True Love or just a bet

Chapter 3.

Stephens POV

People have tried, in the past, to get me to bend and break my cycle , get me to see their side. But what they don't understand-what they'll never understand-is just how long I've waited for this: complete power.

I spent my whole life watching my father give up everything he ever wanted for other people; and he was miserable. I vowed I'd never do that. And I don't plan on starting now.

Do I feel regret for having my wife hypnotized? No, I don't. She needs to see reason and if hypnotism is the only way, I'm willing to do it. I know once all of this is over, she will see that I was right and I will be only too willing to forgive her.

Will Alaina understand? Perhaps not, but I really couldn't care less. Alaina's only job has always been to provide our line with heirs to rule exactly as I tell them to. Once this is all settled, that's exactly what her children will do.

Because, as I said, I always get my way.

And now it begins. My plot to gain more power is about to start the first stage. My wife is going to be hypnotized first and I will use her to try and reach out to Alaina since she always listens to her mother. Once the suitors find her, kidnap her, and mate her I can begin the next step. 

A knock at the door tells me that the hypnotist is here. Opening the door I not only see the hypnotist but also the father of one of the suitors and he had a huge grin on his face. Which can only mean one thing. They found Alaina *Evil laughs to self*

"Ahhhh well Leopold how are you “ *faking it of course, I can not seem all that wicked*

"Sir I was informed that my son and some others from the pack went on a mission to find your daughter, which means she will mate soon?" 

*Seeing how he has a worried brow I can’t help but go full alpha on him, you see his family is very well off and his power and wealth would be a great addition to my plan . Well good thing that the hypnotist in standing right beside him* 

“Yes and have you heard from your son?”

"Last I heard from him he just said he and some others were going to look for her. Something about her getting lost?"

I hesitated for a second. "Yes...she's....lost. Yes you could say that." I open the door wider. "Please, both of you, come in."

Leopold and the hypnotist both walk in and I close the door behind them. "Please come into living room."

I lead both men into the room, acting the part of the perfect host. Leopold doesn't suspect a thing, which is perfect. 

Just then Miranda walks in. I can see she's surprised by the sight of the two men (particularly the hypnotist) but she composes herself quickly.

"Hello," she says, smiling. "Welcome to our home!"

"Thank you," Leopold says.

"If you gentlemen will excuse me, I need to have a brief word with my wife." 

I see my wife's smile falter ever so slightly.

As I walk past the hypnotist I give him a wink; nobody else notices it. 

"If you don't mind, I'd like to use your restroom?" He asks.

"Certainly! It's just down the hall."

"Thank you."

The hypnotist leaves and I turn to Leopold. "You'll be fine by yourself for a few minutes?"

"Oh certainly, certainly."

I give him another smile and kindly lead Miranda from the room. 

Smirking as I lead her to my office that is right by the bathroom

" Stephen what on earth are you doing?"

" Miranda I have come up with a solution to all of our problems and it will help with Alaina as well"

" this does not sound very pleasant but I'm listening"

As she says that the hypnotist walks in and over to my wife

" Stephen don't you dare doing anything to harm me "

" Harm you . No my dear I won't harm you , I'm going to control you"

Watching her try to stand up is amusing but it won't get very far.

The hypnotist and I both tie her to the chair and he takes out his crystal .

"This won't hurt a bit," the hypnotist says.

Even I must admit, his smile was down right creepy .

"Please, Stephen you don't have to do this," Miranda pleads.

"Oh? So then you'll listen to me?" She just stares fiercely at me. "As I thought."

I wave my hand at the hypnotist to signal him to get it started.

"No!" Miranda cries out.

I quickly clamp a hand over her mouth. We can't have Leopold hearing was going on.

Slowly the hypnotist starts moving his hand in a circular motion over his crystal . He never once breaks eye contact with Miranda.

For a while, she's able to force herself to look away from his gaze, but soon enough she can't look away.

A few minutes later, she's hypnotized.

I laugh softly.

Perfect. I'm one step closer.

