Chapter 178
Darth
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Just as Dane advises, I waste no time in announcing a grand ceremony–one that will officially introduce me as the new head of the Apex Circle. The Alpha of Alphas. There’s no room for delay. Power waits for no one.
I assign Dane, Cleopatra, and a few others to handle the preparations. The ceremony is to be held in three days at the Apex City known only to a few within the Circle.
Two days later, we arrive in Apex City. Dane is beside me, cager as ever. Cleopatra, calm and calculating, walks just behind. This city holds memories–deep ones.
It was here that I first saw about her.
Amica.
Cleopatra told me everything back then–how getting Amica on my side would solidify my rule, how she was the missing piece to becoming the most powerful werewolf the world had ever known.
I had only seen glimpses of her from afar until that day.
I remember that moment clearly. The first time I truly saw her.
Amica stood beneath the sun, a vision of untamed grace and silent power. Her skin gleamed like rich milk under the sunlight. Her hair–long, flowing, silk–like–framed her face like a halo of shadow.
She wore a deep blue dress that clung to her like it was made for her alone, the fabric catching the wind in the most hypnotic way. Around her neck, a diamond necklace sparkled like it had been forged from the stars themselves, with matching earrings that kissed her jaw with every turn of her
head.
She didn’t just walk into that gathering–she stole it.
And ever since then, I’ve never been able to forget.
That day, I planted fear in the hearts of every single member of the Apex Circle. I came that daay to take what is mine.nd now I am here today finally stepping into the light–it’s eerie. Poetic, even.
But what brought me the most joy… was Deckard.
The moment he hears me speak Amica’s name, something inside him snaps. He completely unravels. Watching him spiral in front of the Circle- was a pleasure I didn’t know I needed. That was the real victory.
Now, I return. Not as a challenger. Not as an outsider. But as the Alpha of Alphas. My throne sits high above the rest, and I take my place like I was born in that seat. I may not have the woman I desire–not yet–but this is still a win.
As I sit on the high seat carved from obsidian stone, I watch the room fill with color and movement. Every Alpha from every corner of the world is here, dressed in their finest their silks, leathers, furs, and jewels all shining under the crystal chandeliers. It should be a celebration.
ง
But something’s off.
Their faces are stiff, their movements hesitant. No laughter. No toasts. Just glances. Whispers. Silence between songs.
Even the harpist plays like he’s in mourning. A slow, almost grieving melody that makes the room feel colder than it should.
Dane steps forward to speak, introducing himself proudly to the crowd. But his voice bounces off an unresponsive room. They clap, but it’s weak. Polite. Forced.
As he talks, I scan the room, my eyes hunting for the most radiant woman in attendance. If Amica refuses her crown, then I will choose another Luna. One who will wear it with pride–and fear me like she should.
I won’t leave this ceremony without something beautiful–and mine.
let everyone introduce themselves!” I command from my elevated seat,
Heads turn. Even the musicians freeze mid–note.
“Oh yes!” Dane jumps in, his voice full of excitement as he faces the crowd. “Everyone will introduce themselves to the one who gathered us here. Then, in his own time, he will tell you why.”
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Chapter 178
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He’s practically giddy, like a child finally allowed to sit at the adult table. I can feel his joy radiating from where he stands
One by one, the members of the Apex Circle stand and speak. I sit still, watching, my eyes sharp and calculating. Some offer their names with dignity. Others barely lift their heads.
They don’t need to like me. They just need to obey.
As the parade of names continues, I observe them all. Impressive warriors. Stunning women. Powerful auras. Dane was right–it is hard to choose.
Then I see her.
Alpha Austin of the Unity Pack stands to introduce himself, and beside him… Luna Samantha.
Beautiful doesn’t do her justice. She’s ethereal–her skin soft as moonlight, her posture elegant and proud. The kind of woman made to sit beside a king, not a forgettable Alpha like Austin. He doesn’t deserve her. I can feel that truth burn in my chest.
But just as I drag my gaze from her, something else catches it–a man.
Alpha Ivar.
Dark hair. Piercing eyes. A quiet power that settles around him like a storm just waiting to break. And he’s… breathtaking.
The most beautiful man I’ve ever laid eyes on.
I blink once, then twice.
Interesting.
This night just got a lot more complicated.
I’ve never looked at a man that way before. Never even considered it.
But today… something shifts.
Ivar. Alpha Ivar.
I don’t know how he does it, but I need him. It’s like some dark, magnetic pull I can’t resist. He stands there like he owns the damn moon–strong, composed, hair falling across his face like a fallen angel carved out of rebellion and silence. His skin… flawless, untouched by the harshness of the sun, like the world has dared not bruise him.
And beside him, Luna Vee? Please. She doesn’t deserve him.
I do.
Once the introductions die down, I rise from my throne–like seat. All eyes turn to me.
“Well, well, well… This is a beautiful ceremony, isn’t it?” I begin, slowly scanning the room. “Although, I must say, I’m not feeling the same enthusiasm I felt the last time I graced this place. What’s wrong?” I sigh, exaggerated and full of mock concern. “Am I making you nervous?”
A few Alphas glance at one another.
“I suppose I don’t need to introduce myself,” . Dane claps with exaggerated energy, trying to stir the others into following. They do… weakly. But it’s fine. I didn’t come for their applause–I came for their loyalty. “but I will, nonetheless. IIt is me Darth Blackthorn, popularly known as Scarface the king of rogues.”
I pause, letting the name settle like a storm cloud over their heads.
