STARLETTE
I was feeling down, my spirits low. Maximus had returned to the bedroom late last night and left before I even woke up. It was clear he was avoiding me, and I couldn’t help but wonder what he thought of me now. Did he hate me? Did he consider me a traitor?
A pain pulled on my chest at that thought. My mind was a crazy mess as I wandered around the pack, hoping to clear my head and ease my mind. But the more I thought about everything, the more my thoughts seemed to spiral out of control. Like hell, I hated this feeling.
I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know what to tell him. I had gone to great lengths and risked a lot in trying to help Lucius get his wolf back; I couldn’t back out now, and I certainly couldn’t tell Maximus either. He would ruin every plan.
Lucius suddenly appeared before me, pulling me out of my stream of thoughts. Talk about the devil.
A smirk played on his lips. “I heard you wanted to see me yesterday.”
I sighed heavily. “But you refused.”
“But I’m here now.” He stepped out of my path and walked beside me as I continued on my way.
“Good for you.” I breathed.
“You seem down. Tell me. Did my brother break your heart?”
I shook my head. Instead, I broke his heart with my suspicious moves.
“Where did you go yesterday? I know it was definitely not Star Claw. Your mate almost went mad because of you.”
I subconsciously looked to the side, and my eyes met with Lauren’s. She stood in a corner, staring at us. But she quickly averted her gaze.
Ignoring Lucius’s question, I asked. “What would you do if you found out that Lauren’s pregnancy isn’t Maximus’s?”
“It’s just an assumption.” I quickly added.
“Is her pregnancy not for him?” He asked, a hint of amusement in his tone.
“JUST AN ASSUMPTION.” I emphasised.
“I’ll tell him.” He said plainly. “That’s the right thing to do. Me and my brother might not be on good terms, but I can’t sit back and watch while someone pulls a paternity fraud on him.”
“Yeah, I know. But I need evidence. Lauren might deny and make me look foolish.” I groaned exasperatedly.
Given the recent happenings between me and Maximus, I couldn’t just tell him about Lauren’s affair. He might just think I was trying to lift the heat from myself, directing his attention onto something else. He didn’t trust me now; he might as well believe Lauren over me.
“Thought we were just assuming.” Lucius cut through my thoughts.
I straightened up and cleared my throat. “Of course.”
Silence settled between us for a moment before I spoke again. “Maximus knows about your wolf.”
“And he’s so agitated about it. He’s probably worried I’m plotting to take his throne from him.” He raspberried, shaking his head. “My brother.”
“You don’t?” I asked curiously.
“Do I look like someone who could rule?” He chuckled gently. “The kingdom would be in ruins in my hands because I would neglect a lot of things. I love my peace of mind.”
A little relief washed over me. I had feared that he might seek the throne once he got his wolf, displacing my mate. The guilt that burdened me, thinking I was betraying my mate by helping Lucius, was finally lifted.
“He thinks I’m plotting treason with you.” I said, and he laughed.
“His anxiety is getting the better of him.” He shook his head. “He needs to calm down.”
“Why do you hate each other?” I shot the question I had been meaning to ask at him. They were brothers, supposed to love each other the most as they were the only family they had. But reverse was the case. I wondered what had gone wrong.
“That’s a story for another day. But I don’t hate him.” He said, coming to a sudden stop.
“Why not today?” I retorted. “I want to hear it now.”
“Not while your mate is contemplating murder.” He nodded in a particular direction, and I followed his gaze.
My eyes met with Maximus’s, and I stilled. He stood far from us, his brows furrowed, and his eyes filled with murderous intent. I was trying to earn his trust, not break it further.
I looked at Lucius. “Please let’s meet at 7 p. m. tomorrow. In the woods. There’s something important I need to tell you.”
I hadn’t had the chance to tell him about our plan with Amelia before Maximus showed up, and continuing to walk with him would mean treading a dangerous path. I needed to go to Maximus before his anger boiled over and murdered us both.
***
MAXIMUS
Rage was all that burnt within me as I watched my mate and my brother. They both wouldn’t listen to my warning to stay the fuck away from each other. What the hell were they talking about?
They were far from me, but if I tried, I could hear. I was an Alpha after all. I focused my hearing on them, intent on catching what they were saying.
“Please, let’s meet at 7 p. m. tomorrow. In the woods. There’s something important I need to tell you.” Starlette said, and my frown deepened.
What could she possibly want to tell him?
I quickly mind-linked Kade. “How’s the installation of the surveillance cameras?”
“On it,” he replied.
“Make it snappy.” I said and cut him off.
I needed them to be done before tomorrow so I could finally find out what Starlette and Lucius were up to.
A smile appeared on her lips as she approached. Under normal circumstances, that beautiful smile would have warmed my heart, but now wasn’t the time. I was upset beyond measures. And a smile wasn’t enough to fix that. I hated that I was suspicious of my mate, but her behaviour left me no choice. She was just too sneaky.
“Hey.” She said when she came to stop in front of me.
“I warned you to stay away from him.” My voice was surprisingly calm.
“He’s not dangerous.” She replied, further infuriating me.
My face twisted. “Oh really?”
“Max, please.” She moved closer, holding my hand in hers. She looked into my eyes as she continued. “I know I’ve been acting suspicious lately. But just give me until tomorrow, please. I’ll tell you everything.”
“Okay,” I replied simply, pulling my hand away from hers and walking away.
She didn’t need to tell me; I’d already made plans to see for myself.