The Alpha's Secret Daughter

Chapter One:

I could barely keep my eyes open as I rested my head heavily onto the palm of my hand. My cheek going slightly red from the impression my fingers and palm had made. The relentless tick of the clock on the wall behind the teacher echoed in my ears, its rhythm only adding to the weight in my head.

My brain barely took in the words my English Literature teacher was relaying, my mind unable to comprehend the information she was providing. I didn't even know what lesson we were supposed to be discussing today, let alone the text that was supposedly the focus of the class.

What I did hear seemed to follow straight through one ear and out the other.

My absence of attention or care was due to a lack of sleep and exhaustion. I hadn't gotten home until past 1am last night, and for a reason unknown to me, I could barely get an hour of sleep. Every time I closed my eyes, my thoughts would spiral back to everything that had happened-the loss of my parents, the constant shifts in my life since that night. It was like I could never escape it.

My wolf had been scarce, she had moved further into the back of my mind since my parents passed, but lately, she had made her presence more known. She would stir in the back of my consciousness, whispering, though I couldn't quite make out what she was saying. She had always been a part of me, but now she was louder, more urgent, and it felt like something was coming-something I wasn't prepared for.

I had thrown myself into border patrol shifts, doing more than 4 night shifts a week and the occasional double shift. It was a distraction and it allowed me to grow stronger and stronger. The work kept my mind focused on something other than the ache of loss that seemed to live in the pit of my stomach.

Something the Beta of my pack, Julian, had agreed with. He would encourage me to take more patrol shifts ever since my wolf turned up on my 16th birthday. The date a werewolf finally gets their wolf. But even before that, Julian had always been there-an older brother figure, a friend, someone I could rely on when everything felt like it was falling apart.

That was nearly two years ago, and I only had two months until my 18th birthday. A milestone that carried so much weight. Not just because it marked the transition from a child to an adult, but because it meant that I would have to finally step into my role in the pack. A role I wasn't sure I was ready for.

Julian had been a close friend to my father before he died. He had promised to look after me. My father had been a pack warrior, strong and respected, and Julian had been like a second father to me. Since my father's death, Julian had taken it upon himself to ensure that I was prepared to carry on my father's legacy. He had pushed me harder than I could ever imagine, especially when it came to training. But it was never out of malice-it was because he cared. He needed me to be strong, to be ready.

My wolf was a pack warrior, and with the reputation my father had, I needed to be up to par. To follow in his footsteps. But sometimes, I couldn't help but wonder if I was capable of filling those shoes. Would I be able to lead the pack the way he had? Could I live up to the expectations of those who had known him as more than just my father, but as the warrior he had been?

When my dad died, my mother took her life shortly after. She couldn't bear the thought of being without him. The grief had been too much for her to handle. He had died while protecting his Alpha-rogues had attacked them during a visit to a pack up north. My father had saved the Alpha's life, but in doing so, he had lost his own.

The pain was instant. I could still remember the day they told me. The look in Julian's eyes as he broke the news to me. I hadn't even fully grasped it at first. And then it had hit me like a wave, overwhelming me with a flood of emotions I couldn't control. My mother had been devastated.

She had always been so in love with him, her soul tied to his. She couldn't go on without him. The day my father had died, she had ceased to exist in any real sense. The life drained from her eyes, her body simply going through the motions until she gave up completely.

The pain was too much for her, and she chose to leave this world rather than live without her mate.

A mate connection is so delicate and precious that the moment you see the person who holds half your heart and soul, time stops. It's as if the universe itself bends to your will, aligning everything to bring you together. It's not just a bond-it's a calling. When you meet your mate, it feels like everything else falls away. You know, without a doubt, that this is the person who is meant to be with you forever.

Only werewolves have the ability to identify who their soul mate is. Unlike a human, they can sense their mate from touch, smell, and eye contact. It's something primal, something that calls to every part of who you are. And once you meet them, once you experience that connection, there's no turning back.

To a werewolf, a mate is their entire universe and more. They complete you in every way. They are your strength when you're weak, your peace when you're troubled. Without them, it's like a piece of you is missing. And I had felt that loss-deeply. My parents had been each other's mates. They were supposed to grow old together. But fate had ripped them apart, and in doing so, had left me with a hole in my heart that I couldn't fill.

