Alpha's Cruel Addiction

"Alpha! You're back!"

"Welcome!"

Killorn glanced up just as they crossed a drawbridge. The bridge led to an enormous front yard lined with armed guards. Beyond that were two sets of metal gates, one that went straight down and another that went from left to right. They passed it straight through two sets of metal gates, but people were already greeting them.

"O-oh how pretty…"

Ophelia was left speechless at the luxurious mansion before her. There was enough golden decoration to put the sun to shame. Her eyes widened at the expansive estate of polished marble, columns, and glistening windows. When she walked through the gates, the serene sound of flowing water greeted her, for the fountain ran even amidst the frigid winter.

The only thing out of place was the barren gardens. Ophelia wondered why they didn't plant any flowers or trees, but she didn't dare to ask. She was too blinded by how grand his mansion was. The entire estate put even the empire's everwinding castle to shame.

At least a hundred people were lined up in the front, dressed in coordinated clothes of white, black, and navy blue.

"We humbly welcome you back, Alpha!" They all proudly greeted each other in unison, placed a hand on their right chest, and bowed deeply. The utmost sign of respect amongst their kind.

Suddenly, Killorn heard Ophelia's silent hiccup. He sharply turned to her, wondering what could be the issue.

"Alpha, you have returned to us."

"Our warriors have traveled far to return home. Ensure they're well-cared for, Cora," Killorn instructed the stern woman that came forward.

"Their rooms have already been cleaned, a feast is finished being cooked, the training centers are all sorted, and hot water for baths are being boiled as we speak, Alpha. Welcome back, we've been awaiting your return ever since your departure a few days ago to fetch our Luna," Cora said in a monotone voice.

Killorn nodded his head in approval. He dismounted off his horse, accompanied by Gerald and the rest of his men. Killorn felt Cora's pressing stare as he carried Ophelia to the ground.

"And the lady, my lord?" Cora asked in a dubious voice.

"Your madam is home." Killorn spoke loud and clear for everyone to hear. Quickly, people rushed forward with loud gasps, eager to greet and get a good look at her.

Killorn placed a hand on Ophelia's lowerback, his face frigid.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Madam. My name is Cora, I am the Head Housekeeper and at your ready assistance." Cora slid her hands in front of her stomach and bowed her head in greeting.

Since Cora was in charge, she planned on making the first introductions. The word "Madam'' caught her off-guard, her expression shifting slightly. Not… Luna?

Cora didn't dare to question why the wife of their Alpha was referred to as such, instead of the usual honorable name. All she had to do was take one look at the Madam to understand why. The woman was human… a curious one, but still.

"T-the pleasure i-is all m-mine," Ophelia stammered out. She resisted the urge to kick herself.

Cora's gaze sharpened at her words, infact, the servants glanced at each other in confusion.

"M-my name is Ophelia of House E-Eves." Ophelia wished she could dig a hole and bury herself in it. Her voice was barely above a whisper. The wind carried it far from here. She avoided everyone's glances.

"House Eves is a grand and honorable family, we will serve you to the best of our abilities, Madam," Cora stated, gesturing her hands to the servants.

"Welcome home, Luna!" They quickly greeted, bowing their heads with the same greeting as earlier, not realizing the emphasis their Alpha had placed on "Madam" earlier.

"Yes, welcome home, Madam!" The humans corrected with pleasure, their eyes shimmering almost in shock, for their race was usually at the bottom of the food chain.

Ophelia's throat tightened. She tucked her shaky hands together and avoided their curious glances. She tried her hardest to hide her eyes, the most. What a freak she must've appeared to them, with her unnatural purple eyes and stammer.

"Come, Ophelia," Killorn muttered. He took her hand and led her up the grand stairways.

Suddenly, a man greeted them at the foot of the staircase. Killorn paused, his expression turning rigid. He felt every fiber in his body twitch with familiarity. Tightening his grip on Ophelia, he pulled her behind him. He was no longer the inferior little boy at age 13 who scorned the royal family for their wealth. Now, he was a single man who possessed as much gold as them.

"Everest," Killorn coldly remarked.

Ophelia shivered at his tone, stealth and sharp as a dagger. She was reminded of his cruel nature.

"Killorn," Everest greeted with a coy and teasing smile. His gaze flickered to the little lady behind him, who was not stupid. She didn't foolishly peer over her husband's shoulders, because she was that short. Tiny as a little fairy, he mused, for her silver hair matched the rumors.

"What brings a great shining sun to our frigid north once again?" Killorn asked.

"A message," Everest responded. "From the King."

"Ah, the Second Prince has been reduced to a mere messenger again? I'm not surprised."

Ophelia froze. Her eyes widened and she scrambled to grab her skirts for a bow. This was the royal family they were talking about! Carefully, she smoothed out her dress, attempting to step out of her husband's shadows. Killorn squeezed her hand in warning to stay still.

