Hiding the Alpha’s Heir

A week before the celebration of Sander’s seventh birthday, Desmond had finally revealed his plan for it.

He showed me the dress that I had to wear which made my jaw drop upon seeing it. “This… This is the one Niscia and I made…” I said, shocked.

The dress was an ash grey ball gown suitable for a party. It has a U-shaped neckline with sleeves that reach the elbow. They were made with ash grey satin while the front was made of laces and some intricate designs.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

And this was partnered with a fancy ash grey hat with a see-through brim.

I was certain that this was the dress Niscia and I made.

“Indeed. This is why I asked your former boss that I wished to make a dress which is suitable for someone.” He nodded. Then his eyes settled on me with so much longing. “That someone is you, Seraphina.”

I felt my stomach somersault at his statement. My wolf was even squirming at that moment, especially since I got to know that the catering service that would serve the guests was the establishment where Desmond and I made food tasting.

“And the tuxedo I personally made is the one you are going to wear, correct?” I diverted the topic right away.

If I didn’t change it, Desmond would make an excuse of spouting some sugar coated words to make my heart feel troubled again. He was good at that.

“Yes, that is correct.” Desmond fished out his pocket watch. “For Sander’s clothes for his birthday, his suit was made by the head chief of the seamstresses in the royal palace. It is a gift by Alpha King Azarius as soon as he knows that we have Sander.”

“I see. That was reasonable.”

Alpha King Azarius was really hospitable to the people who served him well. He might be a goofy, bubbly young man who was older than Desmond. But he was a very cunning one.

When I personally met him, I knew by then that Alpha King Azarius was a frightening one. He was kind and benevolent but a very cruel one when he was unhappy and displeased at the urgent responses he was asking.

Even Desmond, who was a tyrant, knew how to bow and acknowledge Alpha King Azarius’ strength. He could never disobey him.

What was dangerous as well was meeting His Majesty’s younger brothers named Crown Prince Alucard, Prince Alistair and Prince Alejandro, who were known as the Twin Garnets, playing cupids to every werewolf here, and lastly, Prince Atticus.

His Majesty’s brothers were not on par with him because Alpha King Azarius was the smartest, sharp, sage, and could be a tyrant and cruel one if he wanted to.

“Mama? Papa?”

Desmond and I turned our heads when Sander entered Desmond’s study room. Although I did not wish to come here to this room because it reminded me of the past, I still had to come here for some important talks.

“Yes, son? Is there something wrong?” Desmond asked as he brought our son to his arm.

Sander exchanged his glance between us. “Are you two arguing again?” He was becoming warier about Desmond and I’s behavior ever since that day. It was like he was making himself a mediator in case Desmond and I clashed again.

“No, we aren’t.” I was the one who answered his question.

After we made a commotion and we became the talk of the whole pack on that day, it really caused a disturbance for Sander as well.

He was affected by our fight as… Sander witnessed it again and was unhappy since then. Desmond and I ended up having an agreement that we would remain civilized while the process of divorcing our marriage was on the way.

We also made an agreement that we would discuss it with Sander as soon as he reached seven years old. Perhaps, we would tell him a few days after his birthday. It might break his heart but I really need peace of mind since I couldn’t find myself loving my mate again.

I couldn’t find myself bestowing Desmond a chance to fix it again. I was already traumatized. I felt like if I allowed him to enter my life again, he would hurt me for the third time.

My heart couldn’t handle that. If I allowed myself to open up again, it was as if I was holding a double-edged sword.

“Then, why do you two look like arguing?”

Desmond chuckled. “No, no, son. We are only discussing your birthday this coming week. I also have to bestow the dress she needs to wear.”

“How about mine, Papa? Do I also have something new to wear to my birthday party?” he asked.

“Of course, son.” Desmond grinned and glanced at me. “Right, Mama?”

