Chapter 7

Daphne's p o v

Little Kian was a bundle of energy, always on the move and eager to explore the world around him. Just after a year, his growth had rocketed. He was very agile and active and this brought joy to everyone's heart.

As he ran around with the other children, his laughter ringing out across the field, Rosie and Stephen watched with barely -concealed delight.

I bet they were already imagining how their child would take over the pack from me before leaving me useless. Kian, a strong and capable alpha who would lead them to greatness- a greatness that neither of them worked hard for except through deceits.

But all I did was watch with a more guarded expression pretending I didn't see their ambitious eyes or hear their mischievous whispers. Despite all if these, I loved Kian with all of my heart, even though I knew the truth -that he was not really mine, I could not do anything to infringe on his innocent. Not yet.

I still felt a sense of pride from the job I did in raising him, watching him play. He was going to grow into a fine young wolf, and I knew that one day I would make him the alpha of this pack. They would think they played me but I am playing them even more.

Meanwhile I was careful not to show too much affection concerning their deceits or else, Rosie and Stephen would see through my facade and realize that I knew their secret.

But despite my reservations, I could not help but bring it to Stephen's notice, the frequency of Rosie's presence in our quarters and how I wasn't comfortable with it any longer.

Rosie's frequent visits to my house raised too much suspicion from not just me but the maids. I could hear them gossiping about it. While Rosie claimed to simply enjoy spending time with Kian, I knew well enough that there was something more to it.

Kian seemed to enjoy Rosie's company too, often running up to her when she entered the house, holding her hand and showing her his toys. She had succeeded in creating a familiarity between them.

When she was here all she cared about what Kian. Carrying him up and down the house and playing with him until he racked his ribs in laughter. The kind of things I didn't have the time to do with him.

It was as if Rosie was trying to form a special bond with Kian, almost like a mother would do.

Maybe just do that Kian could grow up to recognize her as his mother while putting on a show and trying to appear as the doting family friend when really she had her agenda.

Stephen observed all this too but he could only care less. Sometimes, he and Rosie even engaged in long conversations even in my presence. They just had to be careful about the things they said in front of me. But sometimes, they couldn't control themselves from ending up intense long conversations about trivial matters.

She wasn't just resting to take my place as a mother but also as a wife while Kian would take my place as the alpha in a few years. I laughed but didn't hide the anger in it. I knew Stephen would say I am being paranoid but I was going to ask him a anyway.

"Stephen, I really am concerned about how often Rosie comes to visit. I feel like she's spending an excessive amount of time with Kian. It's becoming unhealthy."

Stephen shrugs no chalantly. "I don't see anything wrong or unhealthy with it. She is just being friendly and Kian enjoys her company, even you know it."

"Don't you think it is getting a little too much? We need a little privacy too."

"But she's helping you look after the our big a lot. Especially when you are busy with work. She is helping. And I don't see anything wrong with that."

I knew he would support her but I had not thought he would be so direct about it. He was literally telling me that I was wrong.

"You should be happy Kian has someone else to bond with. That way you can concentrate on running the pack"

Even though, he had acted like I was just overreacting, he spoke to Rosie about what I said because I noticed her visits bacame less frequent. Even though I knew it was just a matter of time befire she came crawling back into my house like a snake that she was.

On one particular morning, I was getting ready for a press conference and Kian was crying uncontrollably. He had been doing so since morning making it almost impossible for me to concentrate.

At that very moment, Rosie arrived. I knew I could not leave Kian like this because he was crying uncontrollably until Rosie took him up to console him.

"I'll take care of him," Rosie offered, taking Kian into her arms. "You can leave for your appointment."

"Are you sure?" I asked, hesitantly.

Stephen nodded reassuringly. "We can handle it, Daphne. You focus on your conference."

"Okay." I left for the conference, but not before giving detailed instructions to Stephen and Rosie on how to take care of Kian. I also made sure to leave her contact information and the number for Kian's pediatrician, in case of an emergency.

"Come on, he will be alright. Just get going before you're late." Stephan warned me in a caring tone.

Through out the meeting I couldn't keep my mind off Kian. He was in the heads of his real parents so I should not have anything to worry about but I still don't feel like Rosie could take care of him the way I did.

This was not the first time I left him in her care but not this long.

As soon as the meeting was over, I hurried back home eager to see my son again.

But when I get back home, I was left in surprise as I called at the door. "Hello! I'm back!" But there was no response.

Chapter 8

Daphne's p o v

The extent at which my heart raced was alarming to me myself. Had they changed plans and decided to run off when I keaset expected it? Perhaps was that why they were eagerly trying to convince me to leave Kian behind with them?

Fear gripped me as I frantically searched the house, my heart pounding behind my ribs.

Stephen and Rosie were nowhere to be found, and neither was Kian.

