Betrayed by Blood, Claimed by the Alpha-Chapter 74

Betrayed by Blood

The evening air was chilly, the kind of chill that made your insides shiver, knowing it was about to rain. Matt stood by the table, the summon from the king in his hands. He hummed softly as he placed the summon back on the table, his gaze flickering out the window.

"When do you leave?" His mother’s voice boomed behind him.

Matt didn’t bother turning, his lips curling into a faint smirk. "Tomorrow at first light."

His mother stepped into the room, the sound of her heels clicking softly against the floor. She stopped beside him, her gaze settling on the letter.

"Do you think you’ll be able to pull it off?" she asked, arching a brow.

Matt chuckled, turning to look at her. "Of course, mother. King Alaric’s hatred for Cain does half the work for me. All I need to do is fan the flames," he replied confidently.

She hummed, thinking back to how it had been back in Vehiron. King Alaric had shown clear disdain towards Cain. Matt stepped closer to her, draping his hands over her arm. "Don’t think too much about it, Mother. This is just the beginning of Cain’s downfall. He has no idea what’s coming for him."

Victoria shook her head. "How are you so sure that he’s losing something? What if the king summoned him for some other reason? What if he plans to empower him even more?"

It was impossible. Matt had ears everywhere, even in the kingdom pack. It was important that Cain would be empowered instead.

"A little birdie told me King Alaric and the council have been having too many meetings in the pack. Cain’s name has come up too many times now. They’ve argued over Vehiron and Cain’s ruling of the pack. I’m more than certain his summon isn’t to empower him but to strip him of power," he replied, thinking back to what Martha had told him in her message. Cain got the summon and would be leaving the next day. He knew already that Cain’s downfall was near.

Victoria hummed and nodded. "And Xander? I see you’ve been paying him visits regularly. Is he still proving stubborn?" she asked.

Matt stepped towards the window, sighing wistfully. "He’s more thick-headed than I thought. He refuses to give up Cain or join forces with him. He thinks he’s some self-righteous man whose morals transcend all. He wanted me to save him from that crappy dungeon, but this is what he pays me with? Such a fool," he gritted out irritably.

"Do you think he’s realized you’re behind his downfall? That you’re the reason why he is currently where he is?"

At this, Matt chuckled. "He’s completely in the dark. Xander thinks Cain’s actions were unprovoked, that it was sheer brutality. He doesn’t realize that his drink that night was laced and that I planned every move. That I sent those assassins and planted the evidence on him. He thinks he’s being terribly wronged by Cain instead. After everything, one would think a man like him wouldn’t waste a second before joining me, after all, he’s lost one arm to Cain. He should be furious for revenge against the man, but it’s okay, time is all I need, and I’ll have him completely under my control."

Victoria’s lips curled. "You’re confident, but Xander was Cain’s right hand. Don’t underestimate him. A desperate man is dangerous."

Matt scoffed, turning toward her with a sneer. "Dangerous? Xander is nothing but a pathetic lapdog who got kicked to the curb. He spent his life kissing Cain’s boots, and now look at him—crippled, broken, and at my mercy. He’s lucky I even bother speaking to him."

Victoria raised a brow. "And yet, he still refuses to do what you want."

"Because he’s an idiot. He clings to some stupid sense of loyalty, like it’s going to save him. He doesn’t even realize that I’m the one who pulled the strings to put him in that cell. The drink, the fight, Cain’s rage—I planned it all. He’s clueless. When he finally snaps, it’ll be Cain he blames, not me."

Victoria stepped closer, her gaze sharp. "And what if he figures it out? Men like Xander don’t stay in the dark forever."

Matt chuckled, his tone dripping with disdain. "Let him figure it out. By the time he does, it’ll be too late."

________________________________________

The next day, Matt set out as early as possible. The crisp morning air bit at his skin as he traveled swiftly, eager to reach the king’s palace before the day fully began.

By mid-morning, the gates of the king’s estate were before him. Guards accustomed to receiving the king’s usual visitors were momentarily taken aback at Matt’s arrival.

