The Alpha's Cinderella

Chapter 31

Damon

The joyful cheers of the people overwhelmed me, like a massive wave in the ocean, making it difficult to think. I stood there, my mind in disarray, lost in a whirlwind of emotions brought on by this unexpected news.

Was I dreaming? Did I really hear my father introduce Rina or Tori as her true identity to the crowd as his new bride?

The surprise I felt was unlike anything I had ever experienced in my entire life. I was profoundly shocked. I had no idea this was going to happen; the news hit me like a sudden lightning strike on a sunny day. The woman who deceived us into believing she was my Serena was now introduced as my future stepmother. She was presented to the audience as if she had been a part of our family for a long time. Just thinking about it sent a shiver down my spine.

Amidst the carefully orchestrated chaos, I couldn't ignore Mathilde's cunning smile. Her eyes sparkled with concealed and disdainful delight. She took pleasure in the horrors of this act, trapping us in a web of lies. Anger coursed through me, and I clenched my fists in response. Being played by Rina and her mother was one thing, but being betrayed by my own father like this was something else. The hurt I felt was immeasurable.

Just then, my father introduced another actor to this carefully planned stage act. She was introduced as the bride I had presented a few weeks ago, wearing a mask like Rina did to conceal her true identity. I didn’t know the woman and couldn’t care less about her. She was nothing more than a prop in this pretense of a happy family. I suspected she was one of those being coerced to further deceive the crowd.

"Come here, Damon," my father ordered, his voice dripping with authority. I walked toward him in silence. He leaned close to my ear and whispered, "Wave to the crowd, make them believe in this family."

Reluctantly, I raised my hand, my voice heavy with hidden bitterness as I muttered, "For the pack."

The crowd erupted in cheers, their enthusiasm fueled by my feigned smile and less-than-enthusiastic waves. It was a performance I never asked for, a charade thrust upon me.

After the announcement, we all entered the pack house as the crowd slowly dispersed outside. My main goal was to confront Rina, not out of jealousy, but because her deceit had further strained my already dysfunctional relationship with my Dad. Discovering that I wasn't her intended target, but rather my Alpha father, was truly unsettling. Could she be so desperate to become our pack's Luna that she would resort to using her body for it? After all, my dad was old enough to be her grandfather! Did that even cross her mind?

My hands clenched into fists as anger seethed from within me. Our life had never been perfect, but it hadn't reached this level of turmoil until she and Mathilde entered Blood Rose.

I burst into Rina's lavish room, my patience wearing thin. She sat there with once-bright eyes, now puffy and red, but I couldn't be sure if those tears were genuine.

"Are you crying? Is this another part of your plot?" I said, my anger filling the room. "You might have deceived my old man, but you can't fool me, TORI."

Her mouth hung open in surprise as she quickly wiped away her tears, slowly getting up from her chair. Her eyes, which used to be bright, now looked sad and puffy, showing how many feelings were inside.

"Damon, please. Let me explain. I really need your help," she said, her voice shaking, like she was in a big hurry.

"Really?" I said, not believing her. "Then tell me why you suddenly became my father's new bride. Did I miss something here? Because everything seems very clear now."

I moved away from her when she tried to touch my arm. My anger was still there, just below the surface.

Her voice was shaky as she tried to make me listen, and she seemed a bit unsure. "It's not what you think, Damon. Please, just listen to me."

"Nothing more to hear because I'm not stupid!" I said firmly, my eyes filled with anger as I pointed at her. "Did you intend to capture my father's heart from the start? To take the Luna position for yourself?"

"No! Definitely not!"

"Oh, come on! I heard stories of my Dad's sexcapades before he met my mother. Did you use that knowledge to manipulate him into marrying you?"

“Damon!”

Rina's face contorted with offense, and she attempted to slap me, but I deftly dodged it. I continued my words seething with anger. "Since your secret scheme is exposed, let me reveal mine."

I seized her arms, glaring at her with contempt. "Do you think you can deceive me and get away with it? Never! I knew from the start that you're not the real Serena."

I released her arms as her face turned pale. "But... how?"

"I marked my Serena the night I met her. You don't bear that mark on your neck."

Rina fell into silence, unable to find the right words. I couldn't stand to be in the same room with her any longer, so I left her with a final word before departing.

"Mark my words, you and your equally conniving mother will face consequences. I'll do everything in my power to stop both of you. You'll never succeed; I'll make sure of it."

With that, I spun around and exited her room, heading straight for the Alpha's quarters. It was time to confront my father, and I couldn't wait to do it.