Alexander’s POV
“Why the hell did you come here?” Angelica’s screeching voice filled the quiet surroundings. She appeared quite distressed upon seeing the figure watching the waters from the riverbank.
After tailing her through the forest, I was shocked to discover that she knew exactly where she wanted to go. A few yards away, someone was waiting for her.
I could not help but feel that she was familiar with this place.
Does she know the Royal Pack?
Was she part of it?
“I couldn’t go another day without seeing you,” the familiar voice answered. “It’s been too long…”
“Do you know who Angelica is talking to?” Emily linked me, keeping her eyes pinned on the two figures standing in the dark.
We found a good hiding place behind a large boulder, a short distance from the figure and Angelica’s position.
We had additional cover from a massive bush that was growing in front of the boulder.
“That sounds like someone we know,” Ghost growled, spiking my interest.
“I can’t say for sure,” I replied to Emily. “I can’t get a hint at his scent or see his face.”
With a nod, Emily tried to get a better look by climbing up onto the boulder.
“You know we can’t be seen together!” Angelica continued. “If someone finds out we are… not to mention what my father would do if he saw you near me! He will certainly have your head if you ruin his plans.”
With a sudden turn, the figure’s face was partially illuminated by the moon’s rays.
Emily gasped, and I narrowed my eyes as I faced her.
Did she recognize the person?
Emily’s heart began to race in her chest. Was she afraid or excited?
“Who are you seeing?” I linked; visibility was poor from where I was standing.
Emily turned to face me, her eyes glimmering with surprise.
“It appears to be… Axel!” She replied.
“What?” I internally growled.
I should have realized he was involved in Angelica’s plan.
Axel pulled Angelica to him and smothered her last words. With his hands caressing her body, he gave her a long, passionate kiss. And Angelica kissed back exactly as enthusiastically, showing no signs of hesitation.
I looked away, sick to my stomach from seeing the couple’s embrace.
“Are they mates?” Emily linked me, her expression mirroring mine of dismay and shock.
“That seems to be the case,” I said, looking back at them as they parted.
“They will not find out!” Axel mutters against Angelica’s nape. “Everyone’s eyes are on Alex. I have ensured that. Nobody is going to suspect me.”
“Apart from Alex!” she cried angrily. “I am not sure if I can handle this much longer. Do you have any idea what I have been through the last couple of days? It is excruciating! I can no longer stand it.”
“It’s just a few more days,” he promised. “Besides, once you are formally crowned the Luna of the Opal Pack, everything will fall into place.”
“And then what?” She spat, frustrated, pushing Axel away from her.
Axel whimpered at the loss of contact and stepped closer.
“Stop!” Angelica warned, lifting her hand in the air, and Axel huffed, disappointed. “If Alex, or worse, anyone else senses you on me…”
Axel growled, and Angelica’s gaze snapped to him. She stepped toward him and cupped his cheek.
He laid his cheek in her hand, locking eyes with her.
“I know it’s hard,” she said, trying to calm him down. “But remember, this is the only way you can get your revenge.”
“I can’t bear seeing you with Alex,” Axel sneered, pulling away. “I loathe him so much! I hate him and his family! He shouldn’t be Alpha; I should. I am the rightful Alpha! It is my birthright!”
Axel balled his hands and clenched his teeth.
“What is he talking about?” Emily linked. “Are you not the true Alpha?”
“I am,” I replied, narrowing my eyes. “I will have to ask my father about Axel’s claims.”
Emily nodded.
“Do you know who Angelica’s parents are?” She suddenly asked.
“No,” I said. “I never met them.”
Emily rolled her eyes, seemingly annoyed.
“How is that possible?” Emily snapped.
“I never went to go see her at her pack or had a reason to meet with them,” I said. “I was in love with you, not her.”
“So you did not check her background before you just blindly trusted her?” Emily scolded.
“I figured I did not have to,” I said. “I suppose I owed her that trust because she saved my life.”
In addition, Angelica entered my life many years ago. I assume that my father must have done a background check then.
“I will check the royal registers to see if anything is interesting,” she remarked. “There has to be some information regarding Axel and Angelica.”
“Do you think you will find any information?” I replied.
I never questioned Axel’s existence or his legacy. The only thing I knew about him was that he was my father’s brother’s son.
I didn’t know my uncle at all. My father never spoke of him. I was told that he disappeared when I was only a pup.
“It might,” Emily linked, her voice laced with excitement. “I am very curious about who Angelica’s parents are.”
“If you find anything, let me know,” I said, turning my attention back to the two love birds.
“If it wasn’t for your father’s plan to get rid of all the Lycans,” Axel said. “And help me claim my title; I would never have been this patient.”
“What are you saying?” Angelica asked, her eyes wide out of shock.
“I would have challenged Alex for the title,” Axel said.
“No! You can’t! You know he is much stronger than you,” Angelica said. “He would have ripped you apart.”
“Stop acting so concerned!” Axel said. “I had a plan. I wasn’t the one who would have died that day.”
“Axel, love, listen to me!” Angelica said, turning his gaze to look at her. “Don’t you dare put your life in danger! You know our plan is foolproof. I got rid of Emily for good this time. Alex would not go after her again. She rejected him, and his title is more important to him than she is.”
That wasn’t true.
“But you never thought about Alex being stuck in the old ways,” Axel growled. “You can’t be sure about him going after her again. He only wants his fated mate!”
“I can’t help that!” Angelica snapped. “I was certain I had him convinced to take me as his Luna. I did everything he asked, and he knew his time was running out.”
“I should have made sure he had died in that forest that day,” Axel sneered. “If it wasn’t for that middling mate of his…”
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