Alexei's POV

My jaw dropped in shock, Nikolai just addressed me with my real name. Was he able to see through me, How is that possible?

He shut the door behind him and chuckled softly, " But why are you even dressing up in such a weird way? You could have come here in you normal self." Nikolai questioned me.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Can you take your leave now?" I muttered.

"Ha! It's truly you, I recognize that voice of yours." Nikolai taunted.

It was very obvious at that point, that my identity has been figured out. I was so lost and didn't know how to get out of the situation.

"Tell me, why are you doing this? You're up to no good, right?" Nikolai questioned me.

" You do not possibly think so do you? Let me be, this obviously has nothing to do with you." I replied.

Nikolai smirked, this could only mean he'll continue pestering me until he gets an answer. I need to shake him off, to avoid any problems.

"I am just trying to stay fit and so, it's quite boring at the pack sometimes." I blurted.

"But you could train at the pack, they have the best facilities don't you think?" Nikolai asked.

His defense mechanism was a tough one to go against, there is always something to use against me. "As I said, it is quite boring at the pack. I need to do it here, where the noises don't bother me." I insisted.

Nikolai nodded slightly, it's hard to tell if he finally believes me or not. Whatever the case is, I hope he stays off my business now.

I want to have nothing to do with anyone until I achieve my goals. "Now it all makes sense, I was wondering why you did not make any attempts at apologizing when we bumped into each other." Nikolai Blurted.

He still remembers that moment, now I see why he is here. "Did you devote your good time to tracking me down just because of that moment? You must have a lot of time on your hands." I taunted.

"Your tiny head would not comprehend even if I try to explain." He retorted.

I scoffed and continued punching the bag, hoping that he'll leave now.

" The heir to the pack, living a double life and pretending to be weak, what does a woman have here in an academy that is dominated by male-wolves?" Nikola I asked.

His question put me to an abrupt stop, "Well, same question I should ask, what is a weakling like you even doing here in the first place?" I asked.

Even though I didn't know much about him, I could tell he's a strong person. All I wanted to do is get on his nerve and probably force him to leave.

Instead of taking it seriously, he bursts out laughing. " That is so stupid, you could not really think of a better way to annoy me?" Nikolai asked and laughed harder.

I sighed and confused punching the bag. "You..are one pain in the ass." I said, whilst simultaneously punching the bag.

" You are hiding something, and that will not remain a mystery forever. I can promise you that." Nikolai stated, which sounded more like a threath.

He finally walks away, relieving me. "How did I mess things up so quickly. I should have known the type of person Nikolai is."

Barely focusing, I continued my training session. I would say I have progressed a lot, but it was hard to tell exactly how far I've gone yet.

Just barely two days after meeting with Nikolai at the academy, we meet again at an event involving other packs.

He sat right behind me, which was quite overwhelming. " We meet again, quite unfortunately." His voice finally came.

I clenched my fist, "You could just pretend not to know me, and we'll just resume our normal lives. There is no point in trying to do... whatever it is you're doing." I retorted.

Nikolai scoffed, "I already told you that I'll only stop when I figure out what is going on." He insisted.

This might be quite disastrous, as he might approach people I know and end up blowing my cover. His decision could literally ruin my whole plan.

"I hope you don't intend on asking around, that should not be on the list of things you plan on doing, right?" I questioned.

"What if I'm planning on doing that? Would that change anything?" He asked and laughed.

I suddenly turned to him, in anger. "If you dare to ruin everything for me, I will hunt you down and make sure you pay dearly!" I threatened him.

Nikolai was quite startled but he pretended to maintain his cool. " I was not planning on doing that anyways, I have my own way of getting answers." He replied.

I smiled faintly and sat back down. Eyes were on us and I quickly looked away to prevent them from suspecting anything.

The event soon ended and Nikolai stood up to leave before I did. I sat there and watched as he left, he was truly a magnificent looking person.

Tall and handsome, I found myself strangely attached to him. "What in the world am I doing? I should not let myself get distracted by things like this. My revenge should be the only thing on my mind." I said to myself.

People around me was surely growing suspicious of me. I need to take my leave immediately. "Alright that should do, I'll head home now."

I reached home to meet my step-sister waiting for me by the living room. I could not tell what she's up to yet,but it's surely no good.

" You're finally here! We've been waiting for you the whole day, what took you so long?" Freida asked.

"Was just attending to important things.." I answered, with a faint smile.