I blinked, trying to focus on the teacher's voice again, but it was no use. My thoughts were scattered. The classroom felt too small, too suffocating. It wasn't just the lack of sleep or the weight of my responsibilities. It was something more-something I couldn't quite put my finger on.

I glanced out the window, my gaze unfocused, watching the trees swaying gently in the breeze. A part of me wanted to be out there, running free, like I used to before everything changed.

But I couldn't. Not yet.

There was too much I still had to do. Too much I still had to figure out.

And then, in the silence of my thoughts, I felt it. A sharp, almost instinctual pull in the pit of my stomach.

It was faint, like a whisper on the wind.

But it was there.

Something was calling me.

I shook my head, willing myself to concentrate.

I couldn't afford distractions right now.

But deep down, I knew that whatever was coming-whatever force was stirring inside me-was something I couldn't ignore for long. It was only a matter of time before everything I had been trying to avoid would come crashing down around me.

It was because of that, that I understood my mother's reasons for taking her own life. I watched her become a shell of a person, a lifeless soul who walked with no purpose or value. I was just a child when it happened, but the impact of her loss haunted me for years. She had once been vibrant, full of life, always there with a comforting smile or a warm embrace. But after my father died, she fell apart. It was as if the light inside her was snuffed out, leaving a hollow figure in its place.

I had grieved for a long time, but Julian and his mate Grace helped ease the pain. They had taken me into their home, offering shelter and safety when I needed it most. They treated me like their own daughter, and I was more than grateful. They never pushed me to talk about my mother, never pressured me to move on. But in their presence, I found a sense of peace that I had longed for. They gave me stability when the world around me seemed so uncertain.

« Miss Jackson? »

The sound of my name, rolled angrily off Mrs. Bennett's tongue, dragged me back to the present. I had been staring out of the window, lost in my own thoughts, the gray sky outside matching the heaviness I felt inside. Mrs. Bennett's sharp voice sliced through the silence, her presence pulling my attention away from the quiet world outside.

Her tall, slender figure stood in front of my desk, her eyes narrow as she glared at me. Mrs. Bennett was one of those teachers who demanded respect without saying a word. Her silence could be more intimidating than any lecture. I removed my hand from my cheek, trying to shake off the thoughts that had clouded my mind, and looked up at her.

Her scowl deepened as her eyebrows furrowed. She clearly wasn't impressed by my lack of focus. « To prove that you were listening, please repeat what I had just told the class, » she requested, her voice calm but authoritative. Her eyes never left mine, as though daring me to fail.

I winced inwardly. We both knew I hadn't been listening, my mind far away, lost in a different time, a different place. I wasn't sure if she was being sarcastic or if she genuinely expected me to recall anything she'd said. Either way, I couldn't muster a response. I simply stared at her blankly, hoping she would drop the matter.

To my surprise, she didn't press me further. She sighed, her lips curling into a thin line before she turned on her heel, heading back to her desk. She didn't waste another moment with me, a silent acknowledgment that she knew I wasn't paying attention. « Turn to page 156 of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Miss Jackson, » she said, her tone no less stern, before settling back into her chair.

I exhaled quietly in relief and glanced at the students around me. Most of them were already digging through their bags, retrieving their textbooks. I followed suit, pulling my own copy of the novel from my bag. I opened to the assigned page, but the words blurred in front of my eyes. My mind was still far away, dwelling on things I couldn't change.

« Please read for the remainder of the lesson, » Mrs. Bennett continued. « Once the bell rings, you may leave class. I have lots of marking to do for a class this afternoon, so read quietly. »

The classroom filled with the sound of pages turning, the quiet murmur of rustling paper. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't focus. The pages of Pride and Prejudice were just ink and paper to me in that moment, my mind too cluttered to grasp the meaning of each sentence. Instead, I found my gaze drifting back to the window, watching as the sky darkened with the promise of rain. The atmosphere matched my mood-heavy, oppressive, a storm waiting to break.

A soft whisper broke through the silence. I could barely make out the words at first, but as the whisper grew louder, I realized it was Chelsey and Amber, sitting behind me. They were part of my pack, two of the most popular girls in school, and they were talking about something I couldn't ignore.