Suddenly, Everest burst out laughing. "You and your jokes, Killorn."

"It's Alpha to you," a voice drawled from behind him. "Your Highness."

Ophelia's head snapped in that direction to see the lithe and lean Beetle strolling through the doors. At the sight of the royal member, Beetle placed a hand upon his heart, bowed, but his expression said it all. Beetle smirked to himself, almost amused that he had to greet in this manner.

"How could I have forgotten?" Everest remarked, his eyes twinkling. "The boy who entered the castle at age 13 has made a remarkable man out of himself within 2 years of murdering his father."

Killorn narrowed his gaze in warning. He felt Ophelia grip his tunic in confusion.

"And the lovely lady behind you?" Everest asked. "Will you finally introduce her to me?"

Killorn's conniving features turned ferocious. Even Everest's amiable smile slipped a bit, for the man held up his hands in defense.

"Don't look," Killorn warned when he felt Ophelia's curiosity to peer over his arms. "He's ugly."

"What?" Everest hissed. "No, I am not—"

"O-okay…" Ophelia mumbled.

"Little Lady, let me explain myself, I—"

"We'll talk in my office," Killorn snarled, flicking his hand to wave Cora over.

"Escort the Madam to our bedroom," Killorn stated, his words ringing in Everest's ears.

Cora came and guided Ophelia away from the tense atmosphere. The entire time, she didn't dare look at the man. Instead, she dipped in a subtle curtsy and excused herself. She hurried after Cora, who was eager to guide her upstairs. As she graced the marble flights, she felt a pressing star on her lower back, where her hair stopped. She peered over her shoulders, her heart stopping.

All three men were watching her. Killorn's gaze burned with indignation, Everest's red ones shimmered with amusement, and Beetle was the only respectful one. Catching her gaze, Beetle bowed his head elegantly, with no cheshire grin. Ophelia turned a corner, her silver strands flickering underneath the chandelier.

"Why are you here?" Killorn growled.

Ophelia stopped. She saw Cora continue down the hallways.

"You're supposed to come back to Helios once the war ends. We had a ceremony all lined up for you and your men."

"We don't need it," Killorn coldly stated. "Return to your golden cage. We have no business with you."

"Ah, but you do," Everest stated. "Especially after massacring an entire vampire family. You know the aristocrats are furious with you right? There is also a mysterious incident of an auction house burning down… does that ring a bell?"

Ophelia's heart skipped. They were here because of her—because Killorn had sacrificed himself. She could only imagine the thoughts running through the frigid vampire's heads.

Werewolves were defenders of the nation, made up of brawns and brute strength. Vampires were the wise men who used their brains to control high society and nobility. Together, they were a force to be reckoned with. Apart, they were the wildest beasts.

"What are you going to do?" Killorn mocked. "Kill me?"

Suddenly, Everest bursted out laughing. Without warning, he stepped up to the man, clapped him on the shoulders. Ophelia jumped at the loud noise and peered over the corner. There, she made eye contact with him. Her breath was caught in her throat.

Everest was effortlessly one of the most handsome men she had ever seen. Hair dripping sunlight gold, eyes shimmering as a field of wild poppies, skin the color of milk, this man was a heartstopper.

The problem was, Ophelia had seen him before, but where? She rattled her head for where it could be. Just when she realized where she saw him, her heart dropped.

Everest was there—at the auction house. He had bid 100 million gold coins for her.

"No," Everest spoke in the softest whisper. "I'm simply going to drag you back to the empire, old friend. You know my father, he's a finicky man. Instead of wanting you to protect your Dukedom to ensure the Empire is safe, he now wants you to visit us in the castle. Depart in a few days."

"You sure have a lot of nerves demanding this and that of me," Killorn warned.

Everest held up his hands in defense. "It is a werewolf's duty as warriors of the nation to protect us, but is a husband's oath to keep his wife safe. You said so yourself."

Killorn narrowed his eyes. "Use my wife against me again and I'll have your tongue served as a meal for your mother, the Queen."

Everest sardonically stepped back, suddenly feeling pain in his mouth. "This time, the King summons you for more than just a monster excursion. I was heading back after speaking to you last time, but a messenger bird came for me mid-journey, so I rushed here."

Killorn's brows shot up. For the second Prince to run here, what could it possibly be for?

"In just a few days, Alphas and Vampire Heads alike will gather and discuss the likeliness of your candidates as the Direct Descendant of the Moon Goddess. Your presence is required should you want to keep your property safe," Everest stated.

Killorn gritted his teeth. "What exactly do you want?"

Everest raised his head. "Delegations from across the country will be there. People have already begun to make a list of likely candidates, but there has been far too much controversy across the world. Besides the monsters that have been showing up more frequently, we might have a war on our hands."

Killlorn tensed. "A war for who?"

Everest bitterly spat out. "Acquiring the Direct Descendant."