Crimson Moon Redemption: My Alpha's Brutal Mistake
Chapter 29 – The vampire prince (Alpha Zion)

Chapter 29: Chapter 29 – The vampire prince (Alpha Zion)

I often found myself questioning why I was so determined to protect Bella at all costs. It turned out that the name I had given her belonged to her mother.

As hard as it may seem to believe, Bella was the red-haired girl who had saved Zach. It was unfortunate for him, and instead of feeling happy about it as it aligned with my plans, I felt rather sorry for him.

If Bella was truly responsible for Iris’s murder, then the good she had done for our family would have been repaid, and in that scenario, Zach would not have the right to pursue her and should let her live freely.

However, if her innocence was proven, Zach would be in trouble, and I didn’t want that for him, even though he had gone too far by breaking her spirit, causing her to want nothing to do with him.

Kari’s impersonation of Bella made her situation pitiful. The Zach I knew would not hold back if he discovered the deception, and the weight of this information was too much for me to bear. I couldn’t share it with anyone, as it could tip off those involved and lead them to flee.

My plan to help Bella regrow her hair was for her natural hair to serve as proof that she is Zach’s true savior. Being a practical man, Zach would not believe it if I were to tell him now that Kari was fake, but the growth of Bella’s red hair will confirm it.

Fortunately, I had blocked all mindlinks, allowing me the time to discuss everything with Bella. However, my thoughts were interrupted when Madai approached me with disturbing news.

"Alpha, the vampire prince is at the gate, and it seems he’s here for Bella," he whispered. Confusion clouded my mind as I looked at Bella, and my expression must have alarmed her, prompting her to ask, "What’s wrong?"

I debated whether to tell her the news before I had all the details, but I managed a smile and reassured her, "Nothing. Madai will take you to the farm to learn about the production process, and you can share your favorite phase with me when I return to check on you."

Bella’s excitement at the mention of work was heartwarming, and I realized I didn’t want to pressure her into a relationship. Treating her like a sister was enough for me, especially considering all she had done for us.

My whole family remained grateful for that little girl whose identity was hidden for her protection, and here she was, badly treated in the hands of those who should have cherished her.

If anyone deserved special treatment, it was Bella, and I hoped that by treating her well, Zach would not suffer any consequences. Trotting to the gate, the vampire prince, Draven, was indeed standing at the entrance unguarded, his body covered from head to toe, leaving just a small fragment of his pale face visible.

Upon seeing me, his expression shifted to one of irritation. "Good day, Alpha Zion. I hope you are already aware of my reason for being here," he said seriously. I chuckled, as I had not delved into the matter to keep Bella unaware.

"There is a damsel here who is my mate, and I have come to claim her," he stated firmly. I sighed. "We don’t have damsels here, only she-wolves."

How dare he come to claim his mate in my pack? This isn’t a vampire castle. Despite my frustration, he remained calm.

"I can smell my mate here. You should allow me to go in and search for her. Based on my prediction, she has been here for a little over two weeks."

Only two people have recently joined my tribe, Apphia and Bella. With Apphia already mated, Madai was right to suspect that he was here for Bella. Although cross-mating was permissible, none had been heard of in the last century.

"Perhaps you should have your senses checked. Here, we only have she-wolves, not vampires," I said with irritation, turning to leave as he spoke behind me.

"I will be back in the next full moon, Alpha Zion, and I hope you won’t make things difficult. I don’t mind that my mate is a she-wolf, but you have to hand her over, unless you are ready for a war."

"A war with a bunch of pale, blood-sucking creatures? I’m in," I said sarcastically, and his expression changed instantly. "I’m being respectful to you, so there’s no point in being impolite. What you must know is that my mate is rightfully mine, and I will fight for her."

How could Bella be mated to a vampire? Was she one of them? No, how could she move around so comfortably in the sun if she were one of them? "I’ve already made it clear that you’re not welcome in this pack," I asserted firmly, he countered,

"Why not let any she-wolf who has joined your tribe in less than a month make her own choice? I’m sure she’s feeling the bond by now, and if she chooses not to come with me, I’ll leave peacefully."

The situation was delicate, and I was unsure of Bella’s intentions. After what Zach had done to her, would she really consider leaving with a vampire?

I quickly reached out to her through our mind link. ’Bella, how are you feeling?’

’Strange, Alpha Zion. How did you know something was wrong?’ Her response hit me hard because, for some reason, I didn’t want to see her go. However, Draven had promised to leave peacefully if she declined his offer.

I wished the protective wolf hadn’t nullified Zach’s mark by marking Bella, but it was done to keep her safe and without it, Zach would have already tracked and finished her off.

"The vampire prince claims to be your mate. Do you want to meet him?" I asked, silently cursing myself for taking the bait. What if she agreed to go with him?