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38 The Pressure
Last Updated:
2025-01-02 23:11:43
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Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow 39 Out Of Control
KaiIndeed, Aunt Ingrid had contested the position with me, citing every possible reason why she deserved to be next in line. But her arguments had been futile.Succession wasn’t up for debate. It was a lineage thing, and as long as my father had an alpha-bred heir, she was automatically out of the running.It didn’t stop her bitterness, though.“Could it be possible she’s doing all this to prove my incompetence?” I asked aloud, the thought cutting through my frustration.“If she can convince the South that I’m not a man of my word, that I can’t handle my responsibilities, it’d be easy for her to get them to throw their support behind her. She’d frame herself as the stabilising force they need.”Darius and Gabe exchanged a look but said nothing. Their silence wasn’t from disbelief—it was from the uncomfortable truth that they were thinking the same thing.Finally, Darius spoke, his voice calm but measured. “All I can say is that you should still try to reach out to Laura. Even if it f
Last Updated : 2025-01-02Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow 40 Where Is It Coming From?
KaiTurning on my heel, I left her standing there, unwilling to waste any more energy on the confrontation.I made my way to Adasha’s room, eager for some reprieve. When I reached her door, I knocked, but there was no answer.A flicker of unease settled in my chest. Against my better judgment, I opened the door and stepped inside.The state of the room stopped me in my tracks. It was a mess—chaos everywhere.On the floor, I spotted a canvas.Curious, I bent down to pick it up, and the sight made my breath hitch. It was a painting of me. She’d captured me perfectly, making me look even more handsome than I thought possible.But the fact that it was on the floor? That struck me.Why was it discarded like this? My gaze swept over the disarray, my mind racing.Had Ingrid said something to her? Or worse, had Randy found a way to contact her? The possibilities gnawed at me.“Adasha!” I called, my voice sharper than I intended. From the bathroom, I heard the sound of running water stop, fol
Last Updated : 2025-01-02Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow 41 It Isn’t What You Think
AdashaKai stood there, a mix of surprise and frustration etched across his face. His silence spoke volumes—he was caught off guard and at a loss for words.Maybe he hadn’t expected me to know, but I wasn’t the type to let things fester anymore. My years of quiet endurance were over.Randy had once kept me silent, but those days were behind me. It was better to confront the truth head-on than live in denial, pretending everything was fine while bracing for the inevitable.I had no interest in self-deception, and Kai needed to understand that I knew."You misunderstood everything," he said calmly, but I shook my head, refusing to believe it.As he took a step toward me, I instinctively moved back, keeping distance between us."Adasha," he said, his voice measured, "that conversation was meant to stop Austin from bringing Laura here. I don’t want to settle with her. I never have, and I never will."I met his gaze, my voice steady despite the ache in my chest."And me? I know settling wi
Last Updated : 2025-01-03Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow 42 Just You And Me
Adasha"I said those things to them because I found you, Adasha. Marked or not, I have found my mate, and she is you," Kai said, his voice firm yet tender.His words stopped me in my tracks, leaving me stunned. What was he saying? Could he truly mean we were fated?"Believe it or not, Adasha, but the universe has tied us together. Marked or not, you are mine, and I will do everything in my power to ensure we get our happily ever after—just you and me," he continued, his voice filled with conviction.Tears welled up in my eyes, a mixture of shock and relief streaming down my cheeks.I had never dared to dream of this.To find my mate, to be accepted by him—it seemed impossible.I had spent so long believing the universe had cursed me, shackled me to a cruel fate. But now, hearing Kai’s words, I realised how wrong I’d been. He wasn’t just a reprieve; he was the balance I hadn’t known I needed, the missing piece of my soul.But why couldn’t I feel the mate pull?The question lingered, ye
Last Updated : 2025-01-03Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow 43 After The Ride
