AKIRA’s POV.
After my talk with that Omega Aurora, I felt my anger simmering inside me. I have to keep up with that rejected thing because of my curse.
I stormed into the palace, my frustration and desperation increasing with each passing minute. How could Father expect me to just step aside and let Kaito take the throne? It wasn't fair. I was the eldest and the most capable. I was meant to lead.
And with that loose mouth, Kaito, I will have to teach him a lesson. How dare he almost make me lose face in front of a mere omega!
As I entered my chambers, I heard a sound behind me. I turned to see Kaito leaning against the wall, his lips curled up into a sneer.
"Well, well, well. Look at the rejected prince," he sneered. "He can't even find his own mate... tsk how bad.”
My anger simmered and erupted, and I took a step forward. "Shut your mouth, Kaito," I snarled. "You have no idea what you're talking about."
"Oh, I think I do," Kaito said, his eyes shining with malice. "I think you're just mad because you're not good enough. You're cursed, Akira. You'll never be alpha."
That was it. I snapped. "You want to know about curses?" I spat. "You're the one who's cursed, Kaito. You're weak, pathetic, and useless. You'll never amount to anything without Father's help. A complete daddy’s boy! A loser, a F U C K I N G weakling.”
Kaito's face contorted to suggest rage, but before he could retaliate, our father's voice came from the doorway.
"Akira! Kaito! Enough!"
We both turned to face him, my fist tightly clenched by my side.
"Akira, you need to focus on breaking your curse and claiming the throne," Father said, his voice firm. “You are not bullying your brother. And Kaito, you need to learn to stand up for yourself without resorting to petty insults. He is your older brother, so do not forget that.”
I could have sworn smoke was coming out of my ears, but I knew better than to cross Father. Not now, when I needed his support more than ever.
"Yes, Father," I muttered, bowing my head.
Father’s voice became softer. "I know you're frustrated, Akira. But you need to prove yourself worthy of the throne. No more outbursts; no more fighting with your brother. Do you understand?"
I nodded, my jaw clenched. I understood. But I also knew that I would do whatever it took to become alpha. Even if it meant using every trick in the book,.
The father's expression turned stern again. "Akira, I mean it. No more excuses. You need to show me you're capable of leading this pack."
I felt a surge of anger at his words. "Capable? You think I'm not capable? I'm the one who's been doing all the work around here, not Kaito. He's just a useless little boy hiding in his daddy’s shadows.”
Father's eyes narrowed. "How dare you? Kaito may not have your passion, but he has qualities that make him a good leader."
"Qualities?" I sneered. "Like what? His ability to run to you? His talent for doing nothing?"
The father's face darkened. "That's enough, Akira. You will respect your brother and me."
I took a step forward, my heart pounding. “Respect? You want me to respect you? You've never respected me, Father. You've never given me the recognition I deserve. You've always favored Kaito, no matter how hard I try."
The father's voice rose. "That's not true, Akira. I've given you every opportunity to prove yourself."
"Opportunities?" I laughed bitterly. "You call being rejected by the pack and being reminded that I can’t find my mate opportunities? You call being constantly insulted opportunities?”
The father's face contorted with rage. "Enough, Akira. You're crossing a line."
I didn't care. I was tired of being held back, tired of being treated like a nobody. "I'm not afraid of you, Father. I'm not afraid of your disapproval. I'll do whatever it takes to become alpha, even if it means going against you."
Father's eyes flashed with anger, but before he could respond, Mother intervened. "Enough, both of you," she said, her voice calm. "Akira, come with me."
I followed her out of the room, my body still shaking with anger and frustration. We walked in silence until we reached the gardens, where she stopped and turned to me.
"Akira, my son, you must learn to control your temper," she said, her voice filled with concern. "Your father may seem harsh, but he wants the best for you. And so do I."
I sighed. "Mother, you don't understand. Father doesn't want me to succeed. He wants Kaito to take the throne."
Mother's expression was kind and gentle. "I know it seems that way, but trust me, your father has his reasons. And I have mine. You must find a mate, Akira. Someone who can help you prove that your curse is not as bad as it seems."
I raised an eyebrow. "A mate? How will that help?"
Mother gave me a knowing smile. . "A mate can get rid of your curse, Akira. And if you choose the right one, she can help you prove to your father and the pack that you're capable of leading."
I snorted. "Easy for you to say, Mother. You're not the one with a curse that makes me a reject."
The mother's expression turned serious. "Akira, don't talk like that. Your curse is not a definition of who you are. And neither is your rejection by the pack. You are strong, capable, and deserving of love and respect. Don't let your father or anyone else make you feel otherwise."
I looked away. Could I really find a mate who would accept me for who I am? And could she really help me prove myself to Father and the pack?
Mother's voice brought me out of my thoughts. "Think with a cool head, Akira. Don't let your emotions cloud your judgment. Find a mate who is worthy of you, and together, you can achieve great things."
I nodded, feeling a bit of hope. Maybe, just maybe, Mother was right. Maybe I could find a way to prove myself after all.
But as I turned to leave, I saw Father watching us; his eyes narrowed, and he looked upset. And I knew that my journey to find a mate and prove myself would not be easy. In fact, it would be filled with danger and suspense.
And I was determined to see this through, and I know the perfect pawn: Omega Aurora.