Five years later...
"Are you finished cleaning the vases?" Aurora asked, smiling brightly as she supervised the maids.
"And what about the cake? Is it ready?" Aurora inquired, her mind focused on both the maids and the baker. Today was a significant day as their Alpha was returning home after five years. Aurora had worked diligently as a maid and was promoted to head chef. Pursuing her dream of living in the countryside with her mate, she had become skilled in cooking and excelled at it.
Scarlet, Aurora's roommate and best friend, approached with a familiar voice, making the atmosphere lively. "Someone might think you are welcoming your husband home."
Aurora replied, "You know how upset Theresa would be if things don't go perfectly," and they both laughed. While Aurora was the head chef, Scarlet had become the Lady of the Quarters, responsible for managing affairs within the pack's quarters. Despite their differing positions, they treated each other as equals.
"She can be overwhelming at times," they continued joking.
"I wouldn't be surprised if women start running away from the Alpha," Scarlet commented, having witnessed Theresa's relentless pursuit of an heir over the past five years.
"We should get to work before she catches us," Aurora suggested, and they quickly went their separate ways.
"Aurora, you are needed in the kitchen," a maid approached Aurora, urging her to attend to the matter. Giving instructions for the vases to be sparkling clean, Aurora followed the maid towards the kitchen.
Meanwhile, in another part of the mansion...
"What is taking them so long? Get Dave on the phone," Theresa impatiently demanded. After five years without a grandson, she was growing increasingly frustrated. Only one of her sons showed any care for her, but Damien had made him his assistant, making it difficult for her to spend time with him.
She sometimes questioned if Damien was truly her son, as he seemed indifferent to everything. Dave, on the other hand, resembled his father but was different from Damien.
"Mum!" Dave's voice came through the phone.
"Where are you?!" Theresa exclaimed, emphasizing her frustration.
"You should scold your first son. We almost stayed another day if not for me. He is so stubborn!" Dave complained, calming Theresa down. She knew Damien was responsible for the delay, but Dave was skilled at persuading him.
"Just come home quickly. I miss you guys," Theresa burst into tears, hoping Damien would hear the pain in her voice.
"Stop crying, we are not kids," Damien responded in his usual impassive manner.
"Mother, you should consider adopting him into another family. He is not your son," Dave suggested, provoking Damien.
"I have already arranged for adoption papers. Don't worry, brother," Theresa snatched the phone from the maid and pleaded, "Damien, your brother is just joking. You are my son, no matter what anyone says."
"Did you hear that? Anyone says," Damien taunted, brushing off Dave's words.
"Whatever, I am hanging up," Dave grew furious and ended the call. He thought of what his mother could be planning seeing how eager she was for their arrival. He laughed at how obstinate their mother was, she was the definition of never giving up. He stole a glance at his brother and could not help but to sigh.
"I would believe you are in love with me," Damien teased and wore a sly grin.
"Then the rumors would be true." Dave retorted and looked away. Suddenly, a thought came through his mind.
Suspiciously looking at his brother, he asked, "you prefer women right?" He wanted to laugh at how ridiculous he sounded but it could also be true.
"Should I book a therapy session for you?" Damien asked in a cold tone that made Dave sigh in relief. Right, it was a stupid rumor. Damien was rumored to be impotent and interested in men but seeing how unbothered he was by those unrealistic rumors, it was all a lie.
...
Theresa sighed, hoping that one day her troubles would be resolved. Damien might be a handful, but he was still her son, and she had been overjoyed when she gave birth to him. Despite his emotional distance, he was still her perfect son.
"Is everything prepared?" Theresa turned to her handmaiden and asked. Tonight, she planned to get her heir, no matter the cost. She no longer wanted to wait for him, she would make him comply. Whatever consequences arose, she would face them head-on.
But by then, her heir would already be secure. She smiled with satisfaction, thinking about how well her plan was progressing.
"Should I bring her in?" The handmaiden asked, to which Theresa nodded approvingly.
Soon, a beautiful lady dressed in a flawless red gown was brought into Theresa's room alongside the handmaiden. Theresa's smile brightened when she saw the lady. This time, she had chosen a woman from a wealthy family.
"Come closer, you are stunning," Theresa praised the lady, moving closer to her. She compared her to Aurora instinctively but found Aurora to be more beautiful. If Damien wasn't affected by beauty or body shape, Theresa would settle for someone in between. After all, it was a heir that mattered, origin didn't matter.
"All you need to do is ensure he mates with you. I will take care of the rest," Theresa said, gently caressing the lady's hair.
"What if he rejects me?" The lady asked, fear evident in her eyes as she awaited an answer. She grew worried when Theresa remained silent, wearing a creepy smile. She wondered why Theresa was so pleased when they were facing such a situation.
Theresa giggled and walked past the lady, to stand before her dressing mirror. She picked up a small bottle next to her accessories and asked, "Have you heard the tale of 'An Enchanting Potion'?"
"An Enchanting Potion?" The lady repeated, confusion written all over her face. If the rumors were true then it was going to be hard to please the Alpha, what tale was she on about? She widened her eyes as she finally understood what Theresa was implying.
"Are you... going to drug the Alpha?!" She exclaimed in shock.