Watching her become controlled by me should have bothered me but it doesn't . I'm finally getting what I want and deserve. Now to get Leopold.

" your wife will be 100% controlled by you and obedient for you"

" thank you , I do have another person to be controlled but I want to have some fun with this person first"

" how can I be of service ?"

This is just perfect , Leopold will do what I tell him to do and that will help me control his son even better. Soon the whole kingdom will be mine.

We both walk back out to Leopold

" I'm sorry I kept you waiting , my wife isn't feeling to well”

"Oh that's perfectly fine," Leopold said. "What's the matter?"

"Oh nothing really." I brush it off like it's nothing, which it is to me. "She seems to have...lost control."

I couldn't help but slip that little pun in their. It was too fitting.

Leopold furrowed his eyebrows. "What do you-"

"Anyway!" I interrupt. "I don't think you two have been properly introduced. Leopold, this is my good friend....the hypnotist."

"Hypnotist?"

I noticed Leopold's look of slight fear.

I couldn't help but feel pleasure watching Leopold's face. I know that he will soon surrender to me and do what I want.

But I won't make it easy, I can promise that.

"No need to look frightened, Leopold! He was here to help my wife feel better. And he did!"

"Oh, that's a relief," Leopold said. I knew he was still skeptical but that was to be expected. "I hope she will be completely better soon."

"Oh she will, thank you for the concern." I smiled at Leopold and watched him smile back, looking more at ease. "Why don't we sit down? It'll be a bit more comfortable and more suited for conversation."

"Good idea."

This is the next part of my plan: I'm going to plant a seed into his mind that will make him want to work for me. If this doesn't work, well that's what the hypnotist is for. But I would honestly rather him side with me of his own free will (with strong persuasion, more than likely). I already have Miranda under my minds control and I don't know how hard or how easy it is to control two people at once. I didn't think to ask the hypnotist this and there's no time now. But, I'll see how I can do without it. 

"So, tell me Leopold," I say, starting the conversation again, once we're all sitting. "You are third in command of this pack-a rather rich position-and your youngest son is the rightful age to mate. Do you see retirement in your near future? Grandchildren perhaps?"

"I don't plan on retiring too soon, but I have been encouraging my youngest son to pursue Alaina-as you know."

"Yes, yes." I smile. "How's that going?"

"It's a little complicated, I'm afraid. See, he's always had his eye on Alaina, but he's been seeing another young lady from a different pack."

"Oh, well no harm in seeing other options," I manage to say.

I absolutely do not agree with what I just said, but I have to get Leopold to trust me and siding with him is the best way to do it.

"Normally I'd agree, but in this case, the girl he's seeing is part of a pack that wants to take over. More specifically, they want to overthrow you and steal the title of Alpha and number one pack in the world."

I can't help but stare at Leopold in shock. Overthrow me? This is definitely news to my ears.  Well, no matter. They won't be a problem much longer.

I clear my throat. "I see. Well I wish them luck trying to do that!" I laugh heartily.

"Seriously though, the law states Nicholas has to mate Alaina. I mean, you and I agreed on that before they were even born! And as leader of the pack, I can't very well go about breaking my own rules, now can I?"

"Of course not, sir. And I am not keen on breaking your rules either."

"Good man. Now, it's my opinion that Nicholas breaks things off with that other girl. I'm afraid that if he does not, the consequences will be more than you and your family can handle."

Leopold's eyes widen, but I keep right on talking. "Besides, this 'other clan' will not be...Let's say, doing much, for quite some time if I have any say in it-which I will. Nicholas is better off not involved." 

"Once again, I agree."

"Good. Now, your other two sons have been good to my other two daughters. I'm sure Nicholas will be the same way, so I have no concerns on that matter. My only concern is, will he listen to you when you tell him to break things off with that girl?"

"I'm sure he will sir. He's never disobeyed me before. And he does like Alaina-that's for sure-he just...well, Alaina hasn't always reciprocated his feelings. That's why he went to the other girl."

I can feel myself getting angry at Alaina again. I can't let Leopold see me angry, though. That'll ruin my whole plan.

