The Alpha I Left, The Brother in-law I Chose

My Alpha mate, Razen Blackspire, killed our pup for a liver offering to save my own sister, Navielle, his first mate.

So I did the unthinkable. I bound myself to her mate, Keegan Thunderhowl, to take revenge.

Now, Razen wants me back, and Navielle wants me dead.

***

Nivella's POV

A cold numbness spread through me as I stood by the carved wooden door, listening to their voices echo inside the stone hall. The scent of wolf musk and moon incense lingered in the air.

Razen, are you sure no one has sensed it? Layton asked, his tone uneasy.

No one, Razen answered, his voice sharp and calm. Nivella still believes Svens death came from a rogue pack ambush.

My blood turned to ice.

Sven My son

What about the healers? Layton continued. Are you sure they will stay silent?

Razen let out a low scoff. I gave them enough gold and bound them by oath. They will carry this secret to their graves. I am the heir of Blackspire. None would dare stand against me.

Secret?

My heart slammed hard against my ribs.

What secret?

You took your own sons life for a liver offering, Layton said, his voice dropping in disbelief. For Navielle.

The world tilted. My breath caught painfully in my throat.

No no no

I heard that wrong!

Sven dead because of a ritual? For Navielle? My own sister?

You think I wished for this? Razen growled. I had no other path! Navielle was dying, and Sven was a perfect match. One life for another. Her life is worth far more.

His words pierced deep into my chest. I clutched at my heart, struggling to stay upright as I staggered back.

My son. my Sven

He had not died to rogues like Razen told me. He had been taken sacrificed by his own father.

Razen, Layton said, his voice shaking. Sven was only a pup.

And Navielle is my future Luna, Razen snapped. Sven was weak, sickly. He would not survive long in this world. I did what had to be done for the pack.

There were others who could match her if you waited even one more night, Layton argued.

That risk was not worth taking, Razen said firmly. Navielle is everything to me.

Tears slid down my face as I forced myself to stay silent. Every word he spoke tore something inside me apart. I couldnt believe this was my mate, the man who once swore under the moon to protect me.

My gaze dropped to the parchment in my trembling hands. The healers mark confirmed it. I was carrying a pup. I had come from the healers den with joy in my chest, ready to tell him we would have another pup after losing Sven, my seven-winter old boy.

But now that happiness felt distant, like a fading dream.

My fingers tightened around the door until they ached. Razen had killed our son.

And Navielle, how did she react after you sacrificed her sisters pup for her? Layton asked quietly.

She pitied the boy, Razen said without care. But she understood. He was already dying.

Anger and disbelief surged through me.

My own sister accepted it. She allowed my son to die for her sake. How could she?

I only hope Nivella never learns the truth, Layton muttered.

She will not, Razen replied with cold certainty. Shes too soft. Too trusting. Even if she learns it, she has no one. Shes powerless.

Powerless?

My jaw tightened as that word burned through me like fire.

A mothers rage is not something the moon can calm.

I would make them pay. Both of them!

They took my pup. They broke me. And now, I would break them in return.

I left the Blackspire stronghold with tears falling freely, my chest tight with betrayal.

I climbed into my carriage and drove without direction, not caring where the road led. I only needed distance. Distance from him and from everything.

The path blurred as my tears would not stop. My mind replayed every word I had heard.

At last, I found myself at the sacred burial grounds. The place I had avoided because the pain was too heavy. My hands trembled as I stepped onto the cold earth.

Svens grave rested at the far edge, beneath a lone silver tree. I fell to my knees, my fingers brushing over the name carved into stone.

Sven Blackspire

Beloved Son. Forever under the Moon.

A broken sob left my lips as memories crashed over me. The night Razen returned, covered in blood, his face filled with false grief.

He was taken by rogue wolves, he had said, voice shaking. It happened too fast. I couldnt save him.

I had screamed and collapsed, my world shattering in an instant. When I woke, Sven was already buried. Razen told me it was done quickly, to spare me from seeing my son lifeless.

