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.