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Chapter 4 The Truth

ผู้เขียน: GloryWrites
last update ปรับปรุงล่าสุด: 2025-02-25 15:01:23

(Penelope)

The rogue’s teeth snapped an inch from my neck. I rolled left, but not fast enough—claws tore through my shoulder, hot blood soaking my shirt. My stomach clenched, protecting the tiny life inside.

This wasn’t a normal wolf. Black fur matted with dirt and blood covered a frame that dwarfed any pack wolf I’d ever seen. Rabid red eyes fixed on me as it prowled closer, jaws dripping white foam.

It lunged. Pure instinct saved me as I slashed upward with my silver blade. Metal dug into flesh. The rogue jerked back, blood streaming from its muzzle to mix with the foam.

My triumph lasted seconds. The cut only made it angrier.

I tried backing away, but my movements felt sluggish, clumsy. The pregnancy that should have been my joy now threatened to kill us both.

Another lunge. This time its claws caught my thigh. Pain exploded as I hit the ground hard. Before I could move, massive paws pinned my chest. Rancid breath washed over me as yellow fangs descended—

Something gray erupted from the shadows. The impact sent the rogue wolf rolling in a fury away from me, as the grey wolf descended on it. My rescuer was fast and agile, dodging the rogue’s wild attacks before striking rather forcefully. Blood sprayed as fangs found the bigger wolf’s shoulder.

“Back away slowly,” said a mind-link voice. It felt strange—powerful but gentle, nothing like Dominic’s brutal presence in my head.

I scrambled backward on hands and knees, unable to look away. The rogue fought like a berserker, trying to overwhelm through sheer savagery, but the gray wolf was smarter, faster, always one step ahead.

A devastating blow to the skull staggered the rogue. In that moment of weakness, the gray wolf’s jaws clamped its throat. Not killing—dominating. The message thundered through the clearing: Submit or die.

The rogue went limp. When released, it slunk into the darkness. My rescuer watched until the monster disappeared. Then he turned, shifting forms smoothly.

Where the wolf had stood, a man straightened to his full height. I backed away, raising my bloody blade.

“Did Dominic send you?”

The short burst of laughter surprised me. “No. I’m here because you’re in danger.”

“I gathered that.” My shoulder throbbed. “Who are you?”

“I’m not from the Darkwood Pack.”

He made no move to approach, keeping his posture non-threatening on purpose.

“Then why come to me?”

“Because you’re in danger. And because I know who you are, Penelope.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m Marcus, Beta of the Iron Mountain Pack.” He spread his hands, showing he was unarmed. “And you are the daughter of Alpha Nathan—our true heir.”

The knife nearly slipped from my numb fingers. “That’s impossible. I’m an orphan. I have no pack, no family—”

“No.” Marcus took one step forward. “You were stolen as an infant, taken from your crib during a blood moon. We’ve been searching for you ever since.”

“Stolen? By whom?”

“Enemies of your father. Rival packs who feared his growing power.” Another slow step. “They wanted to destroy his bloodline. They stole you and gave you away. But they failed. And now we’ve found you at last.”

My head spun as two decades of certainty crumbled. “You’re lying. This is some trick—”

“You can feel it, can’t you?” He tapped his broad chest. “The power in your blood. The strength that goes beyond normal wolves. The magic that lets you break a mate bond. That’s your heritage—the pure bloodline of the Moon Goddess herself.”

“I don’t understand. How did you find me?”

“We never stopped looking. For twenty-three years, your father’s scouts searched every pack, followed every rumor.” His eyes softened. “When the Moon Goddess showed us a mate freeing herself from the Alpha’s bond through her magic, we knew.”

“And you expect me to just believe you? Follow a stranger into the night?”

“You don’t have to trust me.” He smiled gently. “But staying here means death or imprisonment under Dominic’s rule. At least I’m offering answers—and freedom.”

He was right. What choice did I really have?

“Lead the way.”