Adasha The next morning, Kai left early to attend a meeting in a neighboring pack. He didn’t share many details about what he was going to do, but I understood enough about the role of a regional alpha to know it was part of his responsibility. Every pack within his territory fell under his leadership, and their issues were his to address. I also noticed he had taken the painting with him, which piqued my curiosity. What could he possibly be planning with it? I was just stepping out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around me as I dried my hair, when a knock came at the door. “Who is it?” I called out, my voice slightly muffled as I tousled my damp locks. “It’s me, miss,” came May’s familiar voice. I chuckled softly, recalling how seriously she had taken my earlier warning to knock before she enters. “Come in,” I said, and the door opened to reveal her, flanked by two other maids. “What’s the occasion, Miss May?” I asked with a teasing smile. My relaxed tone mirrored the
Last Updated : 2025-01-03Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow 44 Not Afraid
Adasha Ingrid’s expression was livid when she saw me, and I couldn’t bring myself to care. Laura stood slightly behind her, looking uneasy. She lacked the confidence for this kind of confrontation, which told me everything I needed to know—this was Ingrid’s doing. Still, I wasn’t going to take it easy on either of them. “What do you think you’re doing? Have you no respect?” Ingrid demanded, her voice sharp with indignation. I met her glare with a frown. “You’re the one barging into this room. Should I be rolling out a welcome mat for an intruder?” Her eyes flashed dangerously as she stepped forward, her composure cracking. “You’d better watch your tongue, young lady, or else—” “Or else what?” I interrupted my tone calm but cutting. “I’ve told you before—I’m not part of your pack, and you’re not my Alpha. Stop trying to boss me around.” The words were barely out of my mouth before she strode up and slapped me. The sound echoed in the room, and Laura gasped. I didn’t flinch. Compar
Last Updated : 2025-01-04Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow 45 More Enemies, It Seems
AdashaIngrid yanked her hand away from my grip, her face a mask of barely concealed fury. It was clear she wouldn’t try that again.Ingrid wasn’t the type to handle what she perceived as disrespect, and in her twisted mind, my defiance had likely humiliated her. But I wasn’t going to be anyone’s punching bag anymore. Not her, not anyone. Never again would I allow myself to live that life.I held her gaze, making sure she saw the steel in my eyes. I wasn’t afraid of her, and I wanted her to know it.“If you have an issue with this arrangement,” I said, my voice calm but laced with an edge, “take it up with the Alpha. Unless, of course, you’re too afraid to face him. Perhaps you think I’m an easier target?”I stepped closer, closing the distance between us so she could feel the heat of my anger.“Well, let me make something clear: I am no easy target, Madam. If you push me, I won’t hesitate to retaliate.”Ingrid’s mouth opened slightly, but no words came out.She was stunned, speechles
Last Updated : 2025-01-04Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow 46 An Eventful Day
AdashaI returned to the balcony, staring at my painting and trying to will myself to focus, but it was pointless. The brush in my hand felt heavy, and the colors on the canvas blurred together as my thoughts strayed.As I stood there, a realization struck me—I hadn’t left the building since I was brought here. There were no rules keeping me inside; Kai had set no restrictions. But the fear in my heart had done that job well enough, anchoring me to this place like an invisible chain.The thought unsettled me, and I resolved to change it. I decided to step outside, to acquaint myself with the world beyond these walls.I wouldn’t go far, just enough to get a sense of my surroundings, and I would avoid unnecessary interactions. Staying close to the pack house would ensure I could return quickly if I needed to.May was likely gone by now. If she were still here, I would have asked her to come with me. Instead, I would have to rely on Mirabel—whoever she was. I didn’t know her, but for now
Last Updated : 2025-01-04
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Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow 86 An Iron Fist
