Werewolf and 74 Summary
In the chapter “Utter Surprise,” Dallas reflects on the disarray left behind by Dezra, the former Royal Beta, as she and her companions sift through important documents. Dallas feels a deep sense of disappointment and frustration, realizing that Dezra neglected significant issues during her time in power. The atmosphere is tense as they contemplate the daunting task of organizing the files, which symbolizes the larger need for order and accountability within their community.
The tension escalates when Dallas’ estranged father, Walker, arrives at the gate, demanding entry. His aggressive demeanor evokes a mixture of anxiety and anger in Dallas, who is determined to stand her ground against him. Walker’s entitled attitude and insistence on being respected as a father only deepen the rift between them, as Dallas confronts him about his past choices that favored her sister, Lucy, over her. The emotional stakes rise as Dallas grapples with her feelings of betrayal and the desire to reclaim her rightful place.
As Walker continues to assert his authority, Quinlan, the Crown Prince, intervenes, asserting his own position and protecting Dallas from her father’s intimidation. This confrontation reveals the dynamics of power and loyalty within their family, highlighting the support Dallas receives from her mates and allies. Quinlan’s declaration of being family shifts the narrative, asserting that Walker’s demands will not be met without respect and acknowledgment of their current roles.
The chapter culminates in a moment of triumph for Dallas as she introduces her mates, Daxton and Darius, to Walker. This revelation not only surprises Walker but also reinforces Dallas’ newfound strength and the support she has in her relationships. The emotional weight of the confrontation, coupled with the unexpected dynamics of family and loyalty, leaves a lasting impression, showcasing Dallas’ growth and determination to navigate her complex family ties.
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**Utter Surprise**
**Dallas’ p.o.v.**
Leaning my head against Darius’ solid shoulder, I absently flip through a file that has been resting on the table in front of us. It’s a document dated just weeks after Dezra returned to the Palace, and as I skim through the contents, a sinking feeling washes over me. It appears that she let the critical issue outlined in the report slip through her fingers, never bothering to take action.
Daxton, sitting nearby, reaches over and gently takes the file from my grasp after I indicate where it should go. The task ahead of us looms large; we have a mountain of files to sift through, categorize, and organize by year. It’s a daunting process, but one we must undertake to restore order.
“What the hell did Dezra do?” Darius suddenly asks, his voice laced with frustration. The question hangs in the air, and we all exchange glances, shrugging our shoulders in unison. The truth is, none of us has a clue about what went through her mind during her tenure as the Royal Beta. Any speculation we could conjure might just as easily be accurate as it could be wildly off-base.
Just as the tension builds, a sharp knock on the door breaks our concentration. I look up to see Joshua standing in the doorway, his expression tense and irritated.
“Sorry to interrupt, Captain, but there’s someone at the gate who insists on seeing you. He won’t give his name, but from what I gather, I think it’s your Father,” Joshua informs us, his brow furrowed with concern.
Darius rises, still holding me in his arms, and strides toward the door. Daxton follows closely behind, and I notice the others rising as well, casting each other bewildered glances as they trail after us.
“OPEN THE FUCKING GATE!” I hear my Father’s furious voice echoing through the corridor, sending a shiver down my spine.
I can’t fathom why he’s here, but I’m sure he’ll clarify his intentions once we reach the gate. Not that I plan to grant him entry. He made his choices years ago, and now he must lie in the bed he’s made. I can only hope he left Lucy behind; she’s the last person I want to face right now.
“Dallas, tell this moron to open the gate for me,” Walker barks the moment his eyes land on me, his tone dripping with entitlement.
“Why should I?” I shoot back, my voice steady. “You chose your firstborn over me at every possible turn. You handed her what rightfully belonged to me. I’m starting to believe you even pushed her into Nico’s bed.”
Walker’s expression shifts slightly, surprise flickering across his face. I can sense that I’ve struck a nerve, and perhaps I’m not too far from the truth. Lucy must have complained about not being Nico’s Mate, and I can easily imagine Walker advising her to pursue whatever she desired, just as he had done countless times before.
“That’s no way to speak to your Father, Dallas. Show some respect,” he retorts, his voice firm, but I can detect an undercurrent of uncertainty.
“Respect is earned, and you’ve done nothing in my life to merit even the slightest bit of it. You are not welcome here,” I declare, my voice unwavering. “The only way you’ll ever set foot in this territory is by the King’s invitation.”
An invitation he would only receive for official matters and nothing more. If Alpha Leon chooses to keep him on as his Beta, that is. Otherwise, he will remain outside these walls indefinitely.
“I want to talk to my Brother-in-law, right now,” Walker insists, his tone brooking no argument.
“You don’t have a Brother-in-law,” Quinlan interjects from behind me, his voice calm yet assertive. “Dezra rejected you, and you accepted that rejection. Dallas has made it abundantly clear that you are not welcome.”
I hadn’t even noticed Quinlan approaching, my focus solely on Walker and the potential threat he posed. But I take comfort in knowing my Mates will protect me from any harm.
