The Heiress

TIFFANY'S DETERMINATION TO join the brotherhood was clear on her face.

Despite the many speculations, she was ready. Hence, when her father told her that tonight was the beginning of her initiation, she did not waste her time thinking things over. She had long thought about it before. And tonight, the brotherhood would see her—the heiress—in the flesh.

"Are you ready?" her father asked in a solemn voice. She looked at him and nodded her head. She was beyond ready.

As Tiffany stood in front of the Alphas, the black cloak that extended to her ankle did not show even a single inch of her skin, and yet, she felt naked. Six pairs of cold eyes stared at her with curiosity and distrust. They were scrutinizing her, and each look seemed to grill her flesh little by little.

Her father stepped in front and spoke in a very loud voice. "Powerful lords of this land, we celebrate my unica hija's (only daughter) 18th birthday."

His voice reverberated in the secluded office, where thousands of familiar photographs hung on the walls. The pictures were of people who belonged to the highest rank in the society—the socialites, illustrados, principalias—and in modern terms, the billionaires. The man who was speaking was her father, the Alpha Don himself and leader of Alpha Brotherhood, Don Arnulfo Viaje Del Cargador. He was a 61-year-old cunning and cold-bloodied hound who hunted everyone who came his way. The seriousness on his face and his intimidating persona were clear as he spoke.

"Being my only child, she will inherit everything I own, including the position in this brotherhood."

A sudden murmur rose through the air as the men shared their opinions about the matter.

"Don Arnulfo," they clamoured, "we all know that she cannot lead the brotherhood. Are we letting a woman overpower us now? We won't tolerate it! Besides, she is just a child!"

Tiffany's lips pressed into a thin line as she heard them burst into a fit. She knew her credentials and her claim to her father's inheritance was nothing in the eyes of these greedy members of the Alpha Council.

For many years, the secret brotherhood led by her father only had men as members of and leaders. But she was a Del Cargador, and only a Del Cargador could be the rightful Don. But, much to the disappointment of her father and the whole family, her generation did not conceive a son. Her mere existence ever feeling like an abomination.

"If only I had a son, Tiffany will not be standing in front of us here," her father continued. "As your Alpha Don, you must abide by my decision. After all, this Brotherhood would never be in its existence had not my family built this years and years ago."

But the council was even more triggered. "Let us give her some options then," one council member exclaimed.

"What options, Mr. Chu?" the Don replied.

The rich proprietor stood up and said, "If Tiffany marries an Alpha's son, she will have the chance to rule the brotherhood for the meantime, just until she and her husband conceived a successor. In two years’ time, they must become with child, specifically a son, because that child will be the rightful heir."

Tiffany felt an intense emotion deep within as she listened to the protests of the council members. Glaring at Mr. Chu, she went on to speak for the first time. "Gentlemen, I have already expressed my intention of not marrying until I am ready. I believe that my gender will never be a hindrance to the operations of the brotherhood since I was born and raised by my father. I know how to navigate through this complex world of ours. I want to rule.”

"Such ambitious undertaking, Miss Tiffany. If that is so, that leads us to the next option," Mr. Chu replied with a sigh.

"Let us hear it," the Don replied.

“If you agree to become an Alpha assassin, Young Miss, and in less than a year, kill the notorious leader of the Dragon Brotherhood, we might give you the chance to become the new Don.”

The gentlemen rose to their seats, which showed that they agreed to the suggestion. Clenching her fist, Tiffany heaved a sigh as she looked at them one by one. Forcing herself to choke on the lump in her throat, she immediately thought about her struggles to reach this milestone. All her life, they had raised her to be an Alpha, just like her father. Everything that she had been preparing for had come her way. And yet, the Alphas were still hesitant about her claim... just because she was a girl!

"My gender is not something to be embarrassed about. But to adhere to what this council wanted from me, I will agree to this condition, given that you will reward me with respect and loyalty once I proved my worth."

"You can be sure about that, Young Miss," the gentlemen exclaimed.

Don Arnulfo stepped up and said, "We understand that the Alpha is not just any secret organization. Anyone who enters its realms has to face an enormous task, my daughter. The Alpha Council is right and has therefore spoken. Prove to us first that you deserve to lead us in the brotherhood." The Don shot her an intense stare as he paused, making her feel even more breathless. "We give nothing free, my daughter. Face an ordeal before you join the brotherhood and inherit everything."

Tiffany took a deep breath as she looked at the men in front of her again. All of them were wearing the same grim expression as her father's. They were all clad in black coats and white ties, and underneath those coats was the seal of an Alpha, forever imprinted on their wealthy skins.

"Tell us, Tiffany," Mr. Chu taunted her once more, his voice dripping with disdain. "Do you have what it takes to be an alpha? Can you kill the leader of the brotherhood's mortal enemy?"