Adasha“Even you, Magnus?” Laura said, her voice trembling with disbelief as she turned to him.I had expected her to say that—Magnus was from Rivercreek, her home, after all.Magnus looked genuinely pained, his expression filled with regret, but he didn’t waver.“Sorry, Luna,” he said, his voice soft but firm. “But Alpha’s word is law.”Laura’s eyes darted back to Kai, searching his face for any hint of hesitation.“You’re serious about this,” she said, her tone incredulous. “You would actually throw me into a cell… for her?” She spat the word with venom, her gaze flicking to me with a mixture of contempt and desperation.But Kai didn’t respond.He didn’t even look at her. His silence was deafening, a clear statement that he was done talking. The weight of his unspoken words hung in the air, suffocating and final.“Malachi, this is extreme!” Ingrid interjected, rising from her seat. “Laura is legally your wife. You can’t humiliate her like this! What will her people say? This is wron
Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow 85 Know Your Place
AdashaThe room was deathly silent, but Laura wasn’t done. Her voice sliced through the tension like a jagged blade, oblivious to the storm brewing in front of her.I could feel Kai’s rage, simmering and raw, and I wondered how he would handle this. Laura, blind to the signs, pressed on, her words brimming with fury and indignation.“You brought this upon yourself,” she said, her voice trembling with both anger and unshed tears. “By the time I’m through with the Easterners in the South, you’ll regret what you’ve done to my people—simply because they refused to serve your whore.”The venom in her tone stung, but the room was charged with something far more dangerous. Kai was vibrating with fury, his jaw tight, his entire frame coiled like a predator about to strike.The foolishness of Laura’s inability to recognise the line she had crossed was staggering.“Darius,” Kai said suddenly, his voice so cold and calm that it sent a shiver down my spine. “Did you get that last part?”“Yes, Alp
Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow 84 Breakfast
AdashaBreakfast was served in the dining room, a larger, more formal setting than usual. Kai had insisted on addressing his officers after the summons, and though it made me uneasy to eat in a room with other people, I understood the necessity.Normally, Kai would have adjusted his routine for my comfort, but this was one of those times where duty took precedence.As we entered the room, I immediately noticed there were five people seated instead of the three I had expected. The extra two—Ingrid and Laura—were impossible to miss. My chest tightened at the sight of them, but I quickly reminded myself of Kai’s promise. His assurance was all that mattered.With measured composure, I took my seat beside him. Darius and Gabe greeted me warmly, their respect evident in their tone and demeanor.Magnus followed suit, though there was an unmistakable hint of confusion in his expression, as if he was piecing together a puzzle no one had explained to him.I returned their greetings, extending
Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow 83 His Promise
AdashaKai’s eyes locked onto mine, unwavering and intense, as he gently brushed my cheek with his thumb. The touch was soft, almost reverent, but it carried a weight that made my heart ache.“You worry too much, Adasha,” he said, his voice steady, soothing. His gaze didn’t waver, as if he were trying to reach the deepest part of me, the part that was still scared, still unsure. “You need to learn to trust.”I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat threatening to choke me.“I know you’ve been through so much,” he continued, his tone softening even further. “But not this. I’m not Randy, Adasha, and I never will be. I don’t aspire to be like him. What we have… it’s rare. Scarce. Ordained.” He let the words settle between us, his hand never leaving my face. “I’d be a fool to throw it away—or let anyone take it from me.”His eyes darkened, a fire kindling in their depths. “I’ll find a way to make this work, I promise. And I won’t have a Luna other than you, Adasha.”His words were a vow, s
Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow 82 Summon Outcome
AdashaMorning crept in, the soft light painting delicate patterns on the walls. Kai was still beside me, his presence a quiet weight on the bed. It was unusual—he was always the first to rise.Perhaps the journey had drained him more than I realized. My thoughts swirled around the summons he attended with Laura and Ingrid, and unease pooled in my chest.It had to be about his bond with Laura. The idea tugged at something deep within me, a quiet ache I tried to bury.I hated the helplessness of it all, the knowledge that this was beyond my control.I turned my gaze to him, his face soft in sleep, the tension he usually carried smoothed away. For a moment, he looked almost vulnerable. I slipped out of bed carefully, the cool floor grounding me as I moved toward the shower.The steaming water offered a temporary reprieve, washing away the tangled emotions I couldn’t name. When I emerged, toweling my hair, Kai stirred. He blinked lazily, his sharp eyes focusing on me.“Why aren’t you in
Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow 81 Wicked
RandyMarvin’s tears flowed freely, his face a mask of despair. He knew—knew deeply—that he was in immeasurable trouble with me.He had violated our agreement, shattered what little trust I had given him, and, worst of all, placed a target squarely on Adasha’s back.If she hadn’t run away, none of this would have unraveled. I wouldn’t have needed to arrest Jason, wouldn’t have discovered the full extent of their treachery.These two were evil—loyal to no one but their own selfish interests. Adasha was no longer theirs.They had sold her to me years ago, and now they had tried to sell her again.They weren’t just failures—they were scum. Fraudsters. Betrayers.There was no excuse for what they had done.I shifted my gaze to Lois, who was trembling as she cried, and motioned for her to continue. I needed every piece of information before I decided how to act."Jason tried to get Marvin to tell him who the person was," Lois said, her voice shaking as she spoke. "But Marvin refused. He sa
Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow 80 Selfishness
Randy"So, you decided to reach out to your regional Alpha—me—and offer her to me for a fee, as if you were some bounty hunters," I said coldly, my voice cutting through the heavy silence."That way, you wouldn’t get in trouble for it… right?"Lois didn’t answer. She didn’t have to. Her silence was confession enough.The memory burned fresh in my mind.They’d offered her to me as if they were doing me a favour, presenting her as though she was a prize to be claimed.To them, she wasn’t a child—they saw her as a way to avoid danger and even profit. After all, the Twelve Families’ prerogative was clear: eradicate the Mad King’s bloodline at all costs.Adasha was no ordinary child. She was premium prey, a direct descendant of the Mad King himself.But when I laid eyes on her, everything changed.I knew, in that moment, that I couldn’t let anything happen to her. Not her.Instead of handing her over to the council, I did something I thought was right at the time.I paid Marvin and Lois mo
Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow 79 The Adoption
RandyI could see Lois was nervous, her hands trembling as she wiped at her tear-streaked face. But I didn’t interrupt her.She needed space to speak, to breathe.She knew she had no other choice—she had to tell the truth, and she knew it."The woman told us she could help us adopt," Lois began, her voice quivering. "She said there was a child available… but the child wasn’t in the system. I didn’t ask why."She paused, her gaze darting to Marvin before lowering to her lap."I guess… I guess my desperation clouded my judgment. She told us she could arrange everything—papers, custody—all of it. There was only one condition." Lois swallowed hard."We were never to return to the southern border. Ever."Her voice faltered, and she wiped her eyes again."At the time, it didn’t seem like much of a condition. We weren’t from the south. We had no ties there. It felt like such a small thing to agree to."I watched her intently, every word she spoke deepening the gravity of their situation."It
Trapped In The Alpha's Shadow 78 Start Talking
Randy"I swear that’s the truth," Marvin said, his voice shaky, eyes pleading for mercy. I turned to Jacob, my expression unreadable."I’ll give you some time to think it over," I said coldly, releasing the chain in my hand. It clattered loudly, a sound that seemed to echo Marvin’s faltering confidence."In the meantime," I continued, my voice firm, "you’re going to tell me everything about how you adopted my wife. I want to know why you adopted her, which Alpha sanctioned it, and whether you’re still in contact with the people who gave her to you."I shifted my attention to Lois, her nervousness written all over her face."I’ll give you a chance to answer, Lois. And believe me, what’s about to happen to your husband for lying to me will happen to you, too, if you don’t start talking."Her eyes widened in terror, but the weight of my words didn’t seem to fully register until two guards stepped into the room, their presence commanding and grim.They moved with quiet efficiency, their i
