Possessed by the Alpha’s Love

“The head of the notorious Lancastriel Family, Mr. Heinrich, has tragically passed away. The cause of his sudden death is currently unknown and is under investigation by authorities. In the wake of this unexpected loss, his heir is poised to take over the management of the family's extensive multinational corporations, including…”

Rosalyn Rossinger switched off the small TV with a sigh. Her upcoming eighteenth birthday occupied most of her thoughts, leaving little room to care about the death of the richest and most powerful man on the continent.

Soon, the doorbell rang, and Rosalyn quickly jumped up from the couch, running across the living room to greet her guests.

“Auntie!” she shrieked as the door swung open.

She was met by her aunt's warm grin and her twin cousins' sweetest smiles.

“Advance Happy Birthday, Rose!” her Aunt Eva greeted, hugging her warmly.

It was only then that Rosalyn noticed the man beside Aunt Eva, holding little Timmy in his muscular arms. He towered over everyone, his broad shoulders blocking the night’s breeze.

Their gazes met, and Rosalyn slowly turned to her Aunt Eva, seeking an explanation.

Eva just chuckled, passing sleepy Lily to Rosalyn. “It's a long story, dear,” she said, her cheeks blushing. “May we come in?”

Rosalyn was momentarily speechless before laughing and saying, “Of course!”

Afterward, Rosalyn was introduced to Mr. Wilhelm, her aunt's new boyfriend. They greeted each other casually, though Rosalyn couldn't shake a lingering sense of hesitation.

“So,” Rosalyn began, her eyes fixated on the well-mannered man. “You met at work?”

Wilhelm nodded. “Yes.”

Rosalyn’s eyes narrowed. “And what do you do there, exactly?”

“I’m the family's butler,” Wilhelm replied firmly. Then, glancing lovingly at Eva, who returned his gaze with a suppressed giggle, he added, “I’m trained to fight to the death, but I didn’t expect to be defeated by a gorgeous maid.”

Rosalyn discreetly smirked.

Eva's husband had died in a car wreck just six months ago, leaving her alone with the twins, who had never known their great father. Rosalyn also had no memory of her own parents, not even their faces. She was too young to remember.

“So, how was the day with the twins?” Rosalyn asked Aunt Eva over the dinner table.

“It was perfect,” Eva answered, feeding Timmy on her left and wiping food from Lily's lips on her right. “And I just realized… I’m sorry, Rose, for taking up so much of your time with them.”

“This is nothing,” Rosalyn said as she took a bite. “I owe you my life, Aunt Eva.”

If not for her, she would have been dead long ago.

Eva had become her mother, so Rosalyn reassured her, “Lily and Timmy are like siblings to me. It’s my duty to love and care for them.”

“Thank you,” Eva murmured, reaching for Rosalyn’s hand. “You should’ve come with us.”

Rosalyn shook her head, trying to stop the warm tears from falling. “This isn’t the time to be sad,” she said matter-of-factly. “It’s my birthday, after all.”

When the clock struck twelve, the intimate celebration finally began in the quaint Rossinger family home, and Rosalyn couldn't wish for anything more. Being with her loved ones was her ultimate dream, and she was lucky enough to have it.

Rosalyn suppressed a laugh as she watched Aunt Eva and Wilhelm dance intimately to the soft hum of the radio. Lily was fast asleep beside her, but Timmy was still wide awake in Rosalyn’s lap, cooing softly.

Outside, the full moon blazed, and though Rosalyn was dazed from the wine Wilhelm had brought, she still noticed a swift shadow flitting near the open window.

She squinted. “What is that?”

It was probably a bird swooping across the sky, she thought. Besides, it was too late for anyone to be walking or driving by. They lived in the countryside, far from the noisy and blinding city, surrounded only by towering trees, utter darkness, and silence.

Until a low howl rumbled from nowhere, as if echoing from the depths of a distant cave.

A cold dread gripped Rosalyn’s heart as a gust of wind blew past her cheeks. She glanced at Aunt Eva and Wilhelm, but they were unaware, embracing each other with closed eyes.

“I must be drunk,” Rosalyn thought, laughing at herself.

But when she cautiously looked back at the window, she saw a pair of red, gleaming eyes staring back at her.

It was too late to scream as a massive figure emerged from the darkness, shattered the fragile glass, and lunged at her with long, sharp fangs.

Rosalyn dodged the attack by an inch, falling hard onto the wooden floor with a horrible thud. She clutched Timmy tightly in her arms as Aunt Eva’s scream echoed through the room.

Timmy began to cry as Rosalyn tried to regain her composure. Lily was still safe and sound on the couch. Wilhelm assessed the situation silently, while Eva stood frozen.

Before anyone could breathe, the dark, furry wolf attacked Rosalyn with its slimy mouth.

It nearly snapped her in two. But mid-air, Wilhelm collided with the ferocious wolf, sending it flying across the room until it crashed into the wall, cracking it.

“Eva,” Wilhelm said calmly. “Let me handle this.” His face was devoid of fear as his dark eyes glared at the recovering beast.

Eva blinked and began to crawl toward Lily. When the child was safe in her arms, she called out, “Rose!”