Ah, my heart was pounding wildly again whenever he addressed me. “Indeed.” I distracted my heart by gently pinching his cheek. “Be at ease, little man. Papa has set everything.”

On the day of his birthday celebration, Desmond and I decided to wake him up together with a birthday cake in his hand.

“After the celebration party, come to my chamber, Seraphina,” he said as we were on our way to Sander’s chamber.

I looked at him, shocked when he said that. But instead, I nodded. Ah, yes. I almost forgot that I still had to make a service to him in his bed.

I shouldn’t be surprised because I had been going to his chamber ever since we arrived here. No matter if we made a ruckus, I still offered myself as… Desmond’s play toy.

“Not the other way around,” he said. His tone sounded fathomless. “It’s… our divorce papers. I need you to sign them later.”

“Shouldn’t I do it in your study room?”

“You feel uncomfortable every time you are going there. And I understand why.”

I remained silent. I thought he was not fully aware of it.

When I glanced at him, there was a melancholy smile on his lips. It felt like he was already a heartbroken one. I bit my lower lip as I looked away.

Why did it pain me so much seeing him in that state?

I opened the door to see Sander, who was still asleep. Usually, he would get up at this time but he slept so late because all of us played inside his chamber that night. But most of the time, Desmond taught him how to play chess which I couldn’t find myself understanding how to play.

Even so, they looked wonderful looking at them so earnestly. Sander easily picked his teaching in one play. But Desmond continued teaching him how to use techniques to defeat his opponent.

I sat beside Sander’s sleeping state. “Sweetheart, happy birthday…” I greeted him in a sing-song voice, waking him up by caressing his cheek.

“Happy birthday, son,” Desmond greeted as well.

Sander gradually peeled his eyes open. He rubbed his eyes before his jaw dropped seeing the cake Desmond was holding.

“Happy birthday, Sander!” Desmond and I were somehow surprised because we talked in unison.

“Wow! Is that cake for me, Mama, Papa?” He got up and jumped in his bed excitedly.

“Yes. Make a wish and blow the candle, son.”

He giggled and clasped his hands together. He even closed his eyes. “I hope Mama and Papa will be together again so we can be happy forever and ever.” My eyes widened at his wish before he opened his eyes, looking at our shocking faces. “That is my wish for my birthday. I will even say it again for the party later, Mama, Papa.” He blew the candle and left us stunned there as he went to the bathroom.

We were astonished when we returned to the dining hall. Neither of us was speaking after that. We exchanged glances but I was the one who looked away.

Desmond and I avoided each other at that moment. Or perhaps, I was the one who avoided him because of what happened.

I distracted myself as I helped others to prepare for the celebration of Sander’s birthday. Everyone would be here, including nobles from other packs. This was Desmond’s preparation to let everyone know that he had an heir to inherit his Alpha position and his marquis title of Blackmont.

Later that night, the Verlice mansion was filled with guests. I was bound to entertain and greet them.

Some of them were surprised to see me back. They were not expecting that Desmond and I were still together.

But we weren’t.

Sander was very happy on his special day seeing that he received tons of gifts. He even got a chance to play with the nobles’ kids.

“Thank you for coming to my son’s birthday. We are very thrilled to have you all here,” Desmond said as he grabbed our attention by colliding the fork with the champagne glass. “My firstborn child, Sander Verlice, turns seven today. I am pleased that my son is happy on his special day.” He glanced at Sander who was smiling from ear to ear when an eight-layer cake was in front of him. He was in his father’s arms while his eyes were focused on the cake.

I could tell that he was excited to taste it. He could no longer wait but he halted when he glanced in my direction as I shook my head.

“With my wife and my mate, Seraphina, Sander, we wish you a happy life.” He nodded at me, waiting for me to say something to our son.

I raised my glass, ignoring how my react flipped when he addressed me that. “To my son, may you grow up into a fine, respectable man. May you grow up reaching your dreams.” I smiled at Sander. “Happy birthday, little man!”