Claire's POV I winced as soon as I got to the sitting room and realized my mistake. The maid had done nothing wrong and I shouldn't have taken my anger out on her. The person who frustrated me was Alex and he should have been the one I should yell at until all my anger was gone. I turned around to look for the maid and apologize to her for my uncalled-for behavior. However, the person I saw was Luna Lisa coming in my direction.There was no way for me to escape since our eyes met already. I grunted inwardly, sure that the woman was going to talk about me convincing her son to allow the coronation to push forward according to her plan."Luna Lisa," I began, wanting to tell her that I talked to Alex but he wouldn't hear any of it. She gestured with her hand that I didn't need to explain anything. That took me by surprise as I wondered what she was going to say or if she already anticipated my response and was going to get angry because I failed."I heard you and Alex arguing just now."
196ALEXAKIS "Alpha Alex!" A man shouted, tapping me on my shoulder."Huh?!" I gasped, returning to the present. I winced when I saw all the Elders of the council staring at me. We were currently in a meeting. I sighed when I realized that I must have zoned out on them. I looked to my side and saw as Kieran shook his head to let me know that what I was thinking was it."Are you okay, Alpha?" One of the Elders asked."Do you need some rest?" Another one added."Huh?" I asked again, uncertain if I knew exactly how to answer their questions. How else would I tell them what exactly was going on with me?Arguing with Claire was never one thing that sat down well with me. I was not myself, knowing that I raised my voice at the woman. While I would love nothing more than to blame her for trying to defend my brother, I knew that I was wrong too. And what was that saying again? Two wrongs could never make a right.Knowing Claire right now, I was sure that she was already regretting how she sh
ALEXAKIS I raced to the border the moment the boy gave me the information. The border? Why exactly would she go to the border when she had no business around there? No matter how hard I thought about it, I couldn't find a suitable reason. The only thought that filled my head was getting to the woman and making sure that she was out of harm's way.I soon got to the place, already heaving and panting for breaths because of how I ran. I didn't bother to pause to regain my breath as I began my search for her immediately. I looked at the long line which separated our pack from that of the next pack, thinking that she might be anywhere along the line. However, the place was as clear as crystal water. There was no one who looked remotely like the person I was in search of. Heck, there was not a single soul in sight. I quickly mind-linked Kieran just as he taught me. I was happy when the connection clicked into place and I could hear his voice in my head, happy that I finally got the mind
Claire's POV The ray from the sun fell onto my face, burning me. I blinked rapidly before I turned on my side to prevent the sun from scorching my face. I blinked when I noticed an arm wrapped around me protectively. I opened my eyes from shock and relaxed when I saw that it was none other than Alex.I got up and watched him sleep for a while. I remembered that I stood at the border for hours, contemplating whether to cross over to my world - the world of humans - or if I should just remain in the pack. It took several hours to make a decision, but I finally did.My middle finger went to Alex's forehead and I moved away the stray hair that was covering his face from my view. The reason why I stayed back was not too far-fetched. After weighing all the pros and cons of why I should either stay at the pack or return to my family, I discovered how much I felt at ease with Alex. With the man, I could be myself without worrying about what his thought of me would be. It was better with hi
ALEXAKIS The next few hours flew by with me having deep thoughts about what my mother wanted. She had actually cornered me after we were done with breakfast and demanded that she would like to talk to me. Only that the talk had resolved none other than her wanting the coronation to happen as soon as possible. I got up from where I sat and went in search of her after I finally came to a decision. "So, what do you need to see me for?" She asked when I finally found her."The coronation. Let's just do it," I told her, caving in to her desire. I smiled as she beamed with happiness at how she finally managed to hook me."Then you need to meet with the council and let them know your decision." She told me.I didn't bother to waste any more time with her. I got up and called for an emergency meeting straight. In thirty minutes, all the Elders of the council were already seated in the meeting hall. I joined them shortly after. "I would like to know your opinions about getting a new date fo
Claire's POV After Alex accused me of staying distant from him, I felt the weight of his words weighed me down considerably. The book I was reading no longer caught my interest. While I wanted to go over to see him, I kept myself in check as I was sure that he was going to be busy with the preparation of the coronation he insisted on having, just as his mother wanted. I couldn't still believe that the man gave in to his mother's desire.If he was going to do what she wanted, why had he even bothered to play hard to get before? Or was there a reason why he was giving in to the urge?Still, staying at the mansion made me feel lost. I dropped the book, got my bag and scarf, and left the house. With not many places for me to visit, I went to the cafe where I knew there would be many people I would be able to interact with and feel less lonely about my being alone at the mansion.Just as I thought, the coffee house was packed with different people who were sipping hot coffee from their cu
Evie's POV I raced all the way to my room. The steps creaked loudly, forewarning one and all of my sudden intrusion into the house. I slapped a hand over my mouth to keep myself from letting out the terrifying sound that threatened to spill forth. I didn't want anyone to see me in my frantic mood. Even though the stairs did little to nothing to quench the stealthiness I was aiming for and the odd feeling in my heart, I was still trying my best not to react in any way.If I did, I was afraid that I might be ticketed as a mad woman and bundled to rehabilitation before I could let go of my fear and act normal once again.The instant I got into my room, I clicked the lock shut. I went to the window and latched the lock into place. I also drew the curtain together to give me adequate privacy. Once I felt safe enough to stay in the house, I went to my bed and collapsed on it.What was that? What exactly in the fucking hell was that?!For a few days, after I accused Father of having men tai
ALEXAKIS After tracking one of the people who were so loyal to Nathaniel that they fled the pack after he disappeared, I finally found one. I was skeptical about approaching him because I was sure he resented me a lot for stealing the position the man he loved wanted. I soon found out that I was worried about nothing. The man had wanted to return to the pack earlier but was scared about what my reaction would be and for his life."So, you are now telling me that Nathaniel had not gotten into contact with you for over a month now?" I asked the man. We were currently sitting across from each other. For a reply, the man nodded. "How is that possible?"If I were to believe what this man in front of me was saying, that had to mean that the last time he talked to Nathaniel was when I first imprisoned him for treason, before the coronation day and the uproar he caused happened. "The last I heard from him was... was... when he said he was going to... you know... attack you." The man stammer