She urged me to take my seat and I reluctantly did, what is she going with this, I hope it's not what I think it is...

" Your 18th birthday is right around the corner, and we're planning a special party for you. This should be a very interesting one!" She said, gleefully.

It was indeed, what I thought. This part of my previous life was quite a hard one to swallow. Brandon, Fredia and Mya had hurt my father and I on that day.

This is my turn to turn the table and prevent my father from getting hurt. "Thank you, I should had back to my room now." I said and left immediately, leaving Fredia confused.

I reached my room and shut the door, " I need a plan, I need a big plan to turn everything around." I said and walked around, contemplating on what to do.

In my previous life, the party was not a big one. They had control of everything and were able to execute their plan.

"That is it! I should invite many packs to the pack and give my family a lot of work to do! This will give me the moment I need to turn things around.""

I immediately got on my computer and started sending out invitations to the packs.

ALEXEI POV

"How do you like your hair, Alpha heir?" The stylist asked as she ran a comb through my hair.

"I want a braided bun," I replied. Staring at my reflection in the mirror. I remember this moment, I had been overly excited, dancing around in my robe when Mya had stumbled in with her stylist, she had been so polite, asking them to make me the most beautiful girl for tonight, and looking back, my look was just simple, nothing compared to how she and her daughter turned up.

So, to make a difference, I got a stylist of my own and picked out the perfect look for tonight.

Soon, I was ready. The stylist left me to myself, dressed in a black diamond dress, silver heels, and silver accessories to match. I looked amazing, vicious, and strong.

This is the Alexei I should have been all these while, not a blind puppet, nodding to everything life threw at me. This is the Alexei those bastards deserve.

My day has finally arrived

after spending weeks planning the perfect event, making sure it was grand enough to attract all the influential packs.

The Crescent Moon, Silver Fang, Blood Howl, East Wind pack, and every major pack within a hundred-mile radius received an invitation.

A massive celebration for my birthday, I called it. But beneath the glitz and glamor, my true purpose remained hidden.

I took out the small vial from my purse and smiled, Brandon was going to betray me tonight, whether he wanted to or not. All I had to do was wait.

A gentle knock graced my ears, and my gaze diverted to the door. "Come in," I said, walking over to my bed. I slowly sat, fixing my back on the headrest.

Mya walked in with the stylists she had offered. She came in with all smiles, but it vanished the moment she took in my appearance.

"You are ready." she trailed off. She opened her mouth to add something but shut it close immediately.

I kept my smile, "Is something wrong? Who are they?" I asked, pointing to the stylists behind her.

"Oh. I brought them for you, Alexei. I was hoping they would get you ready but now I see that there is no need for that." She replied, her eyes having this distant look, probably lost in thoughts.

"Oh, I had no idea, I wanted to try something new, so I reached out to them. They did a great job right?" I asked, rising from the bed and doing a quick twirl.

"Yes.they did a good job indeed. I guess you won't be needing me then. The party will be starting soon dear. Come down soon.'

I nodded," Thank you, Mya." As soon as she left, my lips broke into a wicked grin. What I had planned out for this night would be mind-blowing.

The time came, and Father came by my room to lead me out to the decorated halls. I definitely stole the spotlight this time; all eyes were on me, both familiar and not-so-familiar faces. The grand guests, everyone welcomed me with wishes and generous gifts.

The party was everything I had envisioned, extravagant, loud, and filled with high-ranking wolves.

The music boomed, guests drank, and the scent of expensive perfume mixed with the wild musk of powerful wolves.

Brandon was right where I wanted him, drinking and laughing with his friends; I moved to a secluded corner, not before grabbing a drink from the waiter. I sprinkled the right amount of elixir into the drink, mixing it to be less traceable, then I added a scent shutter, a citrus flavor to keep him from figuring anything out. I placed it on an empty table and took a different glance placing it next to it.

I then approached him with a charming smile, "My love." I called placing a hand on his shoulder. " Hey babe." He replied, leaning to get a kiss, but I turned to his friends instead.

"I see you all are having a great time."

"Happy birthday Alpha heir." They commented and I smiled.

"Thank you," I replied, before slipping my hand into Brandon's. "Come on," I whispered, and he didn't protest. I led him to the empty table and we settled. I took the other glass and raised it like a toast.

"Happy birthday to me," I murmured, Brandon smiled and picked up the spiked drunk, clinking his glass against mine.

"Happy birthday to you, love."