“Who the hell are you?” Walker snaps, irritation flaring in his eyes. “This is a family matter, and I suggest you stay out of it.”
Quinlan merely chuckles, unyielding in his stance. Allowing his Lycan to surface, he stands tall, and I can see Walker’s Wolf instinctively urging him to retreat a step.
“I’m the Crown Prince, your future King,” Quinlan replies, his voice a blend of authority and the resonance of his Lycan. “That means I am family, and therefore, this is very much my business.”
Walker’s gaze flickers as he engages in a silent conversation with his Wolf, but I doubt his inner beast can impart any wisdom he hasn’t received over the years. It takes a moment for Walker’s eyes to settle back into their usual color, and when they do, he focuses on us once more.
“Dallas, I am your Father, and you will tell him to open the gate for me. Do you think an Alpha will appreciate that you disrespected your Father? Or that an Alpha will listen to you in the future? You haven’t been trained to be a Beta, and I will take your Mother’s position and train you in the meantime,” Walker states, stepping closer to the gate, his arrogance palpable.
I can’t help but snort, stifling a laugh. He’s clearly missed his calling.
“You should have been a comedian, Walker,” I quip, glancing around at the others who are trying to maintain their composure.
“You will not take over my Sister’s position. Dallas will receive on-the-job training from her Mates, and I will assist her wherever she needs it,” Uncle Vaughn asserts, his voice strong. I had sensed his presence nearby, and I knew he had been listening intently to Walker’s ridiculous claims.
“Your Majesty, there won’t be an Alpha who will accept that. She needs proper training, and a twenty-year-old, half-trained Beta’s son can’t possibly provide her with what she’ll need for that role,” Walker counters, his tone dripping with disdain.
I bury my face into Darius’ chest, knowing that one of my Mates will inevitably make a remark about Walker’s feeble insult. “Well, thank you. I knew we weren’t old, even if some might disagree with you,” Daxton replies, and I can hear Darius stifling a chuckle beside me.
“Daxton, you might be forty-eight, but you’re by no means old,” Uncle Vaughn responds, and I catch Quinlan mumbling an “Oops” under his breath.
“You should have seen the look on his face when Uncle Vaughn mentioned my age,” Daxton informs me through our mind-link. “Should I tell him that we’re both your Mates?”
I won’t lie; I want Walker to know that I have two Mates who will stand by me as I navigate this new chapter of my life.
“Walker, these are my Mates: Daxton and Darius. They were Alpha Preston’s Betas for decades,” I announce, turning to face him fully in Darius’ embrace.
Oh, the look of utter surprise on his face is priceless.
Conclusion
In this moment of confrontation, Dallas stands firm, embodying the strength and resilience she has cultivated through years of feeling overshadowed and dismissed. As she introduces her Mates, Daxton and Darius, to her estranged Father, the dynamics shift dramatically. No longer the uncertain daughter seeking approval, she has transformed into a confident individual, surrounded by unwavering support. The surprise etched on Walker’s face is a testament to the power of her choices and the family she has built for herself, one that stands in stark contrast to the fractured relationship with her biological father. This pivotal moment not only highlights her growth but also signifies a definitive break from the past, as she asserts her identity and the bonds that truly define her.
As the chapter closes, the air is charged with a mix of tension and hope. Dallas’ declaration of her Mates not only serves as a shield against Walker’s arrogance but also reinforces her commitment to her newfound family. The laughter shared among her allies, even in the face of Walker’s disdain, underscores the strength found in unity. Dallas is no longer a victim of her father’s choices; she is the architect of her own destiny. With her Mates by her side and the support of her chosen family, she is ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead, embracing the future with courage and conviction. The emotional arc culminates in a powerful affirmation of self-worth, as Dallas takes her rightful place in a world that is finally beginning to recognize her strength.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
**What to Expect in the Next Chapter?**
As the tension escalates at the gate, Dallas stands at the precipice of a confrontation that could reshape her understanding of family and loyalty. With Walker’s unexpected arrival, the dynamics within the Palace are set to shift dramatically. The stakes are higher than ever, and as Dallas grapples with her complex feelings towards her estranged father, the chapter promises to delve deeper into the tangled web of familial ties and the burden of legacy. Will Walker’s presence ignite a long-buried conflict, or can Dallas and her Mates find a way to confront the past without succumbing to its weight?
Moreover, the introduction of Quinlan’s royal status adds another layer of intrigue. How will Walker react to the reality that his daughter is now aligned with the Crown Prince? The next chapter is bound to explore the implications of this revelation, as alliances are tested and new loyalties are forged. Expect a clash of wills as Dallas defends her newfound identity and the support of her Mates against the backdrop of her father’s arrogance. With emotions running high and secrets lurking just beneath the surface, readers can anticipate a riveting exploration of power, acceptance, and the true meaning of family in a world where werewolves rule.
Lateefa Khanam is a contemporary romance author celebrated for her emotionally rich storytelling and unforgettable characters. Blending passion with heart-felt realism, her novels often explore themes of second chances, unspoken desires, and the quiet strength of love that grows through struggle.
