My Alpha’s Betrayal: Burning In The Flames Of His Vengeance

57. A Failure CHARLENE “Really Charlene, can you pay a little attention? You need to choose a dress.” Mom scolded flipping through the samples of fabrics that sat on the sofa next to her.

| frowned as | stared out at the blizzard outside. We were currently in the sitting room of our quarters and Mom was trying to have our dresses finalised for the upcoming ball.

Was Yileyna ok? | heard Theon was moving back to the castle. This tof year was brutal in terms of how cold it got, I didn’t get why Yileyna hadn’t moved to the castle with him as well. It had shockedwhen the staff said it was just Theon alone... What was going on? It wasn't like either of them to be separated. Theon was so possessive about her. Everyone could tell from the way he looked at her, he was even going around making it known. So it was strange she wasn’t at the castle, it was worrying me. Did they argue again? | wished she had the ability to mind link so I could at least talk to her. “Charlene!” Mom snapped, makingjump. “Mom, relax.

Choose whatever you like.” | said quietly. | felt restless and | knew it was because of the news of Theon coming here alone. Goddess! | needed to do something. “Charlene, as the future ruler of this kingdom, you need to be a lot more proactive about what is going on around you.” Mom reprimandedicily. 1 | frowned.

“Choosing a dress when we are threatened by war and attacks isn’t really being proactive.” | murmured, but of course, she heard. Her heels clicked on the floor as she strode over to me, pullingby my arm and turningviciously. She raised her hand. My eyes flew open as | stared at her and she brought it down, stopping inches from my face.

Our hearts were thumping. She had never hit me... She looked shocked by her own actions too. She lowered her hand, clenching her fist, and twirled away, her anger so obvious that it worried me.

“You need to act like you are at least an alpha female!” She hissed. 2 “I don’t understand why you're saying that, Mom. I'm doing my best.” | didn’t understand what more she wanted from me.

“You aren't. Your father is so worried about the future of this kingdom, why? Because you aren't up to the standard needed.” She said, worry and anger on her face. “Growing up we both know you were always second to a certain someone, at least now try to live up to the expectations we need from you.” + | felt the pang of pain inside. Yes | know, | was always compared to Yileyna by Mom. Yileyna was always better at everything, and Mom would always make remarks about it. That only stopped when | shifted and Yileyna didn’t.

But lately, with the growing threats, it was only becoming more and more stressful for us all. 3 | worked hard, | was trying to awaken my abilities, | was trying to be involved and learn about the kingdom from Dad. | mean as future Alpha, he should involve me, but he didn’t. There was only so much | could do on my own.

Mom simply stared at me, clucking her tongue sharply in frustration.

“You need to be the daughter he needs, Charlene. You need to care for the kingdom. This ball is an important event, with your father choosing Theon of Westerfell as our Beta.” Theon of Westerfell... | had heard that title going around, binding him to the city since he had no memory of his past... | sighed heavily and nodded. “Yes, mother, you are right.” | said, not wanting to argue.

At least when Theon becBeta, Yileyna would by default becBeta female and then we could spend much more ttogether. | missed her. Since her parents had died, we don’t have as much tas before, and now that Theon’s in her life...

Yes, | was a bit jealous that my soul sister was taken from me, but as long as she’s happy, I'm happy. She deserves happiness. 1 | forced myself to look at the fabric swatches that were scattered on the sofa. | flipped through a bundle, unable to focus on what | was seeing and stopping at a silver fabric.

“I will wear silver.” | said emotionlessly, not wanting to argue further with her.

She paused before she nodded, smiling with approval. “That's perfect.” Mom said, and | breathed a sigh of relief.

“We can go for saccents of green.” | offered, not wanting to upset her any further.

