Alpha’s Regret: My Rejected Mate Is A Healer novel Chapter 44

Sebastian sat in his dimly lit study, his fingers drumming impatiently against the edge of his polished desk. The faint glow of the city outside barely illuminated his features, but the fire burning in his dark eyes could rival the night’s gloom.

He had spent years plotting, years trying to undo the injustice that had been dealt to him. It wasn’t enough to simply hate Valen; no, he wanted to destroy him, to see the legacy Valen held so tightly crumble into ash.

Flashback

Sebastian was just a young boy when the weight of his father’s favoritism first crushed him. Lord Alaric had gathered his sons to discuss an important mission, one that would cement the family’s influence within the vampire world. Sebastian had prepared tirelessly for this opportunity. He memorized every detail, studied every strategy, and practiced endlessly.

He could still remember standing tall, his chest puffed with pride, as he awaited his father’s approval. But Alaric’s gaze had passed over him, cold and indifferent, as he turned to Valen.

“Sebastian is too reckless,” Alaric had said, his voice dripping with disdain. “Valen will handle this better.”

Sebastian’s world had shattered in that moment. It wasn’t just the rejection-it was the way Alaric spoke, as if Sebastian was an afterthought, as if his efforts meant nothing.

It didn’t matter that Valen was the illegitimate son, a constant reminder of Alaric’s indiscretions. He was the son with poise, with strategy. Sebastian was brash, impulsive. He was the risk Alaric wasn’t willing to take.

That day, Sebastian vowed to prove them all wrong. But the pattern repeated itself, time and again. No matter how hard Sebastian worked, no matter how much he accomplished, Valen was always the chosen one.

Sebastian threw himself into training upon training, hoping to outshine his brother in combats. But even there Valen had an edge, his calculated strikes and precise movements outmatching Sebastian’s brute force.

“Patience is key,” Alaric would say, watching their sparring matches. You could learn a thing or two from your brother.

Patience. The word grated on Sebastian’s nerves, he didn’t want to be patient, he wanted to act, to take back what’s rightfully his.

After Alaric’s death, when the elders had named Valen as the new vampire lord. Sebastian felt his world collapse. They had praised Valen’s leadership skills and tactical mind, citing his ability to unite the clans as their reason.

Sebastian had stormed out of the council chamber that day, his mind racing with thoughts of betrayal. He had be born for this role, it’s his birthright and he would make everyone that has stolen that away from him pay.

Present

Sebastian leaned back in his chair, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. The taste of betrayal still lingered, sharper now than it had been all those years ago.

After their father’s death, when the elders had named Valen as the new Vampire Lord, Sebastian had barely contained his rage. He could still hear their excuses ringing in his ears.

“Sebastian is too rash in his judgments.”

“Valen has the qualities of a true leader-calm, strategic, calculating.”

“It’s what’s best for the clan.”

What’s best for the clan. The words felt like poison. They didn’t care about his birthright, about the years he had spent trying to prove himself. They had chosen Valen because he was safe, predictable.

Sebastian’s fists clenched, his nails digging into his palms. He had tried to sabotage Valen from the shadows, but Valen was as tactful as he was lucky. No matter how carefully Sebastian plotted, Valen always managed to counter him.

He smirked at himself, running a hand down his crisp lapel. “You’re not so untouchable, are you, dear brother?”

Turning away, he poured himself a glass of wine, the crimson liquid swirling like blood in the crystal goblet. He raised it in a silent toast to himself.

“To vengeance,” he murmured. “And to the fall of Valen.”

But even as he celebrated, a small voice in the back of his mind whispered a warning. Valen wasn’t like the others. He wouldn’t go down easily. And when he fought back, it would be with the same ruthless precision that had earned him his throne.

Sebastian drained the glass and slammed it onto the desk.

Let him fight back. Let him try.

Because when Valen finally fell, Sebastian would be there to watch, triumphant and unbroken.

For years, Valen had taken everything from him.

Now, it was Sebastian’s turn to take everything from Valen.