The Alpha's Cinderella

Chapter 17

Ashford

Goldenridge Pack was a refreshing change of scenery compared to my home. The journey to reach this place was a sensory delight, surrounded by towering trees and vibrant nature, a stark contrast to Blood Rose.

I decided to undertake it on foot, avoiding any cars to ensure my secret mission remained discreet. Damon was not only the Alpha I was born to serve but a good friend, almost a brother, whom I was willing to help as much as I could. I knew how important it was for him to know the truth about Serena, not only for his own gain but to save Blood Rose from blood-sucking leeches like Mathilde and her imposter daughter. This fueled my desire to succeed in this mission, as the fate of Blood Rose rested upon me.

It was time to step up my gain. I won’t let Damon and my people down.

With each step, I got deeper into nature. Tall trees were like guards, and their leaves whispered in the wind. The ground was covered in soft, damp moss, like a comfy carpet under my feet. Sometimes, the sunlight broke through the thick branches, making warm spots of light on the ground. I knew this path well as I’d been here before when we fetched the fake Serena. But this time, I noticed the beauty around me more than ever. It was like a hidden, secret place that I knew but hadn't really seen until now.

Finally, I reached the pack border. The vigilant warriors patrolling the borders greeted me. They specifically looked upon the brooch on my left chest, an emblem of a rose and wolf, the symbol of my pack. I wasted no time to introduce myself.

“I am Ashford Ruiz of the Blood Rose Pack and I bring no harm. I came here to talk to your Alpha, Craig Mitchell about some important matters.”

An elder wolf, who I think was the warrior leader, stepped up to greet me. “Welcome to the Goldenridge Pack. Is the Alpha expecting your visit today?”

Actually, I came here with a bit of urgency. I no longer have time to announce my arrival head-on."

“I understand,” the warrior leader responded. He turned back and signaled a young wolf to come near him. “Take this gentleman to the packhouse,” he commanded as the young wolf approached. We then took our leave after some pleasantries and I followed the young lad inside the territory.

It didn’t take us long to reach the pack house. But as we knocked on the door, we were told that the Alpha went to the Beta mansion to visit his brother. The tracker named Walter must have noticed my reaction upon hearing it. He smiled and provided some clarity. “Beta Janus is Alpha Craig’s younger brother.” I just nodded at the thought. Now, I was beginning to understand why Mathilde had the guts to fool Damon like that.

As we approached the Beta mansion, the tranquility was shattered by a loud commotion from within. It was clear that something was amiss between the Alpha and his brother as their heated conversation reached our ears before we even entered. The tracker and I exchanged uneasy glances, unable to avoid overhearing their emotionally charged conversation.

"I don't think you understand how serious this is, Janus," Craig said, frustration evident in his tone. "You promised Lorraine you'd protect her daughter, and yet, you've let her down. I told you to do something about Mathilde’s deeds but you kept on ignoring me. Now, everything is out of hand. When will you ever learn to listen to me about that wife of yours?!"

"I know I messed up, okay!” Janus retorted. There was a trace of helplessness in his voice as he began to explain himself. “It’s just that, I love Mathilde so much, and I couldn't say no to her, no matter how twisted her demands became. But I didn't actively harm the girl. I just... I couldn't stop her from doing it."

The discomfort in the air was palpable as we unintentionally eavesdropped on their personal exchange.

"Either way, you’re equally guilty because you chose not to say anything against it," Craig said, his voice softening. "You've lost yourself in this twisted love, and it's tearing you apart. I love you, brother, but this love of yours is so toxic and I couldn’t help but wish that you didn’t meet her."

The Beta’s voice was filled with self-loathing as he replied, "I know, Craig. I never should have let it get this far. But I can't undo what's been done."

My unease deepened as I realized the gravity of their conversation. The tracker and I exchanged another awkward glance, silently acknowledging that we should leave them to their private matters. Deciding to come back another day to discuss my intentions with the Alpha, I turned to leave but hesitated when I heard him utter a familiar name.

"I wish I could say sorry to Serena, make everything right. But I can't do that now, even if I want to." His voice trembled as he confessed.

I clenched my fist upon hearing that. Does this mean the woman they talked about earlier was the real Serena we are looking for?

A few seconds later Alpha Craig strolled out of the grand mansion. His eyes widened as he spotted me loitering by the entrance. We nodded, acknowledging each other's presence. The Alpha looked saw the brooch on my chest and immediately realized where I came from.

It was the tracker that broke the silence between us.

"Sir Ashford Ruiz of Blood Rose Pack came here to see you, Alpha.”

Craig nodded and addressed me afterward. “What brings the future Beta of Blood Rose in our humble Pack?”

I scratched the back of my neck, feeling the need for some privacy. "Mind if we chat somewhere a bit more secluded?" I suggested.

“Of course.”

Craig gestured for me to follow him into the pack house and the tracker took his leave. We entered a cozy study, the scent of old leather-bound books filling the room.

After we were seated in comfort, I leaned in and got straight to the point. "I've got a confidential mission from the Alpha Heir. He wants me to dig up every bit of information I can find about Serena Mitchell."

Craig's brows furrowed, and he offered a quizzical smile. "Serena? Why doesn't he just ask her himself?"

I couldn't help but smirk, leaning back in my chair. I saw some sweat forming on the Alpha’s forehead, indicating his discomfort about the topic.

“Let’s cut to the chase,you know what I am talking about.” This time, I exuded an intimidating aura, and judging by how Alpha Craig swallowed his saliva, I knew how my shift of demeanor affected him. “I want everything to know about Serena Mitchell, the REAL Serena Mitchell.”