Voder's POV
I walked briskly, my heart pounding with anticipation. Today, I had one mission—to give Alaric flowers.
And as luck would have it, he was exactly where I expected him to be—having lunch with Kali in the university garden. Without hesitation, I made my way there, clutching the delicate bouquet in my hands.
From a distance, I saw them laughing together, Alaric's deep chuckles blending with Kali's amused giggles. The sight stung a little since I never made Alaric laugh yet, but I pushed the feeling aside and approached.
Kali was the first to notice me. She cleared her throat and nudged Alaric with her elbow.
"Ahem..."
But Alaric didn't even glance in my direction. He simply continued eating, his expression unreadable.
Fine. If he wouldn't acknowledge me, I would take the initiative myself.
"Alaric, these are for you." I smiled, extending the flowers toward him, my chest tightening with hope.
But instead of looking at me or even reaching for the bouquet, he simply shut his lunchbox with a soft but decisive click.
"Kali, I'll head out first. My stomach hurts. I think I need to go to the bathroom," he muttered, already gathering his things.
And just like that, he stood up and walked away. No glance. No words. Nothing.
I waited, hoping—praying—that he would leave something behind for me. He usually gave me a packed lunch, a small gesture that meant everything.
But today, there was nothing.
A cold weight settled in my chest. I turned to Kali, trying to mask the hurt in my voice.
"Is something wrong with Alaric?" I asked, gripping the flowers a little tighter.
Kali tilted her head, frowning. "I was about to ask you the same thing. Did you two have a fight?"
"No. I haven't even spoken to him recently. This is the first time I've seen him today," I said, my brows knitting together in confusion.
"Then why did he leave like that?"
I racked my brain, thinking of anything I might have done to upset him. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't recall a single moment where I had wronged him.
I let out a slow, shaky breath, my gaze drifting down to the flowers in my hands. Their vibrant petals suddenly felt heavy, almost mocking.
"Maybe I'll just come back later. Maybe he really isn't feeling well today," I said, forcing a small, hopeful smile.
Kali sighed but nodded. "I'm sorry, Voder. But I'll ask him what's wrong and let you know, okay?"
I met her gaze, grateful for her kindness. "Thanks, Kali."
And with that, I turned and walked away, my mind spinning with unanswered questions.
What had I done wrong?
Why was Alaric avoiding me?
...
...
...
Henry's POV
"Omega's Wrath—an ability unique to Omega males. When consumed by intense rage and fury, they can command another being to end their own life..."
I read aloud, my voice barely above a whisper as I skimmed through the pages in my dimly lit room. My fingers tightened around the book as realization settled in. Wow... So they can actually do that?
I swallowed. That means... Alaric is terrifying when angry. No one should ever push him to that point!
I quickly made a mental note to tell my brother about this discovery.
But before I could continue, I noticed movement from the corner of my eye.
Voder walked toward my bed, his shoulders slumped, his steps dragging. In his hands, he clutched a bouquet of blue peonies, their vibrant petals contrasting starkly with the sadness in his expression.
I frowned. "Oh? What's wrong, brother?"
He let out a soft sigh. "It's Alaric... He ignored me today. He didn't even take the flowers I gave him."
I blinked. Alaric ignored him? That wasn't normal.
"Huh? You made him mad, didn't you?" I asked, suddenly worried. "Brother, you shouldn't make Alaric angry! Did he tell you to kill yourself?"
Voder snapped his head up, confusion evident on his face. "What?! What are you talking about?"
I lifted my book and pointed at the passage. "According to this, Omega males have an ability called Omega's Wrath. If they experience extreme fury, they can command someone to end their own life."
Voder frowned, shaking his head. "He wasn't even angry, Henry. He just... ignored me. And I didn't do anything wrong. That's why I don't understand."
I let out a relieved breath. Thank goodness. I thought Voder had somehow triggered that terrifying ability.
"Maybe..." I mused, rubbing my chin. "Maybe he's going through his heat stage? Some Omega females act distant and cold when they're in pain. Maybe it's the same for Omega males?"
Voder shook his head. "No, he wasn't in heat. His scent was normal."
I furrowed my brows. Then why was he acting that way?
Voder sighed, lying down on my bed while staring at the flowers in his hands. "I'll try again tomorrow. Maybe he'll feel better by then."
But even as he said those words, uncertainty lingered in his voice.
I leaned back, my mind racing. If Voder really didn't do anything to cause this, then something else must have triggered Alaric's change in behavior.
An external force.
And whatever it was... I needed to find out.
My jaw set in determination.
It's time for Detective Henry to do his duty!
I refused to let anything ruin Alaric and Voder's love story. If there was a problem, I would fix it.
Because if they didn't end up together...
How else would I get to meet Little Champ—my future nephew?!
I had to meet him. He would be adorable, kind, and absolutely obedient. No troublemaker tendencies and wouldn't give me any headache or whatsoever.
Right?
...
...
...
That very next day, I wandered through the university, my senses on high alert as I searched for Alaric.
Fortunately, as a Beta male, I lacked a scent—making it easier to tail someone without being detected.
After some time, I finally spotted him.
There, in the middle of the open field, Alaric lay on his back, gazing at the sky, lost in thought. His expression was unreadable, his entire presence radiating solitude.
I carefully crept toward a large tree nearby, staying out of sight but close enough to observe.
But just as I was about to settle in... I noticed something—or rather, someone.
A figure stood hidden among the shadows, watching Alaric intently.
My breath hitched.
Someone's spying on him?!
I narrowed my eyes and slowly moved closer to the mysterious figure. As I got near, I could hear him muttering under his breath.
"Theron was right. That Alaric... he really is an Omega male. No wonder he's so breathtaking."
I stiffened. What the hell—?!
"My brother wants to control him... But before that happens... I wish I could experience even just a taste of what an Omega like him feels like..."
Disgust churned in my stomach.
I didn't hesitate. I reached out and tapped him on the shoulder.
He flinched and spun around, eyes wide with panic.
And that's when I recognized him.
"Wait... Aren't you Theron's younger brother?" I said, my voice sharp. "Crest?"
Crest stiffened, his face draining of color.
"What the hell are you doing here? And why are you spying on Alaric?"
His gaze darted to the side, his body tensing. Then, without a word, he turned and hurried away, walking so fast it was almost a sprint.
I scoffed. "Tch. He's definitely up to something."
Then, I replayed his words in my mind, and a chill ran down my spine.
He knows.
Crest.
And, judging by the shift in his gaze earlier... so did Theron.
They knew Alaric was an Omega male.
And that was a problem.
No. That was a disaster waiting to happen.
I forced myself to look back at Alaric, hoping—foolishly—that maybe I'd misread the situation. But whatever fleeting relief I had dissolved instantly.
He wasn't alone anymore.
Theron now sat beside him.
My breath caught. The sight of them together felt like a punch to the ribs.
What was Theron doing there? And more importantly—how in the hell did he know?
That kind of knowledge didn't spread by accident.
This wasn't a chance encounter. It wasn't luck or coincidence.
No, this was orchestrated. Calculated.
And I had a sinking feeling we were already too late to stop whatever had been set in motion.
I edged closer, trying to remain unseen, ears straining for even a shred of their conversation. But before I could make out a single word, Theron stood abruptly. He turned to Alaric and motioned for him to come.
And to my absolute dread—
Alaric obeyed.
He followed him. Without hesitation.
No. No, no, no.
I felt my fists curl so tightly my nails bit into my palms.
Where was Theron taking him?
My heart pounded. Every instinct I had was thrashing against my chest, screaming that something was wrong.