"Announce Alpha Matt, son of Victoria," one of the guards called. In minutes, he was allowed to pass through the gates. Matt was escorted through the halls, the walls echoing with the sound of his boots.

As he stepped into the throne room, the heavy doors groaned and closed behind him. King Alaric sat on his throne, his gaze narrowing.

"Mattias," the king began, "What do I owe the pleasure of your visit today? I wasn’t expecting you so soon."

"Your Majesty, I come bearing gifts, as any good servant would. I received your summons, and as always, I’m at your service."

King Alaric’s lips curled into a thin, amused smile. "Gifts, you say? I’m intrigued. Come, come closer."

With a small nod, Matt approached, and as he did, he gestured to the men who followed him into the room, carrying a line of rich fabrics, exotic spices, and finely crafted weapons. The gifts were extravagant—designed to catch the king’s eye. He had his mother get it all the second he got the summon, and with the interested glint in the king’s eye, he knew it was a job well done.

Alaric’s eyes glimmered as he observed the gifts, his fingers tapping on the arm of his throne. "These are... impressive," he mused, examining the gleaming blade of a particularly exquisite sword. "You always know how to impress, Matt." He paused, then added with a knowing smile, "I’ve always held you in high esteem. Especially after your brother’s death."

Matt’s smile wavered just a bit. "Thank you, Your Majesty. The loss of my brother... well, it was a sacrifice, but it has brought us closer. I am at your service, as always."

The king looked at him thoughtfully, then gestured toward the door. "Let’s take a walk, shall we? I’ve always found these things go better with a bit of fresh air."

Matt followed the king through the grand hallways and into the royal gardens. The place was large and equally beautiful. Matt opened his mouth to speak, only to be stopped by the king’s voice. "I do hold you in high regard, Matt. Perhaps more than I do most others."

"I’m very honored, my king."

"So, what is the reason for your early visit today? The summon stated the time. It isn’t until noon."

Matt’s lips curved into a smirk. "Forgive me, my king. I thought it would be better to speak to you without the crowd."

Alaric nodded thoughtfully. "You may speak."

"It’s about Alpha Cain," he started, earning the king’s attention.

The king’s steps slowed, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. "Cain, always the thorn in my side. A brute who thinks himself untouchable. What did he do this time?"

Matt’s smirk deepened, grabbing the opportunity. "Your Majesty, five ally packs have reached out to me. Alpha Cain’s rule terrorizes them. His arrogance has reached a tipping point. The packs are restless,

especially after what happened to his head warrior, Xander."

Alaric shook his head. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. The poor young man who had his arm ripped so brutally," he mused, remembering the piercing screams of the man.

"Precisely, Your Majesty. His animalistic brutality toward Xander—his most loyal warrior—was the final straw. The image of Cain as a leader is fast crumbling. The people are scared of him. They hate him, and hatred only breeds rebellion."

Alaric’s expression darkened, his fists clenching at his sides. This was what he was afraid of. He’d seen this coming a mile away, but the council was so strong-headed about Cain. The man was entirely out of grasp and reality. After what he did to Xander, his warrior, none of them could look away anymore. "The council and I have discussed Cain at length. That man is a liability I can no longer ignore."

Matt’s brows rose in feigned surprise. "You’ve spoken of this already?"

The king nodded. "Indeed. In fact, the decision has been made. Cain is to be stripped of his title as the Alpha Sovereign."

The title of Alpha Sovereign was bestowed upon Cain the day his pack surpassed the threshold set for any pack in the region, rising to become the strongest and wealthiest among them.

Matt’s smirk widened. "And who, may I ask, will take his place?"

Alaric chuckled, his eyes glimmering with greed. "That remains to be seen. But whoever it is must be capable, loyal... and someone I can trust." He paused, his gaze lingering on Matt.

Matt bowed his head, hiding the triumphant glint in his eyes. "I live only to serve, Your Majesty."

The king smiled, nodding his head, he patted Matt on the shoulder. Just as they turned to continue walking, a guard rushes up to them, bowing.

"Your Majesty, Alpha Cain has arrived."