Chapter 7. Cruel Alpha King

I struggled to calm the tumultuous emotions swirling within me, feeling like a storm was about to engulf me. Yet, I couldn't help but steal a glance at my son, who was blissfully playing with building blocks. My heart suddenly brimmed with love and tenderness at the sight of him.

After losing everything, Austin had become my reason to keep going. Nothing in this world was more precious to me than him. I was aware that my thoughts could be irrational at times, but I couldn't help being frightened for him. The fear of Zander discovering Austin's existence and the potential consequences consumed me.

Suddenly, my breaths became shallow, and panic threatened to overtake me. I struggled to keep it together and reached for a glass of cold water, attempting to regain control. Sitting down, I closed my eyes, trying to focus on the good memories to calm myself.

Gradually, my breathing steadied, and my heart resumed its normal rhythm. I glanced at the time and realized I was running late for my appointment with the interviewer. Panic resurfaced momentarily before I forced myself to take a deep breath and gather my belongings. I needed to head out quickly. I walked up to Austin and gently kissed his forehead.

“Austin, Mom is heading out for an interview. Be good to Grandpa, alright? I'll be back before you know it,” I whispered softly.

"Okay, Mom!" Austin nodded, his innocent eyes meeting mine, giving me the strength to face the challenges that lay ahead.

I took the bus to the office of a tech company. One after another, I went to five interviews straight in a row but faced nothing but failure. Every response was the same that I wasn’t qualified enough for an office job. Fuck my luck.

I returned home with weary feet and a heart heavy with disappointment. Countless thoughts and considerations swirled in my mind, the pros and cons of my next steps consuming my every waking moment.

As I stepped into the calm, soothing atmosphere of the house, I took a deep breath to steady myself before gently closing the door behind me. Austin and Uncle were glued to the TV, and I forced a smile as I passed them. I made my coffee, grabbed my mug and laptop, and headed to my favorite spot by the window. I found comfort in that little corner. Dragging my beloved bean bag near the window, I plopped down, placing my coffee mug beside me on the floor and opening my laptop on my lap. I started job hunting again. I had a few hours before my night shift at the bar would start. Ah, goddess! What a life you've blessed me with. Closing my eyes, I let the peaceful chirping of birds returning to their nests wash over me, finding a little relief in their sounds amidst the chaos in my mind. Then, I opened my eyes and focused on the laptop screen.

"Selena!"

Uncle’s voice snapped me out of my moment of focus, and I lifted my head to find him standing before me. His gaze bore into me, seemingly reading the emotions etched on my face. Feeling self-conscious, I looked away.

"So, you didn't get the job, right?" he deduced.

I nodded, offering a faint smile.

“Don’t worry. There are plenty of jobs in the market,” I assured him before returning my gaze to the laptop and starting to apply for interviews again.

"What if you don’t get a job next time? Why don’t you think about something else?" he asked frantically.

Rubbing my forehead, I took a deep breath.

"I’m trying, Uncle. I have another option in mind. Until now, I’ve restricted myself to job hunting only in the South. But now, I’m going to explore opportunities anywhere. If I find a job in another region, we’ll relocate," I explained my plan for the future.

"What?! Have you lost your mind? We’ve been hiding for years from that cruel alpha king, and now you're risking our lives by showing up? You know that monster, Zander Blake, won’t show any mercy if he finds out what you’ve taken from him," Uncle warned.

I turned to face him, frowning. "Trust me, I won’t let anything happen to you or Austin. But I have to do this. It’s the only option I have now. I can’t live like this. I need a job," I said, having thought it over carefully. Honestly, I had no other choice.

"I have a better idea," Uncle smirked darkly, and his smile unsettled me this time.

Curiosity and suspicion tinged my voice as I asked, "What is it, Uncle?"

“You could bring the Alpha King to his knees,” he said confidently. “He’d pay any price if we asked. You have his blood—his heir, Austin. You know how badly he wanted a son. I’m telling you, we could make him beg.” His words dripped with malice, a vengeful glint flashing in his eyes.