Very wrong.
I didn't have the luxury of thinking this through. I couldn't wait, couldn't hesitate.
I had to move.
I had to follow.
Because deep down, with every fiber of my being, I knew one thing with terrifying certainty...
Alaric was in danger.
...
...
...
Alaric's POV
I sat alone in the open field of the university, staring blankly at the sky. The air was cool, but it did little to calm the storm raging inside me.
I had told Kali I wanted to be alone for a while, and thankfully, she understood.
Because right now... I didn't know what to believe anymore.
Was Theron telling the truth about Voder?
The thought twisted in my gut like a knife.
No matter how hard I tried to rationalize it, I couldn't bring myself to believe that Voder—of all people—would do something so cruel.
But doubt gnawed at me.
If I confronted him, would I get the real answer? Or would he just say whatever he needed to make me believe that his love was genuine?
And yet... If I didn't ask him... if I kept ignoring this feeling inside me... I knew I would never be at peace.
"Alaric," a voice suddenly called out.
I flinched, my thoughts scattering. I turned my head, and there he was—Theron.
I sighed, sitting up from where I had been lying on the grass.
"You look like you have a lot on your mind," Theron mused, his voice smooth, calculated.
I didn't answer right away.
Instead, I studied him—his sharp features, the way he carried himself, like he always knew something no one else did.
Finally, I spoke.
"I'm still thinking about what you told me the other day. I... I can't stop thinking about it."
Theron's lips curled slightly. "You shouldn't stop thinking about it. Don't let Voder deceive you, Alaric. In the end, he is the only one who benefits from you being an Omega male."
His words made my chest tighten.
Theron leaned in slightly, his gaze dark and unreadable.
"And who knows?" he continued, his voice dropping lower. "Maybe right now, he's already off entertaining another Omega female while you sit here, questioning everything."
I inhaled sharply.
That didn't make sense. Voder wouldn't do that. Would he?
Theron's smirk widened as he saw my hesitation.
"Alaric, listen to me. You may be an Omega male, but you don't have what an Omega female has. You lack the parts that men like me crave."
I froze, my breath catching in my throat.
"What... What do you mean?" My voice was barely above a whisper. My hands instinctively moved to my chest, a subconscious reaction to his words.
Theron's eyes glinted with amusement.
"Yes. You understand now, don't you?" he said smoothly. "We Alpha males seek out Omega females because of their bodies—their breasts, curves, their softness, their ability to... please us."
I felt sick.
Theron chuckled darkly. "Just the thought of sleeping with another man, even if he's an Omega, is disgusting to me. It's unnatural."
I stiffened, the weight of his words sinking into my bones.
"So tell me, Alaric," he continued, voice dripping with mock sympathy. "Do you really think Voder will take you seriously? Or is he just using you—chasing the thrill of getting you pregnant, only to toss you aside the moment he's had his fun?"
My stomach churned.
That wasn't true. It couldn't be true.
"B-But..." I stammered, my mind desperately grasping for something—anything—to counter his words.
Theron tilted his head. "Why don't we find out?"
I looked up at him, uncertain.
"Let's go find Voder. Let's see what he's up to when you're not around," he suggested, his tone almost playful. Almost mocking.
A part of me screamed at me to say no. To walk away.
But the other part—the one that had been drowning in doubt—needed answers.
I needed to know.
So I nodded.
Theron's smirk widened. "Good."
"I saw him earlier," he said, gesturing for me to follow. "He went into a secluded room behind the main university building. I'm sure whatever he's doing there... isn't innocent."
I swallowed hard, my pulse pounding in my ears.
And then, despite the dread settling deep in my chest...
I followed him.
...
...
...
Theron's POV
Before I even approached Alaric, I had already set my plan in motion—every detail carefully crafted, every move calculated.
My goal? To drive a wedge so deep between him and Voder that there would be no turning back.
For that, I needed a little... assistance.
I had enlisted the help of an Omega female, instructing her to lure Voder into a secluded spot. Her job was simple—seduce him, touch him, make him look guilty.
And when the moment was right, when I arrived with Alaric just in time to witness the scene, all she had to do was put on a show.
That was all it would take.
All I wanted was to see Alaric's face twist in pain, to watch his trust in Voder crumble before his very eyes.
How far would he go?
How much could his fragile heart take before it shattered?
Oh, this is going to be fun.
...
Now, as Alaric and I walked toward the designated spot, my anticipation only grew.
Every step brought us closer to the scene I had orchestrated. Every second made it harder to keep the smirk from creeping onto my face.
But I had to be patient. Let the tension build. Let the moment sting.
As we neared the area, I took a slow, deliberate breath—then sniffed the air dramatically.
(Sniff!)
I glanced at Alaric, feigning curiosity. "Do you smell that, Alaric?"
His expression darkened almost instantly. His entire body tensed, and his brows furrowed in deep frustration.
"...Yes," he muttered, the word laced with dismay. "I can smell Voder's scent."
Good. He's already uneasy.
I tilted my head, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Only his?" I prodded. "You don't smell the Omega female with him?"
Alaric hesitated. His nose scrunched slightly as he took another sniff. Then, he shook his head.
"No," he admitted. "I can't smell Omega female scents."
Hah. I had not expected that.
Omega males were different from Alpha and Beta males when it came to tracking scents. While they could easily detect other Alpha males, their senses weren't as attuned to Omega females.
Which worked perfectly in my favor.
I let out a thoughtful hum, pretending to be deep in thought. "Hmm. That explains it."
"Explains what?" Alaric asked, still frowning.
I gave him a sly, knowing look.
"You probably can't track the scent of Omega females as well as the rest of us," I mused. "But don't worry. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe there is no Omega female inside."
I took a step forward, voice dropping into something just above a whisper.
"Let's hurry before it's too late."
Then, I let my lips curl into a smirk.
And just like that, I saw the tiniest flicker of doubt in Alaric's eyes.
Perfect.
...
...
...
Voder's POV
She knelt before me, an Omega female deep in her heat, her uniform unbuttoned just enough to expose the soft swell of her chest.
Her skin glistened with warmth, her scent thick in the air, wrapping around me like an invisible chain, pulling me closer against my will.
"Alpha Voder," she whispered, her voice trembling with desperate need. "I can't take it anymore... Please, mark me."
Her words sent a ripple of heat through my body. My instincts stirred, reacting to the potent pheromones she released. My breathing hitched as an undeniable pull tugged at my core, urging me forward, urging me to claim her.
I clenched my jaw.
No. Not her.
"Alpha Voder," she continued, her voice like silk laced with fire. "I want to carry your child..."
And then—she stripped off her uniform completely.
Her full breasts spilled into view, her narrow waist accentuated by the dim lighting of the secluded room. Her pink, peaked nipples stood prominent, tempting, inviting.
I swallowed hard. My body reacted instinctively, betraying the battle raging within my mind.
She was in heat. Any Alpha would fall prey to such an intoxicating sight.
But I wasn't just any Alpha.
Because the only Omega I wanted—the only one I needed—was Alaric.
And no one else could ever compare.
With gritted teeth, I raised my hand and covered my nose, blocking out the overwhelming scent clouding my senses. I forced myself to take slow, steady breaths, grounding myself before I lost control.
The Omega frowned, confusion flickering across her face. "Why are you resisting, Alpha Voder?" she asked, standing up.
I stepped back, shaking my head. "I don't want this. I don't want you."
She moved closer, ignoring my silent plea for distance. "I'm ready for you to mark me and claim me," she murmured, tilting her head to expose the side of her neck. "Why hesitate? This is natural. This is what we're meant for."
