Bound by the Alpha: Hybrid Villainess Obsession

Chapter 9: The De Laurentiis Estate

Draiken's left the Frostborne Estate without saying a word. His beta, Canaiez, opened the door to his car for him before climbing into the driver's seat, a solemn expression etched onto his features as he began to recount the details of their visit and what he had learned about Aetheria.

"Alpha, the situation within the Frostborne household is far worse than we anticipated," Canaiez started in a steady voice. "Miss Aetheria is treated less like a member of the family and more like a servant in her own home."

Draiken's jaw clenched. "Explain," he demanded, his voice laced with a cold fury that mirrored the air outside.

Canaiez sighed, "Aetheria's supposed fiancé, the one she was betrothed to since childhood, was taken by her own sister. It's not just that he chose Ashara over Aetheria; he was unfaithful to her before the betrayal was even made public. And Ashara... she flaunts this victory mercilessly."

Draiken's expression darkened further, a storm brewing in his eyes. "And the bullying?" he pressed, needing to know the extent of Aetheria's suffering.

"It's constant," Canaiez admitted. "Ashara and her circle of friends treat Aetheria with disdain, mocking her, degrading her at every opportunity. It's like they relish in her misery."

The car was filled with a tense silence, the only sound being the soft hum of the engine idling. Draiken's thoughts raced, and the urge to protect her became vividly visible. Finally, he spoke. "Drive. We're going to the De Laurentiis Estate." Canaiez takes a look at him one last time through the rear view mirror.

As they made their way to the main estate of Alpha Gustav De Laurentiis, Canaiez couldn't help but wonder about Draiken's plan. The mystery surrounding their Alpha's intentions did little to ease the tension.

Upon their arrival, the atmosphere shifted. Servants of Leah De Laurentiis Brancacci, the only daughter of Gustav De Laurentiis and mother to Quinlan Brancacci, hurried to inform her of Draiken's return from overseas. Leah's response was immediate, a mixture of anticipation and underlying hostility that she masked under a veneer of politeness.

She stepped out to greet Draiken with a stiff posture and calculating eyes. "Draiken, to what do we owe the pleasure?" She inquired, her tone polite yet cold. Draiken knows very well that Leah hates him and he has no intention of pleasing her.

Draiken met her gaze evenly, his own eyes betraying none of his thoughts. "Aunt Leah, it's been too long. I've come to discuss matters that concern someone under your roof. Matters that cannot wait."

Leah's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing the seriousness in Draiken's tone. "Then we shall discuss them. Come," she said, leading the way with a grace that belied her true feelings towards her nephew.

Draiken sensed the estate's eyes on him as they strolled, the servants muttering to one another. The massive and impressive De Laurentiis Estate served as a symbol of the status and might of the De Laurentiis pack. However, Draiken was aware that underneath its lavish exterior, there were secrets that may either bring them closer or further apart.

"So what is it that concerns our Draiken that made him come here?" Leah's expression was cold, and her eyes were sharp as she regarded Draiken. Without wasting a moment, Draiken delved into the matter, questioning her about Quinlan's actions, specifically his betrayal of his fiancée.

"Oh, the human?" Leah cut him off with a dismissive tone, revealing her awareness and tacit approval of her son's dalliances.

"You know very well that a De Laurentiis is of royal blood. A mere human is a disgrace to our lineage, Draiken. She got what she deserved by trying to be acquainted with our family." Draiken finds Leah's words revolting.

Draiken's patience snapped. With a swift and decisive act, he stood abruptly, and he faced Leah with a glare that could freeze hellfire. "The fruit does not fall far from the tree, indeed," he retorted sharply, his voice laced with contempt. It was clear to him now; the cruelty Quinlan showed Aetheria was a reflection of the values instilled in him by his mother.

Leah was taken aback by Draiken's sudden assertiveness, her eyes wide with surprise and anger flickering in their depths. She had expected deference, but Draiken offered none. With a final look of disdain, Draiken turned on his heel and left, leaving Leah simmering in her annoyance and indignation.

Draiken's steps echoed through the halls of the De Laurentiis Estate as he made his way to Gustav's study, a room filled with the scent of old books. Gustav, the patriarch of the De Laurentiis family, sat behind a massive oak desk, his eyes sharp and assessing as Draiken entered.

"Greetings, Grandfather," Draiken offered respectfully, his posture straight with a neutral expression.

Gustav looked up, a hint of surprise flickering across his features before he masked it with a practiced ease. "Draiken, you've returned. Have you finally decided what to do after your extensive travels?" His tone was laced with curiosity as each word was measured.

"Yes, Grandfather. I have given it much thought, and I've decided to take over the family's business," Draiken stated firmly, his voice carrying a conviction that left no room for doubt.

Amusement danced in Gustav's eyes as he leaned back, regarding Draiken with a newfound interest. "Is that so? And what brought about this sudden decision?"

Draiken met Gustav's gaze. "I've seen and learned much during my time away. I now understand the importance of our legacy and the role I must play in preserving it. However, I have one condition," he continued, his voice steady.

"Oh?" Gustav's eyebrow arched in intrigue. "And what might that be?"

"I will be spending more time here, at the main estate. It's crucial for me to be involved directly if I am to lead effectively," Draiken explained. His firm stand was evident in his eyes.

It was at that moment that Quinlan burst into the room, his entrance as dramatic as the anger that seemed to radiate from him. Hearing Draiken's declaration, jealousy and resentment boiled over within Quinlan. Without a word, driven by a tempest of emotions he couldn't voice, Quinlan launched himself at Draiken, his fist connecting with Draiken's jaw in a swift punch as thoughts of Draiken holding Aetheria entered his arms.

"How dare you show your face here after being outcasted?" Quinlan sneered, his words dripping with contempt, ignoring the true source of his fury - Draiken's interest in Aetheria, his ex-fiancée.

Draiken, unfazed by the assault, recovered quickly. With a calmness that belied the storm raging inside him, fueled by thoughts of Quinlan's betrayal of Aetheria, he grabbed Quinlan by the throat with his left hand. Draiken's eyes began to blaze with a light blue fire, a visible testament to his rising anger and werewolf heritage.

Just as the tension reached a breaking point, Gustav intervened with a powerful growl, a sound that resonated with the authority of an alpha. "Enough!" His voice boomed through the room, commanding and absolute.

The growl snapped both Draiken and Quinlan out of their confrontation, a stark reminder of the hierarchy within their family and the respect owed to the Alpha. Draiken slowly released his grip on Quinlan's throat, his eyes returning to their normal state, yet the intensity within them remained undimmed. Quinlan, gasping for breath, stepped back, his anger now mixed with a hint of fear.

Gustav's gaze shifted between his grandsons with a stern expression. "Petty quarrels and personal vendettas won't split this family apart. Draiken, Quinlan, remember who you are and the legacy you both carry. We are De Laurentiis, and we must stand united, not divided."

The room fell silent as Gustav's words echoed through the four corners of the room. Draiken nodded, acknowledging his grandfather's words, while Quinlan remained silent, his emotions a turbulent storm beneath a calm surface.