The lost mate
Chapter 63: Creating a divide

Chapter 63: Creating a divide

Liana took one look at the chaos—the flour-dusted countertops, the plates of half-eaten pancakes, and Ryan with syrup smeared across his chin—and her lips curled ever so slightly in disdain. But then she composed her face.

"Well, good morning, sweetheart," Liana cooed, her voice saccharine sweet as she crouched slightly to be at eye level with the boy. "Did you enjoy your breakfast?"

Ryan beamed. "Daddy made pancakes! I helped!"

Liana’s smile remained tight as she straightened, her eyes flicking to Damien and Annie. "Lovely. But I’m here to discuss something more important." She shifted her attention fully to Damien.

"Ryan needs to start school in the pack’s academy. It’s time he begins his training to become the next Alpha."

Annie’s fork clattered against her plate, her nerves instantly spiking. She glanced at Damien, then back at Liana, swallowing hard. "I—uh, there’s something you should know..."

Liana’s perfectly arched brow lifted ever so slightly, waiting for Annie to continue.

Annie bit her lip, fidgeting with her napkin. "Ryan... he doesn’t know what he is."

Liana blinked. "What do you mean he doesn’t know?" Her voice remained calm, but there was a sharp edge to it now.

Annie shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her mind racing for the right words. "I never told him. He thinks he’s human."

There was silence in the room.

Liana’s eyes widened in what could only be described as utter disbelief, her hands clasping together tightly. "You never told him? He doesn’t know he’s a werewolf."

Damien, surprisingly, didn’t look as alarmed as Liana. Instead, he was nodding thoughtfully, almost amused by the situation. "It’s not as big of a deal as you’re making it, mum. Ryan’s a wolf—he’ll figure it out eventually."

Liana, however, looked as though someone had suggested they skip a royal ball for a barbeque. "Figure it out?" she repeated, her tone incredulous. "He needs to be trained! Prepared for his future as Alpha!"

Annie, feeling more flustered by the second, tried to explain. "We were living among humans. I didn’t tell him so that he could blend in. He is still too young."

Liana pressed her lips into a thin line, clearly struggling to keep her composure. "So he’s been... what? Living a completely human life?"

"Pretty much," Annie admitted, wincing.

Ryan, oblivious to the seriousness of the conversation, happily smeared more syrup on his pancake.

Liana sighed dramatically, pinching the bridge of her nose as though this entire situation was giving her a migraine. "This is... preposterous." He needs to begin his training immediately. No more delay."

Damien, watching the entire exchange, leant back in his chair and shrugged. "It’s fine. He’s a wolf. He’ll pick it up. Right, buddy?" He ruffled Ryan’s hair, earning a giggle from the boy.

Ryan looked up at his parents, syrup-covered and completely content. "I like wolves. I have a toy wolf called Buddy."

Liana let out a long, exasperated sigh, muttering something under her breath about ’half-breeds and irresponsibility.’ Annie shot Damien a helpless look, but he just winked at her.

"Damien, I need to have a word with you." Liana said. "Now !"

Damien raised an eyebrow, but got up from his chair and followed Liana out of the room. Annie glanced at Ryan, who was happily playing with his food. Damien closed the door of his office and looked at his mother.

"The Alpha King status. Do you really think it’s guaranteed just because of your bloodline? Because it isn’t." Her words were cold, deliberate, as if she were explaining something to a child. "The title isn’t hereditary, Damien. It’s given to the strongest pack and the strongest family. Your grandfather didn’t just sit around and inherit the title. He earned it."

"I’m aware," he replied, his tone clipped. "I’m not sitting on my hands, if that’s what you’re implying."

Liana’s eyes flashed, her lips curving into a tight smile. "Good. Because your father and I have done everything to ensure that our pack remains at the top. Your grandfather sacrificed his entire life building this empire, and I would hate to see it crumble because of one mistake."

Damien felt the words sting more than he’d like to admit. "What mistake?" he asked, trying to keep his tone neutral.

Liana leant forward, her gaze never leaving his. "Your connection to Annie. Her presence weakens you. The council is already talking, Damien. The other packs are watching. And don’t think for a second that our enemies wouldn’t pounce on the first sign of weakness."

Damien felt his chest tighten. He knew where this was going.

"Annie and Ryan are my family," he said through clenched teeth. "I won’t turn my back on them."

Liana didn’t flinch. Her calm was unsettling, like the eye of a storm. "I’m not asking you to turn your back on them," she said coolly. "I’m asking you to be strategic. I am waiting for you to control that woman. She might be a good mother, but she needs to be more than just a mother to raise a prince. If you let your emotions get in the way, everything your grandfather worked for could be lost. You will lose everything."

Damien let out a long breath, running a hand through his hair.

"So what do you want me to do ?"

"Focus on Ryan’s education and training."

"Mum ! He is just four !"

"An excellent age to start; at this age you were already hunting squirrels. We have excellent teachers, nannies, and trained professionals who can help with his education and training. Let them do this job."

Damien’s face was grim. He knew Annie wouldn’t like it. She was always protective of Ryan and wouldn’t leave his upbringing on others.

Liana rested a hand on his arm, her tone softening just enough to sound motherly. "I’m not your enemy, Damien. I want what’s best for you, for the pack. But you need to be careful. The council is already divided, and the other packs are waiting for you to slip. Don’t give them that chance."

"I will think about it, mum." Damien replied.