My hands balled into fists. I had to put an end to this now.
I met her gaze and grasped her shoulders firmly.
"I'm sorry," I said, my voice low but resolute. "But I already have an Omega. The only one I'll ever claim."
She blinked. "But... You don't have to settle for just one, do you?" She leaned in, exposing her neck further. "Here. Mark me. Please."
I exhaled sharply, patience wearing thin.
"No. My heart belongs to—"
"Voder?"
A voice cut through the air like a knife.
My breath caught in my throat.
I turned, my entire body freezing at the sight before me.
Alaric stood there, his eyes wide with disbelief, his expression twisted with something raw—hurt, betrayal, devastation.
No.
I immediately let go of the Omega female, stepping toward him in a panic.
"Alaric, wait—"
But before I could get any closer—
"Don't take another step!" he snapped, his voice sharp, his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths.
He was furious. Heartbroken.
I felt my stomach drop.
"Please," I begged, my voice desperate. "Just let me explain—"
(Sniff.)
A familiar sound interrupted me.
Theron.
I turned just in time to see his smirk widen.
"Oh?" He hummed, amused. "An Omega female in heat. So that's why you're in this hidden place, Voder? To breed her?"
I clenched my teeth, rage bubbling under my skin.
"You're not helping, Theron!" I snarled.
Alaric took a shaky breath, his gaze flickering between me and the half-dressed Omega. His hands trembled. His lips pressed together as if he was forcing himself to stay composed.
Then, he turned.
He turned away from me.
No.
"Alaric, please!" I took a step forward, desperation clawing at my throat. "You're thinking the wrong thing! I never wanted her!"
But before I could move closer—
The Omega female pouted, tilting her head innocently. "Alpha Voder... You've already touched me. Why don't we just finish what we started? Are you embarrassed because they caught us?"
Her words destroyed me.
Because I knew how it sounded to Alaric.
I knew exactly how this looked to him.
And judging by the way he flinched—how his entire body stiffened before he turned completely away—I had just lost him.
Theron smirked victoriously, stepping in beside Alaric as if he had won.
"Shall we go, Alaric?" he asked smoothly.
Alaric didn't answer.
Didn't even look at me.
And then—he walked away.
Theron followed.
And I—
I could do nothing.
Nothing but stand there as the only person I had ever truly wanted disappeared from my sight.
No.
Rage exploded inside me, an uncontrollable, burning force.
My fists clenched, my knuckles turning white.
With a growl, I punched the ground, the impact cracking the stone beneath my feet.
The Omega female gasped, stepping back in fear. She grabbed her uniform in a hurry and ran, the sheer power of my anger sending her fleeing.
But I didn't care.
I couldn't care.
Because right now, nothing mattered more than Alaric believing in me.
And he didn't.
He thought I betrayed him. He thought I wanted someone else.
I refused to let this end like this.
I pushed off the ground and sprinted after him.
Alaric.
He had to hear the truth.
Even if he refused to look at me, even if he pushed me away, even if he hated me—I wouldn't stop.
I couldn't stop.
Because I couldn't lose him.
Not like this.
Not to Theron.
Not to anyone.
But why?
Why was he even with Theron?
Why were they together in the first place?
"Brother!"
A voice called out, snapping me out of my spiral.
Henry.
He ran toward me, his face pale, his expression tense.
"I saw and heard everything!" he panted. "I know what just happened."
I gritted my teeth. "Then you know I wasn't interested in that Omega female!"
Henry nodded firmly. "I believe you."
I exhaled sharply, my chest tightening with relief.
"But, brother..." Henry's gaze darkened. "I think this was all part of Theron's plan."
My blood ran cold.
"What do you mean?" I demanded.
Henry swallowed. "I found out that Theron knows Alaric's true nature. He must have orchestrated all of this to drive a wedge between you. To poison Alaric's mind against you."
The realization crashed over me like a tidal wave.
That bastard.
Theron had planned everything.
My entire body trembled with fury.
I clenched my fists so tightly that my nails dug into my palms.
Then—without restraint—I roared, my voice echoing through the room.
"THERON, YOU SON OF A B—!"
...
...
...
Alaric's POV
I couldn't stop myself.
The tears kept falling, hot and relentless, streaking down my face as my chest ached with something beyond pain—something crushing.
My heart—my very soul—felt like it had been ripped apart.
I had seen it with my own eyes.
I had felt it shatter.
Theron was right.
Voder... played with me.
I choked on a sob, my voice barely a whisper. "You were right, Theron. Voder was only toying with me... I never thought—after everything he told me, after all those sweet words—he would do this to me."
Theron sighed, his tone laced with false sympathy. "I'm sorry you had to see that, Alaric. Perhaps... we shouldn't have gone there at all." He met my eyes, his voice gentle, persuasive. "I never wanted to see you in pain."
Slowly, he reached out, his hand moving toward my face, as if to wipe away my tears.
I turned away.
I didn't want him to touch me.
"...I'm sorry, Alaric," Theron murmured again. "But don't worry—I told you, didn't I? I won't abandon you. I'll help you."
I swallowed thickly, my vision still blurred from the tears.
"If you want revenge," he continued, his voice dropping lower, more intoxicating, more dangerous, "I'll stand by your side. I'll help you make Voder pay for lying to you."
I stiffened.
Slowly, I looked at him.
Theron smiled, eyes gleaming with something dark.
"Now that you know the truth... doesn't Voder deserve to be punished?" he whispered. "Now that you've seen his true colors, you shouldn't hesitate anymore."
He leaned in.
"You should kill him, Alaric... before he kills you."
My breath hitched. "What...?"
Theron's eyes widened slightly, gleaming like a predator moving in for the kill.
"You heard me," he murmured. "Voder knows he can't control you anymore. He knows you've seen through his lies. And now... before you have the chance to act first—he'll eliminate you."
No.
That couldn't be true.
Could it?
Would Voder... really try to kill me?
I wanted to deny it. I wanted to believe it wasn't possible.
But the doubt had already taken root, poisoning my mind.
Theron's voice turned softer, almost seductive.
"You don't even have to touch him, Alaric," he whispered. "You can command him to do it himself."
I froze.
"I—" My voice shook. "I can't do that, Theron. I don't even know how it works."
"You can do it," Theron insisted. "And if you don't know how... I can teach you."
I swallowed. "How?"
Theron grinned.
"A sudden surge of emotion," he purred.
I frowned. "What do you mean?"
He stepped closer.
Too close.
His hands settled on my shoulders, his grip firm, possessive.
Then, before I could react, he leaned in—his face inches from my neck.
My stomach dropped.
No.
No, no, no—
"Th-Theron?" I stammered, trying to push him away, my entire body screaming in alarm.
But his grip tightened.
And then—
I felt the sharp, piercing graze of his fangs against my skin.
"Theron! Stop!" I shouted, shoving at him. "Don't you dare—"
(SMACK!)
Theron was ripped away from me, his body flying back from the sheer force of the blow.
My breath came in ragged gasps, my hand flying to my neck where his fangs had almost broken in.
"Don't you dare touch Alaric."
That voice—
I turned, my heart slamming against my ribs.
Voder stood there, fists clenched, seething with rage. His chest rose and fell with heavy breaths, his eyes burning with fury.
Theron wiped his mouth, his lip bleeding from the punch. Then, despite the hit, he smirked.
"Look who finally showed up," he sneered.
Voder took a step forward, his entire presence radiating danger. "I know what you're trying to do," he growled. "You're poisoning Alaric's mind against me."