We took a sip at the same time and I couldn't help but smile. My plan is going quite well.

"I can't believe you are old enough now, Alexei. Soon, you will be the Alpha of the pack, and I will be by your side." He said, placing his hand on mine.

I faked a smile, but I had to leave before it took effect. I created a little distraction, knocking my glass off and letting the content spill on me.

"Oh Goodness!" I exclaimed, getting up.

"Alexei. The hell? Are you drunk?" He whispered almost harshly, before quickly adding, "I am sorry. Please are you okay?"

I nodded, "I need to clean this off, I will be back." I said and hurried off.

I found a suitable place to hide and watch him closely.

Bradon finished the rest of his drink and stood up, but he suddenly stopped as if he was frozen in time. I knew at that moment the elixir had taken hold of his body.

Brandon hurried away, and I followed suit, keeping a good distance away. I hid behind a pillar, watching him speak to Frieda, who was by the table with her friends. He grabbed her hand almost immediately and led her out of the hall.

I followed the second way out, bursting out of the mansion; I couldn't find them until I heard voices.

"Brandon, what's the problem, why are we out here? We need to be at the party." It was Freida's voice.

I followed it; the path they took led to the garden; it was filled with tall ornaments, a good hiding spot to do their dirty business.

"I just need relief, Frieda. Don't resist." I heard Bradon's voice.

"Why Brandon? The party isn't over yet, we could get caught. Just wait a little more, and we can have each other for the night." she replied, and my blood boiled. I felt hate, pure hatred for both of them.

"Let's just get it over with."

I didn't need to hear what was happening behind the ornaments to know the deal, but I listened anyway. The breathy moans, the urgent whispers, the sound of fabric hitting the ground.

And then, it was time.

Taking a deep breath, I Burst out of my hiding place and screamed as loud as I could.

"Oh, my Goddess!" I shrieked, my voice trembling with perfectly feigned devastation.

Brandon froze, his body still tangled with Freida's. Freida, in her state of shock, barely managed to cover herself, while Brandon scrambled to his feet, his face pale.

"Alexei, wait."

I stumbled backward, my hands shaking, my eyes wide with betrayal. "How could you!" I screamed even louder; my sim was to attract attention, and it worked out right.

First, it was the guards racing out, and then my father who came to me immediately, and then Mya, and then the guests, all starting to gather, drawn by my outburst. Their murmurs filled the space, confusion, and curiosity thick in the air.

I buried my face in my father's chest, sobbing. Whilst Brandon tried to get his shit together. "I trusted you," I said, voice breaking. "I loved you! And this is what you do to me? With her?"

"Alexei I can explain." Brandon tried to step forward, but my dad took a strong stance for me.

"Alpha.."

"Don't you dare!" He roared, causing Brandon to back up.

Freida whimpered, clutching her dress to her chest. Brandon looked around, desperate, realizing too late that the entire guest was witnessing his disgrace.

"And you Frieda? This is what I get from you?"

"I am sorry, Alexei; I didn't mean to hurt you. Please, it's all Brandon's fault; he forced me."

Mya stepped forward in heavy steps, stopping before her daughter, a thunderous slap echoed, causing gasps to rise from the gathered crowd.

"You are a disgrace, Frieda. How could you?"

I rolled my eyes, drama queen. Feigning to be the saint and heartbroken mother, he knew all along.

Bitch!

I didn't want to see any more of their drama, so with the full crowd watching, I did what I had been waiting to do since I returned.

I stepped forward, "Brandon!" I yelled, glaring hard at him.

"I, Alexei of the Midnight Shadow Pack, reject you, Brandon, as my mate and my boyfriend."

Gasps echoed. The weight of my words crashed down on Brandon like a death sentence. He groaned out in agony, the rejection cutting through him like a blade.

His legs gave out, and he fell to his knees, clutching his chest.

Serves you right, bastard!

I turned on my heel, my face a mask of devastation, an act for the audience. But inside, I was smiling.

This is just the beginning, let them bask in this humiliation for now. There's more to come.

ALEXIE

It was supposed to be a father-daughter breakfast because Frieda needed her mother's comfort, but no. That witch had her wats; they were here, seated at this dinner; she wasn't ready to back down, no doubt.

She always had something up her sleeves; this is how she killed my father right under my nose, and I had not a single clue. Her cunning was like no other.

Mya, Freida.

