Ryker's eyes widened in disbelief. "How...how are you here, Talia?"
I stood tall, my voice firm. "I'm the alpha of this pack."
Ryker's expression transformed from shock to incredulity. "But...the alpha of this pack is Natasha Ravenswood and she's wolfless..."
I smiled wryly. "My full name is Natasha Talia Ravenswood."
Ryker's face paled, his eyes searching mine as if seeking answers.
Silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken questions.
Kael shifted uncomfortably, sensing the tension. "Talia, what's going on?"
I ignored Kael for now, focusing on Ryker. "Why, Ryker? Why did you do this?"
Ryker's smile sent shivers down my spine. "Power, Talia. I wanted power."
My world tilted.
Betrayal stung.
I thought our bond was stronger, how could he be such a person?
"How could you?" I whispered, pain etching my voice.
Ryker's smile grew wider. "You'd be surprised what one will do for power."
Kael stepped forward, anger flashing in his eyes. "You used us."
Ryker's gaze flicked to Kael. "Means to an end."
My pack growled.
Ryker's eyes never left mine.
"What now, Talia?" Ryker asked.
Fury boiling, I declared, "You'll pay for your betrayal, Ryker."
As I turned to leave, Ryker lunged, knife flashing.
I tried to dodge, but he struck true.
My arm screamed in agony.
Blood gushed.
I fell.
Ryker descended, knife raised.
I closed my eyes.
Ready to die.
Protecting my pack was all that mattered.
But instead of pain, I heard a faint cry.
"NOOO!"
I opened my eyes.
Lord Ravenswood, my father, stood before me.
The knife pierced his heart.
Time froze.
My father's weak form crumpled.
Ryker's eyes widened.
"NO!" I screamed.
Kael rushed forward.
"Father!" I wailed.
My pack erupted into chaos.
Ryker stumbled back.
Horror etched on his face.
My father's gaze met mine.
"Talia...forgive me," he whispered.
Tears streamed down my face.
"For what, Father?" I begged.
"For everything...for rejecting you...for not being strong enough...for letting you down."
His voice faltered.
"Maybe...this will be enough...to apologize...to make up for my failures."
He coughed.
Blood trickled from his lips.
"I wish...I could undo...everything...go back in time...be the father you deserved."
Regret filled his eyes.
"Proud...of you, Talia...my strong, brave daughter...protect our pack."
His words echoed in my mind.
My heart shattered.
With a final glance.
Lord Ravenswood's eyes faded.
My world crumbled.
....
Two years had passed since that fateful day. The day my father sacrificed himself to save me, and I vowed to protect our pack at all costs.
I stood tall on the pack's sacred grounds, my presence commanding attention. My once-wounded arm now bore a scar, a reminder of Ryker's betrayal.
But I had risen above the pain.
Stronger.
Wiser.
A little baby girl snuggled in my arms, her white-streaked hair mirroring mine. Her bright eyes sparkled, and her tiny hands grasped my finger.
I smiled.
"Natasha Talia Ravenswood Jr.," I whispered, my voice filled with love.
Kael, now my trusted beta, stood beside me, a proud smile on his face.
"May she be a warrior like her mother," I said, my gaze locked onto my daughter. "Not held back by traditional lies that claim women are weak."
The pack gathered around us, their eyes locked onto mine with respect, admiration, and a hint of fear.
The air thickened with anticipation.
"Alpha Talia," they chorused, their voices echoing through the land.
The pack bowed, their heads lowered in submission and loyalty.
My heart swelled with pride.
I sat, Natasha Jr. cooing softly in my arms.
Kael placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Proud of you, sis," he whispered. "Father would be proud too."
My gaze swept the pack, meeting the eyes of our strongest warriors, our oldest elders, and our youngest pups.
Unity.
Strength.
Our future.
"Rise," I commanded, my voice firm.
The pack stood, their eyes locked onto mine.
"We have work to do," I declared. "Protect our lands. Honor our ancestors. Empower our women."
The pack roared, their voices echoing through the forest.
Natasha Jr. giggled, her tiny hands waving.
I smiled.
The future was bright.
As alpha, I vowed to forge a new path.
One where women stood equal.
Where strength knew no gender.
Where love and loyalty ruled.
The pack dispersed, eager to begin their new duties.
Kael remained beside me.
"What's next, sis?" he asked.
I gazed at Natasha Jr.
"Her future," I replied.