The Lycan King and His Dark Temptation – Chapter 108

Chapter 108

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I knew he wasn’t to blame.

I would never take my anger out on a child, but the pain was unbearable.

My son could have been this big by now.

And this pup, the result of such a painful betrayal, only made it worse.

“My, what a well-behaved pup. I’m sure you’ll make an excellent Alpha,” Aldric said, clearly pleased.

I noticed his weakness for small children, and bitterness seeped into my heart.

I might never be a mother.

“Perhaps my grandson won’t become Alpha after all. Since my son’s death, it’s been difficult to secure his rightful place. There are those who would see it taken from him,” she said, her red-rimmed eyes dripping with feigned sorrow.

I had never seen this hardened, calculating woman cry in all the time I’d known her.

“My son was murdered by a cruel, scorned woman. That heartless harpy fled after committing her crime.”

I clenched my fists in fury, bracing for the lies and accusations to spill out.

Her gaze flicked toward me, subtle yet unmistakably threatening.

“Unfortunately, we never found that wretched woman, but that no longer matters to me. I only ask Your Majesty to support my grandson as Alpha.”

Just as I prepared for her attack, she didn’t say another word about me.

Instead, she dropped to her knees in front of Aldric.

“What are you doing? Get up!”

“Your Majesty, I am desperate. I’ve done everything I can to keep these two packs afloat so close to the border. We are loyal to you, but many covet my grandson’s position as Alpha. He’s just a child and cannot defend himself. But if you issue an official decree, no one would dare challenge his rightful place!”

She even began to cry, turning it into a melodramatic plea.

She claimed her husband and son had both died young, leaving her to fend off those who would murder her grandson for his position. She described herself as an old woman losing the support of her loyal warriors.

“Raise her,” Aldric ordered, and several men helped her to her feet.

“We’ll have dinner first—this is not the time to discuss politics. But I promise, before I leave, I’ll visit your pack and consider your request. I’ll do it for the pup.”

I tensed at his words.

I had no intention of returning to that dreadful place, and I wouldn’t let Aldric support her either.

I felt sorry for the child, but if I could influence Aldric to have that woman thrown out of power, I wouldn’t hesitate.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. You are the greatest leader. Dorian could have learned so much from you,” she gushed, and I nearly vomited at her gall.

She had even given the boy the same name as her infamous son.

That night, we had an uncomfortable dinner, but I hadn’t even finished swallowing my food when a sentinel burst in, reporting a strange creature sighted in the forest.

It looked like a vampire and had attacked some people passing nearby.

Aldric immediately rose from the table, and so did everyone else.

“Quinn, protect them with your life. I’ll go investigate,” Aldric commanded, stepping onto the porch.

“My love, don’t do anything reckless, Valeria. I’ll hunt that creature and return quickly, alright?” He stroked my hair and kissed my forehead.

I sighed and nodded, watching as he left with the Alpha and the sentinels.

I turned to go back inside, but suddenly felt something cold splash onto my chest.

“Your Highness, I’m so sorry! What an embarrassment—I must be so nervous with all of this… let me help you,” said Anais, my ex–mother-in-law, her expression falsely apologetic after deliberately spilling wine all over me.