I stiffened.
"What?" I whispered, confused.
Theron rolled his eyes. "Oh, please, Alaric. They're trying to turn this on me now."
"Alaric!"
Henry suddenly ran toward me, his face pale with urgency. He reached for my neck, inspecting the skin where Theron had nearly marked me.
"...It didn't break," Henry breathed in relief. "His fangs didn't sink in all the way. He hasn't fully claimed you yet."
I stared at Henry, my mind spinning.
Nothing made sense.
"Henry?" My voice trembled. "What... what's happening?"
Henry took a deep breath, then locked eyes with me.
"It was all a deception, Alaric," he said firmly. "Theron was manipulating you. He wanted to claim you by force."
"Lies!" Theron snapped. "These two are just twisting the story! I had to act because of your emotions, Alaric! I was helping you unlock your power!"
I froze.
What—
What was the truth?
Who was lying?
Who was telling me the truth?!
Henry's voice broke through my spiraling thoughts. "Crest—Theron's own brother—I heard it from him," he said. "Theron wants to control you, Alaric."
I stopped breathing.
My eyes darted to Theron.
His face darkened.
And then—
"Damn you, Crest!" Theron exploded, his face twisting with fury. "You ruined everything!"
I staggered back.
Those weren't the words of an innocent man.
Theron had been lying.
It had all been a setup.
And before I could react—
Theron lunged.
His hand grabbed my wrist, yanking me toward him. "I have no choice now," he growled. "If I can't manipulate you—" His eyes flashed. "—then I'll just take you."
"NO!"
Voder slammed into him, tearing me from his grasp. He delivered a punch so powerful that Theron flew back, crashing into the ground.
I barely registered what was happening.
Because suddenly—
"I can't breathe!"
Henry collapsed.
My eyes widened in horror. "Henry!"
He gasped for air, gripping his chest. "I-It's starting... Alaric..." His voice shook. "Voder's anger—it's releasing his power."
I turned to Voder—
And what I saw terrified me.
He wasn't just angry.
He was unrecognizable.
His presence was suffocating, radiating pure, deadly rage.
Henry coughed, his nose bleeding.
"Voder's power... it's too strong..." Henry gasped. "If this keeps up... I won't survive."
I felt cold terror crawl up my spine.
Then—
Henry's body slumped.
His skin turned pale.
"Henry?!" I cried out, shaking him.
He wasn't responding.
He was—
No.
No, no, no!
Terror gripped me as I realized—
Voder's power was going to kill him.
It happened in an instant.
One moment, Henry was gasping for air, his entire body trembling—
And the next, he collapsed completely, his body going limp in my arms.
"Henry—Henry!" I gasped, shaking him, my voice laced with terror. But he didn't respond. His chest barely moved.
I looked up, my breath hitching in my throat as I saw Voder and Theron still locked in their deadly battle.
They weren't stopping.
They wouldn't stop until one of them was dead.
"STOP!" I cried, my voice raw. "Please—Voder! Theron! Henry is dying!"
But they didn't hear me.
Or maybe... they didn't care.
Fear gripped me, sinking its claws into my chest. My breathing turned shallow, my hands shaking as I held onto Henry's lifeless form.
Then—
"Henry?!"
Kali's voice cut through the chaos, and within seconds, she was by my side.
She paled at the sight of Henry's unmoving body. "Alaric—what happened?! What's wrong with him?!"
Tears blurred my vision. "He—He can't breathe! He's too weak to handle Voder's presence! We need to get him out of here or—"
I couldn't finish my sentence. The words felt too final.
Kali nodded, her hands trembling as she reached for Henry.
But then—
A single drop of blood fell from her nose.
My entire body went cold.
"Kali..." I whispered, eyes widening in horror.
She froze. Slowly, she raised a hand to her face—
And when she pulled it away, red stained her fingertips.
"...Blood?" she murmured, voice shaking.
The moment realization hit, her hands began to tremble violently. Her breathing turned ragged, her body shaking as if an unseen force was squeezing the air from her lungs.
Then—she collapsed.
"KALI!" I screamed, reaching for her as her body hit the ground.
She gasped, struggling to breathe—just like Henry had moments ago.
No.
No, no, no—
Kali tried to speak, but no words came out. Only ragged, desperate breaths.
The two people who mattered most to me—dying right before my eyes.
I couldn't lose them.
I wouldn't let this happen!
Tears streamed down my face as I clutched their hands, my heart shattering in my chest.
"Please..." My voice cracked. "Please stop this!"
I didn't even know who I was begging anymore.
Theron and Voder were too far gone in their fight to hear me.
But then—
Something inside me snapped.
"STOP!"
A wave of emotion crashed over me, so overwhelming, so raw, that I could feel it pulse through my veins—
And suddenly—
Everything went silent.
I lifted my head, my breath caught in my throat as I saw Voder and Theron—frozen in place.
And then, as if an unseen force commanded them—
They both dropped to their knees before me.
I gasped, my entire body stiffening.
"What... what just happened?" Voder murmured, his expression dazed. "It's like... my body moved on its own."
"I can't move," Theron hissed, struggling against whatever force had seized him. His head snapped toward me, his eyes wild with realization.
I turned back to Henry and Kali—
And my heart leaped when I saw their bodies slowly returning to normal.
Color was returning to their skin. Their breathing steadied.
And then—Voder's presence—the suffocating, deadly aura that had nearly killed them—vanished.
I let out a shaky breath, my entire body trembling.
What... What just happened?
Voder swallowed hard. "I..." He looked down at himself, still on his knees. "My body just—knelt on its own."
And before I could even process the words—
Laughter.
Dark. Mocking.
Theron laughed.
I turned to him, my heart pounding as he grinned up at me.
"Finally..." he breathed, his voice filled with twisted satisfaction. "Your ability has awakened at last."
I stiffened.
"What?"
Theron's eyes gleamed with excitement.
"This is the power of an Omega male," he declared. "The ability to make even Alpha males kneel before them."
My stomach twisted.
"This..." I whispered, staring at my shaking hands.
"This is just the beginning of who you really are," Theron continued. "A dangerous creature. A monster hiding behind a beautiful face."
My breath hitched.
Voder turned to me, his expression filled with something I had never seen before.
Fear?
"...Alaric?" His voice was uncertain.
I shook my head.
"No," I murmured. "No, I'm not a monster..."
But my hands—my own hands—were trembling.
"You ARE a monster, Alaric!" Theron shouted. "A creature too powerful to be left alive! You're an Omega male who must be eliminated before you bring destruction to everyone around you!"
Panic hit me like a tidal wave.
It surged through my veins, wild and unrelenting, clawing its way up my throat until I could barely breathe.
No.
This wasn't what I wanted.
This was never what I wanted.
The fear in their eyes—the horror twisting their faces—the revulsion that lingered in every glance they threw my way—
It was too much.
It crushed me.
Suffocated me.
I couldn't bear it. I couldn't stand to see them look at me like that—as if I were a monster. As if I had chosen this.
So I did the only thing I could.
I ran.
Without thinking. Without direction.
I tore myself away from them—from their stares, their silence, their judgment. From their fear.
From the truth that I could never take back.
My feet pounded against the ground, heart racing as if it were trying to outrun everything I'd just seen—everything I'd just done.
I didn't know where I was going.
I just knew I had to get away.
Somewhere far from them.
Far from this place.
Far from me.
Because if I stayed—if I let this cursed power rise again—I didn't know who it might hurt next.
And I couldn't let that happen.