« Alpha Gabriel turns 18 next week and he's invited everyone from our pack to his party next Saturday. I'm definitely going, are you coming with me? » Chelsey asked, her voice tinged with excitement. I could hear the enthusiasm in her words, the thrill of being part of something bigger than themselves.

« Yes! » Amber replied eagerly. « Of course, everyone is going to be there. I'm not missing out. » Her voice was breathless, like the mere thought of the party made her giddy with anticipation.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. The upcoming party had been the hottest topic in the pack for days. Every conversation I overheard seemed to revolve around it, from the outfits to the guest list to who would be bringing what. I wasn't particularly interested, but I couldn't deny that it was hard to ignore the buzz in the air.

Despite my disinterest, I couldn't help but overhear snippets of their conversation.

« I heard Alpha Gabriel is going to reveal something big at the party, something to do with his future as Alpha, » Chelsey whispered conspiratorially.

Amber's eyes sparkled with curiosity. « Do you think he's going to announce his mate? »

Chelsey shrugged. « Maybe. Who knows? But I'm sure it's going to be epic. »

I tuned them out after that, letting their gossip fade into the background. It didn't concern me. I had my own problems, my own struggles to deal with. Parties, clothes, and the drama of pack life seemed so far removed from what mattered to me. Still, a part of me felt that old ache, the longing for something I didn't quite understand. I shook the thought away, focusing on the book in front of me again, though my mind still refused to settle.

The bell rang loudly, its harsh tone breaking the stillness of the room. It echoed throughout the school, signaling the end of the lesson. Students immediately began packing up their belongings, shoving books into bags and hurrying toward the door. The rush of activity made me feel a bit out of place. Everyone seemed so eager to leave, so ready to move on to the next thing, while I remained rooted in the same spot.

I slipped through the crowded halls, weaving between students, trying to avoid bumping into anyone. The hallways were packed, a mixture of humans and werewolves, both oblivious to the presence of the other. It was a strange feeling, knowing that some of the people around me had no idea that I was different, that I was one of them, part of the pack. But unless they had a mate, they couldn't sense it. They didn't know.

My stomach growled, reminding me of how long it had been since I'd last eaten. I headed straight for the canteen, the scent of food wafting through the air, making my mouth water. The line was long, filled with students chatting and laughing, some of them wearing the same eager expression as Chelsey and Amber. They were probably talking about the party again, no doubt.

I picked up my tray, quickly grabbing a sandwich and a drink before finding an empty table at the back of the room. I sat down, trying to focus on eating, but my thoughts kept wandering. The past, my mother, the party next week-everything felt tangled together in my mind.

It seemed like there would always be something hanging over me. A storm that never fully passed. But for now, at least, I had a moment of peace.

I just had to figure out what to do with it.

Chapter 03

Hearing my name being called, I immediately looked in the direction of where my friends and I sit in the canteen. Chloe was stood up, her eyes shining brightly from the grin she was giving me.

"Away with the fairies today?" she teased as I approached, receiving an eye roll in reply.

She laughed, giving me a further grin before passing me my lunch. She had owed me from when she forgot her lunch the other day. I told her not to worry about it, but Chloe didn't listen anyway. She always paid back in some form or another, no matter how small the favor.

"Thanks," I muttered as I unwrapped my sandwich, the sweet aroma of tuna filling the air. I wasn't particularly hungry, but I knew it was better to eat now rather than let my energy dip later when I would need it the most.

Within a few minutes, our friends arrived, and the spaces on the table quickly filled up. Chase and Dylan took their usual spots, with Reed and Chloe sitting across from me, their laughter cutting through the din of the busy canteen. The atmosphere was alive, as always, but today I felt detached. The chatter around me swirled, but I was too tired to share much. My body felt heavy, my mind constantly racing with thoughts of the pack and the endless responsibilities I had to juggle.

I stuck with listening to their discussions instead of joining in. Every now and then, I gave a small laugh at one of their jokes or a quick nod when someone asked for my opinion. Chloe and Chase's usual bickering was a welcome distraction, though. It was funny how their arguments over the simplest things-like what movie to watch-always seemed to turn into something more, something absurdly cute.

"I swear, you'd think the fate of the world depended on it," I muttered under my breath as I watched them argue. Chase instantly lost the battle, as usual. In his own words, the easiest way to a mate's heart was to agree with whatever they wanted, especially if she was female.

