XAVIER—I watched as Ariel slept peacefully on the couch, her gentle breathing filling the room. She looked so serene, and a sense of protectiveness washed over me. I couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions as I continued to work, my mind divided between the tasks at hand and the woman who had just confessed her love for me.Just as I was getting lost in my thoughts, my beta entered the study room, a sense of urgency in his expression. "Xavier, I apologize for interrupting, but there's an urgent matter at the palace. The Alpha requires your immediate presence."I sighed, knowing that duty called, but I couldn't bear to leave Ariel alone at home, especially at this late hour. I looked at her sleeping form, contemplating what to do. I couldn't possibly ask her to come with me, as it was against protocol for a non-royal to be present during important meetings.However, I couldn't just leave her here without knowing she would be safe. After a moment of contemplation, I made a decisio
ARIEL——I watched Xavier carefully, my heart heavy with the knowledge of his true identity. It pained me to see him continue to lie, to pretend that he was just a guard when I knew he was so much more. But I couldn't reveal that I knew his secret, not if it meant losing him for good.Every time he spoke about his duties as a guard, a pang of sadness echoed within me. I wanted so desperately to tell him that I understood, that I knew he was the Alpha of our pack. But the risk was too great. If I exposed his secret, it could put both him and the pack in danger.As Xavier continued to explain the dangers that came with being close to him, I felt a mix of frustration and longing. I wanted to be by his side, to support him in every way possible. But I had to respect his decision to keep me safe, even if it meant keeping me at a distance."Xavier, I understand," I said softly, my voice filled with a mixture of resignation and sadness. "I don't want to put you or the pack in danger. I'll tru
Ariel—-Regina's words echoed in my mind as I sat there, grappling with the weight of Xavier's secret. The thought of losing him, of being replaced as his mate, tore at my heart. But Regina was right, communication was crucial, and I needed to have an open and honest conversation with Xavier.As I contemplated the next steps, Regina's voice broke through my thoughts. "Ariel, does Xavier know that you're aware of his true identity?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.I shook my head, my voice barely above a whisper. "No, Regina. I haven't told him," I admitted, my heart sinking. "I'm afraid that if I reveal that I know he's the Alpha, he won't want me anymore. He'll see me as weak, as someone who can't handle the responsibilities that come with being an Alpha's mate."Regina's eyes filled with empathy as she reached over and gently cupped my face. "Ariel, you underestimate Xavier's love for you. He chose you as his fake mate, and he cares deeply for you," she reassured me. "You
Xavier——Xavier's mind raced as he absorbed Regina's words. The realization that Ariel was his true mate sent shockwaves through him, leaving him both elated and filled with regret. How had he kept this secret from her for so long? And why did Regina seem so urgent in discussing this now? Questions swirled in his mind as he hurriedly ended the call and made his way back home.As I entered our empty home, my worry intensified. Ariel was nowhere to be found, and her absence only fueled my growing concern. I paced anxiously, my mind consumed with thoughts of what could have happened. Had something gone wrong? Was she in danger?My heart pounded in my chest as I replayed my conversation with Regina. The weight of Ariel's question lingered, and I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her inquiry than met the eye. I couldn't help but be suspicious of Regina's constant probing and urgency.Unable to wait any longer, I grabbed my phone and dialed Ariel's number. It rang and rang,
Ariel’s pov—-Ariel's heart raced as she dialed her sister Esther's number, her mind swirling with the weight of the secret she was about to reveal. She needed Esther's guidance and support, knowing that she was the only person she could trust with this information.As the phone rang, Ariel's palms grew sweaty, her nerves getting the best of her. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself as she waited for Esther to answer."Hello?" Esther's voice came through the line, filled with warmth and concern."Esther, it's Ariel," Ariel said, her voice trembling slightly. "I need to talk to you. It's about Xavier."There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, before Esther responded, her voice filled with understanding. "I've been waiting for this conversation, Ariel. I know that Xavier is the Alpha King."Ariel's breath caught in her throat, shock and relief flooding through her. She had expected Esther to be surprised by this revelation, but instead, she sounded as if she had
Esther pov——Esther's heart raced as she dialed Xavier's number, her mind racing with urgency. She knew she had to warn him about Alpha Calvin's plans, but time was running out. As the phone rang, her anxiety grew, hoping that Xavier would answer before it was too late."Esther? Is everything alright?" Xavier's voice came through the line, filled with concern."Xavier, it's Esther," she said, her voice urgent. "You have to listen to me. Alpha Calvin has invited you for a private meeting, but it's a trap. He has ulterior motives, Xavier. You must not go."There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, and Esther could almost feel Xavier's confusion and surprise."Esther, what are you talking about?" Xavier asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Why would Calvin set a trap for me? We've been working together for years."Esther hesitated for a moment, her mind racing to find the right words. She couldn't reveal everything without implicating Ariel, not when Xavier was still unaw
Xavier —Xavier took a deep breath, formulating an excuse in his mind. "Alpha Calvin, the truth is that I've never believed in the concept of a mate bond or connection. I've always valued personal freedom and the ability to choose my own path."Alpha Calvin's brow furrowed, a mix of confusion and disbelief evident on his face. "But Xavier, you've always been a staunch advocate for pack unity and the traditional values of our kind. It's hard for me to believe that you would reject such an integral part of our culture."Xavier met Alpha Calvin's gaze, his eyes steady as he continued with his fabricated explanation. "I understand how it may seem contradictory, but I've seen too many forced pairings in the past that have led to unhappiness and discord within packs. I simply refuse to subject myself or anyone else to that."Alpha Calvin's expression softened slightly, but his skepticism lingered. "I see. So, you're suggesting that love and compatibility can be found outside of the mate bon
Alpa Calvin ——Alpha Calvin stormed into his office, his mind filled with frustration and anger. He couldn't believe Xavier had rejected his offer, refusing to accept the potential mate he had presented. The audacity of Xavier's defiance ignited a fire within Alpha Calvin, fueling his determination to form an alliance with Xavier's pack.As he paced back and forth, his thoughts raced, strategizing the next move in this delicate game. He couldn't let Xavier's rejection deter him. The bond between their packs was crucial for the survival and prosperity of both.Alpha Calvin knew Xavier's reluctance stemmed from a deep-rooted fear of being controlled and manipulated. But what Xavier failed to understand was that the mate bond was a source of strength, not a tool of oppression. It brought unity and stability to packs, ensuring their survival in a world filled with dangers.Alpha Calvin's mind drifted to Ariel, Esther's sister who had claimed to have found a mate but never returned home. T