But now I knew. It was never mercy. He buried Sven to hide his sin.

I am sorry, my little one, I whispered, my tears falling onto the stone. I should have kept you safe. I should have seen the truth.

You will not fade, I vowed, my voice trembling with grief and fury. They took you from me, Sven. But I will make them answer for it. Every one of them.

I rose slowly, wiping my tears as something dark settled inside me.

Razen called me powerless.

Not anymore.

He was about to learn how wrong he was.

Nivella's POV

The moment I returned to the pack estate, I went straight to Razens study. It was the one place he always kept off limits, saying it held matters of power and territory that I should not touch.

I pushed the door open and stepped inside. My eyes moved across the room, alert. Then something caught my attention. A steel safe hidden behind a tall shelf.

I stared at it for a moment, then walked closer. The lock glowed faintly under the dim light. I thought for a second before entering Navielles birthday.

A soft click followed. It opened.

A bitter sound left my lips. So he used her birthday as the code, while he could barely recall mine, always forgetting my birth day and our mating anniversary.

Inside were stacks of documents. Healer records. Payment slips. Transfers made to the moon healers.

I flipped through them, my blood rising with every page. It was all there. Proof of everything he had done. How he silenced the healers. How he arranged it all so Svens death would look like an attack from rogue wolves.

Then I found it. The ritual record. Navielles name marked as the receiver. Svens name written as the offering.

My vision blurred as fresh tears filled my eyes. Not just grief this time, but anger.

He took everything from me. My pup. My trust. My life.

I stared at the papers, my thoughts racing. I couldnt face him yet. Not until I was ready. This was not just pain anymore. This was war. And I needed to be ready for it.

I took out my crystal communicator and captured every page. When I finished, I locked the safe and walked out.

I headed to the bedroom, my chest heavy with the choice I had to make. I had dreamed of this pup. A second chance after losing Sven. But how could I bring a pup into a world built on lies and betrayal?

I picked up my crystal communicator, my fingers shaking as I called the healers clinic.

Hello, Moonpine Healing Hall. How may I assist you?

I want to schedule a termination, I said softly. The words hurt, but I couldnt bring a pup into this darkness.

Of course. Can you come tomorrow morning?

Yes, I answered, my voice empty.

Name?

Nivella Bloodwyn.

I used my birth name. If I said Blackspire, they would know I belonged to the Alpha bloodline.

There was a short pause.

Understood. We will see you at ten in the morning, the woman said before ending the call.

I held the crystal communicator tightly and took a slow breath, trying to steady myself.

Where are you going? Razens voice came from behind me, and I stiffened. I didnt notice when he entered.

I slipped the crystal communicator into my pocket and looked at him with cold eyes. Just going for a healer check, I said, my tone distant.

Razen tilted his head slightly, his brows drawing together. A check? Are you not fine?

I am fine, I replied shortly, walking past him toward the wardrobe to change into my night clothes.

His gaze stayed on me, sharp and searching. Nivella, is something bothering you?

I paused, then looked back at him. Nothing is wrong, Razen, I said with a faint, bitter smile. Everything is exactly how it should be.

He studied me for a moment but didnt press further. I will join you soon. I need to wash up.

As soon as the bathing room door closed, his crystal communicator lit up on the bedside table. I glanced at it, then at the closed door. Without hesitation, I picked it up and entered Navielles birthday. It unlocked.

My breath caught as I scrolled through his messages. Then I saw her name. Navielle with a heart mark.

I opened it, and my stomach twisted.

Navielle: [I already miss you. When will we meet again? I will tell Keegan I am going to visit my sister.]

Razen: [Tomorrow, my love. I will tell Nivella I have Alpha duties to handle.]

Tears slipped down my face as I kept reading.

Navielle: [I am tired of hiding. I want us together.]

Razen: [Soon. Once I take my place as Alpha King of Blackspire Pack, I will claim you fully. No one will stand between us again.]

I covered my mouth, trying to stop the sound that almost broke free.