“See, that wasn't so hard, was it?” “No. Of course not.” She smiled in approval just as the door opened and Dad entered the sitting room. “Andres.” Mom said standing up as she walked over to her mate and, cupping his face, kissed him softly Dad kissed her back, but I could tell he'd had a long day, he looked tired but somewhat still happy. | guess things were going well. | smiled politely, | was so glad that | did hold the power of the heart of Kaeladia within me, it madefeel far less useless. | just wished | could break the seal on my powers soon. It would at least helpmake my parents happy and help the people of the city.

Dad grinned when he broke away from Mom, cupping her face for a second. “I have good news.” He said, kissing her neck.

| looked at him curiously, wondering what this good news was that had gotten him so excited a “Oh?” Mom asked as Dad sat down, pulling her into his lap.

“Yes. Theon has agreed to take Charlene as his chosen mate.” My stomach dropped, my heart thumping as his words rang in my head. | stared at him in utter disbelief and anger. “What?” | asked, my voice coming out hoarse.

“Theon will be your mate.” Dad repeated, his smile vanishing, the command in his voice makingshudder.

“He’s with Yileyna.” “Not anymore. He agreed to take you as his.” Dad smirked. | clenched my fists, my heart pounding as | stared at Dad, summoning every inch of my courage. “No.” “What?” He asked, his eyes hard.

“I said no. | will never take Theon as my mate. Ever.” | said bravely, despite the fear | was feeling as Dad's aura raged around him like a beast ready to wreak havoc. 1 Goddess, givethe strength to stand up to him. “Say that again.” Dad threatened, slowly pushing Mom onto the sofa as he stood up. | squared my shoulders, jutting my chin out defiantly. “I said no, | will NEVER take a man that belongs to another as my mate. | don’t care if Theon agreed, | don’t agree.” | said clearly. “You will, you are not worthy of the position yourself!” Dad warned. “This kingdom needs an Alpha.” “Then let him be Alpha. Make Theon your heir! Why are you tyingto him?! He can still be Alpha, | don’t want the position!” “Charlene!” Mom hissed, standing up, her eyes flashing. | frowned as Dad let out a laugh, as if I had just made a joke.

a “Make him my heir? Oh if it was only that easy! Do you really think it is? | need an Aphelion on that throne! | need my blood to continue on! | fought for that throne! How childish and ridiculous are you that you think the Alpha title is a joke that you can just pass it on to someone else!” “Then letchoose another mate. There are so many potential Alphas, father! Please don’t tieto Theon. | don’t like him!” | pleaded. Why had he agreed? | didn’t get it? Was he really casting Yileyna aside? | couldn’t believe it....

had a crush on Theon from the moment | had first seen him... but when | began to see the attention that he had only for Yileyna, | accepted that he belonged to her. | would never be jealous of what was not mine, what belonged to my sister, and | would NEVER take what is hers. Ever.

“Another Alpha? When we have Theori, who is far better than any young man | have cacross.” “It just shows how much she is lacking!” Mom added. “Then... At the ball, you are having alphas from all around.

What if my mate is there? At least lethave the chance to find my true mate?” | begged. “You will be bound to Theon, by mark and by marriage.” Dad added with finality, his raging eyes glared atand | was forced to lower my head in submission to him.

He let out a scoff.

“An Alpha, my daughter, yet she cannot defy my command even...” He stepped closer to me, taking hold of my chin. A dangerous glint in his eyes made my heart pound in fear. “I'm warning you, Charlene, if Yileyna is the reason behind this, I will make sure she’s out of the picture.” He whispered menacingly. A threat he truly meant.

My eyes stung but | didn’t blink. I will not show him I'm scared. Nothing can happen to Yileyna. If Theon isn’t in her corner, then she has me. Even if | am useless, or not good enough. A failed daughter and a failed Alpha... But | swear by Selene, | will not be a failure of a friend. 3 | nodded in silent agreement that | had understood him.

“At the ball, we will announce their union.” Dad added, turning to Mom, who smiled and qushed about how Theon was perfect for me.

| frowned The ball... That meant | had a little time. | needed to talk to Theon and Yileyna.

Immediately