"Stephan! Stephen!" Panic set in and I dialed Stephen's number, only to be met with no answer. "Kian!"

My mind raced with possibilities -where could they have gone? Or maybe something had happened and they had to take Kian to safely. I tried to mind link with my mate but he wasn't giving me any access. What could be going on?

I walked down to meet the other werewolves around. "Perhaps have you seen Stephen anywhere with my baby?" I asked and they shook their heads in negative.

"Or with Rosie?"

"No, alpha!" They replied again.

My worry grew with each passing moment, and I felt like I was on the brink of a breakdown.

Since Stephan wasn't responding, I tried with Rosie and gladly she let me link with her.

"Rosie!, where is Kian?"

"Oh Kian? He is with me!" He says casually as if that was ok. She says it with the authority of a mother!

"Where are you?"

" Daphne ... " She must have detected the anger in my tone as her voice began to crack. "calm down. I am at the nearby central park."

As soon as she said so I didn't even let her finish. I guess my car keys sand hurried instantly. Driving back to the pack as quickly as I could.

When I reached the park, I saw her waving at me from under a shade.

She was in a short red gown hiding Kian in her arm. Seeing her alone sent a new surge of fury through me. When I reached her, she was already explaining. "Kian was getting fussy, so I thought a change of scenery would do him good ... "

I immediately get Kian out of her hands and check to make sure he is okay while he just mellows at my presence.

"I just brought him here so that ..."

"And you did not think you should have told told me?"

"I ... I thought ..."

"You thought what? " I snapped. "Do you know how worried sick I have been? Coming home to not finding him or anyone else? "

"It's just a harmless decision to take him out!"

I couldn't believe her audacity. She wasn't even remorseful any more.

"Why didn't you tell me? I've been worried sick thinking about all sort of things. Next time before you take my baby anywhere you have to ask for my permission!"

"Hey what's going on here?" I hear Stephen's voice form behind me and I turned to meet him.

"Daphne is angry with me for not informing her before bringing Kian here."

"Because that's what you should have done."

"Daphne! Kian is safe in Rosie's hands, you don't have to worry."

"And where were you?"

"I was at work. I called Rosie to ask about the baby that when she told me she is here so I acne to get she and Kian back home!"

Nothing he said made any of this seems right. They were both evil people plotting my downfall. How would he see anything wrong with it and for all I know he could be lying. I bet they were here together before. With my anger surging faster through me, I stormed out of their presence, holding Kian firmly, heading straight home.

I could hardly believe Stephen's nonchalant attitude, and the lack of remorse from Rosie. It only fueled my fury more!

My mind raced at the the mare thought of it all. I could not handle them around anymore even though to them I was the odd one among them.

But they still needed me around, didn't they? For my power.

Stephen and I remained indoor in silence with Kian cooing- the only sound that was audible.

Suddenly I caught a scent form behind the front door.

"Think of the devil and she is here." My wolf ranted inside me and almost immediately, a knock sounds on the door.

"I'll get it." Stephan says and git up.

When he opens the door my back is still tuned and I hear Rosie's voice. "Is alpha Daphne in?"

Of course she knew better than she was asking.

"Come in." Stephen said and I listened to her footsteps getting closer behind me.

"I am sorry about what happened earlier." She mumbled. "I should not have taken Kian without informing you." I was surprised by her sudden change of tone. Was it because Stephen was here now or perhaps they had planned it together?

"When you left, he was restless and , his cries were still persistent so I decided to just take him out to cheer him up. I honestly didn't think it would be a big deal, Daphne."

"I am not against you taking him out. I just think you should have told me so I'll be aware where he is."

"You were in the meeting so I didn't want to distract you. I have learned my lesson now and I'm sorry. I just love Kian so much and take him as my own son too." As she was speaking, Kian was even stretching his arms out to reach her. "I never meant to upset you or overstep my boundaries. I would not want to cause problems of any kind for you three."

"It's okay, Rosie." I said but I wasn't going to apologize for scolding her the way I do. Because she knew what she was doing. She and Stephan. This was their game to get me to trust them more. I knew it.

After saying all she had to say she left.

I didn't leave the place where I was standing. I reminded I the same speit and position until I heard Stephen coming closer to me.

"You see, Daphne, you were just over reacting. She meant no harm." I barely blinked as he spoke. "I knew you are concerned about our son's safety but you can't let it blind you to taking people as enemies."

He says bedew walking away. How funny these people are. Stephen and Rosie. They wanted to gaslight me into thinking I am the bad guy in this circle, whereas in fact, I was the victim?

When Kian marked his two year birthday, it dawned on me that it was time to carry out my plan. The one I have been plotting since the day I discovered I wasn't carrying my own child.

"When would you be back?" Rosie asked as she drew Kian into her arms.