We moved swiftly through the forest, Marcus pointing out hidden paths marked by ancient runes. As we walked, he spoke of the Iron Mountain Pack’s history—of power passed down through generations.

“Your father never stopped believing,” he said as we forded a moonlit stream. “Even when others lost hope, he knew you lived.”

“And my mother?”

“Luna Daphne prayed every full moon for your return.” He helped me over a fallen log. “She’ll weep with joy to see you.”

The trees thinned gradually, revealing jagged mountains that pierced the sky. A massive gate rose before us, carved from living stone. Strange symbols decorated its surface, and something in them resonated deep inside me.

“Welcome home, Princess.”

Guards in gray uniforms bowed deeply as we passed. Their reverence felt alien after years of contempt from Dominic’s pack.

The differences grew starker with each step. Where Dominic’s packhouse sprawled in ostentatious displays of wealth, Iron Mountain’s buildings grew organically from the rock itself. Every stone, every timber, seemed ancient and magical.

Marcus led me up broad steps to a door wrought with silver. “They’re waiting in the great hall.”

My heart slammed against my ribs. After twenty-three years of believing myself unwanted, could I face these strangers who claimed to be my parents?

The doors swung open silently.

A man and woman rose from ornate thrones. His Alpha presence dominated the room and it filled me with respect Dominic had never commanded, but his eyes seemed to beg me to remember.

Beside him, the Luna pressed her fingers to her mouth. “My baby,” she whispered, tears spilling down her cheeks. “My precious girl.”

I stood frozen, unable to move. This woman with my red hair and green eyes. This man with my stubborn chin. The truth hit me—they were my parents. My real parents.

“We searched for you,” my father said, his voice breaking. “Twenty-three years. Never stopped looking.”

The Luna—my mother—stepped forward, her hands shaking as she reached for me. “May I?”

I nodded, tears blurring my vision. Her arms wrapped around me, and something clicked into place. Her scent—pine and wild honey—felt like a memory I’d forgotten.

“Penelope,” she sobbed against my hair. “My Penelope.”

My father joined our embrace, his strong arms encircling us both. “Welcome home, daughter.”

When we finally separated, I looked up at them through my tears. “I never knew. All these years…”

“They stole you from us,” my father said, his jaw tightening. “Your crib was empty. Your blanket is left behind.”

“We’ll make up for lost time,” my mother promised, squeezing my hands. “We have so much to show you, to teach you.”

“Your bloodline,” my father said, pride evident in his voice. “It’s powerful, ancient. The way you broke that mate bond proves it. Only a true Moon heir could sever such a connection.”

I placed my hand on my stomach. “I’m carrying a child.”

My mother gasped. “His?”

I nodded, then straightened my spine. “But I will never return to him or his pack. That part of my life is over.”

“Good,” my father growled. “You belong here, with your true people.”

“What happens now?” I asked.

My father’s expression grew serious. “Now we train you. Teach you our ways, our history. The power in your blood.” He exchanged a look with my mother. “You’re my only heir, Penelope. Someday, you’ll lead this pack.”

“Me?” I shook my head. “I don’t know how—”

“You will,” he interrupted. “I’ve seen your strength today. Breaking that bond took courage few possess.”

For the first time in years, hope bloomed in my chest. This place called to something deep inside me. These people—my real family—saw value in me that Dominic never had.

“I want to learn everything,” I said firmly. “And I want to forget the Darkwood Pack ever existed.”

