Chapter 2: The Claim

Zephyr’s POV:

As the sun rises over my kingdom, casting an ethereal glow, I emerge from the depths of my grand castle. The air is thick with an aura of power and authority, for I am the ruler of this realm.

With each step, my presence commands attention. I navigate through the corridors, my regal cloak billowing behind me, as whispers of fear and respect follow in my path.

I have built a reputation as a formidable leader, someone whose very name strikes awe into the hearts of those who dare to oppose me.

In my daily routine, I attend to the affairs of the kingdom, making decisions that shape the lives of my subjects. Some may perceive me as cold-hearted, but they fail to understand the weight of responsibility that rests upon my shoulders.

Every choice I make is for the greater good, even if it may seem harsh or wicked to those who cannot comprehend the bigger picture.

Behind closed doors, I indulge myself in the complex workings of governance, studying reports, and strategizing for the prosperity of my kingdom. It is a lonely path, as the burdens of leadership often isolate me from forming deep connections with others. But I am driven by a vision, a vision of a successful and secure empire under my rule.

After a long day of work, I retired to the darkness of my cold room, ironically, a reflection of my soul. Well, I am cursed by the moon goodness in every life I am reincarnated in. Today is the day I would go and claim what is mine.

We had an arrangement with John that he would hand his child over to me as a means of collateral but when I learned of that bastard’s child was whom John was raising, I felt intrigued.

He thought he was double-crossing me by replacing his daughter with his stepdaughter thinking I would neither take notice nor find out. I laughed at his foolishness for thinking he could get away with it and undermining me.

The intense feeling of anger and resentment I feel towards her is like a rush of fiery emotions coursing through my veins, as if it was injected right into me. And what adds to that intensity is the knowledge that that bastard’s very own blood runs through her veins.

It's like a constant reminder of the connection between them, fueling those hateful emotions even more. I've got this burning need deep within me, I've been notified by the Grand witch, who seems to have some mystical insights, that I need to breed an heir.

Now, this isn't just any ordinary heir, mind you. It's got to be someone with a rare and precious gift – pure lycan blood. And let me tell you, finding someone like that is like searching for a needle in a haystack.

I have gone through heaven and earth trying to find the perfect vessel but disappointingly, I am met with none. I decided to settle for less by securing John’s daughter even if she didn't grant me the heir I needed, I could add her to my collection for fun. But fate had other plans, all I had been searching for was right in front of me.

I knew he had a stepdaughter but neither have I ever bothered about nor has anyone known much about her.

My legacy, my whole lineage, depends on this. I've got these powers, these superficial abilities that have been passed down through generations. But without an heir, all of that would just fade away, like a distant memory. So, when I heard about that bastard’s child, I knew I had to have her.

I couldn't give two fucks about her, the moment I shoot my seeds down her womb and she breeds me an heir, I would mark her and then banish her. I will ruin her just like how her father had ruined me.

I mind-linked the beta of the pack and the only person I have a deep connection with, to come over so we could advance with the plan. He was a brother from another mother to me, all we have in this cursed world is each other.

As it is, I don't have enough time on me. My fucktard wolf, Luca is like a shadow that follows me everywhere, whispering in my ear and stirring up this insatiable thirst for blood. It's like a constant battle.

Luca is a primal, wild side of me that I struggle to control. Whenever the moon rises high in the night sky, that's when the curse really kicks in. My senses become heightened, my instincts sharpened, and this overwhelming urge to hunt and unleash my inner beast takes over.

It's like this dark force that I can't escape, no matter how hard I try. And with this curse comes a price. The darkness that surrounds my wolf is a constant reminder of the bloodshed and chaos that can follow.

It's like a storm brewing within me, threatening to consume everything in its path. It's a heavy burden to bear, but it's also a part of what makes me who I am. The resentment we have for each other is on another level, and I have learned to dominate him, to show him who "really" is in charge.

I took a sip of my wine and on cue, Xander burst through the doors. “What's up mate, you called for me” I hummed while tapping on the table that was situated at the center of my room.

“I perceived the smell of a visitor, someone not in this pack. A rogue perhaps?” I raised my brows quizzically at Xander.

“ yeah! We were just interrogating him but he's strong-headed “.

“Well, I don't have time for a cat and mouse game” I growled and marched towards where his scent was emanating from.

He must be a fool to think he could sneak around my territory and go unnoticed. I allowed him to breach the security because it fueled my thirst for a sinister pursuit. I mean, because of my super-sensitive senses, I can catch the scent of any living being from miles away, even beyond the borders of my territory.

“Who sent you and what is your aim” I said straight to the point, not having time for a child’s talk.

