250

AXEL

Inside the throne room, a tense silence hung heavy in the air. Everyone stared in shock. I would never have imagined that my father would kill Ashley's mum.

My mind was racing beyond my control. The one I had called father all these years was nothing but a cold-hearted beast. A shocking truth had just been revealed through my father's actions. He intended to have Ashley for himself all along. He had manipulated things in his favor, through Circe's sorcery.

“You've been lying to us all this time,” Axel growled, his voice filled with anger. “How could you do this to us?”

My father’s face was impassive. His eyes, cold and calculating, seemed to bore into us.

“I did what was best for the pack,” he said, his voice finally breaking the silence. “Ashley is a powerful wolf. Her bloodline is ancient and pure. She is the perfect mate for the Alpha. For me!”

“But she's our mate,” Brody protested, his voice trembling, “we love her!”

My father's eyes narrowed, “love is not enough,” he said. “