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  • Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate   Chapter 5 Broken

    (Dominic)Pain ripped through my chest, sharp and hollow where the mate bond used to pulse. My wolf howled, clawing at the emptiness Penelope left behind. The severance burned like acid in my veins.“Alpha?” James knocked tentatively. “The council requests—”“Get out!”“But sir, the border patrols reported—”I hurled a glass at the door. It shattered, spraying whiskey and crystal. “I said get out!”Footsteps retreated quickly. Smart man.I paced my office, my steps sounding too loud in the silence. The bond’s absence felt wrong—like missing a limb. The mate bond was sacred, unbreakable. No mate should have the power to sever it.“Sir.” A guard appeared in the doorway, pale-faced. “Penelope said she will leave the pack.”His statement knocked me back.Leaving? My heart stopped beating for a moment.“What exactly did she say?”“That she refuses to stay imprisoned any longer.” He shifted nervously. “That nothing could make her remain here, that she’d find a way.”My claws extended, scori

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-02-25
  • Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate   Chapter 6 Power

    (Penelope)Five years.Five years since I stopped being the trembling girl who begged for love from a man who only knew how to hate. That girl is gone.The woman standing here now? She’s a masterpiece of her own making.Training wasn’t just about breaking my body—it was about rebuilding it. My father didn’t coddle me. He threw me into the fire and watched me rise, stronger, sharper, untouchable. I learned to fight, to lead, to kill if I had to. My mother made sure I knew the power of a well-placed word, a perfectly timed smile. I can negotiate a trade deal in the morning and slit a throat by nightfall. I’ve mastered the art of being both the wolf and the woman.“Everything is prepared, Princess Penelope,” my guardian said, standing at attention. “The pack leaders await you inside the Great Hall.”“Perfect.”I smoothed my ceremonial cloak and stepped forward, my black heels pressing into the ancient soil. The dress hugged my curves—midnight blue silk embroidered with the Moon Pack sy

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-02-25
  • Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate   Chapter 7 Claiming Power

    (Penelope)Dominic’s hand shot out to grab my arm. I twisted away decisively, making him stumble back.“Don’t touch me,” I said coldly.His nostrils flared. “You dare—”“Yes, I dare.” I straightened my spine. “I’m not your submissive little mate anymore.”The crowd around us shifted, wolves moving back to create space for the inevitable confrontation. I saw pack members watching intently, witnessing every moment.“This act won’t work,” Dominic spat. “Nathan Moon’s daughter? Do you really expect anyone to believe that?”“Believe what you want.” I adjusted my midnight blue ceremonial cloak . “The blood tests speak for themselves.”A photographer approached, camera raised. “Princess Moon! Would you join the council members for the binding ritual?”“Of course.” I moved toward the waiting group, leaving Dominic seething behind me.The camera flashed as I posed with various pack members. I made sure to smile extra brightly, knowing it would infuriate him further.“Such a natural,” one of t

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-02-28
  • Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate   Chapter 8 Transformation

    (Penelope)My heart hammered in my chest, but I’d be damned if I let him see how his touch still sent a flicker of heat through me. Not anymore.“Penelope!”I didn’t stop. Didn’t even glance back.“What, Dominic?” I tossed the words over my shoulder, my voice sharp and laced with sarcasm.“Did you finally figure out what it feels like to chase someone who doesn’t want you? Or is this just your sad attempt at a role reversal?”He caught up, his hand grabbing my elbow. I spun around, yanking my arm free. “Harass me again, and security will throw you out.”His face darkened, but before he could respond, a shrill voice cut through the conversation.“You bitch!”I whipped around to see Kelsey charging toward me, her face contorted with rage, dark curls bouncing wildly. Pack members scattered out of her path as she stormed across the ceremonial grounds.“How dare you seduce my mate and hit him!” Kelsey screamed, drawing every eye in the Great Hall. She raised her hand, ready to deliver a sla

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-02-28
  • Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate   Chapter 9 Someone New

    (Penelope)I stood frozen on the terrace, my father’s words sinking in like teeth into flesh.“What do you mean Edward will be there tonight?” I asked, gripping the phone tighter.“Exactly what I said,” my father replied bluntly. “Alpha Benjamin’s son will attend the banquet. He’s eager to meet you.”“The arranged marriage partner you never bothered to tell me about?”“It’s been in motion for months, Penelope. Edward is a suitable match. Strong bloodline, excellent pack connections.”“And what about my opinion?” I snapped. “Five years free from Dominic, and you’re already trading me to another Alpha’s son?”“This isn’t a negotiation,” he said firmly. “The alliance with Benjamin’s pack secures our southern borders.”“Maybe focus on your pack conglomerate and your daughter rather than using me as a bargaining chip,” I argued hotly.“Everything has already been arranged properly,” he replied coldly. “Edward expects a dance tonight, at minimum.”“Father—”The call ended abruptly, leaving