Not again.
...
...
...
Voder's POV
"Alaric!"
I screamed his name as he ran—fled—from us, his figure disappearing like a fading ghost.
And just like that—I could move again.
The invisible force that had locked my body moments ago was gone, and my control had fully returned.
Theron let out a chuckle. "Well, that was a success."
I turned on him, rage boiling in my veins. "What the hell did you do, Theron?!" I grabbed the collar of his shirt, my grip tightening with pure fury.
He only smirked.
"I merely awakened Alaric's true power," he said smoothly, amusement dripping from his voice. "I knew it—Omega males are powerful. Powerful enough to bring even Alphas like us to our knees." His smirk widened. "Aren't you afraid of him now, Voder?"
My fist clenched so tightly my knuckles turned white.
I wanted to break him.
But I didn't.
He wasn't worth it.
I shoved him back, shaking my head. "I won't waste my time on you."
I turned to Henry, kneeling beside him. His eyes fluttered open, weak but conscious.
"Henry... I'm sorry," I whispered. "I let my anger take control, and you got caught in it."
Henry coughed, offering a small, reassuring smile. "Don't worry about me, brother." Then, his eyes darkened with urgency. "You need to go after Alaric. Don't let him believe he's a monster. Don't let his fear consume him. Protect him."
I swallowed hard.
"But what about you and Kali?" I asked, worry gnawing at my chest.
"I'll handle things here," Henry assured me. "Go. Hurry!"
I hesitated for only a second before nodding.
Then, I ran.
I ran after Alaric like my life depended on it.
Because it did.
I followed his scent—the soft, distinct lavender fragrance that had always been his. But it was fading, growing weaker as if he was trying to disappear.
But I wouldn't let him.
...
The chase led me deep into an abandoned part of the university—somewhere dark, somewhere hidden, where no one would ever find him if he didn't want to be found.
A storeroom.
Dusty. Silent. Long forgotten by time and everyone else.
I pushed the door open slowly, hinges creaking in protest, and stepped inside. The moment I crossed the threshold, I was hit by the overwhelming scent of lavender—thick, cloying, almost suffocating.
It clung to the air like a memory.
He was here.
I could feel it.
Something deep in my chest told me so—an invisible thread pulling me forward.
But where?
The room stretched far beyond what I remembered—walls swallowed by shadows, shelves looming like silent sentinels, corners lost in the dark.
I took another cautious step, eyes scanning the dim shapes around me.
And then—I heard it.
A sound so soft, so fragile, it almost didn't register.
A sob.
Quiet.
Broken.
"Alaric?" I called out, my voice low, hesitant, barely more than a whisper.
The crying stopped instantly.
As if he'd been caught.
As if even his pain was something he needed to hide.
I stood still, listening to the silence that followed, heavier now.
He was close.
And he was trying to disappear.
Trying to vanish into the walls, into the dark—like he didn't believe he deserved to be found.
But I wasn't leaving without him.
"Don't be afraid," I murmured, my voice gentle as I stepped forward. "I'm here. I won't leave you."
Silence.
But I knew he was listening.
So I kept speaking.
"You're wrong if you think I see you as a monster," I said firmly. "Your power... it's not a curse, Alaric. It's a gift. A blessing given to Omega males like you."
I took another step, my voice unwavering.
"And my feelings for you haven't changed. If anything, I admire you even more."
I heard another quiet sob—this time, closer.
I turned towards the sound, following it.
"You're not a monster," I whispered. "You only wanted to protect Kali and Henry. That's why it happened. And I... I'm sorry for what I did. I let my anger take over because of Theron's lies. But please believe me, Alaric—" I swallowed hard, my voice almost breaking.
"I never once intended to lie to you. I never wanted to control your power. I never wanted to hurt you. And I never—never—wanted to use you."
The sobbing grew louder.
And then—I saw him.
Curled up in the farthest, darkest corner of the room.
His back was turned to me, his body trembling as he hugged his knees to his chest.
He was crying.
Shaking.
Completely breaking apart.
I stepped closer—slowly, carefully, afraid that if I moved too fast, he'd disappear.
"Alaric," I murmured.
He didn't look at me.
Didn't move.
But I kept walking, my voice filled with everything I had ever wanted to say.
"If you only knew what you mean to me..." I whispered. "If you only understood just how deep my love runs for you..."
I took another step.
"Then you'd know—"
I was beside him now.
"—that I will never stop loving you."
I knelt down, my hands trembling as I reached out—
And then, gently, I wrapped my arms around him.
Warmth.
I pulled him against me, my grip steady yet careful, letting him feel it—
That he wasn't alone.
That even in the darkest of places, in the deepest pits of his fear and pain—
I would always find him.
I pressed my forehead against his shoulder, my voice shaking as I whispered—
"If you let me love you, Alaric... I swear, you'll never regret it. You are the first and only person I will ever love."
And then—
I held him tighter.
Because no matter how broken he thought he was—
I would put every shattered piece back together.
Even if it took a lifetime.
"Voder..."
Alaric's voice was barely above a whisper, trembling with emotion.
Tears stained his cheeks, his body still shaking from everything that had happened.
I held him tighter, resting my chin gently against his shoulder.
"I'm here, Alaric. We're in this together." I murmured, my voice steady but filled with unspoken emotion.
I wanted him to feel my sincerity. I wanted him to know I would never betray him.
But how?
How could I show him the truth of my heart?
Alaric took a deep, shaky breath.
"I don't know what to believe anymore, Voder," he confessed, voice laced with exhaustion. "I need answers. I need the truth. I need clarity."
I exhaled slowly, pressing my forehead against his temple.
"Then let me help you, Alaric," I said, my voice gentle but firm. "I'll do whatever I can to guide you through this."
For a moment, he was silent.
Then, he spoke.
"Voder... I want you to mark me."
My entire body froze.
I pulled back slightly, my eyes widening.
"Are you sure?" I asked, barely able to process what I had just heard.
Alaric met my gaze, unwavering. "I want you to do it."
He swallowed, his hands clutching the fabric of my shirt.
"If you mark me... maybe then, I'll finally understand. Maybe then, the confusion in my mind will ease. I need this, Voder."
My heart clenched.
"Alaric..." I whispered. "I don't want to mark you just because you think you have to do this."
I cupped his face, my thumb tracing the curve of his jaw.
"I want you to let me mark you because of what you feel for me. Not because you're searching for proof. Not because you're desperate for answers."
His lips trembled, but his eyes remained steady.
"I'm sure, Voder."
Then, with a slow, deliberate movement—
Alaric tilted his head to the side, exposing his flawless, porcelain skin.
His delicate neck, vulnerable and bare—inviting me in.
The place where my mark would bind him to me forever.
"Alaric..."
His breath hitched. "Voder... I give you permission. Mark me."
Everything inside me roared to life.
An uncontrollable, primal urge surged through my veins, awakening something deep and ancient within me.
The instinct to claim. To make him mine.
My fingers dug into his waist, my body trembling from the sheer force of my desire—
But a sliver of doubt crept in.
Was this truly what he wanted?
Or had something shifted without either of us realizing it?
Was he, even unintentionally, using the power that thrummed beneath his voice—beneath his very presence?
Had he commanded me? Bent my will to his without meaning to?
Or... had this always been inside me?
A desire buried too deep to name, now rising to the surface when I was too raw to deny it?
I didn't know.
I couldn't know.
My thoughts tangled in confusion, questions chasing each other in circles with no clear answer.
And yet, in this moment—this fragile, burning moment—I found myself letting go.
