Hiding the Alpha’s Heir

“We should go to your father’s chamber. I am certain he is waiting for you.” I ushered him to take his hand so we could go to the east hall.

“Mama, don’t you want to come with us?”

I was already fixing my bed when Sander asked that. “No, Sander.” I turned at him wearing his nightshirt given by his father.

Tonight was the night when Sander was going to sleep in Desmond’s chambers. It was Desmond’s request actually. Sander immediately agreed after that since they were establishing their relationship as father and son.

Hugging the stuffed toy given by Desmond, Sander nodded. “Okay…” he said in a dejected tone. Hesitant, Sander turned at me. “Mama, about the ceremony…”

I just kept my smile plastered even though upon knowing the fact that tomorrow was the ceremony for Sander.

He was well aware that I disagreed about the ceremony Desmond was about to hold. He was not that naive to know that something was not right between Desmond and me ever since the day we discussed it.

I knelt before him. “Have a good night, alright?” I kissed his forehead as soon as he nodded. Before he could say anything again, Desmond showed up from his chamber. I stood up and ushered Sander. “I shall see you tomorrow, sweetheart.” I waved my hand.

Sander smiled. “I will wake up early for you, Mama.”

Nodding, I glanced at Desmond who had a stoic expression right now. I looked away and didn’t glance in his direction.

Our routine continued to be like that. I woke up early and made sure that I was the first one who woke up before my son.

He was displeased when he saw that I awoke already but I only laughed it off. I helped him get dressed up as soon as I was done with mine.

“Papa said that Uncle Declan will also attend my ceremony, Mama. Does this mean I am going to meet my cousin, Daniel, right, Mama?”

I fixed his little bowtie. “If that is what he says, then you will be able to meet Daniel.”

I wondered how Daniel was right now. The last time I saw him as he was still three years old that time. Declan was living in another pack after he married Mariana. Mariana was not in the Rising Diamond pack but in the Solo Rows pack.

I flattened his blazer before I gently took his chin to look at me. “You are a handsomely beautiful little man. You are ready now,” I said when I was done fixing his hair as well.

Sander smiled when he faced the mirror. It felt nostalgic because I used to do this before with Desmond.

“Is there something wrong, Mama?”

I snapped back when Sander called me. He was looking at my reflection. He looked worried. I smiled. “I just remembered that I used to fix your Papa’s tie before,” I said honestly. “You also have the same mannerism just like your Papa.” Even before, I already knew his mannerisms felt like I was back in the past.

My voice almost croaked because of that. Desmond and I used to be a happily married couple before everything fell apart… before he cheated on me twice.

Sander walked towards me, hugging my thigh. “Every time you mentioned Papa, it is either you will be mad or sad…” he uttered softly.

I forced a smile. I knew I couldn’t hide my emotions well when it came to his father. “You should focus more on the ceremony. You need not worry me, sweetheart.” I caressed his cheek.

We were being interrupted when we heard a knock on my door. Desmond was the one who showed up.

“Sander, the ceremony is about to start. You should go down first. I need to speak with your Mama.” He glanced at me.

Sander looked hesitant but then, he nodded before he left us alone. Desmond waited for a moment as I sat in the chair.

“You already get what you want now that he is going to be introduced and I already agreed.” I only agreed a few days ago because I knew that he was going to do something that would displease me. He would do anything in his power to implement his plans by hook or by crook. “What else do you want this time?” I asked in a hostile tone.

I should have known… I should have not made a truce with him. He took it as an advantage so he could easily play me under his palms.

I should’ve not believed in his words that he only wanted to get along with Sander.

“I want you to come with me on the platform,” Desmond said in a nonchalant tone. He even tucked his hands into the pockets of his trousers. “As proud parents for our son, Seraphina.”

I rolled my eyes. “And if I don’t agree, you are going to threaten me again. How ironic…” I should’ve used threatening him of rejecting our mate bond but I realized that if I kept repeating it, it would be an empty threat.

So, once was enough.

I would only say that again if I was in deep trouble. Perhaps, that could be the moment I was going to end our mate bond again.

“I only want what is best for our son, Seraphina,” he said earnestly. “Why can’t you just see that my purpose is good after all? Why are you being a selfish mother to our son?”

I felt offended by what he called me. “Asshole… You dare to call me that?” I growled, clenching my hands right now.

I felt a pang of pain when he said that. How dare… How dare he called me a selfish mother?

Using my wolf speed, I almost slapped Desmond’s face if only he didn’t stop me. His face darkened as he tightly held my hand and pulled me closer to him. “You can do that after the ceremony. I cannot allow you to act violently against me, Seraphina. Not on the ceremony where I have to introduce our son,” he said in a frigid tone. “Do you understand me?”

I hissed, annoyed when he pushed me away.

“You are not going to be a hindrance to my plans now that our son is here. Also, you are here.”

“Because you abducted us!” I growled a warning.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Desmond scoffed a grin. “You are meant to be here, Seraphina. You…” he paused and looked at me meaningfully. “… and our son.”

I just watched him leave my chamber. As soon as I was alone, I immediately held to the table, feeling my knees getting wobbly.

The past few days… We were fine and civilized to each other. And now… it changed. We were back to almost strangers.

“He just played me…” I murmured, feeling the hatred growing inside me.

It took me a few moments before I decided to go down. I was surprised to see Sander who was waiting for me downstairs. I looked at Desmond who was just shaking his head.

“Shouldn’t you leave with your father?” I asked, confused as I held my son’s hand.

Sander purred and looked at me. “I want to be with you, Mama. I also want to be with Papa. So, I want us to go there together,” he said and reached for Desmond’s hand.

Desmond and I exchanged glances before we looked away. “Shall we then?”

We arrived at the cotton field where they made a space where we could hold the ceremony. I was having nostalgia again as I saw all of Desmond’s pack members looking in our direction. I was quick to maneuver myself to ignore their stares.

I came with him to the platform and left Sander to Oakley for a while.

Then Desmond started his speech to start the ceremony. “Thank you for coming here, everyone.” The crowds applauded his words. “As you may all know, after seven years, I finally found our Luna Seraphina again.” He glanced beside me.

I secretly gnashed my teeth. I already told him when I agreed to this that he must not mention my name again. But even so, why did I feel ticklish? Why did I look so proud right now?

I looked at Sander who looked fascinated at his father. I pursed my lips into a thin line. Seeing that fascination and enthusiasm in his eyes, I knew by then that Sander already made a decision about what he wanted to be when he grew up.

“He is the next Alpha of the Rising Diamond pack and the one who shall be the next patriarch of the House of Marquis Verlice. And the fruit of our love… our son, Sander Verlice.”

I immediately turned my head at Desmond when he uttered the name of our son.

Did he just say Verlice? Not Beryl?!

Did he just freaking use his surname after Sander’s first name?!