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-02-28
  • Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate   Chapter 10 Desperation

    (Dominic)I slouched on the black leather couch in the bar area, swirling my fourth glass of bourbon. The ice had melted into a watery mess, but I couldn’t care less. My eyes were glued to her.Five years. That’s all it took for Penelope to go from the quiet, broken girl I used to know to the woman who now owned every damn room she walked into.This Penelope stood tall. Her voice cut through conversations, leaving silence in its wake.Her eyes—those green eyes I once refused to look into—now assessed everyone coolly, revealing nothing.A stranger wearing my mate’s face.“Alpha Dominic? Another drink?”“Leave the bottle,” I growled.The server placed it on the table and retreated quickly. Smart move.My mood darkened by the minute as I watched pack leaders approach Penelope, bowing respectfully. Since when did anyone bow to her?“She seems to be enjoying herself,” James remarked, appearing beside me.“I didn’t ask for your observation,” I snapped harshly.“The council members are aski

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-02-28
  • Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate   Chapter 11 Connections

    (Penelope)A slow waltz played as Edward guided me onto the dance floor. I placed my hand lightly on his shoulder, maintaining a gap between us as we began to move.“You’re quite good at this.”“Five years of formal pack gatherings at Iron Mountain. My father insisted I learn every traditional dance.”“Mine too,” Edward laughed softly. “Though he called it ‘essential Alpha training’ rather than dancing lessons.”I smiled despite myself. On the dance floor, I caught glimpses of pack leaders watching us, their expressions ranging from curiosity to calculation.“We’re causing quite a stir,” I noted, nodding subtly toward a group of elders whispering behind raised hands.Edward glanced over my shoulder. “Good. Let them talk. At least we’re giving them something new to gossip about.”His hand remained respectfully at my waist, never straying lower or pulling me closer than I allowed. His amber eyes occasionally caught mine, warm and appreciative but never invasive.“So,” he said as we com

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-02-28
  • Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate   Chapter 12 Safe

    (Penelope)Edward’s warm hand enclosed mine as he led me through the crowd. Pack members leaned close to exchange theories about the confrontation they’d just witnessed.I refused to look back, but Dominic’s gaze burned holes between my shoulder blades. The weight of his stare sent conflicting emotions swirling through my chest.“Breathe,” Edward murmured close to my ear. “We’re almost outside.”I nodded stiffly, focusing on placing one foot before the other. The grand hall seemed endless, faces blurring as we passed. Only when the cool night air hit my skin did I realize how desperately I’d needed escape.“Thank you,” I said, inhaling deeply. “That was…”“Intense?” Edward suggested, releasing my hand once we reached the stairs.“Understatement of the century,” I replied dryly. “I apologize for dragging you into my drama.”Edward shrugged. “I’ve experienced worse. Though your ex-mate seems particularly volatile.”“He wasn’t always,” I admitted grudgingly. “Or maybe he was, and I just

    ปรับปรุงล่าสุด : 2025-02-28

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  • Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate   Chapter 60: The True Face

    Edward’s POVI slammed my fist onto the stone table, cracking it down the middle. The Rogue counselors flinched, their mutilated bodies hunching forward in the torchlight.“Incompetent fools!” I roared. “Hundreds of my creatures—destroyed! Months of planning—wasted!”The emergency meeting in the underground den had gone poorly from the start. Failure reports poured in from every territory. The defensive efforts of the wolf packs had decimated my mutated army faster than we could replace them.“Rogue King,” a counselor ventured timidly, his half-rotted face barely visible beneath his hood. “Perhaps we should reconsider our approach. The direct attacks aren’t working as expected.”I glared at him, enjoying how he shrank back into the shadows. “And what brilliant strategy would you propose instead?”The counselor’s mouth opened and closed several times. No sound emerged.“As I thought,” I sneered. “Useless.”I paced the length of the gloomy hall.. Twenty Rogue counselors sat at the long t

  • Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate   Chapter 59: Victory’s Price

    Penelope’s POVI watched Debbie rush onto the winners’ podium, her curls bouncing in the sunlight. Her face glowed with excitement as she waved frantically to everyone watching. The referee handed her a shining medal, which she immediately held up high above her head.Pride swelled in my chest, momentarily overwhelming my confusion about Dominic. She looked so happy, so triumphant. This was what mattered—her joy, her confidence. Not my complicated feelings about her father.“Look, Mom!” she called, bouncing on her toes. “It’s real gold! Or at least it looks like it!”I smiled and gave her a thumbs up. She deserved this moment of glory after working so hard in practice.Debbie suddenly turned toward me, eyes wide and hopeful. “Mom!” she called, waving me over. “Mom, can we take Uncle Ice Cream out for dinner tonight? To celebrate? Please?”Her pleading expression caught me off guard. Before I could respond, she’d already bounced off to collect her medal certificate, leaving me standing

  • Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate   Chapter 58: Blood and Briars

    Penelope’s POV“I’ll get you both to the finish line,” Dominic promised, his voice low. “I’ll make sure you win, even if it costs me.”I snorted, adjusting my blindfold as we continued through the tunnel. “How noble of you.”“This way,” he murmured, guiding me around another bend. “Five more steps, then we’re out.”I counted silently, and sure enough, the air changed on my fifth step. Brightness filtered through my blindfold as we emerged from the tunnel.“We made it!” Debbie cheered.I yanked off the blindfold, blinking as my eyes adjusted to the sunlight.The final challenge stood before us now—a dense briar patch stretching thirty yards across. Thorns longer than my fingers jutted from every twisted branch. A few families already circled the perimeter, fathers searching for the safest path through.“Rules are simple,” the referee announced. “Cross the briars to reach the finish line. Parents must protect their cubs from injury.”Tommy’s father probed the edge of the patch with a sti

  • Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate   Chapter 57: The Challenge Begins

    Penelope’s POVI rubbed my sweaty palms against my competition shorts as we approached the suspension obstacle. The referee stood ready, whistling between his lips, watching us take our positions at the starting line. Other families lined up alongside us.“Ready?” the referee asked.I felt Debbie jump at my side, her small hand squeezing mine. “We’re gonna win, right Mom?”I forced a smile. “We’ll try our best, sweetheart.”The referee blew his whistle, the shrill sound carrying across the entirety of the field. Families sprang into action all around us.“Both of you, hold onto me,” Dominic ordered, dropping to one knee. He gestured toward his neck and waist. “I’ll carry you across.”I froze, glaring at the direction of his scent through my blindfold like he’d grown a second head, but I could only see darkness. I heard the other fathers already hoisting their children onto their backs, but none attempted to carry both child and mother.“Mom, come on!” Debbie tugged at my arm impatientl

  • Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate   Chapter 56: Truth and Lies

    Penelope’s POV“Next up, solo agility course for five-to-six-year-olds!”Debbie bounced on her toes, already moving toward the starting line with the other cubs. The first events were individual showcases, allowing each pup to demonstrate their skills before the parent-child relays began.“Good luck, baby!” I called out, watching her scurry to her position.The moment she was out of earshot, I turned to Dominic. “Why were you at her training camp?”His jaw tightened. “What?”“Don’t play dumb,” I snapped. “Debbie told me you visited her training camp. What were you doing there?”“I wasn’t—”“She said you played games with them. That you were watching her.” I stepped closer, keeping my voice low but intense. “Were you spying on my daughter?”Dominic’s expression shifted, resignation replacing his initial denial. “Fine. Yes, I went to the camp.”“Why?” I demanded.“You know exactly why,” he replied, eyes locked on mine. “I needed to know if she was mine.”My heart hammered against my ribs

  • Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate   Chapter 55: Unexpected Partner

    Penelope’s POVI checked my phone for the twentieth time, anxiety agitating my stomach. Still no messages from Edward. No calls. No explanation for his absence.“Mom, when is Daddy Edward coming?” Debbie tugged at my shirt, her bottom lip quivering slightly.She wore her competition uniform—a miniature version of the traditional pack hunting gear, complete with the Iron Mountain insignia.“Soon, baby,” I lied, dialing his number again. The phone rang five times before going to voicemail, just like the previous attempts.Around us, the Rainbow Claw camp was on the go. Families gathered in the assembly area, parents helping their cubs stretch or practice last-minute techniques. Everyone had two parents present—everyone except us.“But the competition starts soon,” Debbie insisted, her green eyes filling with tears. “Tommy said we can’t play if we don’t have a dad. He said we’ll be disqualified."“Disqualified,” I corrected gently, smoothing her hair. “And Tommy doesn’t make the rules.”B

  • Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate   Chapter 54: Pride and Joy

    Penelope’s POVI stood at the edge of the training ground, my heart swelling with pride as Debbie shifted effortlessly between her human and wolf forms. Her small body glowed briefly during each transition before settling into her pup form—a beautiful silver-white wolf that shined brighter than any of the other young ones.“Remarkable coat she has,” my father noted, standing beside me. “Much brighter than normal for her age.”I nodded, unable to take my eyes off my daughter. The little wolf darted through the training course, leaping over low barriers and ducking through tunnels. Her speed impressed even the hardened trainers who nodded approvingly.“She’s a natural,” I said, trying to keep my voice casual though pride threatened to burst from my chest.My father tapped his wooden staff against the ground. “The Moon bloodline runs strong in her.”I tensed slightly. Comments about bloodlines always made me nervous, especially regarding Debbie.“The trainers say she has exceptional contr

  • Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate   Chapter 53: A Mother’s Fear

    Penelope’s POV“Stand still, sweetie.”I adjusted Debbie’s training uniform while she wriggled impatiently. “Is it time yet? Is it time?” she asked for the tenth time since breakfast, her voice bubbling with excitement.“Stop squirming,” I grunted, finally getting the second arm through. “I can’t dress you properly when you’re bouncing around like this.”“I can’t help it!” Debbie giggled. Her small feet pattered rapidly on the wooden floor of her bedroom. “Miss Lyra said I might get to try partial shifting today if I do really well!”I tugged the uniform into place, checking that the protective padding covered her vital areas. Today would be my first time watching her progress at the Rainbow Claw Training Camp. The instructors had sent glowing reports, but I needed to see it for myself.“Arms up,” I instructed, fastening the side buckles.Debbie instantly raised her hands, still bouncing on her toes. I smiled as she did. Something about her excitement warmed me to the core.I crouched

  • Alpha's Regret: Return of the Rejected Mate   Chapter 52: Sabotage

    Kelsey’s POVLuna Sophia wanted a “proper” mate for her son—one with ancient bloodlines and important pack connections. Not me.I arranged flowers outside her quarters, forcing a smile whenever pack members walked past. The roses pricked my fingers, drawing blood that stained the white petals red.Word had spread quickly through the servants—the Alpha’s mother actively sought new Luna candidates from neighboring packs.After five years of waiting, of serving Dominic loyally while he mourned his runaway mate, I still didn’t measure up in Sophia’s eyes. Yesterday she dismissed me mid-sentence when I brought her afternoon tea.She barely acknowledged me while studying charts of eligible females from nearby territories, so I needed to act immediately.Night fell over the pack house. Most wolves attended the emergency council meeting about the mutant attacks, leaving the corridors nearly empty as I moved silently through the halls. My bare feet made no sound against the floors.Near the cou

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