned to leave.

"One more thing," Lucian added.

Adrian stopped.

"Yes?"

"Find out whether anyone from Crystal Park witnessed the attack."

"Understood."

Lucian looked towards the northern mountains.

The Winterfall name was being dragged into something dangerous.

And he intended to discover who was responsible.

CRYSTAL PARK - THAT NIGHT

Yvonne sat beside her bedroom window, staring at the necklace she had purchased earlier.

Her thoughts kept returning to the injured stranger.

There had been something strange about his warning.

Why had he mentioned Winterfall?

She picked up her phone and called Isabella.

"Hello?"

"Hey. Are you thinking about what happened today?"

Isabella sighed.

"Of course I am. I can't stop thinking about that poor man."

"Do you think someone from Moon Park attacked him?"

"I don't know, Yvonne. But your father seemed very worried."

Yvonne looked outside.

"Something tells me this is only the beginning."

"Please don't start investigating anything. I know you."

Yvonne smiled faintly.

"I haven't even said anything."

"You don't have to. Your silence is suspicious."

Yvonne laughed.

"Goodnight, Isabella."

"Goodnight. And stay out of trouble."

The call ended.

Yvonne placed her phone on the bedside table and turned off the lamp.

She had no idea that a meeting between two powerful Alphas was about to bring her face-to-face with the most feared man in the northern territories.

A man who believed love was nothing but a weakness.

And a man whose heart would soon be challenged by the one woman he never expected to meet.

THE RUTHLESS ALPHA ARRIVES

MOON PARK TERRITORY - 7:00 A.M.

The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the corridors of the Winterfall mansion.

Adrian, Lucian's Beta, walked towards his Alpha's office with a folder in his hand. He knocked twice before entering.

Lucian was already seated behind his desk, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his grey eyes were fixed on the documents in front of him.

"You're late," Lucian said without looking up.

Adrian checked his wristwatch.

"I'm three minutes early, Alpha."

"Then you should have been here five minutes ago."

Adrian sighed internally.

"Of course, Alpha."

Lucian closed the document.

"Have you arranged the meeting with Crystal Park?"

"Yes. Alpha Richard has agreed to receive you this afternoon."

"Good."

"There's something else."

Lucian raised his eyes.

"Speak."

"The injured warrior has regained consciousness."

Lucian leaned back.

"And?"

"He claims he was attacked by three rogues. However, he couldn't identify their faces."

"Did he mention the Winterfall symbol?"

"Yes. He said one of the attackers carried a silver pendant bearing your family crest."

Lucian's expression hardened.

"Interesting."

"Do you think someone is deliberately trying to frame your family?"

Lucian stood and walked towards the window.

"Someone is either foolish enough to challenge me or clever enough to make me believe they are."

"What should we do?"

"Nothing yet. I want to see what Richard knows."

Adrian nodded.

"Your car is ready, Alpha."

Lucian picked up his jacket.

"Let's go."

CRYSTAL PARK TERRITORY - 12:30 P.M.

Yvonne stood in front of her bedroom mirror, struggling with the zipper of her dress.

"Isabella!"

Her best friend appeared at the door.

"What now?"

"Can you help me with this?"

Isabella walked over and pulled up the zipper.

"Why are you dressed like you're attending a royal wedding?"

Yvonne adjusted her hair.

"My father invited some important visitors. Apparently, I need to be present."

"Important visitors?"

Yvonne nodded.

"An Alpha from another territory."

Isabella's eyes widened.

"Which Alpha?"

"Moon Park."

Isabella stared at her.

"Wait. You mean Lucian Winterfall?"

Yvonne shrugged.

"Is there another Alpha from Moon Park?"

"Yvonne! That's Lucian Winterfall we're talking about!"

"What about him?"

"He's terrifying. People say he doesn't smile, doesn't socialise, and has absolutely no interest in women."

Yvonne laughed.

"Sounds like a very miserable man."

"He's also one of the most powerful Alphas in the northern territories."

"Power doesn't make someone interesting."

Isabella shook her head.

"One day, your mouth is going to get you into serious trouble."

Yvonne smiled.

"Then I'll deal with it when it happens."

THE DIAMOND MANSION - 1:15 P.M.

The sound of expensive black vehicles approaching the mansion attracted the attention of several pack members.

Lucian stepped out of the first car.

He adjusted his expensive wristwatch and looked towards the entrance.

Adrian stepped out behind him.

"Welcome to Crystal Park, Alpha."

Lucian said nothing.

He had no interest in admiring the beautiful gardens or the impressive architecture. He was there for business, and he intended to finish quickly.

Alpha Richard was waiting at the entrance.

"Lucian Winterfall."

"Richard Diamond."

The two men exchanged firm handshakes.

"Welcome to my territory."

"I didn't come here for a tour."

Richard chuckled lightly.

"Straight to business, I see."

Lucian followed him inside.

THE MEETING ROOM

The two Alphas sat opposite each other while their Betas stood nearby.

Richard poured himself a glass of water.

"I understand you're concerned about the attack near our northern border."

"Concerned isn't the word I'd use."

"Then what would you call it?"

"Interested in knowing why someone is using my family name to cause trouble."

Richard placed his glass down.

"We found a silver pendant bearing your family's crest near the location where the injured warrior was discovered."

Lucian's eyes narrowed.

"Do you still have it?"

"Yes. Marcus has secured it."

"Bring it to me."

Richard signalled to his Beta, who immediately left the room.

A few moments later, Marcus returned with a small evidence box.

Lucian opened it.

Inside was a silver pendant shaped like a wolf's head. The symbol was unmistakably familiar.

His fingers tightened around the box.