"I already informed Stephan; it won't take me more than six months bedew I get back. In the mean time, I trust you'll take care of little Kian for me."

"Of course we would." Stephan say quickly and I lift my luggage from the floor. "I'll call you everyday." He leaned forward and kisses me kn the cheek.

"Alright darling. See you soon." I bade them good bye and as I headed to the airport, I almost laughed at their stupidity because they thought I was the stupid one.

But little did they know where I was going and what I was going to be cooking against them for the next six month.

Chapter 9

Stephen's p o v

There was no way I didn't notice the way my wife Daphne has been acting.

She was suddenly becking busier each day with the duties the pack bestowed on her but most of the calls she made concerning those were in my knowledge. But recently I noticed she has been having calls secretly.

I was always unable to hear what she was saying. Perhaps it could just have been something that had to do with work. But it still got me suspicious. Who knew what she was up to.

"Of course I do think there should be any risks that would spring from this." She was saying to someone on the phone while she was sitting on the bed and I outside peeping through the slightly opened door.

"I do not care how dangerous it is or if the chances of success is low. But I just have to try it and see if it works. I would do anything to make it work and I will not stop trying. Whatever it takes. I am desperate to see this work."

I know she is very enthusiastic and desperate when comes to affairs concerning the pack, but I did not want to think that she may not be having a plan.

"Of course. As long as you are ready for this then I am. Everything you need is on me. I will take care of all of the demanded expenses for the months and after. Thanks." I squint my eyes as i hear that the see her smiling. "Of course! You know the betterment of my pack is my first priority."

It is something that has to do with the pack anyway. Of course!

But I was not going to play ignorant still. I needed to keep my eyes open especially since I would not want an act of my negligence make me end up regretting. But then again I reminded myself that she was not smart enough to try out anything without my notice.

And all of a sudden she is going on a trip. It somewhat heightened my suspicion but there was no way I could figure what she was up to.

Or maybe I was just getting myself worried over nothing. Daphne may be the alpha but she has no ability to do anything smart. She is too nice to ever see what is going on around her.

I guess that's exactly why she hasn't noticed anything going between Rosie and I around her yet. How she could not see that she was rearing another woman's child.

As I sit on the sofa facing the hearth, Rosie comes to meet me.

She settles on the seat beside me and I stretch my arm around her shoulder while her head ests on my chest.

"How's Kian?"

"I just out him to sleep."

"Okay."

"Ahh, it feels so nice not having Daphne's around. These few days have been so free and peaceful. It is just like our perfect family of tree."

"Exactly. For the first time since Kian was born we can actually live like a real family."

"It is very obvious that she is the problem. Her presence is just so threatening. Even Kian doesn't feel comfortable with her as much as he is with me."

"Of course. You're his real mother. You understand him more than she does."

"That is quite the opposite. Daphne is doing everything in her fucking power just to see that, kina gets fund soft her by all means. Especially as she feels I am trying to draw him away from her. " She chuckles derisively. "Poor thing. If only she knew what we had in stall for her."

"Ni she doesn't. She trusts people too much. She isn't just smart don't you think? It irritates me."

"Yet you're still so soft with her." She scoffs.

"Me? How?"

"Of course. You are very soft with her. Condoning all of her annoying acts and all. You should show her that even if she is the alpha, you are her mate and still have the stance against her. But no. You always allow her to do whatever she wants and say whatever she wants. She is so annoying you know it "

"You know I have to be careful to hold this marriage as strongly as I can until Kian is old enough to become the alpha. If I don't do that and kel this family together, we may end up losing this battle all at once."

"Daphne doesn't see all of this! She thinks you are the greatest thing to have ever haole ed to her. You know you are her hero. Especially since you stick with her all those years while she still couldn't have a child." She chuckles ridiculously. "How pathetic really."

I join her in a quiet laugh. "She is just so predictable really. It pisses me. I can't wait to get rid of her. "

"Me neither. Sadly we just have to endure her until Kian is old enough to get her power for us. And by then we will be free to be the happy deserving family of three that we are meant to be."

"Exactly."

"It is going to be such a heavy blow for her when she finds out what we have been doing. That Kian is not his son. She is going to be utterly devastated."

"It will be her fault for not being smart enough."

"Exactly what I'm thinking."

Managing some of the affairs she entrusted me with while on leave made me enjoy some kind of authority and power. It made me imagine what it would be like when I was in power.

Having Rosie however and whenever I wanted without having to worry about Daphne was a wonderful feeling.

Sadly, the sweet life came to an abrupt end barely after five months.

I was waking up with Rosie in my arms when I suddenly heard the voices form some members of the pack outside.

"Welcome back alpha."

"It is a pleasure to see you again."

"Thank you all." Daphne's voice was heard and instantly, Rosie and I sprang off the bed.