Betrayed by Blood, Claimed by the Alpha-Chapter 98

Betrayed by Blood

Kendra stood up and walked towards the window, pulling the curtains apart to allow light into the room, a satisfied smile on her lips. The door squeaked open, drawing Kendra’s attention. She looked up to find her mother walking into the room.

"Mother," Kendra greeted.

Carol didn’t care for greetings. She plopped down on a couch, her eyebrows raised. "How did it go?" she asked directly.

"As expected, Mother. I acted so well, I think even you would’ve been convinced," Kendra replied with a proud smile. "Cain gave me two days, though."

Her mother raised an eyebrow. "Two days? That’s more than enough time, isn’t it?"

Kendra smirked, reaching into her suitcase and pulling out a small vial of black oil. She held it up to the light, the dark substance glinting ominously. "More than enough," she replied. "I only need one meal, one drop, and Cain will be mine."

Carol crossed her legs, eyeing the powder carefully. "If it doesn’t work?"

"It will," Kendra said confidently, her fingers tightening around the vial. "The person who gave this to me is that powerful. She isn’t like Aunt Mel." She replied, remembering the powder she had to apply on her face because her aunt had given it and yet it didn’t work. A total waste of her time. "This is my chance, mother. He’s slipped out of my grasp now and I need him to want me like he did before. Cain won’t be able to resist me. He’ll forget all about that pathetic little maid and finally see me for who I am."

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The dining table was filled up as everyone had sat down, waiting for their food to be served. Cain sat at the head of the table, his sharp eyes scanning the room as if assessing each person in attendance. Gerald and his daughter sat next to each other, while Lydia and Nathan sat next to each other. Carol and even Kendra were also present.

Gerald cleared his throat, "Alpha Cain, I noticed that the preparations for the moonlight festival are underway. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the pack in a festive mood."

Cain smiled tightly, already understanding the man’s words. "That’s right. We take festivals quite seriously," he replied calmly.

Gerald nodded approvingly, "Permit me to say, but your father, Alpha Edward, never celebrated things like this, and thus the pack never celebrated too."

Cain’s jaw tightened slightly, but his expression remained calm. "Tradition changes with leadership," he said curtly, cutting into his steak.

Gerald nodded slowly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Indeed. Though, I must say, it’s refreshing to see you embracing something more communal," he settled on.

From across the table, Lydia looked up, her eyes flickering toward Nora. She had been cut about her own ever since she got to the pack and was met by the bombshell of former Beta Gerald’s return and his daughter. "Nora," Lydia began, her tone light. "I couldn’t help but notice the mark on your neck. Are you mated?"

Nora froze, her hand instinctively going to the scarf wrapped around her neck. "No," she said quickly, pulling the fabric tighter.

Lydia paused for a second, her eyes narrowing at the woman’s rushed words. What was even-

Gerald let out a forced laugh as he patted his daughter’s shoulder, "Ah, I’m sure you’re thinking of the scarf. She isn’t mated yet but wouldn’t let the scarf go even when I insist." He glanced at his daughter. "You see what I speak of. People will assume."

Nora sighed softly, "I know, dad, but I have a little acne on my neck right now and would rather not-" she replied, her gaze darting up to Cain.

Lydia’s gaze grew even more intense. Acne on her neck? Not that it wasn’t possible, but she knew what she saw and that wasn’t any kind of acne. It looked like a scar, a bite scar.

Gerald’s gaze followed his daughter, and he exclaimed suddenly. "That’s right. I know you aren’t mated yet, Cain, but have you found your mate?" Gerald asked.

Avery stiffened where she stood, she was way over at the back, standing with the rest of the servants, ready to swoop in once they were done with their dinner. She dared to look at Cain, seeing him lift his head up, his gaze on the man who had just spoken. She knew he was never going to acknowledge her or their bond, and yet... her ears perked up, waiting to hear what he says.

"No, I haven’t," Cain replied in the most neutral tone ever.

Avery swallowed the lump in her throat, her gaze darting down to her clasped hands. She had no reason to feel disappointed. She knew Cain wasn’t going to claim her, but hearing him deny their bond so easily still stung, even though it shouldn’t. novelbuddy.cσ๓

"Strange," Gerald mused, his fork scraping against his plate as he took another bite. "A man of your status and power, without a mate. I would’ve thought the Moon Goddess would have blessed you by now."

"I’m in no rush," Cain replied smoothly, his tone dismissive.

Gerald chuckled lightly. "Ah, but a mate can be a great asset, Alpha Cain. They bring balance, strength, and..." He glanced at Nora meaningfully. "Perhaps even softer edges to one’s leadership."

Cain’s lips twitched lightly, "Perhaps," he said, lifting his glass and taking a sip.

From the servants’ corner, Avery felt her chest tighten as if an invisible hand had clenched around it. She quickly looked down, cursing the bond.

"So, if I may ask, Nora," Lydia began, "How do you find pack life so far? I imagine it’s quite different from the life you’ve been used to outside of Vehiron."

Nora hesitated, glancing at her father for a brief moment before smiling faintly. "It’s... an adjustment," she said. "But I think it’s been pleasant so far."

Lydia nodded, a smile on her face. "That’s good to hear."

~~~~~~~~~~

An hour later, they were finally done with dinner. Nora stood up from her seat and turned to Cain. "Alpha," she said hesitantly, her voice soft. "I was wondering if you could direct me to the library. I’d like to find something to read before bed."

Cain regarded her briefly before nodding. "It’s in the west wing," he said curtly.

"Would you mind walking me there?" Nora pressed, her eyes wide and innocent.

Cain opened his mouth to respond, but the words died down his throat, his attention snagged on a figure moving past the dining hall with a tray. Avery.

Nora followed his gaze to Avery and she forced her smile even more. "Alpha," she called out, shifting her feet to block his view of her.

Cain’s attention returned to her, "Yes, it’s in the west wing. I’m sure you’ll find something. Excuse me," he said and walked past her, leaving Nora standing there wondering what just happened.