“I am glad to tell you that a new title has been added to that name.. I stand before you now as the Alpha of Alphas–your leader, your superior, and the head of the Apex Circle,”
Silence.
Then murmurs.
And I catch it again–the way Ivar looks at me. Or maybe I imagine it.
Either way, the hunt has begun.
“Wow!” Dane shouts, clapping his hands with wild enthusiasm.
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“Come on now–spare some accolades for the Alpha of Alphas!” he yells, rallying the room. The others join in, slowly, their claps hesitant but obedient.
“Thank you,” I say with a smirk, raising a hand. “Thanks for the warm welcome.”
“I should’ve introduced myself much earlier, but you know how it is–ruling comes with distractions.” I glance at Dane. “Thankfully, I now have a very useful individual by my side.”
“You all know him–or you should. If not, let me do the honors,” I gesture toward him. “Dane Blackwood. My special adviser, the one who orchestrated this beautiful gathering. Please… show him some appreciation.”
Dane steps forward, bowing dramatically as a few more polite claps echo through the hall. I sigh softly and step back into the center of attention.
“Well, now that it’s clear there’s a new sheriff in town,” I say, “I’d like to make a few things clear.”
The room stills.
“All former benefits granted to the previous Alpha of Alphas have been tripled… and made compulsory.” I pause, eyes narrowing. “Please, do not make me send reminders for your monthly payments. I already have every record. And let’s just say–if any of you even think about delaying your vows, the consequences will be… severe.”
A wave of murmurs ripples through the hall.
I smirk.
“Oh, I didn’t ask for your opinion.”
Silence.
“Now,” I continue, stretching my arms slightly. “Please, enjoy the
I I pause again, voice dropping into something a bit darker, colder.
“But before you lose yourselves in wine and laughter… I have
Cremony.
that
we’re all properly acquainted…”
e more announcement to make.”
“I’ve made a decision…” I announce, “I’ve decided to take a Lunette podwill,
A quiet gasp sweeps through the room.
“Oh yes,” I continue, grinning. “And guess the most interesting part about it?” I let
“My Luna will be chosen… from among you!”
out a low, wicked cackle.
The hall erupts. Murmurs crash like waves, startled voices overlapping in confusion
Then, one voice dares to rise above the rest.
“What are you even talking about?” the fool barks. “There’s no single woman here! Every Luna present is already bonded to her mate!”
There’s a wave of agreement–a few heads nodding, others whispering. But I’ve already locked onto him. The man brave enough to challenge my word.
He’s not impressive. Not handsome. Not strong. Certainly not someone whose Luna I’d want.
“Hm,” I hum, fixing my gaze on him. “What’s your name,
Alpha?”
“I am Alpha Fredrick of the Cloud Pack,” he replies, trying to sound bolder than he looks.
“You’re right, Alpha Fredrick,” I say with a nod, calm… too calm. “No one here is single. But that changes nothing. I still want one of these Lunas for myself.”
A hush falls over the room.
“Do you have children, Alpha Fredrick?”
I see it instantly. The flicker of panic. The stiffening of his shoulders.
Think carefully before you speak,” I warn, my voice suddenly frigid. “Because if I find out you lied to me… the consequences will be dire.”
He swallows hard.
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“Y–yes,” he stammers. “I have kids…”
“Good,” I say, stepping closer. “How old is your oldest child… and what gender?”
“I… I have a daughter. She’s fifteen… Please- Alpha…please” Alpha Fredrick blurts out, panic flooding his voice before I’ve even finished my thought.
“Oh, please!” I snap, waving a hand dismissively. “You’re an Alpha, don’t embarrass yourself.”
He shrinks back into silence, and I turn my attention back to the
“As I was saying, before Alpha Fredrick’s little interruption-“I
Gasps ripple through the hall.
crowd,
the room, silencing every whisper, “-I have chosen my Luna.”
19817174317th voice steady and cold.”
“Luna Samantha of the Unity Pack…” I say, “Step forward pleasure to st I glance over at Cleopatra, seated elegantly near me, her dark eyes g
The murmurs return, louder now, rippling into outrage and disbelief.
“There will be consequences if she refuses,” I say.
Cleopatra smiles slowly. “Oh, absolutely.”
gleaming
www.donusement.
F
Samantha rises from her seat slowly, poised but visibly trembling. Her pale hands grip the edge of her flowing dress as she steps toward the podium. Her mate, Alpha Austin, immediately follows, grasping her hand like a man on the edge of losing everything.
“Alpha Austin…” I say, tilting my head slightly. “Did I ask you to come forward?”
He stands firm. “No, you didn’t. But she is my mate–and she’s clearly uncomfortable with this
His voice is firm, but his eyes betray the fear he tries to mask.
“Well, get back to your damn seat, Austin.”
He doesn’t move.
‘summons.“”
After a long pause, Alpha Austin lowers his gaze and releases Samantha’s hand, turning away and walking back slowly.
The room falls utterly silent.
And there she stands–Luna Samantha–bathed in candlelight, beautiful,, trembling, and entirely mine.
“Walk over to me, Luna Samantha.”
i command
She hesitates, trembling, but obeys. Each step she takes is slow driven more by fear than loyalty. The murmurs have died. All eyes are on her. But mine? Mine are fixed on the graceful sway of her hips, the perfect curve of her frame. She’s stunning. A prize. She will be mine!
She finally stops before me.
I rise from the throne and take her delicate hand in mine. Her skin is cold. Frightened. But I smile–softly, deceptively.
“Now,” I murmur, “reject your mate.”
Her e
And
“I sai
