Alpha’s Princess

Elijah settled into a nearby chair, a warm smile spreading across his face as he witnessed the poignant reunion between his sister and father.

His eyes shone with unshed tears, reflecting his deep happiness.

In his mind, Elijah rejoiced, knowing their adoptive brother, Ryker, had already begun maneuvering to succeed their father as Alpha. Elijah’s thoughts remained guarded, but his gaze betrayed a flicker of concern.

“I missed you, Father,” Elisa sobbed, her voice muffled against Alpha Regis’s shoulder.

Alpha Regis’s sad smile twisted his lips. “I’m glad you came back home before I take my last breath.”

Elisa’s head jerked back, her eyes wide with alarm.

“You’re not going anywhere yet, Father,” she assured him, her voice laced with determination.

Alpha Regis gaze drifted to Elijah, and for an instant, their eyes locked in a silent understanding.

Elijah’s expression remained neutral, but his eyes conveyed a message: “I’ve got this, father. Ryka won’t harm Elisa.”

Elisa smiled as she continue hugging her father.

*

Ryka’s Suite

Prince Ryker emerged from the bathroom, his confident stride faltering as he addressed his guard. “Where is my wife?”

The guard bowed slightly. “She’s in the kitchen with the maid, my prince. And, if I may add, princess Elisa has returned home.”

Ryker’s eyebrows shot up, his expression momentarily slack. “Elisa?” He repeated, his voice low and measured.

The guard nodded. “Yes, my prince.”

Ryker’s mask of composure slipped, revealing a flash of shock and annoyance. He swiftly regained control, his face smoothing into a calculating calm.

After all, he had long assumed Elisa’s permanent departure three years ago.

“Why wasn’t I informed immediately? Ryker’s voice dropped to a menacing tone, his anger simmering beneath the surface.

The guard shifted uncomfortably. “I apologize, my prince. The news just arrived.”

Ryker’s gaze narrowed. “See that I’m kept informed from now on.”

“Yes, my prince,” the guard replied, bowing deeply.

Ryker nodded curtly, his mind already raving with the implications of Elisa’s return. He strode towards his Chambers, his footsteps echoing through the corridor.

Despite being human, Ryker had grown up within the pack’s walls, adopted by Alpha Regis after his mother’s passing. As the son of Alpha Regis’s elder sister, Ryker had always been treated like family.

However, his lack was of werewolf heritage had never been forgotten. Ryker’s ambition burned brighter because of it, he was determined to prove himself worthy of leading the pack, despite not being a wolf.

Ryker’s thought swirled as he entered his suite, his eyes scanning the room. His wife, Emilia entered the room.

“Emilia,” Ryker called, his voice low and controlled.

Emilia walked to him, a hint of curiosity on her face.

“Ryker, what’s wrong?”

“Where have you been?” Ryker demanded, his eyes narrowing. “And where is my daughter?”

Emilia’s smile faltered. “Haven’t you heard? The princess is back.”

Ryker’s brow furrowed. “If she’s back, where were you going in the kitchen?”

Emilia’s expression turned cautious. “She’s the Alpha’s princess and will be the Alpha after Father is gone. I shouldn’t keep a bad image for the first time.”

Ryker’s face darkened. “Who told you she’s going to be the Alpha? She left three years ago and forfeited her right.”

Emilia’s voice took on a skeptical tone. “Who else would be Alpha, then? Prince Elijah doesn’t have the Alpha blood.”

Ryker’s smile twisted. “Who else, indeed? It’s me, after all. I’m their senior brother.”

Emilia’s laugher caught Ryker off guard. “You’re kidding, right? You’re not even a wolf, Ryker.”

Ryker’s eyes flashed with anger, his voice dropped to a menacing tone.

“That means nothing. I’ve been groomed for leadership, and I won’t let anyone, including Elisa to take it from me.”

Emilia’s confusion deepened, her brow furrowed.

“You shouldn’t let others hear this, Ryker. Why are you acting like this?” She knew Alpha Regis valued family unity above all.

Ryker’s expression twisted, his eyes blazing with anger. “Get out!” He bellowed, his voice echoing off the walls.

Emilia sighed, her shoulders sagging. She recognized the warning signs, Ryker’s escalating temper, his growing ambition. She had always known he harbored resentment, but never suspected he’d dare challenge the Alpha’s family.

With a heavy heart, Emilia turned and left the bedroom, closing the door behind her. The silence outside was a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within.

As she walked away, Emilia wondered, had Ryker’s desire for power consumed him completely? And what would be the cost of his rebellion?

Ryker’s anger seethed, Emilia’s word echoing in his mind like a challenge. He paced before the window, his reflection distorted in the glass.

“I’m the senior,” he growled, his voice low and menacing. “I am supposed to be the Alpha.”

His eyes burned with resentment, Ryker’s thoughts consumed by the injustice. Why should Elisa, who abandoned the pack, inherit the title? Why should Elijah, With his weak bloodline, be considered?

Ryker’s fist clenched, his nails digging into his palms. He had played the loyal adoptee for far too long. It was time to claim what was rightfully his.

“I will not be denied,” Ryker whispered, his determination solidifying into a deadly resolve.

*

Elisa’s Chamber

Elisa emerged from her bath, radiant and refreshed. Her maids attended to her, dressing her in an elegant gown that accentuated her new found glow.

“My princess, please close your eyes,” one of the maids requested, holding a delicate vial of fragrant ointment. “I’ll apply this to your hair.”

Elisa obliged, her lashes fluttering shut as the maid gently massaged the ointment into her hair. The scent of lavender and rose petals wafted through the air, entwining with Elisa’s natural fragrance.

Just then, another maid entered the bedroom, bowing deeply. “Dinner is ready, my princess.”

Elisa nodded, her eyes still closed, a soft smile on her lips. “Thank you. I’ll be down shortly.”

The maid bowed again and withdrew, leaving Elisa to her attendants.

As they finished styling her hair and adjusting her gown, Elisa opened her eyes, her gaze meeting her reflection in the mirror.

Her once, pair skin now shone with a warm, golden undertone, a testament to her time and outdoors. Her hair cascaded down her back, rich and luscious, with hints of chestnut and honey.

Elisa’s heart swelled with gratitude for this moment of peace, surrounded by the gentle ministrations of her maids.