Taken by the Alpha

Clarice Mont

Fear. It’s a universal feeling, especially for us mere mortals. We’re the weakest link, vulnerable to harm and death, unlike the supernatural creatures. They’re the ones with heightened senses, quick healing, and the strength of ten men. Creatures like werewolves, vampires, hybrids, and mixed-breeds. But the werewolves are the most formidable, the apex predators.

“Do you think she’s still in the woods?” Nathaniel asked George, his gaze fixed on his shoes.

“She must be,” George replied, his worry for his daughter barely concealed.

“Welcome, Alpha,” their Alpha greeted the King. He tried to sound strong, but his voice was shaky.

The King merely nodded, his face devoid of emotion.

“Thank you for welcoming us into your pack, Alpha Crest. We’ll make this a short visit,” one of the King’s men said, his voice carrying an Alpha’s authority.

“My pleasure,” Alpha Crest responded, his voice still shaky.

“Are all of your pack members here?” another man asked, his voice deep and intimidating.

“I believe so.”

“So, you don’t count your members and ensure they’re all present?” His voice was controlled, but the disdain was clear.

“No. I’ve never had a reason to. But, I’m certain that all my wolves are here.”

Nathaniel’s heartbeat quickened, causing his wife to become restless. Her gaze shifted from her shoes to her husband’s trembling legs.

“Are you one hundred percent positive?” The man’s question seemed to offer Alpha Crest a chance to redeem himself.

“Yes,” Alpha Crest mumbled, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead.

“So, care to explain why we found two wild wolves near your border?”

Nathaniel’s eyes widened, as did George’s. Mattel’s lips were bloody from nervous gnawing. Their wives were confused, sensing their mates’ fear through their bonds.

“Two wolves?” Alpha Crest asked, scanning his pack members. There were only fifty-eight wolves in his pack, and he was sure everyone was present.

“Are you sure those wild wolves are from my pack? They could be rogues.”

“Pathetic. Even if they were rogues, shouldn’t you have cancelled this meeting for the King’s safety? You should know what’s happening in these woods! You’re their leader!”

The man’s voice boomed, shaking the trees with such force that it seemed to make the wind howl louder—as if even Mother Nature herself was afraid of him.

“I-I understand. But, I was so occupied, I was very busy. You must understand?”

Nathaniel swallowed hard, wrestling with his guilt. He wanted to speak up, to say something, but he couldn’t be sure if the wolves were Greta and his own daughter.

“I most certainly do not understand. I am the King's second in command. I hold power over you like no other. We control over fifty packs all around the world. Multiply that by all of the wolves. Yet, we know who is where, what is happening, and if our very own pack members attend mandatory meetings.”

Every wolf from Alpha Crest’s pack gasped. They knew this, yet it was still a shock to hear. That’s why they had a measure of respect for their King—he was organized, prepared, and confident. They needed that kind of leader.

“I-I...” the Alpha stammered, looking to his Beta for help. But even his Beta was at a loss for words, looking slightly embarrassed.

“Exactly. Now, I present to you, your wild wolves.”

In an instant, two wolves were thrown onto the ground. Their small furry bodies hit the grassy ground with a thud.

Nathaniel lifted his head and took a quick look. His face fell immediately, and he struggled to stay on his feet.

Those two wild wolves were indeed Greta and Clarice. The King's icy gray gaze was fixed on them, his eyes cold and filled with disgust.

His arms were crossed over his broad chest, his biceps bulging. His legs were slightly spread, clad in dress pants that accentuated his masculinity.

He wore a dress shirt, looking like any other man. But what set him apart was the golden crown that rested on his dark, disheveled hair. It was studded with diamonds and engraved with a small wolf and a moon at the very top.

He hadn't spoken a word, but his authority, his power, spoke volumes.

His face and body demanded attention—his face as if crafted by the Goddess herself, and his body the epitome of masculinity, putting every other man to shame.

He stood taller than both of his men and Alpha Crest. His jaw was clenched, and it was a struggle for some of the unmated, young she-wolves to keep their heads bowed—their eyes yearning to gaze at his beauty.

“T-That... Nathaniel, that’s your daughter... And George, yours too!”

Nathaniel and George recoiled, bracing themselves for the impending lecture. Their wives gasped, then turned to shoot their husbands confused glares.

“What’s the meaning of this, Nate?” Kim demanded, her voice laced with anger. She was doing her best to suppress the fear and rage churning in her stomach.

“Yes, do you care to explain?” the man chimed in. His lips curled into a menacing smirk as he turned to glare at Nathaniel and George. The rest of the pack members quickly averted their gazes.

“My daughter... This is her first month shifting. She couldn’t control it... She shifted not too long ago—”

“A forced shift?” the man muttered under his breath, sounding intrigued. The King nearly rolled his eyes in response.

“Yes. And my daughter, who is his daughter’s best friend, went out to look for her. We thought she’d find her before His Majesty’s arrival, but as you can see...” George’s voice trailed off. His cheeks were flushed as he tried to maintain eye contact with the visibly annoyed kingsman.

“I see. Well, I’d like to continue this discussion privately. Everyone...” With a flick of his finger, the room emptied in an instant.

“So, you let your newly shifted daughter wander off on her own?” the man asked Nathaniel. He swallowed hard. Kim quickly grabbed his hand, seeking comfort for both of them.

“I didn’t. She got upset and ran off with her friend. I thought they’d be fine together, but George’s daughter left mine when she realized that Clarice couldn’t restrain her wolf.”

“I see. And George, your side?”

“My side is the same as Nathaniel’s. Only, in the end, I sent Greta to look for her. They’re close friends, and I was sure she’d be able to bring Clarice back in time.”

“The problem with you people is that you’re too sure of yourselves! Didn’t you think to go look for her yourselves?! That would’ve sped up the search, you thoughtless idiots,” the man snapped. His eyes narrowed and his lips curled into a scowl.

Nathaniel nodded sadly. The man was right. They should’ve gone to look for Clarice themselves. But they didn’t, and now they were paying the price.

“You’re lucky the King chose not to wipe out this whole pack,” the man said, his voice stern. He glared at the six people he deemed pathetic.

“Why is he here, if you don’t mind me asking?” Kim asked, her voice shaky. The man’s smirk made her grip on her husband’s hand tighten.

“He’s here to appoint Mattel Michelson as your new Alpha.”