Claiming the Last Alpha She-Wolf-Chapter 35: The Heart in His Hands

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Chapter 35

~Rhiannon’s POV~

~Couple of Hours Ago~

After Kael left my room, silence settled around me like fog. I stood there for a moment, hand still on the doorknob, before I exhaled a long, weary breath.

My fingers trembled slightly as I stepped away and walked toward the wardrobe.

The soft rustle of silk followed me as I removed the ceremonial dress I had been wearing for hours.

It felt like peeling off someone else’s skin—too rich, too perfect, too heavy. I changed into a loose robe, the familiar fabric grounding me somewhat, even if the ache inside hadn’t dulled.

All I wanted was to see him.

My father.

Ever since I’d caught that brief glimpse earlier, the thoughts wouldn’t stop spinning. His voice haunted me like an echo I couldn’t chase down.

"Ask the right questions."

What did he mean?

What questions? About the Alphas? The bond? The ceremony? Myself?

I rubbed my temple, frustration growing as I tried and failed to make sense of his cryptic tone.

Shaking my head, I stepped out of the robe and padded toward the bath, hoping a soak might help clear the fog in my mind. But just as I reached for the faucet, a firm knock echoed from the door.

I frowned and pulled my robe back on, tightening the sash around my waist as I walked across the room.

When I opened the door, I was met by three young maids, all dressed in matching crimson-and-ivory uniforms. They bowed in perfect unison.

"We’ve been assigned to take care of you, Luna," the one in front said. "We are here to bathe and dress you for the night."

I blinked at her, stunned for a moment. "I can bathe myself, thank you."

The girls exchanged nervous glances.

"I’m sorry, my lady," one said softly, "but we have direct orders from Alpha Kael. We are not permitted to defy them."

I crossed my arms and arched a brow. "Then go back to him and tell him his Luna is not a baby."

A low, familiar voice cut through the air.

"Then would you prefer I bathe you myself?"

I froze. My breath hitched.

"Kael."

Behind the maids, he stood in the hallway, one hand tucked into his pocket, the other resting casually against the doorframe. His eyes gleamed with quiet amusement, but there was unmistakable heat beneath his gaze.

"Alpha," the maids murmured, bowing even lower as they shifted aside.

I stepped back involuntarily, my heartbeat rising with every step he took toward me.

He walked into the room with the confidence of someone who owned the walls, the floor, the air itself.

"Since you’ve rejected your privileges," he said, voice smooth as silk and just as dangerous, "maybe you’re hoping for something more... hands-on."

"There’s no need," I said quickly, struggling to sound composed. "I’m very much satisfied with their service."

"Are you sure?"

He stopped in front of me, lifted a hand, and tilted my chin gently upward. His thumb brushed along my jawline, and it sent a spark rippling through me.

"Are you sure, mate?"

I exhaled and slowly removed his hand, eyes flicking toward the side. The maids were pretending not to watch, but their stiff posture betrayed them.

Kael followed my gaze, smirked, and then—without warning—took my face in his hands again and kissed me.

I barely had time to react.

His mouth was warm and commanding, lips molding against mine in a kiss that started soft... then deepened. I felt him nudge gently at my lips with his tongue.

"Open up, my love," he murmured against me.

And I did.

The moment our mouths truly met, my knees threatened to give out. His tongue tangled with mine, slow and thorough, and despite the audience, my hands curled into his shirt, returning the kiss with more fervor than I intended.

When he finally pulled back, my cheeks were flushed, and I couldn’t look him in the eye.

"I want to see my father before I sleep," I said, finding my voice again.

Kael’s eyes softened just a bit, but he shook his head.

"You’ll have all morning with him, Rhiannon. But tonight..." He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "Tonight, I need my Luna well rested. Tomorrow is another big day."

I raised an eyebrow. "For the mating night?"

"Yes." He stepped in again, the heat from his body brushing mine. "And it won’t be easy taking all of us in one night. You’ll need your strength... unless you want me to start preparing you myself."

"No." The word came out far too breathless.

"Then rest," he said with a slight grin. "I’ll take you to see him myself tomorrow."

"Thank you."

"But after that, you’re going lingerie shopping with me and Andromeda."

My brows lifted.

"For the mating night," he added.

I gave a reluctant nod.

