Filed To Story: Veiled Desires of the Alpha King Novel
James left the study in a good mood.
He never had a chance to relax and enjoy his youth, and this might be his first and last chance to do so. James was not exaggerating to think that.
From a young age, James was training to improve his strength and stamina. When he was not training, he would study the history of werewolves, military tactics, economics, and anything his father deemed important for an Alpha.
At first, James tried his best to please his father, but soon he realized that no matter how much he tried, and no matter how good he scored, it was never good enough. His father would parade him as some kind of a trophy in front of other Alphas, but when it was just them, James was almost ignored. However, he still pushed himself with the hope he will get the praise that never came.
James was confident that when he gets older, his achievements will also soar, and he will get his father’s approval. Little did he know how those were the good days and that the troubles were yet to come.
James was about twelve years old when his wolf stirred, and to James’ horror, there was no Alpha aura present.
His trainer at that time said how that was odd. Alpha’s aura is not related to age, but it’s in one’s DNA, and when the wolf just starts appearing, the aura would come out uncontrollably, which didn’t happen with James.
James was quick to set up his trainer for stealing and to discredit him. That’s how James got as a new trainer the latest rising star in his father’s army, George.
George assessed James and he said how there are cases of late bloomers, and James must be it, and Alpha Edward bought it.
James didn’t ask if that was the truth or if George lied for him, but it worked for both of them. Since then, James was training hard and trying not to stand out in any way.
However, James was aware that even if the late bloomer story was true, he was running out of time. If by eighteenth birthday James doesn’t show he has the Alpha aura, his reputation as the promising Alpha of the next generation will be tarnished.
Does he have that aura? With every passing day, James’ hopes were fading, and when he took into consideration his parents’ debauchery, James started suspecting that he is not Alpha Edward’s biological son. Luna Layla has in her ancestry people with Alpha and Beta genes, but she herself didn’t have them until Alpha Edward marked her.
James could dispel his doubts with a DNA test, but his father has people everywhere, and if it turns out that James and Alpha Edward are not related, and Alpha Edward finds out about it… James had no idea what the consequences would be. Would his father kick him out, kill him, or maybe pretend that everything was fine? After all, his father pretends about many things.
Whatever the case will be, James had just over two years before he ran out of time, and he was determined to make it count.
When his father was watching, James was an obedient son, talking only when asked and otherwise pretending not to notice things, but now that he got some leverage, he will have fun, like any other teenager.
Yes, his sister might be in trouble, but James was aware that Marcy wouldn’t move a finger for him so, why would he do anything for her?
And did she really think that James didn’t notice how Marcy and George spent the night together in the motel? And when George returned, he smelled of Marcy! Gross.
James didn’t want to think about Marcy, George, his non-existent Alpha aura, or anything unpleasant, because in the next few days he will have pure fun!
He fist-pumped in the air and entered his room. He wanted to sleep early because tomorrow will be an exciting day!
In the study…
After James left, Dayson, Talia, Maya, and Jaeden looked at each other helplessly.
Of course, Dayson agreed to collaborate with James, but no one knew if James was an ally or a blackmailer. Probably both, for now.
Dayson rubbed his forehead forcibly. He felt like an invisible leash was tightening around his neck, and he didn’t like it.
“We need to find out who from our pack is working with Alpha Edward.”, Dayson said. “When things escalate, I don’t want anyone backstabbing me. Now it’s about Marcy, tomorrow will be something else, but the constant is that those people are willing to act against me. I want them found.”
Dayson spoke to Jaeden. “Talk to Elder Samson and Elder Charlie. See if they know others who are supporting Alpha Edward’s agenda. Find out who is their contact in the Red Moon pack, and then see if anyone from our pack was in touch with that person.”
“We asked them that and they refused to answer.”, Jaeden said.
“Tell them that this involves the safety of their Luna. If anything happens to her, I will hold them accountable. Exaggerate more if needed.”
Jaeden nodded in agreement, and Dayson turned to Maya.
“What did Shaman say about fixing people whose bond was broken?”
“Shaman said that everyone is different, but overall, it’s about them finding their will to live. Just as Doctor Travis said, there are ways to calm the mind in order to ease the suicidal tendencies, and they need a strong will and support to snap out of it. Unfortunately for Marcy, her brother doesn’t want to know about her state, and her best friend seemed happy that Marcy is not around.”
“We shouldn’t tell Nora about Marcy’s state.”, Talia said. “She will only use it to her advantage.”
They all agreed with this.
“As for Commander George…”, Maya continued. “He is an orphan, no family on file, fanatic about training. He is in a better state compared to Marcy, but there is no guarantee it will improve.”
“You brought some herbs.”, Talia reminded Maya.
“Yes.”, Maya responded and reached into her pocket to get a piece of paper. “Shaman gave me instructions on how to use them…”
Talia took the paper and skimmed through it.
Talia leaned to give Dayson a quick kiss. “I will go and handle this. Zina and Dawn are waiting for me in the kitchen.”
Dayson didn’t approve. He knew that Talia wanted to go and visit Marcy and George, and it was dark outside! “Wait until I finish here, and we will go together.”
“You deal with things here, and I will do what I can.”, Talia said. “It will be faster.”
Dayson wanted to go with Talia, but he had a lot of things to handle and he knew that Talia had a point. “Be careful. Don’t be alone. Keep your phone handy.”
“I will. I won’t. I will.”, Talia said and giggled at his frown. “Don’t worry.” She winked and left the study.
Dayson let out a long breath and shook his head at the silly girl who was adorable even while getting him worried.
Dayson had tasks for Jaeden, “Put extra cameras around James. I want to know when, where, and with whom he is communicating. Monitor the wi-fi traffic.”
“You think that he will talk to Alpha Edward?”, Jaeden asked.
“Maybe he already spoke to him.”, Maya said with a frown. They didn’t anticipate this mess, so they didn’t tighten their security.
“I don’t think he did.”, Dayson shared his thoughts. “James looks like a smart guy. If he wanted his father to know, he would tell him and continue to lay low until Alpha Edward makes his move.”
“So, you think he is an ally?”, Jaeden asked thoughtfully. “The kid obviously knows more than he allowed us to see. Will he reveal information about the Red Moon pack and Alpha Edward?”
“I don’t know.”, Dayson admitted. “But I know that I don’t like our current position. We should treat as a priority to get Marcy and George on their feet. When that happens, James will lose his leverage. I will leave it to Talia and Doctor Travis to take care of the patients.”
If Talia could use her power to bring them into reality, that would be great, but Dayson didn’t know if Talia could actually do something like that. She healed him, but those were physical injuries, and this is different.
Unfortunately, they couldn’t just test it out recklessly because of the risk of exposing Talia’s powers to Marcy, George, and anyone who might be nearby. They can’t use the mermaid excuse when things start flashing in the forest.
When thinking about the pros and cons, Dayson decided that it’s better for Talia to stay low. Her safety comes first, and he will deal with anything else to the best of his abilities.
Dayson spoke to Maya, “Your role is to keep Nora busy. Get some soldiers to distract her. If she can be around and oblivious, that will be for the best. If we put her in the dungeon and ask James to cover up for it, it will be one more thing he has on us.”
Maya looked at Dayson with a smirk. “What soldiers? She has eyes only for you.”
New Book: Returned To Make Them Pay
On her wedding anniversary, Alicia is drugged and stumbles into the wrong room—straight into the arms of the powerful Caden Ward, a man rumored never to touch women. Their night of passion shocks even him, especially when he discovers she’s still a virgin after two years of marriage to Joshua Yates.