With trembling legs, Rosalyn stood and ran to Eva. Behind her, she heard the ripping of clothes, the sickening crack of bones, and then the roar of a mighty beast.

When she glanced over her shoulder, she saw another wolf, larger than the first, with dark brown fur. Before the sight fully registered, Eva grabbed Rosalyn’s wrist and pulled her toward the exit.

Rosalyn was too shocked to resist, letting herself be led outside. She breathed in the last cool air of spring as they neared the waiting car. But then, she tugged her wrist free.

Eva noticed and looked back. “You have to go!” she urged.

“What’s happening?” Rosalyn asked, her voice trembling. “What are those freaking animals? And Wilhelm…”

She was out of breath, glancing back at their small home, now filled with roars, growls, breaking glass, and splintering wood.

Eva hesitated, her eyes flickering as if unsure of what to say. “Werewolves…”

Rosalyn cleared her throat. “What?!”

Before she could ask further, Eva was already pulling her again. “We can’t afford to waste time…”

“But Auntie, Wilhelm is in danger.”

Eva stared straight into Rosalyn’s eyes. “We’re not in danger. You are!”

“W-what do you mean?” Rosalyn asked breathlessly.

Fear filled Eva’s voice as she continued. “They can smell you now. I should have expected this. I’m sorry, Rose.”

Eva opened the car door and pushed Rosalyn into the driver’s seat. “Go to the Crescent Mansion,” she added. “You’ll be safe there.” She reached for Timmy, but Rosalyn hugged him tighter.

Realization finally dawned on Rosalyn. “You’re not coming with me, are you?”

Eva looked away. “We can’t.”

“Why…” Rosalyn’s voice was barely a whisper, desperate.

Before Eva could respond, the two wolves emerged from the house, rolling over the grass, wrestling each other as blood and mud covered them.

“You must go now!” Eva shouted, reaching for Timmy. “More are coming. Just head south—”

“No!” Rosalyn shook her head. “I’d rather die than leave you.”

“Listen to me, Rose!” Eva leaned closer. “They’re hunting you. The Crescent Mansion is the only place I know where you’ll be safe. They won’t dare follow you there. I know he’ll keep you safe.”

“If it’s safe there, then why can’t you come with me?” Rosalyn asked, her confusion growing. “What about Timmy and Lily?”

Eva sighed. “You have to go there alone...”

Rosalyn gasped, her body paralyzed with shock. “What…”

“Someday, you’ll understand why, Rose,” Eva added softly. “For now, you must go south. The road will lead you where you’re meant to be. Just tell them my name, and you’ll be spared.”

There was a long stretch of silence lingered between them.

Warm tears streamed down Rosalyn’s cheeks as she said, “Promise me…” Eva listened intently. “Promise me you’ll be safe. Promise we’ll see each other again.”

Eva nodded firmly, holding the twins close. “I promise, my daughter…”

***

Rosalyn didn't know how far she had been driving or how long she had been sobbing. It felt as if all the tears had already dried from her eyes.

Her arms were growing weak as she maneuvered the steering wheel aimlessly. Ahead of her stretched the endless horizon, while blurred trees whizzed past on either side.

It was nearly daybreak and the sun was about to rise. She wanted to turn back and save them, but something strange was pulling her forward. She couldn't identify it, so she let the car carry her onward.

Eventually, she reached wide fields that extended as far as her eyes could see. And before her stood a majestic gate.

But before she could reach it, the windshield shattered, and shards of glass scratched her cheeks.

Then a searing pain throbbed in her chest. She had been shot.

Her breathing grew shallow, and she lost control of the car. She reached for the steering wheel, but it was already too late. The car began to drift and then flipped over. Everything around her blurred as objects crashed into her from all sides.

The roof caved in a few inches before the car came to a halt, upside down. With all her remaining strength, Rosalyn unbuckled herself and crawled through the shattered window.

Her breathing became desperate, but no air seemed to fill her lungs. She reached the warm ground with her shivering hand, silently pleading for someone—anyone—to save her.

She tried to shout, but no words came from her mouth. Her voice had failed her.

Her vision blurred until a shadowy figure appeared before her.

There was a deafening silence, until it spoke chillingly, “Intruder…”

The last sound she heard was the metallic clink of a weapon, before darkness consumed her completely.

There was only darkness, and the sharp scent of blood filled Rosalyn’s lungs. The distant echo of a gunshot still rang in her ears. Her head throbbed as she blinked, trying to adjust to the dim light.

Cold stone pressed against her cheek, and she tasted metal on her tongue. She tried to move but realized her hands were bound tightly behind her back with a rough rope.

She looked around. There were no windows in sight, just dusty walls.

Fear surged through her, and her stomach clenched. She was alone.

“Where am I?” she thought.

Soon, a dull creak echoed, and the sound of footsteps broke the silence. The door at the far end of the basement opened slowly, and a figure stepped inside.

“So, you’re awake,” the feminine voice was calm.

“W-where am I?” Rosalyn managed to ask, though her throat was raspy.

The figure stepped closer, revealing an old woman wearing a black dress. Her gr