Because the truth was, I didn't care.
Not right now.
Not when he looked at me like that. Not when the air between us was charged with something that felt more like fate than choice.
Whatever the reason—command or craving, destiny or desire—I would give him what he asked for.
Willingly.
Completely.
So I leaned in.
Slow. Deliberate.
And I closed the space between us.
...
...
...
Alaric's POV
This was the only way.
The only way to find the answers buried deep within my heart.
If there was one person in this world I would allow to mark me, one person I would entrust with something this sacred, it was Voder.
Because despite my fears—despite the confusion clawing at my mind—my heart whispered the truth.
And that truth was him.
"Alaric, feel my emotions. Let my love reach you." Voder's voice was hushed, almost reverent.
Then, I felt it—his lips against my neck.
Soft. Warm. Claiming.
I gasped, my breath hitching as my eyes fluttered shut. My entire body trembled, but I did not pull away.
I couldn't.
Because even as my knees weakened, even as the weight of this moment pressed down on me—Voder's arms held me up.
Protected me.
Sheltered me.
And then—
Voder parted his lips.
I could feel his warm breath ghosting over my skin.
The anticipation sent shivers down my spine.
Then—pain.
"Ahhh—Voder!" My voice broke as his fangs sank deep into my flesh.
A sharp, burning sting erupted from my neck, my fingers instinctively clenching around his arms.
At first, it hurt.
But then—
The pain melted away.
Replaced by something indescribable.
Something warm, calming, like a soft lullaby weaving through my very soul.
And then—I felt it.
The Alpha toxins coursing through my blood, binding me to him.
Voder's presence—his essence—began to wrap around me, claiming every fiber of my being.
This wasn't just a marking.
This was an acceptance.
An unbreakable bond forming between us—his soul intertwining with mine.
And suddenly—I could see it all.
Memories. Thoughts. Feelings.
Voder's love—pure, unwavering, undeniable.
His hidden emotions, the ones he had kept locked away for so long—they flooded into me.
I saw it.
His first memory of me—how he had admired me in secret, long before I ever noticed him.
His silent devotion.
His longing.
His dreams—the ones where he imagined a life where we could be free, where we could have a family.
A future.
A world where our child could be born without fear.
"Voder..." I whispered, my eyes filling with tears.
I saw everything.
Every glance. Every word. Every unspoken moment.
And I felt it—all of it—like a tidal wave crashing through the walls I had spent years building around my heart.
The sincerity in his eyes, raw and unguarded, struck something deep within me.
And in that instant, something inside me broke.
A sob escaped my lips, unrestrained, aching.
Because now... I understood.
Voder—he had never lied to me.
Not once.
He had never tried to shape me into something I wasn't. Never pulled strings behind my back. Never looked at me as if I were a weapon, a pawn, a means to an end.
All he had ever seen... was me.
And all he had ever wanted—was me.
Not my title. Not my power. Just me.
The realization hit harder than any blow.
And gods, I had doubted him.
I had questioned his intentions. Pushed him away. Let fear twist the truth into something grotesque.
Hot tears spilled down my cheeks, each one a drop of guilt and clarity mingled into one.
I had been terrified.
Alone.
Lost in a world that never once made room for someone like me.
But now, wrapped in the warmth of his presence, his blood mingling with mine, I felt it—clear, undeniable.
Love.
Voder loved me. Not in part. Not conditionally.
Truly. Fiercely. Completely.
And I—I loved him too.
With every shattered, scarred, stubborn piece of my soul.
Slowly, Voder pulled back, his fangs slipping gently from my skin.
He didn't speak at first.
Instead, he leaned in, resting his forehead against my cheek.
When he finally whispered, his voice was barely audible—but it carried everything.
Everything I needed to hear.
"I felt your fear, your hesitation, Alaric." His fingers brushed my hair gently. "But don't be afraid anymore. Let yourself feel my love. Let it be the answer you've been searching for. I will always be here for you."
I let out a shaky breath, my vision blurred with tears.
"I'm sorry, Voder..." My voice cracked. "I should have never doubted you."
A small, gentle smile touched his lips.
"It doesn't matter anymore," he murmured. "What matters is that now—you're mine. And I swear to you, Alaric... no one will ever take you from me, not even 'them'. I will protect you. I will give up everything for you."
His words sent a shiver through me.
A promise.
A vow.
"I will create a world where you never have to hide again. You, me, and our child... Champ."
Voder's hands drifted down, resting over my stomach, as if already embracing the future we would build together.
A future we would fight for.
"Champ will be the fruit of our love, Alaric," I whispered, intertwining my fingers with his. "Our symbol of unity."
Voder's eyes softened—but then, his expression turned serious.
"But before that, Alaric... there is one battle we must face."
A chill ran down my spine.
"Theron."
Voder nodded. "He won't wait much longer. Now that we know his plans—thanks to Henry—he will act soon. He wants to control you, Alaric. He wants to use your power to take the throne of the Alpha King."
My fingers tightened around his.
"We can't let that happen."
"No." Voder's voice was firm, resolute. "If Theron takes the throne, there will be no peace. He will rule through control, through power, through fear. And people like us—" he paused, his gaze darkening, "we won't survive."
A heavy silence filled the air.
I had spent so much time running.
So much time afraid.
But now—
I refused to let Theron dictate my fate.
"Then we fight," I said, voice unwavering. "Together."
Voder's eyes burned with determination.
"Together."
...
...
...
Theron's POV
"Crest!"
My voice thundered through the halls of our estate, echoing with fury as I stormed from room to room. My fists clenched at my sides, my nails digging into my palms, barely restraining the pure rage coursing through me.
"Where the hell are you?!"
Finally, a hesitant voice answered.
"Brother?" Crest stepped out from the shadows, his face twisted in confusion. "What's wrong?"
Our father emerged from another chamber, his expression sharp with concern.
But I didn't give a damn.
Without a second's hesitation, I struck.
My fist connected with Crest's face, a sickening crack echoing through the air as he stumbled backward, hitting the ground. Blood smeared his lips.
"Brother!" he gasped, clutching his mouth in shock. "What—What did I do?!"
"Theron!" our father barked, stepping forward. "What is the meaning of this?! Why would you attack your own brother?!"
I ignored him.
My glare bore into Crest, who remained frozen on the floor, his breathing uneven, his eyes wide with fear.
"Because of you," I snarled, "Henry found out about my plans! He knows we're aware of Alaric's true nature!"
Crest's entire body stiffened.
His breath hitched.
"I—I didn't mean to! I didn't realize he was behind me when I spoke!" Crest stammered, his voice frantic, his hands trembling.
I sneered. "You useless idiot."
"You're already nothing more than a pathetic excuse for an Alpha male," our father spat, his voice dripping with disappointment. "And now, you can't even keep your mouth shut long enough to be useful?!"
Tension crackled in the air like a live wire, pressing down on all of us.
I couldn't afford this setback.
Not when I knew Voder would be moving against me soon.
I exhaled sharply, forcing my anger into something sharper—deadlier.
"I have no choice." My voice turned cold.
Crest gulped. "Wh-What do you mean?"
My father narrowed his eyes. "What are you planning, Theron?"
I straightened, my decision solidified.
"I will report Alaric to the Alpha King."
A heavy silence fell between us.
Crest's face drained of color. "N-No... You can't—"
Our father, however, remained eerily calm.
"...Are you sure this is the path you wish to take?" he asked.
I turned to him, my jaw set, my eyes unwavering. "Yes."
This was the only way now.
Alaric was no longer someone I could control.