So, i send for my wife. It'll be a good way to calm me down and persuade Leopold.

Miranda walks in, looking a little dazed. It's very slight, only the hypnotist and I can tell. 

"Dear, we were just talking about how important it is for Alaina and Nicholas to be together," I said to her. "You know, since they've been destined."

It was amazing, just by willing her to do as I say, she begins talking and saying everything I think her to say.

"Oh yes. You know, Leopold, your other two sons have been so good to our other two daughters. I'm sure Nicholas will be no different to Alaina," Miranda says.

"Oh, yes," Leopold says. "All my sons are the same way."

"That's good to hear," Miranda says. "And besides, it'll be nice to keep our two families close together. If we have Alaina-or Nicholas-go off with someone else...you know, it just gets to be too many people."

"Oh, well, yes, I must say I agree," Leopold says. "My wife isn't too fond of large crowds."

This is going perfectly. Through Miranda, I'm getting Leopold on my side. I'm pretty much using mind control on him, without actually controlling his mind, which is ideal.

I surprise a laugh. I love when things work out exactly as I plan them.

I can see that Leopold is being hesitant in all of this. He cannot see Miranda's eyes which is good, because if he could it would be obvious she was being hypnotized. And that would ruin my plan.

But the fun is just beginning. I need him to get mad at me and when he does, if he is still loyal to me, I'll know that he is truly with me. If not, well I'll know he's against me and I'll be able to hypnotize him to get him on my side.

"Well, it's a shame that Alaina doesn't share the same feelings as your son," I say, "they would've made a lovely couple. And heirs to the pack."

I know this has hit a soft spot in Leopold. He's been wanting nothing else for a long time. In fact, this was the main reason he doesn't plan on retiring anytime soon.

“He will marry and mate Alaina as soon as he sees her," Leopold said. "I swear."

His voice was tight with anger, but he made sure to speak calmly.

When I speak, I keep my voice light and calm, almost nonchalant as though I don't care about anything we're discussing. "Leopold, you know the law. On her 18th birthday she is to be mated and married. I'm sorry to say, that it's just too late."

"B-But she isn't 18 yet. We still have time!"

Leopold was growing desperate, which was exactly what I wanted.

"If I may, my darling," Miranda says. I give her a nod and a smile, totally playing the part.

"What my husband is trying to say, is that Alaina is 18 today and she insists that she's not ready to marry. And sadly, she has left the house-ran away to be more exact. I'm afraid the chance has indeed been ruined."

Leopold is only growing more agitated by the second. I can see it on his face and hear it in his voice.

"That cannot be. The law states that she has until midnight. It's only ten a.m.! We can't give up hope just yet!"

He's agitated, but that's not enough. I need his blond to be boiling. And the sooner the better.

I continue to think it over while Miranda works her wonders on him. "Yes, but the law also states that she has to be present. As you can clearly see, she's not here, which is why your son went looking for her."

"Yes and when he finds her, the plan can continue."

"I don’t mean to be rude, Leopold," Miranda says. "But are we certain your son can find her? And even if he can, the chances of her actually agreeing to marry and mate him are slim."

Well. That was a good one.

Miranda just insulted Nicholas in so many different ways at once.If that doesn't completely enrage Leopold, pretty much nothing will.

"He will find her and I can promise that there will be wedding. Tonight. And then the breeding will start."

I could tell it was taking a lot of will power for Leopold not to be yelling. I knew that a couple more hard jab and he'd probably be yelling.

If all went well, he'd still be on my side no matter how mad I made him. If not....well I wasn't too concerned about controlling him. I mean, Miranda is very easy to control and Leopold will probably be the same way.

Plus, if I can control Leopold, then I can control Nicholas, that son of a heathen.

"Leopold, what my wife is trying to say, is that my daughter is not here and doesn't want to be married until she's ready," I said. "So we really can't do anything without her here. And unless your son can magically bring her back, I really don't see how this can be solved."

His breathing was starting to get labored; yelling was not far away. "I think the best bet is to call off the wedding until my daughter is back."

Leopold's face is getting more red by the second.

