From Substitute To Queen Chapter 68

"You're my firstborn. My daughter. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks or says. You're going to be the next Alpha of this pack, and it's time everyone knew it."

The words hit me like a physical blow. After years of feeling like an outsider, like Victoria's and Daisy's presence had somehow diminished my place in the family...

I was completely speechless.

"You don't have to answer now," he said gently. "Just think about it. Daisy would be thrilled to have you there. And I... I would be honored to have my daughter by my side again."

After we hung up, I sat in silence for several long moments. The emotional whiplash of the evening was catching up to me.

Caelan moved to sit beside me, his earlier passion replaced by gentle concern. "You okay?"

"I think so." I wiped at my eyes. "Dad want us to attend Daisy's birthday party."

His hand found mine. "I'll go wherever you need me to go."

I took a deep breath, trying to collect myself. "It's getting pretty late," I said, glancing at the clock. "You should probably head home."

But instead of agreeing, Caelan's expression grew more serious. "Actually, Sabi, there's something else we need to discuss. Would like to move in with me? After what happened tonight with Darrell..."

I shook my head immediately. "Caelan, moving is a huge hassle. I just got settled here." I gestured around my apartment. "Besides, this building has excellent security. I can talk to the front desk, give them Darrell's photo, make sure he's banned from entering."

Caelan studied my face, clearly wanting to argue further. But after a moment, he sighed. "At least let me station some of my security nearby. Discreetly."

"Fine. Discrete security. But no one obvious hanging around making my neighbors nervous."

"Deal." Some of the tension left his shoulders. "But Sabi, if he shows up here again, if he so much as calls you, I want to know immediately. Promise me."

I couldn't help but smile. I gave him an exaggerated bow. "Yes, Your Majesty. I understand completely."

He pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. "Goodnight, my queen."

***

**Caelan's POV**

My hands gripped the steering wheel as I pulled away from Sable's apartment building. My mind was already racing ahead to my next move.

*Darrell wants to play games? Fine. Let's see how he handles real power.*

I reached for my phone and dialed Edward's number. Two rings, then his familiar voice answered.

"Edward."

"Your Majesty. Is there an emergency?"

"I need you to investigate Hawthorne Pack's current alliance status immediately. Find out which cooperation agreements are about to expire."

"Understood, Your Majesty. Please hold on a second."

I heard the rapid clicking of keyboard keys through the phone.

"Your Majesty?" Edward's voice returned after a minute. "Hawthorne Pack has three major alliance agreements expiring at month's end."

"Perfect." A dangerous smile crossed my lips. "Contact those three pack Alphas. Tell them not to renew with Hawthorne Pack. If they require compensation, the crown can provide more favorable terms."

"I'll arrange it immediately."

Edward paused, then continued. "Your Majesty, the horse incident investigation results are complete."

My jaw tightened. "Tell me."

"Confirmed, Your Majesty. The veterinarian discovered an extremely small needle mark near the horse's neck—almost imperceptible. Blood analysis revealed the animal was injected with a powerful neural stimulant that would cause sudden loss of control."

Cold fury flooded my veins. "Blair?"

"No direct evidence points to her specifically, but the injection site suggests only someone with close proximity could have administered it." Edward hesitated. "Your Majesty, were there others present besides Miss Crawford and Miss Sterling?"

"Only Sable and Blair were there, but I'm certain it wasn't Sable."

Edward remained silent for several seconds before asking carefully, "Your Majesty, how would you like me to handle Miss Sterling?"

"I'll deal with her personally." My voice could have frozen hellfire.

I ended the call and tossed my phone onto the passenger seat. Leaning back against the leather headrest, I closed my eyes as different scenarios played through my mind.

*Killing Darrell would be the simplest solution. One night, and he'd disappear from this world forever. No more appearing in Sable's life.*

*But...*

*If I killed Darrell, how would she look at me? She'd see me as a cold-blooded killer. She'd fear me, pull away from me.*

*I've spent years working my way back into her life. I won't destroy everything because of one worthless man.*

I opened my eyes, a cold smile spreading across my face.

*Economic sanctions will keep Darrell busy handling his pack's crisis. He won't have time to continue bothering Sable.*

***

**Two days later - Darrell's POV**

I sat at my office desk, the bruises from Caelan's beating still visible on my face. Every attempt to focus on paperwork was interrupted by the throbbing pain in my chest.

The office door burst open without warning. David stormed in, clutching a stack of documents in his trembling hands.

"Alpha! We have serious trouble!"

I frowned at his panicked expression. "What's going on? You look like you've seen a ghost."

David put the papers onto my desk, pointing at the contents. "Three major alliance packs all refuse to renew their contracts with us."

"What?" I shot to my feet, the sudden movement sending pain shooting through my injured ribs. I gritted my teeth against the agony.

The office fell dead silent. I slowly sank back into my chair, my mind racing.

"These packs... they all made their decisions at the same time?"

"Yes, Alpha. Starting yesterday afternoon, within six hours, all three packs sent cancellation notices." David swallowed hard. "They all cited 'strategic adjustments' or 'partner reevaluation' as reasons."

My fists clenched until my knuckles turned white. *This is absolutely not a coincidence. These three alliances form the foundation of our pack's survival. Without them, we face economic collapse and territorial crisis. Only one person could simultaneously influence three Alphas to make such decisions.*

"That bastard..." I growled under my breath.

"Alpha?" David asked cautiously.

"Nothing." I forced myself to remain calm. *Even knowing Caelan orchestrated this, I can't confront him directly. With my current strength, I'm no match for him.*

David spoke tentatively. "Alpha, given our current situation, we must seek new pack alliances..."

I looked up, hope flickering in my eyes. "What do you suggest?"

"I have a contact in Blackwood territory who told me Rodrigo Crawford is actively seeking allies." David lowered his voice. "Word is he wants to expand his influence and is actively courting various Alphas."

"Crawford..." I searched my memory for information about that name. "The Crawford Pack Alpha?"

"Exactly. And I heard," David smiled mysteriously, "his eldest daughter recently returned to the pack. Rodrigo plans to formally introduce her at his younger daughter's birthday party in a few days."

My eyes brightened. "Any other news?"

"Yes." David continued, "My contact says this daughter is getting engaged soon."

An idea was already forming in my mind. I nodded to David. "Good. I understand. You can go now."

David was about to leave when I called out, "Wait."

"Alpha?"

A vicious glint flashed in my eyes. "Contact all our informants. I want them to investigate everything about Caelan Blackwood."

"His Majesty?" David seemed shocked. "We're investigating the Lycan King?"

"Everyone has secrets. Everyone has weaknesses." I sneered coldly. "Even the so-called perfect king is no exception. I want to know every piece of dirt in his past, every shameful thing he's ever done."