Deceiving the Alpha

After a few years of working abroad, I returned home to reunite with my son. I barely set foot on pack grounds when I heard about his upcoming engagement to Alicia Woods—a surprise he hadn’t mentioned himself. That night, after a quiet dinner together, Conner posted a picture of us. The caption read, "Thank you, the most important woman in my life." It warmed my heart and hoped Alicia wouldn’t misunderstand it.

The next morning, I made my way to a local shop to prepare for the engagement banquet.

“Look who’s back in town.” I heard, and turned coming face-to-face with Alicia, looking at me with hostility.

“You thought you could waltz back in and just pick up where you left off?” she demanded.

“I’m just here to support Conner, for his engagement to you.”

Her eyes hardened. “Save it. We all know why you’re really here. Conner may be too blind to see it, but I’m not.”

I sighed, calming myself. “I’m not sure what you’re implying.”

Alicia scoffed, her laughter cold. She took a step closer, and I stepped back, sensing danger from her. “You think you’re so special, don’t you? Conner’s precious mother, swooping back in to claim your place in his life. But let’s be clear—I’m the one he’s chosen. You’re just a sad, useless woman with nothing left to offer him.”

“Alicia, you’ve misunderstood. I’m not here to interfere in your relationship. I’m only here to celebrate with Conner.”

But Alicia wasn’t listening. She smirked and gestured to her friends. “Why don’t we give her a little reminder of who’s in charge around here?”

Before I could react, one of her friends grabbed me by the arm, her nails digging into my skin. Another yanked my hair, pulling my head back roughly.

“Stop it! What do you think you are doing?” I demanded, struggling against their hold.

“Oh, do not worry,” Alicia taunted. “Just giving you a lesson in respect. Maybe then you’ll think twice about influencing Conner.”

The accusation slapped me in the face. Influence him? I’d only want the best for him and for the pack.

“You’re making a mistake,” I said, “I don’t influence him on his decisions.”

Alicia sneered, unmoved. “You don’t get it, do you? Conner doesn’t need you anymore. He has me. And I will not let you take that away.”

I tried to pull free, but the girls held me fast. Alicia watched, clearly pleased, as her friends continued their grip, rougher now, making me kneel on the floor. The shopkeeper glanced our way but quickly turned, pretending not to notice.

“Conner’s always seen you as this perfect, untouchable mother figure,” Alicia continued. “But when I’m done, he will know exactly who you really are—a clingy woman who couldn’t let go when her son moved on. You have already overstayed your welcome.”

“I’m here because Conner invited me, Alicia. And if you love him, you should want him to be happy—”

“Oh, trust me, I do,” Alicia interrupted with a mocking smile. “That’s why I’m here to protect him—from you.”

“Alicia, this doesn’t have to be like this,” I began, but she cut me off, glaring as she looked down at me.

Alicia sneered. “You think you can come back here and play the doting mother? Newsflash: I will not let you ruin my life. You are just a shadow of what you once were. Conner’s my future, this pack is mine now, not yours.”

“I just want Conner to be happy. It’s my priority,” I shot back, meeting her gaze with as much strength as I could muster, but the pain in my scalp as Alicia pulled my hair harder made me whimper in defeat.

“Priority? Please,” she laughed. “I know the truth—you’re desperate to cling to your son because without him, you are nothing. So go back where you came from and never show yourself here again.” Alicia pushed my head and kicked me in the stomach with her boots, causing me to fall forward, my face on the floor that she now stepped on as if I was a filthy rag.