19
Nathan and I stood before Esmeralda, dressed in the dark uniforms of Alpha Dean’s sentinels. The disguise
was flawless–the potion had transformed us into entirely different people. Our facial features were sharper, more rugged, and our bodies now carried the build of trained warriors.
But the potion alone wasn’t enough.
“An Alpha’s senses are sharper than any human or lesser wolf,” Esmeralda warned, handing us a small glass vial filled with an earthy–smelling liquid. “This will mask your true scent. A single whiff of your real scent could expose you both.”
Nathan took the vial, dabbing a few drops on his wrists before handing it to me. The moment I applied it, a strange warmth spread over my skin, as if invisible hands were weaving a cloak around me.
“You don’t have much time,” Esmeralda reminded us. “The potion’s effect will only last until sunrise. If you don’t get the boy by then, you may not get another chance.”
Nathan nodded, his jaw tight. “We won’t fail.”
I clutched my hands into fists, steeling myself. We can’t fail.
Arriving at the mansion was easier than I expected.
Blending in among the sentinels, Nathan and I moved without suspicion. The guards were focused, disciplined,
9:39 AM D
Kept the Alpha’s Secret Heir
and completely loyal to Alpha Dean. No one paid us much attention, allowing us to slip into our roles seamlessly.
And then I saw him.
Nicholas.
He sat on the grass, a ball in his hands, while Dean crouched beside him, attempting to coax him into playing.
I clenched my fists so hard my nails dug into my palms.
“Where’s my mommy?” Nicholas asked, his small voice trembling.
Dean hesitated. Then he lied.
“She left, Nicholas.” His voice was calm, almost gentle. “She didn’t want to be here anymore.”
A choked sob escaped my son as he shook his head. “No. My mommy wouldn’t leave me!”
I felt something inside me snap. My entire body burned with the need to storm over and take him away.
Nathan grabbed my wrist before I could move, his grip firm. His eyes met mine, warning me to stay in control.
At sunset, Dean gathered all his sentinels.
“There are threats against this pack,” he declared, his voice commanding. “From this moment on, security will double. Nicholas is to be guarded at all times.”
I stiffened. This just made things harder.
Nathan and I were assigned to different sections of the mansion, but we had already planned for this.
As we moved into position, Nathan leaned close to whisper, “We’ll take Nicholas tonight. I noticed he has a
nanny. If we can get rid of her, you can take her place and get close to him.”
It was a risky plan–but our best shot.
Hours later, Nathan executed the first step.
A shadow moved behind the mansion, silent and precise. The real nanny barely had time to react before Nathan
grabbed her from behind, pressing a cloth over her mouth. Within moments, she was unconscious. He dragged her
into a secluded storage room and locked the door.
With the leftover potion, I took a sip.
The transformation was instant. My body shrank slightly, my features softening until I no longer looked like a
warrior–but a simple caretaker,
The perfect disguise.
I straightened my uniform and hurried inside, heart pounding as I approached Nicholas.
He sat on his bed, shoulders hunched, sniffling. My heart ached seeing him like this. I wanted to hold him, to tell
him everything would be okay.
But I had to be careful.
“Are you alright, young master?” I asked softly, mimicking a stranger’s voice.
Nicholas sniffled and shook his head. “My mommy left me.”
I knelt beside him, keeping my voice low. “That’s not true.”
His eyes widened as he looked at me, realization flickering in his gaze.
I nodded slightly.
“I’m right here,” I whispered. “But you have to be quiet. I’m going to take you away from here.”
Tears welled in his eyes, but he nodded quickly, understanding the importance of silence.
Just as I reached for his hand, the door burst open. Cecelia.
Her eyes blazed with fury. “You little brat! Did you ruin my bedroom?”
Nicholas flinched, fear flashing in his expression.
My own rage boiled over. “Leave him alone!” I snapped.
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9:40 AM
1 Kept the Alpha’s Secret Heir
Cecelia turned her sharp glare on me. “You’re just a nanny. Know your place!”
I had to fight every instinct screaming at me to attack her. But then Cecelia shoved Nicholas roughly, and I lost it.
I stepped forward, ready to rip her apart-
“Stop.”
Dean’s voice cut through the tension.
He stepped into the room, his golden eyes cold. “What’s going on?”
Cecelia straightened immediately. “This nanny was harassing Nicholas.”
I braced myself.
Dean turned to Nicholas. “Is that true?”
Cecelia’s gaze darkened, silently warning Nicholas to lie.
But my son, my brave boy, lifted his chin. “She’s lying.”
Dean’s expression darkened. He turned on Cecelia. “You have no right to lay a hand on him.”
Cecelia’s face paled. “I was just-”
“Enough,” Dean snapped. His voice left no room for argument.
I stood frozen, watching the scene unfold. *He was… protecting Nicholas?*
It didn’t change anything–I still wouldn’t let Nicholas stay with him–but for the first time, doubt crept into my
mind.
Dean exhaled sharply, then turned to me. “Are you alright?”
I quickly bowed my head, keeping up the act. “Yes, Alpha.”
Dean rubbed a hand down his face, looking exhausted. “Watch over Nicholas. I have to find his mother.”
My breath caught. I forced myself to act neutral. “Did you hear what happened to them?”
Dean frowned. “They were taken to jail. But after that… nothing. It’s strange. I only ordered their arrest, but now
they’ve disappeared.”
My stomach dropped. He doesn’t know Cecelia tried to have us killed.
Cecelia wasn’t just trying to keep Nicholas away from me–she was working against Dean, too.
And that meant she wasn’t just my enemy.
She was his.
