Alpha's Regret After She Kneels novel Chapter 4

(Siena's POV)

The silence stretches, thick with unspoken fears.

Every pair of eyes follows me, disbelief clear in their widened gazes. I don’t blame them. Siena—the lovesick fool, the Luna who sacrificed everything for a man who never truly cared—has she finally come to her senses?

She has.

Spine straight, I don’t waver. “Rairity, assemble the council. We need to meet.”

“Siena.” She hesitates. “Are you sure this is the right move? For you—for all of us?”

“I will take over as acting Alpha.”

A murmur ripples through the chamber.

The door swings open with force, and Rickard strides in, his presence heavy as a thundercloud. My father’s Beta—loyal, disciplined, unyielding. His gaze lands on me, and I see it—the flicker of unease, the silent dissent.

“As you see fit,” he says finally. “But may I advise we move quickly? Your father’s funeral arrangements…”

“A small ceremony. In a few days,” I reply, my voice steady despite the grief clawing at my chest. Push it down, Siena. Not now. Not in front of them.

The pack watches, uncertain. They’ve never seen this side of me—but they must learn to accept this Alpha.

“Until the ceremony, we keep my father’s passing quiet from the outland packs. Any perceived weakness could be exploited.”

Rairity nods, but her silence speaks volumes. We’re thinking the same thing.

Rogues.

“That’s enough. We need to move,” she orders sharply. The room empties, save for Rickard. He doesn’t move, his stance unyielding.

“You have something to say, Rickard?” I ask, folding my arms, mirroring him.

A muscle jumps in his jaw, but still, he stays silent.

Rairity exhales in frustration. “Oh, for the goddess’ sake, just spit it out! You don’t think she can do it, do you?”

His eyes meet mine. “I served your father for many years, Siena. I respected him. And I respected that he never forced you into leadership.”

Lifting my chin, I mask my sorrow. “Maybe he should have.”

Rickard studies me. “Your father, Zeno, wanted nothing more than your happiness.”

My chest tightens. “Mistakes were made,” I admit. “I was a fool who thought happiness meant being someone’s wife instead of leading my pack. I won’t make that mistake again.”

“This isn’t just about taking his title. Windhowl is drowning in debt. We’re vulnerable. If the wrong ears hear of this too soon—”

“We need resources. Allies.” I cut in. “I have a plan for that.”

Both of them listen, intrigued.

“The Summit of Alpha, that's our last chance.”

Rickard’s brows furrow. “The hosting rights?”

“Yes,” Rairity confirms, handing me a schedule. “If we win, we gain financial support, connections, and influence—everything we need to survive.”

Rickard’s expression is unreadable. “You know who else is competing?”

I don’t need to ask. I already know.

“Raiden.” His name is bitter on my tongue.

Rickard watches me closely, expecting hesitation. He will not find it here.

“I don’t care if Silverfang is competing. Windhowl needs this, and I’m not backing down.”

Rairity hums in approval. “No, you’re not.”

Rickard considers for a moment before nodding. “Then we’d better start preparing.”

***

(Raiden's POV)

The pack house is dimly lit when I step inside. It’s quiet, which suite me fine, the exhaustion clinging to me like a dampened, soggy second skin.

Another day filled with meetings, negotiations, responsibilities I shoulder without question.

Rolling my neck, I glance the grand halls. There is not a soul to be found.

Something feels off.

AT first, I can’t place it. But, as I move deeper into the house, a nagging sensation grows stronger.

Then, I relaize it. The scent of fresh flowers is missing from the foyer. The usual warmth of candle light in my study is all but dead—, inside only blackness, as if it belongs to no one, let alone the Alpha King.

The faint hum of carefully selected music no longer drifts through the air.