From their messages, they had been together every time she came to visit me. All those times she said she missed me. It was all a lie.

My mate still loved his first mate. My own sister.

I locked the crystal communicator and set it back, my hands trembling with anger.

My sister my mate they had been lying to me all along.

Navielle had once been with Razen. Then she left the pack to train in distant lands, where she met Keegan and became his mate.

Razen was shattered when she left. And in that pain, he turned to me. What began as quiet talks under the moon slowly turned into something more. Moons later, he said he loved me. A winter after that, we were mated.

I never knew it was all false. Even after seven winters, his heart still belonged to her. I was nothing more than a stand in, someone he would cast aside once he could take her back.

The bathing room door opened, and Razen stepped out with a cloth around his waist. His eyes held concern as he looked at me.

Are you sure you are alright?

I forced a smile, though it never reached my eyes.

I am fine, Razzy.

Nivella's POV

When I called his nickname, his body eased at once, as if all was normal again.

His eyes softened as he walked toward me. He bent down to kiss me, but I turned my face slightly, letting his lips brush my cheek instead.

Im tired, I said quietly, pulling the covers over myself. It has been a long day.

Razens expression stiffened for a moment, then he forced a small smile. Of course. You should rest.

There was a hint of annoyance in his eyes, but he said nothing more.

His crystal communicator buzzed again. He picked it up quickly, and the irritation on his face vanished, replaced by a bright smile as he replied.

The moment he finished, he got up from the bed and began dressing in a rush. Something came up in the pack, he said, not meeting my eyes. I will be back in a few hours.

Of course. Take your time, I answered calmly.

Razen looked at me, clearly surprised.

Before, I would have complained about him leaving late at night for sudden pack matters. Now I was telling him to go without question.

His crystal communicator buzzed once more. He shook off his confusion and hurried out.

I love you, he muttered as he left.

And I hate you, I whispered under my breath.

***

When I woke the next morning, Razen had not returned. He most likely stayed at Navielles place. But it no longer mattered to me.

I prepared for my visit to the healers hall.

As I sat on the bed inside the healing chamber, my heart tightened painfully. Could I really go through with this?

The healer stood beside me.

Are you sure about this, Lady Nivella? she asked gently.

I opened my mouth to answer, but no words came. My hand moved to my stomach on its own.

I thought of Sven.

His bright smile his small hands holding mine the way he called me mother the happiness he gave me

Tears filled my eyes. I couldnt do it. I couldnt end this life.

I I have changed my mind, I whispered. I cannot do it.

The healer nodded softly. That is alright. Take your time. You may leave when you are ready.

My pup deserved to live. No matter how dark my world had become, this pup was still a part of me. A part of Sven. I would not let anyone take that away.

As I walked down the hallway, lost in my thoughts, I heard a familiar laugh. I looked up and froze.

Razen and Navielle.

They were leaving the moon ward together, smiling at each other like nothing else existed. Razens hand rested on her lower back as he leaned close, whispering something that made her laugh softly.

My blood turned cold. Navielles hand rested on her stomach, and my eyes widened.

She was carrying a pup.

They saw me before I could turn away. Navielles face lost its color.

Nivella, she hurried toward me, her eyes wide with false worry. I I was just Razen came to accompany me for my check.

Dont apologize, Navielle, Razen cut in gently, placing his hand on her shoulder. His eyes were warm as he looked at her. You didnthing wrong.

I smiled at them. Yes, you are right, Razen. She didnthing wrong.

I stood there, empty, watching them. The way he looked at her the way he shielded her it was everything he once promised me.

They both looked surprised. In the past, I would have reacted, would have shown my jealousy or complained. But every time, Razen would scold me for doubting my own sister.

We were together before, but shes married now, and so am I. We are only close, nothing more. He always told me that.

Razen turned to me. We will talk at home, Nivella. Let me take Navielle back first.

I didnt hesitate. Please, take your time, I said as I walked past them.

And congratulations on your pup, Navielle, I added coldly without turning back.

I left them standing there, both caught off guard.