The heiress stared at Mr. Chu, her heart pounding in her chest as she described him in her mind. He was a short stature of a man, but exuded power and authority. His short but imposing frame was accentuated by the sharp lines of his tailored suit, which seemed to mirror the precision with which he carried himself. His dark, piercing eyes bore into her, scrutinizing her every move, every flicker of emotion. The harsh overhead light cast deep shadows on his face, highlighting the stern set of his jaw and the cold smirk that played on his lips. He was confident to taunt her, being the second most powerful man in the brotherhood. Mr. Chu's presence was suffocating, a constant reminder of the high stakes and the impossible expectations placed upon her. His voice, smooth yet edged with a razor-sharp menace, sent shivers down her spine. As Tiffany met his gaze, she could feel the weight of his challenge pressing down on her. He wasn't just questioning her abilities; he was questioning her very essence, her worthiness to stand among the ranks of the brotherhood. His taunt was a calculated blow, designed to probe her weaknesses and force her to confront her deepest insecurities. Maybe, just maybe, he also wanted the leadership for himself.

But she would never let that happen. She drew a smirk as she stared at them one by one. Who are you to judge me? She said in her mind. She had achieved so much in the Academy and eliminated countless men in the field. As she said, she was beyond prepared for this world.

"Are you ready to take your destiny, my child?" Inserted her father. "Are you ready to live in a world where money is power and power is the only thing that matters?"

After this ceremony, she would finally bear the seal of being an alpha. She had always loved to daydream of having it, and now it was being laid out to her on a platter. But her father had been living a very complicated life, her mother used to tell her. It was a life that turned their world upside-down. There was always a constant need to gain more power and wealth while perpetually harbouring rage, revenge, and brutality—all for the sake of being on top!

Does she want to live that kind of life? She had been asking that question for many years now. Of course, she knew everything there was to know about her father. She idolized him, so much so it had become an obsession. She dreamt of becoming him in the future. This was what she wanted, wasn't it?

The room fell silent, the tension palpable as everyone awaited her response. Tiffany clenched her fists, willing herself to remain composed. She knew that showing any sign of doubt or hesitation would only fuel Mr. Chu's and the others’ disdain. She took a deep breath, her eyes never leaving his, and prepared to answer the daunting question that hung in the air.

"This is my destiny, Papa. I will take it," she bravely replied.

With a snap of her father's fingers, the twelve alphas gathered around her; encircling her and chanting. The Don approached them at the center of the circle, then kissed both of her cheeks. He looked at her one more time before asking, "Now, child, do you swear to keep the reputation and confidentiality of this brotherhood faithfully?"

The chanting continued to rise as she stood there, exchanging excited glances with her father. "Yes, Father!" she answered, her voice crackled amid the noise created by the Alphas.

"Do you swear to be a loyal Alpha and to practice the cause of this brotherhood at all times?"

"Yes, I will do everything to uphold the brotherhood’s cause!"

By this time, an overwhelming feeling was already tickling her scalp, and the noise intensified the unfamiliar sensation she was feeling tonight.

"Do you swear that you will give your life to preserve the integrity of the Alpha and to die for it without hesitation?"

She could hear a drum roll in the background as the men moved about; still in circles and not breaking their positions. She was now drowning in nervousness and excitement.

"I swear to give my life to preserve the integrity of the Alpha and to die for it without hesitation!"

The Don raised his hand, and everything fell silent. There was a sudden eeriness in the atmosphere as they heard clashing metal. Just then, a huge furnace kindled with a glowing fire was brought at the center of the hall. There was also a small knife with a golden handle that was placed on a small round table. The Alphas led her to the table where the Don drew a knife and sliced his palm, blood immediately gushing from the wound as he handed the knife to his daughter. Tiffany did the same, their hands now both bloody. The Don extended his palm, and they shook hands, completing what they called a blood contract—the first part of the initiation.

"Take off your cloak," her father said in a solemn voice, "and kneel."

Tiffany let her cloak drop to the floor as the blood on her palm continued to drip onto her hand. The thin clothing hiding her private parts exposed her milky white skin.

"You will know the ordeal tomorrow, my child," said the Don as he took an iron seal from the raging flames. The seal glowed, mocking her. Bowing her head, she closed her eyes as she prepared for the next part of her initiation; the seal.

She immediately felt her body trembling at the thought of it as she kneeled on the tiled floor.

"You are the heiress, my child. This is your world," her father whispered. Just then, two powerful hands grasped her arms and forced her to yield to whatever pain was coming.

"Tonight marks your initiation! Welcome, my child, welcome to the Alpha!"

The Don pressed the burning iron seal to his daughter's flesh and a surge of tremendous pain consumed her.

"This is my world," she said in a ragged voice. "I am now an Alpha!"

And with that, she felt life slipping away as she dropped to the floor.