The Alpha’s Hidden Legacy

Lunch should’ve been a calm moment. The clink of silverware, murmured conversations, the smell of soup rising from the pot I’d prepared. But for me, it felt like sitting at the edge of a crumbling cliff. My thoughts were a storm. Every sound, every laugh, every fake smile twisted inside me like a knife.

Carolyn was glowing with her usual charm, laughing softly beside Florence. She leaned into him just a little too much, brushing his arm as she whispered something meant only for him. And he—Florence—smiled. That same smile I used to believe was only for me.

Seth sat across from them, looking completely unaware. He handed Carolyn a napkin like the perfect boyfriend, his eyes soft, his presence warm. I gripped the edge of the table, teeth digging into my lip. The image of what I’d overheard earlier haunted me, looped endlessly in my head.

I hadn’t meant to hear it.

Just this morning, I was walking toward Alpha Florence’s study, the pregnancy kit tucked tightly in my hand. My heart was pounding—but it wasn’t out of fear. It was excitement. I was ready to tell him. To show him. I was carrying his child.

But just before I could knock, I froze.

Whispers filtered through the wooden door. At first, I thought I was imagining things. Until I heard Florence’s voice.

"I’m done with her, Carolyn," he said, voice low but firm. "Once I secure influence from Aimee’s pack, she’s out of the picture."

I pressed my ear to the door, breath caught in my throat.

Carolyn’s voice followed, smooth and confident. “And no one will even care. You’ve played the part long enough. You deserve to be happy. With me.”

Her laugh—low, knowing—echoed like poison through the crack in the door.

Florence chuckled. “It’s almost funny how easy it’s been. She still trusts me.”

I stumbled backward, nausea curling in my gut. I must’ve looked like a ghost. The floor spun. I turned, barely able to breathe, and that’s when I saw him.

Seth.

He was walking toward me from the other end of the hall, file folder in hand, his steps steady and unsuspecting.

No. No, he couldn’t go in there. Not now. Not when everything he knew was about to explode.

Without thinking, I rushed forward, grabbing his arm and dragging him around the corner.

“Aimee?” he blinked at me, alarm flashing in his eyes. “What’s going on?”

I opened my mouth, but the words turned to dust. How do you say it? Hey, Seth, your brother and my sister are betraying us. Behind closed doors. Together. No. It wouldn’t come out like that. Not yet.

“I… I need your help in the kitchen,” I blurted. “Something’s burning.”

He looked confused. “Burning? But I was just about to—”

“It’s not urgent,” I cut in quickly. “Please. Just come with me.”

He hesitated, brows furrowing like they always did when he didn’t quite understand but wanted to trust me anyway. “Okay,” he said after a pause, letting me lead him away from that cursed door.

But even in the kitchen, nothing felt safe. The lie pressed against my ribs, screaming to be let out. My hands were trembling as I stirred the soup. My gaze flicked to the dining table—Carolyn tossing her hair, Florence’s smirk angled just right. A performance. They were so good at pretending.

And then it happened.

The pot tilted in my hand before I could stop it. The ladle tipped forward, sending a stream of scalding soup straight onto Carolyn’s lap.

She gasped, lurching backward. The table fell into silence.

Florence shot up, fury in his eyes. “Aimee, what the hell was that? Watch what you’re doing!”

He didn’t even glance at me—just went straight to Carolyn’s side, dabbing her dress with a napkin, worry lining his brow.

“Apologize,” he said, cold and sharp.

I couldn’t breathe.

“I…” My voice was barely a whisper. “I’m sorry. It was an accident.”

Carolyn sneered at me. “Stupid girl.”

I flinched.

Then—Seth stood.

“Don’t talk to her like that, Carolyn,” he said, his voice unshaking, his gaze firm.

Carolyn’s face turned red, not from the soup but from rage. “Whatever,” she snapped. “I’m done here.” She shoved her chair back and stormed out.

Florence followed her. Of course he did.

Silence settled like ash over the table. Seth stayed standing, his eyes still on me. But now, they were different. He wasn’t just confused. He was suspicious.

“Aimee,” he said slowly, carefully. “Something’s going on, isn’t it?”

My throat burned. I’d kept it in long enough.

I met his gaze, heart pounding.

“I heard them,” I said, voice shaking. “Earlier. Florence and Carolyn. They’re… they’re cheating on us.”

His expression shattered.

For a second, he didn’t say anything. He just stood there, pale, as if the air had been sucked from the room. His hand gripped the back of the chair, knuckles white.

And then, quietly: “Are you sure?”

I nodded. I didn’t trust my voice anymore.

Seth sank slowly into his chair, his eyes darting to the now-empty seats where Florence and Carolyn had been moments ago.

“They’ve been lying to us,” I whispered. “All this time.”

Seth didn’t look at me. He stared straight ahead, his jaw clenched, chest rising and falling like he was fighting to stay calm.

The truth was out.

There was no going back.