***

Razen must have sensed something was wrong, because he returned early that night.

You are back early, I said, not lifting my eyes from the book in my hands as I lay on the bed.

Yes. I finished early today. I came back to spend time with my lovely mate, he said, leaning down to kiss me, but again, I turned my face, and his lips met my cheek.

Razen paused, watching me, but I kept my focus on the book I was not truly reading.

I feel like we have not spent enough time together. I will take a few days off from pack duties, he said softly, his eyes filled with concern.

I shrugged lightly. You have been busy with the pack. I understand.

Razen frowned slightly, surprised by my calm tone. He knew this was not like me. I had always wanted him to rest and stay with me.

Whats going on, Nivella? he asked. Why are you acting like this?

Nivella's POV

My eyes stayed on the book as I answered him. Nothing.

Are you upset because you saw Navielle and me together at the healers hall? he asked. I have told you many times that

I cut him off before he could continue his lies. I said Im fine. You and Navielle are close, or whatever you call it. I dont care about that. Now can you let me have some quiet. This book is getting interesting.

Razens jaw tightened, and irritation flashed in his eyes before he stood and walked into the bathing room.

I got up from the bed and went to the kitchen for water.

As I stepped inside, I leaned against the counter, breathing slowly to calm the storm inside me.

Then I heard his heavy steps behind me.

You have been acting strange all day, Nivella, Razen said, his tone sharp. If something is wrong, say it.

I turned to face him, keeping my face steady. I already told you. Im fine. No need to worry about me. Why dont you go check on Navielle and her pup instead?

His eyes darkened as his jaw clenched. What do you mean by that?

I shrugged and moved away from the counter. Nothing. Just that you seem more concerned about her than your own mate.

His patience snapped. You are being unreasonable again, Nivella. Navielle is your sister. Stop this pupish jealousy.

I rolled my eyes. I am not jealous. You two suit each other.

Enough, he growled, and suddenly his hand shoved me hard.

My back hit the edge of the counter, and pain shot through me. I gasped as I lost balance.

I fell, my stomach striking the floor as a sharp cry left my lips.

You know what? I have matters to handle in the pack tonight. Dont wait for me, Razen said coldly.

The door slammed as he left.

Pain spread through my body as I lay on the cold ground. A deep fear rose inside me. My hands moved to my stomach, and panic took over when I felt something warm running down my legs.

Blood.

No no I whispered, tears falling as I tried to sit up, my vision shaking from the pain.

With trembling fingers, I pulled out my crystal communicator and called Razen. It rang, once, twice, then he answered.

Relief filled me.

Razen

Dont call me until you stop acting like a pup, he snapped, then the call ended.

No please I whispered, trying again, but his crystal communicator was already off.

A cry broke from me as the pain grew worse. I quickly called for help. I couldnt lose this pup.

As darkness began to take me, one thought stayed in my mind. If I lose this pup, Razen will pay for it twice over.

Then everything faded.

***

When I opened my eyes, I was lying on a bed in the healers ward. A healer stood beside me, her face filled with concern.

Lady Nivella, you are finally awake, she said gently.

I blinked, trying to remember. Then it came back.

The kitchen the blood the pup.

My pup My voice broke as fear rose inside me.

The healers face turned heavy with sadness. She placed her hand over mine. I am sorry. You lost the pup.

A scream tore from my throat as my heart shattered. This couldnt be real. I had lost everything. My son. My unborn pup. All because of Razen.

Tears streamed down endlessly as I cried. Why was everything taken from me? Why was my life falling apart like this?

I cried until I had no strength left. Then I lay there, staring at the ceiling, empty and hollow.

It would have been easier if I had died too, instead of living through this nightmare.

The door opened, and someone stepped in. I didnt even turn to look.

Hello, Nivella. A deep, calm voice spoke.

I slowly opened my eyes and saw Keegan Thunderhowl, Navielles mate, standing beside me. His gray eyes were cold and unreadable.

I had no strength to answer him.