"Good. Now..." He leaned closer. "No goodnight peck for your husband?"

I bit the inside of my cheek, but then stepped forward and kissed him softly on the lips.

"Goodnight," I whispered.

He gave a satisfied nod, turned, and gestured to the maids. "Please tend to her."

The door closed behind him.

I waited until I could no longer hear his footsteps before turning back to the girls.

"I’ll bathe myself. Just help me with dressing afterward."

They nodded, and I disappeared into the massive bathroom. The tub was filled with warm water, floating petals, and scented oils. For the first time all day, I smiled.

An hour later, I lay on my bed, propped up, towel-dried and dressed, but still restless.

So I walked to the balcony.

The stars glittered above like silent witnesses. Cool air brushed my face as I leaned on the railing, letting myself breathe.

Then I saw her.

Seraphina.

She stood on a terrace across from mine, her smirk cold and victorious. She stared directly at me, eyes gleaming in the moonlight.

"Be prepared, Rhiannon. Tonight will be your last joyful night with the Alphas. I’ll make sure of it."

The words whispered inside my head—chilling and venomous.

I stiffened. "What?"

But she was gone. Her voice, her presence—snuffed out like a candle.

I stood there, trying to make sense of it. What did she mean?

Then... something changed.

I caught a scent. Familiar. Worn. Safe.

My father.

"Your father," Ravyn stirred within me. "He’s nearby."

"What is he doing here?"

"Don’t just stand there—go! Maybe he’s looking for you."

I didn’t need more prompting. I threw on a cloak over my nightdress, yanked open the door, and stepped barefoot into the hall.

I rushed to the door, flung it open, and stepped into the Alpha wing as my heart was pounding.

The Alphas’ wing was quiet, bathed in golden moonlight streaming through an arched window.

I hesitated... until Ravyn urged softly, "The first one," Ravyn whispered. "He went into the first room on the left."

My hand clenched at my side and without hesitation... I ran toward it.

My heart thudded violently against my ribs as I stood outside the heavy door with the name Lucien written on it.

Something in the air felt... off. The kind of stillness that wasn’t calm, but waiting—like a held breath before a scream. I didn’t knock. I couldn’t.

I pushed the door open, breath catching in my throat.

"Why is Dad here? Did he and Lucien have a one-on-one talk? But why now, in the middle of the night?"

I wanted to keep on guessing, but my fear worsened.

My thoughts spiralled as I stepped into the room when a voice called out to me in my head.

"Rhiannon."

My heart skipped several beats as I recognised that voice. It was my father. I threw caution to the wind and rushed into the room, heading for the bed chamber, only to freeze two steps in.

My world tilted.

My father stood beside the bed, a dagger gripped in his trembling hand, arms raised above his head. But it wasn’t the knife that made my blood run cold.

It was Lucien’s hand... that was buried in his chest.

Time shattered around me.

"Dad?" I whispered, but the word barely left my mouth. It came out broken as I shook my head.

He turned slightly, his tired eyes locking onto mine just as Lucien yanked his hand back. Panioc struck in followed by the strict realisation of what just happened.

"Noooo!" I screamed.

The sound tore from my throat with more force than I thought possible. My knees hit the floor hard as my father’s body crumpled, landing with a heavy, lifeless thud.

Blood gushed from the wound in his chest. From the gaping hole Lucien had left behind.

Lucien sat frozen, his hand still outstretched, a heart clenched in his palm—my father’s heart.

"No. No. No!" My screams broke into sobs as I scrambled forward, gathering my father into my arms.

"Dad, no—please! Look at me. Please!"

"I..."

That was all he said before the life faded completely from his eyes.

"Dad!"

He wasn’t moving anymore, but his body was warm, and the light in his eyes was gone.

The world narrowed. The air around me became thick, too thick to breathe. Pain screamed through me, a burning, raw agony that pulsed like a drumbeat in my chest.

Tears streamed down my face, soaking his shirt. His blood smeared my hands, my arms, and my chest—so much red. So much death.

I looked up.

Lucien was panting, pale, his face ashen and stricken with confusion. "Rhia..." he whispered. "I didn’t... he was going to... he had a dagger. I reacted. I didn’t mean..."

But the words didn’t reach me. All I saw was the blood on his hand, the heart in his grip, and the body in mine.