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.

Chapter 10

Daphne's p o v

Coming back to my home after almost six months sent a pang of nostalgia through me. It felt as if I had been gone for six years but hadn't forgotten what it felt like to be here.

I returned home to a warm welcome from the pack. Although I was always in touch with my beta, I had missed the company of everyone else and was excited to be back.

As typical of me, I made sure to step into the pack house in a fashionable outfit, a cream coloured fitted dress that stopped at my shin including a red chic hat that added a touch of elegance to my ensemble and matching my shoes and mini hand bag.

"Welcome back, alpha." They greeted me.

"It is so pleasant to see you again."

"The alpha is back and she is as beautiful as ever."

"Thank you all so much. I am more excited to see you all healthy and happy." I chummed with sincere satisfaction.

I could not help but feel overwhelmed with joy at being reunited with my loved ones, and I was pleased to have missed all the events that took place while away. I mean the usual drama between my mate and his mistress. I was glad I missed it all.

I walked into the room, my hat perched jauntily on my head. I knocked at the door once and he I heard Stephen's voice, I pushed the door open and walked in.

I was not surprised to see Rosie and Stephen together. While Stephen was lying on the bed with his legs crossed on top of the other, Rosie was standing near the vanity set hosing some of kian's clothes in her hands.

Their gazes were fixed on me as I walked in.

"Daphne, welcome back!" Stephen exclaimed, his face lighting up with a smile.

"Welcome beck, Daphne."

"Thanks," I said glancing warily at Rosie. "I did not know you were in here, I checked at downstairs but didn't see you?" I say glinting with a pretentious smile.

"Oh, Rosie was just helping with Kian's laundry," Stephen explained. "We're getting ready for his bath."

"I thought I would find some of his shirt here since he has been spending a lot of time with his daddy." She chuckled.

All I did was nod satisfied at how much they thought I was buying their cheap story.

"Welcome." Stephen draws nearer and drops a brief peck on my lips before pulling me into a tight hug.

Noticing Rosie's uneasy expression behind Stephen, Daphne decided to break the tension by extending a polite greeting after Stephen pulled away from me.

"Hey Rosie," I called with a tone friendly and sweet hit guarded. "How have you been?"

Rosie seemed to relax slightly, and she gave me a small smile. "I'm well, thank you. It's good to have you back."

"Thank you so much for taking care of Kian for me. Even though I haven't seen him yet, I know he was in good hands. Plus seeing you here now is just a proof of hie hard you have been working."

"Oh, she has been doing an awfully great work. I mean she does it all. I would not have been able to do half of what she is doing if she weren't here." Stephen added and I pulled his cheek.

"You lazy man!" I laughed bedew turning back to Rosie.

"It is nothing, Daphne. You don't have to thank me. I see it as though I were taking care of my own kid. Not to mention, Kian is such a sweet boy. I couldn't get tired of helping him."

"How sweet." I nodded, still studying Rosie's face. There was something off about the way she was holding the laundry- almost as if she was trying to hide something.

But before Daphne could hold her with my gaze, Kian came barreling into the room, his face lit up with excitement the moment he sees me.

"Mommy!" he exclaimed, throwing his arms around my legs. "You're home!"

My heart loosened at the sight of my son and I momentarily forgot about Rosie and her suspicions. I lifted him into my arms and hugged him tightly, grateful to be back home with him.

By the time I placed him down on his feet, Rosie had sneaked out of the room while I was distracted.

"How have you been, my baby boy? I hope you have been doing really well."

"He's mummy, I drew a wolf!"

"Is that so?" I laughed, while hosing his had and leading him to where my bag is so I could bring out the toys and chocolate that I had bought for him.

"How come you did not tell me you were coming today."

Still squatting beside my baggage, I turned to see him. "You know I normally don't do that. I always like surprising you with my visits. Or don't you enjoy those surprises any more?"

"It is just that you said you would be back in six months it is not six months yet."

"But it is five months and two weeks. Are you not happy to see me?"

"Of course I am happy to see you. You know, it's just that, I am worried that you rushed. I want to be sure that you had taken care of your business properly before coming. I wouldn't want you to leave your business unfinished because of us."

"You all are more important to me than any business. And besides I was missing my son so dearly. But do not worry. I finished my business really well."

I stand up and head towards the bathroom. "I am tired I need to take a shower."

* * * * * *

Later when it was getting dark into the night, I wrapped my night robe around my body and strolled out of the pack house.

I stood on top of the small bridge over a slow and almost stagnant river when my beta Mike walked up to meet me.

"Welcome alpha."

"How have you been, Mike?"

"I have been well. How was your trip?"

"It was tiring but somehow I made it through."

"You should be in resting."

"I'll do that Mike, let me just have the parcel first."

He hands me and envelope. "Thanks, Mike."

He was turning to leave when he suddenly hesitates on his next step.

"Is there a problem, Mike?"

"I think there is something I should tell you, alpha. I am sure you must have noticed it but decided to ignore."

"What is it, Mike?"

"It is about that acquaintance of yours, Rosie."

My eyebrows curved with interest. "I think you ought to put a limit to how close she is with your family. While you were gone, her presence in your place seemed a bit suspicious to me."

"Was she always with my husband?"

He hesitated before speaking. "Yes, alpha."

I remained silent for a while before looking up at Mike.

"Thank you for this observation, Mike but perhaps it would interest you to know that I was already aware if their sneaky movements long before I traveled."

"Do you want me to get Rosie far away from your family?"

"No ... That won't be necessary. There's just something you would do for me."

"What is it? "

"Keep an eye on them for me."

"Of course."

He said and walked on. As soon as he left. I opened the parcel which contained a hand- written letter.

After reading it, I folded it back and took out the picture that was attached to it. I sneered with interest as I glared at the person's photo.

After tucking the photo into my pocket, I tore the letter into pieces and allowed it to drop over the bridge. After which I watched the pieces of paper flow along with the current.