He walked closer and sat beside my bed.

I heard what happened. I am sorry, he said quietly.

Seeing him only reminded me of Navielle and everything she had done. I didnt want him here.

Navielle is not here, I said weakly, my throat dry.

His eyes darkened with anger.

I am not here for that unfaithful woman, he said, his voice low.

I frowned slightly, surprised. You know?

He nodded. Yes.

For how long?

A week. You?

This week.

Thats why I came, he said, his gaze fixed on me.

For what? I asked, my pain briefly forgotten.

I have an offer for you, he said. Do you want revenge?

My heart began to race.

Nivella's POV

Revenge? I asked, my heart beating fast.

Keegan lowered himself into the chair beside me, his gray eyes dark and sharp.

Yes, revenge. Think about it, Nivella. The two people who should have stood by you betrayed you instead. They deserve to pay.

A strange spark rose inside me. Something cold and dangerous, the ones definitely what I needed.

I pushed myself up, ignoring the pain in my body. So you want revenge on Navielle?

Keegan smiled faintly, but there was no warmth in it. I gave her everything, and she threw it away. So yes, I want revenge on her. She may be your sister, but

Why come to me? I cut him off. I didnt care about that anymore.

A cruel look crossed his face. Because I dont want to enjoy this alone. You will have a key role in what I am planning.

I crossed my arms. What exactly are you planning?

Be my mate, Keegan said simply.

***

After I was released from the healers ward, I took a carriage home. I looked at my crystal communicator and let out a bitter smile. No calls. No messages. Nothing from Razen. I had been gone for two days, and he didnt even notice.

I stared out the window, lost in thought. Keegans offer was madness. I refused it right away.

I wanted revenge, but I would not trap myself in another empty bond. I was done with that. He even gave me his number in case I changed my mind, but I had no plan to use it.

When I arrived, I saw Navielles carriage outside the estate. That explained everything. Razen had forgotten I even existed.

I stepped inside the house. Then I heard it. Strange sounds.

I froze for a second, then slowly followed the sound toward the master bedroom. The same room where Razen and I once shared everything.

The door was slightly open. I could see inside.

My breath stopped.

Razen had Navielle pressed against the bed. His hands moved over her, his lips locked with hers. Their clothes were scattered across the floor.

I already knew they were together, but seeing it with my own eyes was different. It cut deeper. Tears filled my eyes as I stood there, unseen.

Oh, I always miss you, my Navielle, Razen murmured.

Really? Then what about my sister? Navielle asked with a soft laugh, her hands moving over him.

She has never meant anything the way you do, Razen replied. When I take my place as Alpha, I will give you everything.

For a moment, I couldnt move. My body felt frozen. Then something inside me broke.

I pulled out my crystal communicator with shaking hands and quietly took several pictures.

Without a sound, I turned away, grabbed Razens carriage keys, and left.

I sat inside his carriage and stared at the images for a long moment. Then I opened my messages, attached them, and sent them to Keegan with a short line.

[I accept your offer.]

My crystal communicator buzzed almost at once, as if he had been waiting.

Keegan: [Good. I will contact you soon. This will be interesting for both of us.]

I leaned back and let out a quiet, bitter laugh. It felt like I had just handed my soul to something dark, but I didnt care. All I wanted was revenge.

I drove straight to the law firm Keegan had mentioned earlier.

The receptionist looked up with a polite smile. Good afternoon. How can I help you?

I am here to see Edgar Feralwood. Tell him Keegan Thunderhowl sent me, I said.

Her expression shifted slightly in surprise before she nodded. He is available. I will take you to him.

A few minutes later, I stood inside his office.

Lady Nivella Bloodwyn, he greeted, offering his hand. Welcome. Please sit. What can I do for you?

I want to end my bond with my mate, Razen Blackspire.

Nivella's POV

I had just arrived home when Razen rushed out of the pack house, panic clear in his eyes. He looked at his carriage parked outside, then at me. He quickly forced a relieved smile, but I could still see the fear beneath it.

