Alpha's Regret After She Kneels novel Chapter 35

Chapter 35

(Raiden’s POV)

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The early morning sun is bright and piercing, its golden rays cutting sharply through the lingering mist of dawn.

I stride purposefully toward the arena grounds, the tension of today’s competition already crackling through me. My wolf prowls restlessly beneath my skin, alert and agitated by the constant hum of anticipation.

Packs gather in clusters, murmured conversations buzzing with excitement and nervousness about the territory defense simulation.

As I step into the briefing area, my breath catches sharply, a wave of unexpected emotions washing over me.

Siena stands there already, her slender figure bathed in the soft, golden morning light, deep in quiet discussion with her newly appointed beta–Rairity.

She did not consult me on this. The news reached me through Zion.

Of all who might bring me news of my Luna–my best friend.

Or betrayer? It remained to be seen.

My heart clenches painfully in my chest at the sight.

Another wolf stands beside her now, occupying the position that rightfully belongs to me–a position I surrendered yet still feel fiercely possessive of.

Horace snarls bitterly within me, furious at my own stubborn pride, at my inability to reclaim what was always ours.

I clench my fists tightly, forcing down the surge of possessiveness and bitter regret that threatens to overwhelm me. Keeping my expression carefully even, I approach them with deliberately casual strides, doing my best to mask my turmoil behind practiced confidence.

“I see Windhowl finally has a beta,” I comment lightly, allowing my gaze to sweep dismissively over Rairity. She wears simple attire, practical and unadorned–nothing like the expensive finery my own pack members favor.

My wolf bristles internally at the unfairness of my judgment. He knows as well as I do that loyalty isn’t measured by wealth or elegance, yet admitting that truth is a step too far for my bruised pride.

Rarity was the best choice, the smartest choice.

Siena meets my eyes.

Unflinching, standing straighter than I remember, a quiet regality radiating from every line of her body.

Something has changed in her–the timid, fragile Luna I once knew replaced by someone quietly confident, someone resilient and unyielding.

The realization unsettles me deeply. Her newfound strength is both captivating and infuriating, a painful reminder of the distance between us.

“Yes,” she replies softly, her voice steady and unwavering. “Rairity has proven her loyalty repeatedly.”

More than you ever have or ever will.

The unspoken accusation hangs between us, heavy and suffocating.

Chapter 35

My wolf snarls defensively, guilt tearing at my heart.

I ache to defend myself, to explain the hurt and betrayal that drove us apart.

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I want to tell her about the damning evidence I discovered years ago–evidence that shattered my trust and drove a painful wedge between us. But pride keeps my tongue frozen, unwilling to reveal the wounds buried deep within.

Before I can respond, Lila appears at my side, a delicate hand slipping possessively through my arm. Her expensive perfume swirls around me in an overwhelming cloud, cloying and suffocating. “Alpha King” she murmurs sweetly, her voice soft yet somehow grating, “the judges are asking for you.”

Her eyes flick dismissively toward Siena and Rairity, a smug satisfaction evident in her posture.

My muscles tense involuntarily, irritation prickling beneath my careful composure.

“She should remember her place Raiden. Seina is her Luna,” My wolf growls bitterly, resenting her intrusion, resenting the possessiveness she demonstrates in front of Siena.

But I show none of this outwardly. Instead, I offer Siena a curt nod, allowing Lila to pull me away.

As I turn my back, an uncomfortable sensation prickles along my spine. Glancing over my shoulder, I catch sight of Zion watching Siena from across the room, admiration clearly etched in his expression.

What is he playing at?

A sharp stab of jealousy pierces my chest, so intense and unexpected I nearly stumble.

Fury surges through me, surprising and irrational.

I am the Alpha King!

“Who tossed aside his Luna Quenen for common trash,” Horace snarls furiously, “You must assert your dominance as leader -he cannot swoon over that which is ours!”

Yet I suppress the urge ruthlessly, forcing myself to continue moving forward, refusing to acknowledge the irrational possessiveness clawing at my heart.

“I will do no such thing, and you will conrol yourself!”

Lila leads me confidently into the judges‘ tent, her eyes glittering with triumph. I disengage from her grasp quickly, feeling strangely trapped, the walls of the tent suddenly too, close, too confining. She frowns slightly, sensing my withdrawal, but wisely refrains from commenting.

Let me breathe.

The other judges are already assembled, murmuring quietly as I take my seat at the head table. I busy myself with the competition rules spread out before me, desperate to distract myself from the turmoil raging within me.

Horace continues pacing restlessly beneath my skin, agitated by Siena’s closeness, by Zion’s evident interest in her.

As I skim over the rules for the territory defense simulation, a sudden thought occurs to me. Windhowl’s warriors–many of them wounded veterans–will face significant disadvantages in this event.

My heart tightens slightly, a pang of unexpected protectiveness flaring within me. Without fully considering my actions, I reach for a pen, adding amendments to the rule sheet–special protections specifically designed for disabled veterans—to ensure fairness in the upcoming competition.

Lila peers over my shoulder curiously, her brow furrowing in confusion. “Why the sudden additions?” she questions lightly, though something in her tone grates against my nerves.

Chapter 35

“It’s simply fair play,” I snap abruptly, irritation flaring instantly,

The other judges glance up at me sharply, surprised by my sudden harshness.

I rein my temper in quickly, forcing a mask of calm authority back into place. “We need to ensure all packs have equinable opportunities to demonstrate their strengths. It’s nothing more than that.”

Lila shrinks back slightly, clearly startled by my sharp response. I feel a brief pang of guilt at her wounded expression but quickly push it aside.

This is state business, and I am the Alpha–non–negotiable. I will be feared; I will be respected

Horace rumbles approvingly, satisfied by this small, subtle act of protection toward Siena, even if I refuse to admit its deeper meaning to myself.

As the morning progresses, the competitors gather, anticipation thickening the air. My eyes are drawn irresistibly toward Siena again, watching as she speaks quietly to her warriors, pride, and loyalty evident in their attentive expressions.

My chest aches bitterly, longing and regret mingling painfully inside me. Once, those warriors might have been mine to lead alongside her, unified by our shared bond. But pride and mistrust have left me isolated, watching from the outside

Get control over yourself.

Zion approaches her again; his stance relaxed yet confident, clearly comfortable in her presence.

Do not touch her.

My jaw tightens painfully, jealousy clawing viciously through my chest.

Horace snarls furiously, demanding action. “And still you say nothing, do nothing, or Great Alpha King?

I remain still, frozen by pride and bitterness, unwilling to reveal the vulnerable emotions roiling inside me.

The simulation begins moments later, packs racing into action, strategies unfolding rapidly.