“I-i” I held him by the throat and tore his head off his body, not having the tolerance to deal with him and his agitating stammers.

“Advance with the plan Get me that girl now!!!” I tapped Xander on his shoulder and headed straight back to my room to wash off this spineless wolf’s blood. In as much as I am thrilled to draw blood in any slightest circumstance, I am one heck of a neat freak.

I waited in anticipation for that little girl to come forth. I can't help but wonder if she realizes she is not just a random person, but rather someone who is powerful and a vital pawn in my scheme.

Does she know she is the supposed mother of my heir, does she know the relationship I have with her stepfather, most importantly, does she know she is “My Collateral”?

………….

After a torturous hour's drive, I finally arrived at John’s house. I stepped out of the car and made my way to the porch, I was already running low on patience I forcibly made my way inside without waiting for approval and just needed to get this over with.

“Alpha, what a pleasant surprise” John looked bewildered not expecting me to come for her this early. But I couldn't help but notice the smirk on his face since he orchestrated the whole thing.

“I'm not here for pleasantries I demand you to bring me the girl”. Settling down I nodded to my guard to trail him.

I hear shuffling and commotions and I was starting to get pissed, I am not a very patient man. I decided it was best to see what the chaos was all about.

“She's gone” John freaked out and began spewing out curses, unable to believe his eyes.“That cunning little bitch”.

I focused my attention on the sound vibrations around me, honing in on the rhythmic thumping of a racing heart and the rapid gasps for breath coming from the depths of the woods. Instantly, I recognized that it was her. The audacity she had to attempt an escape from my grasp! I vowed to make her face the consequences of her actions."

"She's just a short distance away, towards the western woods at about a 4 o'clock angle. Hurry up and go get her!" I commanded, urging them to act swiftly.

“You will pay for this” I turned to John and that was not an empty threat because my words held double meaning to it.

Not only did he lie to me and think he would go unscathed, without me finding out, his little step daughter dare disrespect me. I can’t wait for her to come back so I would unleash my beast on her for thinking she could escape my grasp.

After a short while, they arrived and I turned to see the most beautiful girl I’d ever laid eyes on. I am now eager to claim her and add her to my collection of women, all that I threatened to do to her all flew out the window.

“Mate” Luca exclaimed with hatred. To say I was shocked would be an understatement but it did not matter and never will it. When I’m done with her, I’d take my heir and ruin her.

She stood there, a vision of ethereal beauty, with silver hair cascading down her shoulders like strands of moonlight.

Every movement she made seemed to be choreographed by angels, her petite frame adorned with curves that whispered promises of softness and temptation.

But it was her face that truly enchanted me – those lips, a tempting shade of plum, parted slightly as if inviting secrets to escape.

At that moment, she was not just beautiful, she was a masterpiece, a creation of divine artistry that left me breathless with wonder and longing. She was the exact opposite of the women I bring to bed but I was immediately drawn to her.

She looked up at me with puffy eyes anxiously and she was shivering like she was scared. Good! She should fear me, that is what I wanted, and before I could utter a word I heard a smacking sound, and a little whimper left her mouth.

“You ungrateful bitch” John attempted to strike her again and I felt furious as everything went red. As he grabbed her wrist roughly, I felt a rush of anger rising within me. My fists clenched, and my voice hardened as I stepped forward, confronting him.

"Let her go," I said, my tone low and dangerous. "She's not yours to handle like that." John’s eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed with hostility. I could see the fear in her eyes, and it only fueled my resolve.

"I won't ask again," I warned, my voice carrying the weight of my rage. "Let her go, or there will be consequences."

Then, with a muttered curse, John released her, backing away with a glare. I moved to her side, offering her my support and protection, knowing that I would always stand up for her against anyone who dared to harm her who is not me. Who dared to harm what belonged to me. Only I can harm her.

I didn't even realize when I pounced on him and choked him by his neck. “Dare you to lay your filthy hands on her, I will ruin you, no one touches what is mine”.

I tossed him to the corner and pivoted my gaze back to her. She let out a sniffle “Please”, her voice was so soft, and at that moment I saw the vulnerability.

I couldn't give two fucks about anything when I wanted something, and all I wanted now was to crush this little bastard’s windpipe for his audacity. But when she looked at me with a plea in her eyes, I succumbed and released him.

“Go get whatever important thing you have, we are leaving. Before she turned I added some piece of advice, “I wouldn't try escaping again if I were you” My voice was thick with threat and she knew better not to cross me.

I fisted my hands knowing I'd definitely be back to finish this bastard off, I'm not tagged “malicious” for no reason after all. Not only did he touch what belonged to me, he also tried lying to me, taking me for a fool.

For she is mine! She is my collateral and most especially she is my mate!