Nivella, he called, walking fast toward me. Where have you been? I was worried.

Worried? I almost laughed at how fake it sounded.

I gave him a gentle smile. I went to get an anniversary gift for our celebration next week.

Razen blinked, caught off guard. Anniversary celebration?

I tilted my head slightly. Yes. Ours. Did you forget? My voice stayed calm, but I held his gaze, waiting.

He cleared his throat and ran a hand through his hair. No, of course not. How could I forget? He let out a light laugh that felt forced. I have just been busy with pack matters. You know how it is.

Liar.

I nodded slowly. I wanted it to be a surprise, so I will not tell you what I got. You will have to wait.

Razen smiled awkwardly. I am looking forward to it. You didnt need to go through all that. You could have called me. I would have gone with you.

It is fine, I said softly. You have been busy. I didnt want to disturb you.

Guilt flickered in his eyes as he leaned in and kissed my cheek. It felt empty. I am glad you are back.

Me too, I said, even though it was a lie, and walked past him into the house.

Behind me, Razen let out a quiet breath, relieved that I had not seen him with Navielle when I came for the keys. If only he knew.

I went upstairs and stepped into the master bedroom. The same place he had stained with betrayal. My stomach turned.

The door opened behind me. I turned, expecting Razen, but it was Navielle.

She leaned against the doorframe with a smug smile, her eyes gleaming.

You saw us, didnt you? she said, her voice teasing.

I kept my face blank. I dont know what you mean.

Navielle laughed softly and stepped inside, closing the door. Dont pretend. I saw you standing there.

I looked at her without emotion.

You should have stayed longer, she went on, her smile growing. You might have learned something.

I shrugged lightly. Alright. Are you done? I think Razen is waiting for you. I want to rest.

That was not the reaction she wanted. Her smile faltered for a moment before she hid it again.

I will go finish what we started. You are welcome to watch, she said before walking out.

I picked up my crystal communicator and sent Keegan a message.

[Phase one is done. Get ready.]

He replied with a heart symbol.

***

Razen stayed close to me for the next two days. He barely left my side, which made it harder for me to continue my plans.

Maybe his wolf sensed something. Maybe he suspected I had seen him with Navielle, even though I acted like everything was normal.

At last, I grew tired of waiting. I sent Navielle a message.

[Looks like Razen is tired of you. He has not left my side. Keep lying to yourself. He is mine.]

I knew it would provoke her.

Soon, Razens crystal communicator began ringing again and again. Messages kept coming in, but he ignored them at first.

Just as I started to lose patience, he finally stepped away to answer one of her calls.

A few minutes later, he came back, his face serious.

My love, he said gently, something urgent came up. I have to leave for a meeting tonight. It may take three days. His eyes showed guilt.

Oh, I said quietly, sounding disappointed. But our celebration is in four days.

I know, and I am sorry, he said quickly. But I promise I will be back. I would not miss it. He kissed my forehead.

Inside, I felt a quiet thrill. Three days. I didnt expect that much time. It was perfect.

***

The next three days passed quickly. I finished everything I needed.

Navielle made it easier. Every time I doubted myself, she sent me pictures of her and Razen, thinking it would hurt me. But each one only made me more sure.

I saved every picture. Soon, she would regret sending them.

At last, the day of the celebration arrived. The same day Razen was meant to return.

I stood in the living room, my thoughts racing. Then I took out my crystal communicator and sent him a message.

[Happy anniversary. Your gift is on the table.]

I placed the signed bond severance on the table beside the photos I had taken, along with the ones Navielle sent me.

Then I blocked both his number and hers.

I took a deep breath and walked out with my suitcase. Keegan was already there, waiting with a faint smile.

Are you ready? he asked, holding out his hand.

I took it without hesitation.

A private jet waited for us, prepared to take us to Ironvale. I glanced at him, curious about how he arranged it, but I was too tired to ask.

As the jet prepared to leave, I gave a small nod.

Keegans smile widened as he sent out a message to the news networks.

Let the game begin.