CRYSTAL'S POVMy heart pounded in my chest at an alarming rate of excitement as I read the note again. It read:"Crystal, if you can, let's see underneath our favourite tree tonight."I was already dressed earlier and was waiting for the appointed time we would meet.Once it was 9 pm I quickly sneaked out of the inner chambers and on tip-toes, I walked down the shadowy hallway. Thanks to the function happening at the palace today, there were fewer guards and maids around here so it was easier to sneak out. Perfect timing! I couldn't be happier! Once I successfully escaped the inner chamber and hallways, I was deeply relieved as the outside air tingled my nostrils. It was giving a prison break escapades. I could feel the rush in my lungs as excitement seized me. I was really looking forward to seeing Emily again! I hope she was not assigned to serve at the function though. I'm sure she must have been aware beforehand about the function and if she were posted to serve at the
CRYSTAL'S POV"... Do you love him? " Her words seeped through my brain. Love is a very strong word and I wasn't sure if it was okay to say I love Xavier yet. It was too soon and I didn't know how to properly interpret the feelings I was having for him. For all I know it could be a mixed signal and I was only feeling a Stockholm syndrome towards someone who was blackmailing me to get his hands on the throne. But he didn't particularly give off the impression that he liked me. It was more of; "You're my mate and I'm responsible for your well fare" sort of thing. It wasn't love.... My heart sank at the realization that maybe Xavier didn't even like me or care for me as I thought he did. I mean, I understood the fact that it may be a little too soon for him to make professions of love to me, a mere omega and a former slave but if he truly liked me it would have been obvious. When he touched me, I thought I had gone insane. It was breathtaking and I didn't want him to stop. My wh
XAVIER'S POVI stifled a laugh as he disappeared from my presence with his head cowered in shame. The jerk I called my half-brother ran away with his tail between his legs and I couldn't be happier! He was so full of himself a minute ago but I was sure as hell that he was merely putting up a front. He wasn't capable of thinking for himself, always leaving things for his mother to deal with on his behalf like he used to. I derived great joy from torturing him and making him feel less confident of whatever plans they had brewing. Although I couldn't tell yet, I wasn't about to be taken by surprise. As long as I had my uncle Ivan by my side, I would always be one step ahead. I trusted my Uncle that much. He wouldn't let me down. I hoped... Now back to the present, there were a lot of things to get done and time was very crucial. I had to look for Uncle Ivan; he said he would be back but he was nowhere in sight. He said he would be back shortly and yet I couldn't see him. My e
XAVIER'S POVDamn it! "Am I interrupting something?"Why did he have to be here now? I recognized that voice even in my sleep and anytime I heard it, my nerves grated with contempt. I cocked my head slowly and my eyes widened to see that it was not only Leo that was present. I quickly released my grasp on Alicia and she wrenched her hands away and fled from me like a plague as she scurried towards the side of Leo. Leo and his mother, Luna Rachael were present and that wasn't all... My gaze glided to meet the other person standing in their midst. I swallowed a lump down my throat. It was my Uncle. The elder Ivan Hawkings stood with his hands entwined at his back like he always does and his eyebrows were arched. Was he disappointed to see me with our enemy in a seemingly intimate way? I was just trying to ascertain which team she was on, that's all. It wasn't like I was giving our plans away or anything. I would never betray my uncle no matter what even if I had a knife brand
XAVIER'S POVAs all returned to the function, the guests veered around and began to cheer us as we made our way to the high table prepared for members of the royal family. We took our respective seats but Luna Rachael remained standing as she was about to address the eager crowd. The cheering quietened down and she took the mic positioned in front of her. My heart thudded slowly against my chest. What did she have to say? What were they planning anyway? We had the foggiest ideas and we were sitting down like one big happy family and faking a smile on our faces. I tilted my head to look at my Uncle but his eyes were fixed on Luna Rachael intensely. I swallowed. He should be on the edge as I was. Well, my Uncle knew what he was doing anyway so there was no need for me to fret every now and then but I couldn't help myself. I tried to rein in my jumbled thoughts under control as I heaved out a deep sigh and shifted in my chair. C'mon Xavier! Get a grip! What worse could she sa
XAVIER'S POV"It is a ritual that when the coronation is just around the corner, the two competitors for the throne are expected to have a suitable and proper mate. Emphasis on proper mate. " She dragged the last sentence out as she shot a smirk at me. That witch! What was she planning to do? Crystal Thorne, as far as I was concerned, was a proper mate. I chose her as my mate and I couldn't care less what anyone else says. And she remained my mate until I said otherwise. "So as we all know, Leo Fernandez and Xavier Fernandez are both competing for the throne. Tonight, the stakes will be high; we are to choose between the two of them, together with their rightful mate, who is fit to rule our revered Blood Moon Pack. " She announced and at once the crowd began to murmur among themselves. I was shocked as those words rolled out of her mouth. They tasted bitter in my mouth as if I was the one that uttered them. Now, things were beginning to get out of hand gradually. I coul
XAVIER'S POV"It seems like you didn't understand a word I said, Luna Rachael. Perhaps I should rephrase... "Luna Rachael frantically waved at Luna Aurora, stopping her mid-sentence. "I do! I understand. You don't have to repeat yourself. I'm not deaf, thank you. " She said sharply, with a frown wrinkling her brows. Luna Aurora pinched her brows together as her lips thinned into a suppressed amusement. She was enjoying it as much as I was. Now, this was perfect! Luna Aurora chuckled wryly. "I didn't say you are deaf, Luna Rachael. Why take offence? " She ribbed. Luna Rachael seethed and forced a smile. "I'm not offended, Luna Aurora. Now can we get back to business? "Luna Aurora shook her head gently and held her hand up to halt her. "You haven't answered yet, Luna Rachael and yet you claimed not to be deaf... No offence though, but my question is highly important and as one of the distinguished guests that have been invited as well as with others, " she gesture
XAVIER'S POV"Did you singlehandedly approve all these? " Luna Aurora probed with her eyebrows arched. Elder Martins and Luna Rachael both exchanged glances. He cleared his throat and leaned into the mic. "I represented the entire elders of the Blood Moon Pack and they approved. So I did not singlehandedly decide on my own. It is the will of the elders of the Blood Moon Pack. " He said. Did Uncle Ivan approve? I doubted so! This was a biased decision! It was fueled by hatred and family revenge! And worst of all, it was ignited by none other than my stepmother, Luna Rachael. She must have bribed him. That vile woman! She was capable of doing something like that. I would not be surprised if she had even slept with him to win his vote and support. How could the people not see the lies they were spewing?! It might just as well be written in huge letters across a billboard by the side of the road: They were fucking lying! My pulse leapt and jangled like a car alarm as I for