Refusing.No. Pretending to starve to have my father speak on last night's incident, he had bluntly said to their face that this would be handled by the council and the elders so Frieda could get a befitting punishment. However, I am starting to doubt that would come to pass.

He was supposed to ignore them, to not give them a chance, but no.

He gave into her stupid silent sobs. "Mya, please eat; the food is getting cold; you cannot starve yourself for your daughter's sins," Father said after a long while.

Mya shook her head, more fake tears pulling down her cheek. "I feel so ashamed, Alpha; I cannot take a single bite from this plate. I am not deserving of it."

"I feel even worse, Father; I don't even deserve to be here. To be in any of your presence."

Yeah right, so get going already, that's exactly what I want, for you both to disappear.

Liars, fakes, bitches.

"Alexei."

"I would like to have breakfast in peace if you both don't mind." I shut her up almost immediately, snorting in the end.

A brief silence ensued and then sobs, more and more sobs. I clenched my fist underneath the table, shoving the filled spoon into my mouth. I chewd hard on the eggs.

"This is a breakfast table, Mya. You cannot continue to ruin our meal with your emotions," Father spoke, I could tell from his tone that he was feeling pitiful for their plight. As always, they were quite good at stealing the spotlight.

"You can have breakfast in Frieda's room, that's a better place to cry. Right Frieda?" I locked eyes with her and she could barely hold contact with me, not because of guilt, but because of this change, if only she knew my anger was greater than she saw now.

"It's better we leave for a few days Alpha, so we can give Alexei some time to get over Freida's sins." Mya pulled back her seat, aiming to get up.

"No." Father subtle said, and I swear I caught the bitch smirk.

"But Alpha."

"You heard me; you both will sit down and eat your meals, end of discussion. I am sure this issue can be settled in the courtroom." he declared, and it took everything in me not to get up and leave; I just ate my meal silently.

"I don't think a court case is necessary, Alpha," Mya murmured, trying to make her voice sound meek; her were probably trying to look weak. "I only ask for your forgiveness. We." she said, reaching for Frieda's hand and squeezing it as if they shared the same pain. "...we ask for your forgiveness."

Father sighed, rubbing his temples. He was tired. I could tell from the bags under his eyes that he must have stayed up all night, thinking of ways he could have stopped Brandon from coming in between Friends and I. Whereas a lot of things were the cause. Father is still falling for their tricks; he's not as woke as I am now.

"And Alexia." Mya's gaze flickered to me, her lips pressing into a soft pout, her voice thick with false regret. "I know I have wronged you deeply. Frieda knows this too. We never meant to hurt you. Please, let us fix this."

Fix this? The audacity.

I set my utensils down carefully, wiping my lips before leaning back in my chair. "Fix this?" I repeated, tilting my head. "You want to fix this now that you have been caught? What exactly are you trying to fix, Mya? The deed has been done; Brandon is no longer worthy of being my mate, all thanks to Frieda."

Frieda flinched at my words, but Mya. Mya just swallowed hard, playing the martyr once again.

"She was foolish," Mya whispered, shaking her head. "Brandon.he manipulated Frieda. He used her emotions against her. He forced her into it, my daughter would never do anything to hurt her sister."

"Step-sister," I said, making sure to put that information out there.

"Alexei," Father called but I only rolled my eyes.

Mya released a new set of sobs."I should have guided her better."

I scoffed. "So now it's just Brandon's fault? How convenient. From the looks of things, Frieda was really into the moment; she looked not like someone who was being forced or manipulated. Right, Frieda?"

Father straightened in his chair. "Brandon is not here to defend himself," he reminded me. "But we will deal with him separately."

I crossed my arms. "Of course, he's not here; he's suffering the pain of betrayal; it's what people who tend to betray deserve. All of them."

"Enough, Alexia." father cut me off,his voice was firm. "You are angry, and you have every right to be, but I will not have this family torn apart further by holding onto bitterness."

Bitterness? I wanted to laugh. It was way more than just bitterness,it was plotting, murdering, cruelties. I badly wish I could tell you father,but now is not the time. It's dealing with these bitches and making the regret crossing paths with my family.

Mya and Frieda stayed silent, waiting for their moment to pounce, to say the right words that would win him over.

"I will think on this matter," Father finally said. "Until then, you both will remain here, and there will be no more talk of leaving."

I pushed back my chair, the scraping sound loud in the silence. "I have lost my appetite," I muttered, turning on my heel and walking out.

Let them stay,it's the only worst thing they can do now.