He received a scoff from me, earning a smack on the back of the head from Chloe. The sound echoed through the room, and the way his face contorted into an exaggerated pout made me laugh.

"You never learn," Chloe said, half-amused, half-annoyed.

"Well, I like living," Chase replied, grinning widely at his mate. The playful exchange was typical of them, but it was a bit of lightness I needed today.

Dylan and Reed chuckled from across the table. Dylan, who was always teasing me, looked at me with an almost knowing gaze. He leaned back in his seat, clearly amused at how comfortable I had become in my group of friends.

Chase didn't stop smiling as Chloe continued to poke fun at him, but his attention drifted briefly. The conversation moved on, but my mind lingered on something else entirely. I could feel someone's gaze on me, a subtle weight that settled over me, drawing my attention. I turned slightly, my eyes landing on Dylan.

He smiled at me, a teasing smirk curling at the corners of his lips. His expression spoke volumes, and I knew exactly what he was about to say.

"Staring at Reed, are we?" he teased, his voice drifting into my mind through the pack mind link. His words were clear, even as his smirk deepened.

I rolled my eyes but couldn't hide the smile that tugged at my lips. "Oh, shut up," I replied, speaking back into the link, keeping my tone light. "You know how I feel about finding my mate." It was an ongoing joke between us, one that he always seemed to poke at. Dylan never let it go. But I didn't mind. He was my friend, and I trusted him.

"Yeah, I know, Lar," he said, his voice softer now, as though he sensed my unease. "But that doesn't mean you're not allowed to look." He was still smirking, but there was a hint of seriousness behind his words. "You ever thought about it, though? Reed's not bad looking. You could do worse."

I shook my head, though a faint blush colored my cheeks. "He's not my mate," I said firmly, the words coming out almost automatically. It wasn't that I didn't find Reed attractive-he was. His strong jawline, his confident posture, the way he carried himself-it all drew attention, including mine. But that didn't matter. None of it mattered. I only wanted one person, and I was holding out for him.

Dylan was quiet for a moment, the usual teasing edge missing from his voice when he spoke again. "Yeah, I get it," he said softly. "But just make sure you're not closing yourself off too much, okay? You deserve happiness too, Lar."

His words were like a weight on my chest, but not in a bad way. More like a reminder, something I had been pushing away without realizing. I didn't want a relationship with anyone other than my mate. It had always been that way. But sometimes, the loneliness crept in, no matter how hard I fought it.

The table fell into a lull as the others continued eating, but the conversation between Dylan and I lingered. I focused on my food, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts. Chase and Chloe were in the middle of another heated argument about the movie for tonight, and I let their voices fill the space around me as I shifted slightly in my seat. The tension in my shoulders didn't quite ease, though.

Dylan's gaze was still on me, and I could feel his concern. The more I thought about his words, the more I realized how true they were. I had been shutting people out lately, focused solely on the pack's needs. But I couldn't deny that the idea of a mate, the idea of someone being there just for me, was starting to make my heart ache more than it ever had before.

Chloe suddenly swatted Chase's arm, breaking the tension in my mind. "I swear, Chase, you're impossible," she said, laughing, before turning to Reed and continuing the conversation as if nothing had happened. Chase, rubbing his arm where she hit him, just grinned like the puppy he was. But it was enough to pull me out of my thoughts.

The clatter of plates and trays, the chatter of friends, and the familiar, comforting buzz of the canteen around me made everything seem so... normal. I could be okay. But as I glanced up at Reed once more, I felt that same pull in my chest, the one that reminded me that even though I had my friends, the pack, and responsibilities, there was still something missing. Something I couldn't quite place.

A sudden shift in the air around us made me pause. I wasn't sure if it was the atmosphere or the feeling of someone watching me again, but I had the sense that something-or someone-was coming. I didn't know what it was yet, but it was as if the world around me had suddenly gone a shade colder.

Dylan seemed to notice it too. He straightened, his eyes scanning the room with a wariness that mirrored mine. His voice entered my mind again, low and serious. "Keep your guard up, Lar. Something feels off."

Before I could respond, the canteen door creaked open, and a chill ran down my spine.