NINE

 Thomas Jefferson's POVAfter the departure of Alpha Alexander, I remained in the basement for a while before finally making my way back to my room. Closing the door behind me, I removed my coat and proceeded to the bathroom, where I spent some time staring at my reflection in the mirror.A flashback then ensued in my mind.It was during the final moments of my brother's life. Upon learning of his deteriorating condition, I abandoned my unfinished work and rushed to the palace. Upon my arrival, Katrina spotted me and hurried over, exclaiming, "You're late; they've taken Alpha and Luna to the hospital." Without hesitation, I sprinted from the palace to the hospital, where I found Veronica sitting alone on a bench.As I took a seat across from her, she burst into tears at the sight of me. Eventually, the doctors delivered the devastating news that my sister-in-law and her unborn child had passed away, and my brother's own life was hanging by a thread.Rushing into his room, Veronica remained cradled in my arms. My brother glanced at me and managed to smile as he reached out. I took hold of his trembling hand with my own, filled with emotion but unable to find the right words to say. "From this day forward, my daughter Veronica is your responsibility. Promise me you'll never let her feel the absence of her parents, forgive her mistakes, and vow to always stand by her side. Promise me, Thomas."Holding my breath, I whispered, "Promise."And so Alpha Jeon, my elder brother and leader of the Mariana pack, took his final breath.Returning to the presentI shook my head, tears streaming down my face. My own reflection appeared repulsive, a reminder of the anger I held towards Veronica. Despite not speaking to her anymore, she is still my niece. Though I enforced the law that made her a slave, I never ordered her mistreatment.Respect for both men and women is imperative within our Mariana pack. We do not inflict harm on any omega. However, it pains me to acknowledge that my own niece suffered mistreatment under my roof.How could I have been so heartless? My wife locked her away in the basement, oppressing her, and I remained oblivious. Splashing water on my face, I returned to the room and took a seat on the bed, deep in thought about the past.My brother, who had always treated me as his own child, educated me and molded me into a courageous werewolf. Following our father's death, he took on the role of a father figure. Yet I failed to protect his daughter. I gazed up at the ceiling, recalling Alexander's words, "Veronica is my mate."Suddenly, the bedroom door swung open just as I had been pondering, catching my attention. Katrina walked in, her gaze fixated on the ground. In an instant, my anger surged, and I rose from my seat. I pointed an accusing finger at her, exclaiming, "How dare you show your face to me after what you did to Veronica?"Katrina reached out and held my hand, her voice trembling as she spoke: "I apologize, Alpha, but you ordered me to ensure Veronica's actions were my responsibility. So, I did what I believed was right."I turned back to face her squarely. "Katrina, you seem to have forgotten that everything in our pack is conducted according to the law, and punishment is also administered in accordance with the law.""But, Alpha, you enslaved her.""Indeed, I did so within the confines of the law. According to our laws, if an omega is discovered engaging in immoral activities, the penalty is enslavement.I replied through clenched teeth. "However, it does not justify creating a separate prison for her and subjecting her to oppression. What have you done to her? Her face was covered in blood. Katrina, leave my sight." And with that, I turned away."But, Alpha—""Listen, Alpha Alexander is her mate. He wants to take her with him. It would be wise for you to refrain from involving yourself in this matter, unless you desire punishment." I headed back toward the bathroom.Katrina's POV...Once the Alpha had departed, panic engulfed me. I took a deep breath and opened the door to leave, only to find my daughter Lara staring at me with tear-filled eyes. "Lara," I called out, but she ran off without responding. I quickly chased after her. She rushed into her room and began tossing her belongings onto the floor. My attempts to calm her down proved futile. She was too strong-willed."You said he would be mine. I was supposed to become his mate. But he's becoming that witch's mate instead.""Lara, please listen to me," I pleaded, attempting to halt her outburst, but she continued screaming."I want him, Mom! I want Alexander! Tell him that Veronica is wicked. I want Alexander, Mom! I want him!" she cried."I will do something, Lara. I won't let her win," I assured her, gently stroking her back."Remember, Mom, if he isn't mine, I won't let him belong to anyone else either. You need to do something for me, just as you accused Veronica of transforming her from a leader to a slave and making her a villain once more. You will make it happen, and if you fail this time, Mother, Her eyes locked with mine, red from crying. "Then I will reveal your true self to Dad, and you know I can do it." And with that, she walked out, threatening her own mother.I stood by the window, gazing outside.I couldn't help but reminisce about when I was 19 and engaged to Jeon. After our engagement, I underwent a complete transformation. I altered myself entirely because I loved Alpha Jeon. Alpha Jeon had a preference for homemade meals, so I acquired cooking skills. He had a fondness for reserved individuals, so I adopted a quieter demeanor. He disapproved of short dresses, so I modified my wardrobe.However, when he ended our engagement and married Jia, my feelings changed. I developed a strong dislike for Jia, and then Veronica came along. Determined to move on from Jeon, I chose to forget him and focus on my own path. After some time, I married Thomas and had the opportunity to reconnect with Jeon. I felt a sense of joy but also recognized that Jeon was no longer mine, so I accepted the decision of fate.My daughters were cherished by everyone. However, in Veronica's presence, my daughters seemed to fade into the background, fueling my growing animosity towards her. When her parents passed away and Thomas prioritized his niece over his own daughters, I lost my patience and began tarnishing Veronica's reputation without any regrets. But now, Veronica is departing and creating her own world, signifying my defeat."No, not at all. I won't let you win, Veronica." A new evil plan started forming in my mind.

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