I decide to give the final jab to Miranda, knowing her calm voice will send him over the edge.

"Leopold, are you alright?" She asks. "Your face is turning red."

"IF YOU CALL OFF THIS WEDDING, THEN I WILL DEMAND HE MARRY THE OTHER GIRL! MY ALLIANCE WITH YOU IS OVER AND I WILL DO ANYTHING TO SEE YOU DESTROYED!"

And there it is. He's not on my side anymore, and probably never was.

But oddly enough, I gave his son money to use to go in search of Alaina, so he's in for a real treat.

Shortly after Alaina left, I had a lovely lunch meeting with Nicholas. I could tell that he had great potential to be very helpful in my plan, but unfortunately he was just too...nice. He was just too good. 

And honestly he's not a very good person! But for my plan, I needed him to be worse.

So I slipped a potion into his drink. I had had this potion on hand just in case, but I had hoped not to use it. 

With the potion in him, Nicholas was more willing to agree to my plans that some would call evil.

Unfortunately the potion won't change who he is, but it will do. He is evil enough now that I was able to convince him to go after Alaina. I provided him with money and a very specific plan. I also made him the leader of the group of suitors who were hunting her down; with the potion in him, I knew I could trust he'd make all the decisions I would. 

I shake my head, bringing myself out of my thoughts and back into reality. 

"Leopold," I say, "there could be a way to fix this for the better. A way in which everyone could be happy." 

I'm hoping I've trapped him now. I know Miranda will go along with everything that I want and that she'll do what I tell her to do. If I have indeed trapped him, then soon he and his son will be under my control and their wealth shall be mine as well. 

And what Leopold doesn't know is that his other two sons are completely powerless and virtually useless. My other two daughters already agree with me on everything so they won't be a problem. And even if I have to hypnotize all of those people I really don't care. 

I'll do whatever it takes to get Alaina to mate marry. She's more important to the fate of this pack-my pack-than anyone else. 

"HOW CAN ANYTHING BE FIXED AT THIS POINT?! MY SON IS BETTER OFF MARRYING THE OTHER GIRL! AT LEAST HER DAD IS NICE! YOU NEED TO BE OVERTHROWN!" Leopold yelled standing up from his chair.

He's definitely beyond mad now and clearly he's so far against me there's no getting him back. Only one thing to do in that case. 

Should I feel bad about this? Yes. Do I? No. 

It needs to get done. 

"We can work this out very calmly, there's definitely no need to yell or get angry," my wife says. "Why don't we come up with a solution that will please everyone? And please, let's do this civilly." 

He takes a few deep breaths and sits back down This whole hypnotizing thing really works. Why haven't I done this before? Especially with Alaina. Man, I would've gotten so much more accomplished!

I glance over at the hypnotist and nod, giving him the signal to help me get Leopold tied down in a chair or something so we can get this over with. 

The hypnotist and I both put a hand on his shoulder and push him into a chair. I keep a firm hand on his shoulder as the hypnotist sets about tying him up with ropes. 

"What are you doing to me?!"

"This? Oh it's just a little surprise that I don't think you were expecting." I laugh evilly.

"You, Leopold, are going to be on my side whether you want to or not."

I laugh again, glancing over at Miranda to see her laughing too,

This day couldn't get any better.

"Why are you evil laughing?! Are you insane or something?!"

"Darling," Miranda says. "I think you're wasting precious time and should get it over with before something interrupts you."

"You're right my dear."

I signal the hypnotist and watch him take out his crystal ball. Leopold watches too and his widen. 

"What's that?"

"Oh don't worry about that. Now, this won't hurt at all. It'll just...change your life." 

I grin as I watch everything I've ever wanted finally become mine. 

With Leopold now successfully under my control, the next step is to fully, 100%, control Nicholas. Then through him, I can control Alaina and eventually....well, who knows where I'll go, but with hypnotism, nothing can stop me. 

The hypnotist steps away from Leopold. "He's all yours now, sire."

"Excellent." I smile broadly. "Now all we need is Alaina to be bred.”