"Where exactly was this found?"

"Near the northern watchtower."

Lucian examined the pendant carefully.

"This belonged to my family."

Richard exchanged a look with Marcus.

"Then perhaps you should explain why it was found on my territory."

Lucian slowly raised his eyes.

"Be careful, Richard. You're speaking as though I personally sent someone to attack your warriors."

"I'm simply asking questions."

"And I'm telling you that I have no reason to attack Crystal Park."

Before Richard could respond, the door opened.

"Father?"

A feminine voice interrupted them.

Lucian turned his head.

A young woman stood at the entrance.

She wore an elegant cream-coloured dress that fell perfectly around her figure. Her long dark hair rested over her shoulders, and her eyes carried a confidence that was almost impossible to ignore.

Yvonne Diamond.

"Yvonne," Richard said, "you're supposed to knock before entering."

She looked at him apologetically.

"Sorry, Daddy. I didn't know you had company."

Then her eyes moved towards the unfamiliar man seated opposite her father.

For a brief moment, she forgot what she had come to say.

He was handsome.

Dangerously handsome.

But there was something cold about his expression that made it difficult to approach him.

Lucian stared at her without changing his expression.

Richard cleared his throat.

"Yvonne, come here. I want you to meet someone."

She stepped into the room.

"This is Lucian Winterfall, Alpha of Moon Park."

Yvonne looked at him.

"Nice to meet you."

Lucian gave a brief nod.

"Likewise."

Richard continued.

"And this is my daughter, Yvonne."

Lucian's eyes moved over her face.

"Your daughter?"

Richard smiled.

"Yes. My only child."

Yvonne folded her arms.

"Father, I came to ask whether you wanted me to join you for lunch."

"Not now, sweetheart. We are discussing something important."

"Alright."

She turned to leave.

But Lucian's voice stopped her.

"Wait."

Yvonne looked over her shoulder.

"Yes?"

"You're the girl who was at the northern border yesterday."

Her expression changed.

"How did you know that?"

"Your name appeared in the report."

Yvonne raised an eyebrow.

"So you have been reading about me?"

Adrian looked down, hiding a smile.

Lucian's expression remained unreadable.

"I read reports concerning my business."

"Well, I hope the report mentioned that I didn't do anything wrong."

Lucian stared at her.

"Nobody accused you of anything."

"Good. Because I don't appreciate being treated like a suspect."

Richard immediately intervened.

"Yvonne."

She turned towards her father.

"What? I was only answering him."

Lucian slowly stood.

"You have quite a mouth."

Yvonne smiled politely.

"And you have quite an attitude."

The room went silent.

Adrian looked at Lucian, waiting for his reaction.

Nobody spoke to the Alpha of Moon Park like that.

Nobody.

Lucian stepped closer to her.

"Do you always speak this way to people you've just met?"

"Only when they give me a reason."

For a few seconds, their eyes remained locked.

Then Lucian looked away.

"Interesting."

He turned towards Richard.

"I believe we're finished here."

Richard nodded, still watching his daughter with disbelief.

Lucian walked towards the door, followed by Adrian.

Yvonne watched him leave.

"What a rude man," she muttered.

Richard slowly turned towards her.

"Yvonne Diamond, what exactly was that?"

She shrugged.

"What?"

"You just spoke disrespectfully to the most powerful Alpha in the northern territories."

Yvonne rolled her eyes.

"Then perhaps he should learn how to speak respectfully to people too."

Richard sighed.

"One day, you will give me a heart attack."

Yvonne smiled and kissed his cheek.

"Love you, Daddy."

Then she walked out.

OUTSIDE THE DIAMOND MANSION

Lucian entered his car and closed the door.

Adrian settled into the front passenger seat.

For a moment, neither man spoke.

Then Adrian cleared his throat.

"She certainly isn't afraid of you."

Lucian looked out of the window.

"Apparently."

"Most women become nervous just standing in the same room with you."

"Should I be concerned?"

Adrian smiled.

"No, Alpha. I just found it amusing."

Lucian turned his head.

"Would you like to walk back to Moon Park?"

Adrian immediately faced forward.

"No, Alpha."

The car began moving.

Lucian leaned back and closed his eyes.

He had met hundreds of women before. Beautiful women, wealthy women, women who would do anything to become his Luna.

But Yvonne Diamond was different.

Not that it mattered.

She was simply another woman.

And he had no intention of wasting his time thinking about her.

CRYSTAL PARK - YVONNE'S BEDROOM

Yvonne sat on her bed, removing her earrings.

She could still picture Lucian's cold grey eyes.

There was something unsettling about him.

He looked like a man who had never experienced happiness.

"That man seriously needs to smile," she whispered.

Her phone rang.

It was Isabella.

"Hello, troublemaker!"

Yvonne laughed.

"Why are you calling me that?"

"Because I heard Lucian Winterfall came to your house today."

Yvonne rolled her eyes.

"News travels quickly."

"Did you see him?"

"Unfortunately."

"Was he as handsome as everyone says?"

Yvonne paused.

She remembered his sharp jawline, perfectly styled dark hair, and broad shoulders.

"He's... acceptable."

Isabella burst out laughing.

"Acceptable? Girl, you are lying!"

"Goodnight, Isabella."

"Wait! Tell me everything!"

Yvonne ended the call, laughing.

She placed her phone aside and switched off the lights.

She didn't know why, but something about Lucian Winterfall had left an unusual impression on her.

Meanwhile, miles away, Lucian was returning to his mansion with the same determination he had always carried.

He didn't believe in love.

He didn't want a mate.

And he certainly wasn't interested in Alpha Richard's daughter.

At least, that was what he told himself.