I stepped toward the door, but before leaving, I cast one last look at Crest, who still knelt on the floor, trembling.
"Do not leave this house," I commanded, my voice laced with venom. "I refuse to let you ruin my plans again, you useless waste of space."
Then, without another word, I turned on my heel and strode away—
Straight toward the Alpha King's estate.
To end Alaric and Voder once and for all.
To be the Alpha King!
...
...
...
Third Person POV
The grand halls of the Alpha King's estate stood silent, bathed in the glow of torches flickering against the walls. At the center of the throne room, Alpha King Olympus sat regally, his presence commanding, his piercing gaze locked onto the ten council members seated before him.
It was a night of strategy, of governance—discussions meant to shape the future of the pack.
Until the doors slammed open.
A furious storm entered the hall.
Theron.
He strode forward, his steps heavy with purpose, his golden eyes burning with urgency.
This was it.
The perfect moment to execute his final plan.
"Alpha King..." His voice was loud, unwavering.
The room fell into silence as Olympus slowly turned his head.
A smirk curled on his lips. "Ah, Theron. What ill wind brings you before me? What scheme do you weave this time?"
The council chuckled, already entertained by the sight of him.
Theron ignored them.
"There is something you must know, Alpha King—something that will change all of our lives."
Silence.
That caught their attention.
Olympus arched a brow, while Councilman Jude leaned forward, intrigued. "And what is so dire that you dare interrupt us?"
Theron inhaled sharply—then dropped the bombshell.
"There is someone plotting your murder, Alpha King!"
A beat of silence.
Then—
Laughter.
The sound of it echoed off the walls as the council exchanged amused glances.
Olympus shook his head, chuckling darkly. "Tell me, Theron—have you and your father not tired of your games? Still grasping at desperate ploys for power?"
Jude scoffed. "Didn't Cairos once present you as a candidate for Alpha King? Are you still bitter that Voder was chosen instead?"
Olympus grinned. "The council has my favor, Theron. You'll never outmatch Voder—not while I rule."
Another round of laughter.
Theron's jaw tightened. His nails dug into his palms.
Mock him all they wanted.
Soon, they would all be begging for their lives.
He took a slow breath. Stay composed. Stay in control.
"I have long accepted that I will never surpass Voder," Theron admitted smoothly, allowing his voice to drop to a deadly whisper. "But you misunderstand me, Alpha King. This is no childish grab for power. This... is about survival."
Olympus's amusement flickered. "Survival?"
Theron's lips curled into a smirk.
"Yes. Because your life is threatened by something far greater than any Alpha male. By a being more powerful than all of us. More powerful than you."
The room tensed.
Olympus's smirk faltered. "What nonsense do you speak?"
"You know exactly what I mean," Theron said, his voice dripping with venom. "I speak of the only kind of being that can bring an Alpha to their knees."
He let the words settle—let them fester.
Then, he delivered the final blow.
"An Omega male."
A chilling silence spread through the room.
The council exchanged wary glances.
Jude scoffed first. "Are you mad? No Omega males exist in this world! That is nothing more than a myth—an old tale with no truth to it."
A slow, eerie grin stretched across Theron's lips.
"That's what I thought, too." His voice was almost sinister now. "That they were mere legends. That they did not exist."
He took a step forward.
"But I was wrong."
He let the tension stretch—watched as Olympus's grip on his throne tightened, his amusement vanishing.
"There is one among us now." Theron's tone darkened. "And he is already making his move to claim power."
Olympus's eyes narrowed. "Prove it."
Theron's smirk widened.
"I already have my proof."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.
"This Omega male has already begun his conquest."
Jude frowned. "Explain."
Theron licked his lips. Now, he thought. Now they will understand.
"You know what an Omega male is capable of, don't you? The old texts. The forbidden knowledge. An Omega male's power is absolute over Alphas."
He turned, surveying their nervous faces.
"And now... one of us has already fallen under his control."
A beat of silence.
Then—
"Voder."
The entire council tensed.
Olympus shot up from his throne. "What did you say?!"
"The Alpha Prince is no longer his own man." Theron's voice turned razor-sharp, filled with malice. "He is bound to an Omega male."
For the first time that night, their composure cracked.
The flicker of fear—subtle, but unmistakable—entered their eyes.
It was fleeting, but it was there.
Then—slicing clean through the tension like a blade—
"Theron!"
The voice rang out, sharp and commanding, echoing off the walls like thunder.
Every head turned in unison, all movement stilled.
And there, at the entrance of the chamber, stood Voder.
Unshaken. Unafraid.
And beside him—his figure poised, gaze steady, shoulders squared—stood Alaric.
A hush fell across the room like a thick fog, heavy and suffocating.
Time itself seemed to hold its breath.
Olympus's golden eyes narrowed, darkening with confusion—and something else. "Voder?" he said, voice low and disbelieving.
Theron, by contrast, didn't flinch.
His smirk widened, cruel and confident.
Raising a hand slowly, he motioned toward the pair standing at the threshold.
"There he is," he announced, voice dripping with mock reverence. "Standing before you is the very Omega male I speak of—Alaric."
The impact was immediate.
Gasps burst from the council members like a chorus of shattered illusions.
Chairs creaked as bodies stiffened.
Whispers hissed through the room like smoke, panic and curiosity dancing together in frantic rhythm.
All eyes locked onto Alaric now.
He stood beneath the scrutiny like a storm contained—his beauty radiant, undeniable, but it was more than that.
There was something haunting about him.
Something ancient. Powerful.
Olympus stepped forward, his presence commanding, but uncertain.
The room braced for what would come next.
"Voder." His voice was dangerously low. "Tell me the truth. Is the one standing beside you truly an Omega male?"
The air shifted, thickening with anticipation. Every breath felt weighted, as if the room itself was holding still—waiting.
Voder turned slowly toward Alaric, his expression unreadable. Concern flickered behind his eyes, but he didn't speak. He didn't have to.
All attention was on Alaric now.
Time stretched thin, each second dragging out like an eternity.
Then—finally—Alaric moved.
One step forward.
Deliberate. Unshaken.
His face was calm, but not cold. There was no fear, no shame—only quiet resolve etched into every line of his features.
Another heartbeat passed.
And then he spoke.
"Yes."
Just one word. Soft, but clear. It cut through the silence like a blade.
He took a breath, steadied himself, and added, "I am an Omega male."
The effect was instant.
Shock rippled through the chamber like a sudden storm crashing against still waters. Gasps, murmurs, and frantic whispers spread like wildfire.
The council stirred, their once-composed facades cracking under the weight of the revelation. Some exchanged uneasy glances. Others leaned in to one another, already whispering.
And across the room, barely containing his satisfaction, Theron smiled.
Wide.
Knowing.
Predatory.
"This is what I've been saying!" he declared, stepping forward. "You don't know his true intentions! He has already taken Voder—"
"Enough of your lies, Theron!" Voder snapped, his voice thunderous.
He turned to Olympus, his eyes pleading. "Father, don't listen to him! Alaric is not dangerous! He does not seek to control anyone! I came here to ask you to let him live in peace!"
Olympus's gaze darkened.
Theron laughed, shaking his head.
"See what I mean, Alpha King?" he sneered. "Alaric has already taken hold of Voder's heart. He will fight for him. Die for him. And what happens when Voder becomes Alpha King? Do you really think this Omega male won't control him?"
The council murmured louder.
Olympus's gaze bored into Alaric.
He inhaled deeply.
"Your face... your beauty is mesmerizing. And your scent... it's different."
Theron smirked. "Don't fall under his spell, Alpha King! This is how he ensnared Voder. And now, he's doing the same to you!"
Voder's fists clenched. "Father—please—"
But Alaric suddenly stepped forward.
And then—
He knelt.
The room froze.
"I kneel before you, Alpha King," Alaric said softly. "To show my humility."
Olympus's jaw tightened.
The room was suffocating.
Theron's voice sliced through the silence like a blade.
"Do not be fooled, Alpha King. If you want to preserve your rule—do not let him live."
And with the weight of centuries-old fear pressing upon them—
Olympus made his decision.
The air in the Alpha King's Hall grew thick, suffocating, as the weight of Olympus's decree settled upon the room.
"Seize the creature known as Alaric and bring him before me!" his voice boomed, his tone absolute. "And lock Voder away until he returns to his senses! The Omega male's control over him must be severed!"
A moment of stunned silence—
Then, chaos erupted.
Alaric's eyes widened in shock. "No—wait!"
But before he could react, Alpha guards surged forward, gripping him by the arms.
"Father!" Voder roared in fury, his voice echoing through the chamber. He lunged toward Alaric, but before he could reach him, several Alpha males held him back, restraining him with sheer numbers.
Alaric struggled, his heart pounding, his instincts screaming for him to escape—
But their grip was unrelenting.
They were stronger.
"Let me go!" he gasped, twisting in their grasp, but the more he resisted, the tighter their hold became.
Voder, still thrashing against his captors, was forced to watch as Olympus himself descended from his throne.
His heavy steps reverberated through the hall as he closed the distance, his sharp eyes locked onto Alaric.
Slowly, he smirked.
"So Theron was telling the truth after all." Olympus exhaled, studying him like a predator sizing up its prey. "Omega males are real. They are not myths."
A chill ran down Alaric's spine.
"Please—I have no ill intentions!" Alaric pleaded, his voice desperate. "I don't seek war! I don't seek power! My only wish is to live in peace!"
Olympus chuckled darkly.
"Oh, I know." His voice dropped, eyes gleaming with malice. "Because I won't give you the chance to do otherwise."
Then—
Without warning—
His hand shot out, gripping Alaric's throat.
Alaric gasped, his breath cut off instantly.
"Gh—!" His body convulsed against the iron grip, his hands clawing at Olympus's wrist, his vision blurring.
"STOP!" Voder bellowed, his rage explosive as he fought wildly against his captors. "LET HIM GO!"
But Olympus only squeezed tighter.
"You see now, Alpha King?" Theron's voice was smooth, triumphant. "This Omega has already corrupted Voder."
Olympus gritted his teeth, tightening his hold.
"Then I will remove him from this world myself."
Alaric's lungs burned. His pulse pounded in his ears.
"S-Stop—" his voice came out in a choked whisper, his vision tunneling.
Voder's rage exploded.
"FATHER, DON'T KILL HIM!"
A shockwave pulsed through the air.
The Alphas holding Voder stumbled back, their bodies shaking as if crushed by an invisible force.
Except for Olympus.
He remained unmoved.
He merely glanced toward his son, unimpressed.
"So you would forsake your own kind for this creature?" Olympus muttered.
Voder's breath was ragged, his voice deadly cold.
"Alaric is the Omega I choose. He is my mate, and I will kill anyone who tries to harm him. Anyone."
A ripple of fear passed through the council. And everyone tried to hide from fear.
Theron grinned.
"See? Voder is no longer himself. The Omega male has poisoned him completely."
Whispers spread across the council.
Doubt.
Fear.
And then—
Olympus smirked.
"You would defy me, Voder? You truly believe you can stand against your own father?"
His voice dropped to a whisper, dripping with menace.
"Then allow me to remind you why I am the Alpha King."
And in the blink of an eye—
Voder collapsed.
Blood dripped from his nose as he fell to his knees, gasping for air.
His lungs seized. His body convulsed.
A terrifying realization dawned upon him—
Olympus was using his Alpha dominance to suffocate him.
The air was being ripped from his body.
He couldn't breathe.
"Father—" he wheezed, his vision darkening.
"I will kill you both if I must." Olympus's voice was unforgiving.
"A-Alaric!" Voder gasped his mate's name in desperation.
Alaric's eyes widened in horror.
Something inside him snapped.
His emotions—raw, desperate—surged like wildfire.
And then—
Olympus's grip on his throat loosened.
The Alpha King's eyes widened in shock as his own fingers betrayed him.
"W-What—?"
Alaric staggered back, clutching his throat, his body trembling.
His powers had awakened again.
"I will not let you kill my Alpha." Alaric's voice shook with both fury and terror.
With only the Alpha King in Alaric's line of sight, and before Olympus could react—
He, too, fell to his knees.
The great Alpha King knelt against his will.
His body refused to obey him.
A horrifying silence filled the chamber.
The council gasped as Olympus's own hands slowly—against his own will—began reaching for his throat.
His eyes burned with rage and terror.
"NO— What are you doing to me?!" Olympus choked. "This is the real power of an Omega male!"
Alaric trembled, his tears spilling freely.
"I—I'm sorry, Voder... for what I'm about to do..."
And then—
CRACK.
The sound echoed.
The room fell into absolute stillness.
Olympus's lifeless body slumped forward, his own hands still wrapped around his broken neck.
Dead.
The Alpha King was dead.
Alaric gasped for breath, trembling violently.
He had just killed the Alpha King.
A voice—furious, venomous—cut through the silence.
"DO YOU SEE?! THE MONSTER HAS RISEN BEFORE US!" Theron screamed, his voice filled with triumph. "ALARIC IS A THREAT TO US ALL! HE MUST BE DESTROYED!"
A chorus of gasps tore through the air, sharp and unrelenting.
Alaric stood frozen in the center of it all, the weight of countless eyes crashing down on him like a tidal wave. He didn't need to look around to know—he could feel it. The shift. The way the air thickened with judgment.
Fear clung to the crowd like a fog, heavy and suffocating.
Disgust followed, curling in their expressions, twisting their lips into sneers.
And then came the worst of them all—hatred. Raw. Unfiltered. Directed at him like knives poised to strike.
His chest tightened, each breath a struggle against the invisible chains now wrapped around his ribs.
His hands trembled, fingers twitching at his sides, as if his body was trying to run even though his feet refused to move.
He could hear them—without a word spoken, he could hear them.
Monster.
Murderer.
The words echoed in his mind, louder than any scream, clearer than any whisper.
"Alaric..."
That voice—soft, steady—cut through the chaos like a beam of light in the dark.
And then, warmth.
A hand caught him just as his knees gave out.
Strong, grounding, familiar.
Voder.
"Come with me," Voder whispered. "We have to leave. Now."
Alaric's entire body shook, but he nodded.
And together—they ran.
They escaped into the night, leaving behind the ruined throne and the kingdom that would never be the same again.
Theron stepped toward Olympus's corpse, his lips curling.
Councilman Jude knelt beside the fallen king, sorrow clouding his expression.
"He is gone." Jude murmured, his fingers closing the Alpha King's unseeing eyes.
"Theron, forgive us. We should have listened to you sooner."
Jude turned to Theron.
"I was wrong to doubt you. We see the truth now."
Silence.
Then—
Jude slowly bowed.
"From this moment forth, by the power of the Ten Council... we name you, Theron, the new Alpha King."
A slow, sinister smile spread across Theron's lips.
"You won't regret it, Councilman Jude."
And as he stepped forward, his eyes glowed with cruel satisfaction.
Because at long last—
He had won.
End of Chapter 34