Alpha King Xavier - Chapter 25: Chapter 25

Xavier
“Isn't that what you want?” I demanded in a thick voice.
She shivered under my touch but didn't say a word.
I felt a surge of anger at myself because this was eventually what I decided to do a few minutes ago.
But not anymore. No, there's no way I will mark someone else when my Luna is still alive.
I pulled back immediately before I changed my mind. The fact that she looks so much like my Gwen is tempting enough. Being my mate makes it even harder. The mate bond is there even though I tried to ignore it.
The moon goddess be so cursed!
“Return to the palace immediately, I will have someone to escort you,” I muttered.
“B_but,” she stammered and her eyes widened with surprise. “You gave me your word. Are you backing out already?”
I scoff. Really?
“Were you seriously thinking I was going to mark you? When my mate is alive? Or this was your plan so you can take her place?” I accused her.
Her brown eyes bore into mine and I lost focus for a moment. I knew I shouldn't be doing this.
I don't need much evidence to confirm that Autumn has no hand in all this. If she does, the wolf from earlier wouldn't be hiding to check the marks. Though, I still refuse to come to that term.
Perhaps it was my way of drawing the line and making sure I didn't fall into the moon goddess trap.
“No!” She said quickly. “You promised to make me the organizer.”
I released a sigh. “We will talk at the palace,” I said in a voice that left no room for more conversation, turned around, and stepped outside.
Rick rushed closer. “Is everything alright?”
I nodded once. “Get the maid and everyone in this store arrested. I want them in my prison,” I ordered.
Rick bowed slightly. “Yes, Alpha.”
“And get one of the men to take the Luna back to the palace.”
Rick bowed once more and moved to the men I came with.
I waited, and watched, as the men took out everyone in the store. Passersby have gathered now to watch us.
Just as the men departed, I turned to Rick. “Let's ride for a while,” I muttered. I didn't wait for him to say something before I walked towards my horse.
In the next few minutes, we were riding out of the safety of the park and into the woods.
My thoughts were clouded.
I pulled my horse to a sudden stop in the middle of nowhere. I stared hard at the vast surroundings.
Someone is messing with me.
“Alpha, is everything alright? Why did you arrest the shop owner and the maid?” Rick asked, moving closer.
I actually went to check on Rick when he told me Autumn went to get some ingredients since they had decided to include some cakes on the list.
I felt uneasy making her go like that, I had to come out and thankfully I did. What would have happened if I hadn't? Our plan would have gone astray.
“Alpha, is something going on that I don't know? Did Autumn try to escape?” He probed further.
If it was that, then maybe it would have been easier to accept.
“I tried to mark Autumn,” I said in one heartbeat and got down from the horse.
“What!”
Rick got down from the horse too and rushed to stand in front of me. “You tried what? But why?”
I didn't answer immediately. A lot of things were going through my head.
“It looks like someone was trying to check if she had the mark. The only thing I could think of at that moment was to mark her. At least, that will clear all the doubts,” I explained.
Rick still looked shocked. “Does that mean it's not even Anthony who kidnapped Gwen?”
I shook my head briefly. “I don't doubt it's Anthony. But it looks like someone is trying to check if Autumn is the real Gwen. It will be one of my Alpha but I don't know who exactly.”
Rick punched his hand angrily. “I knew it! Those Alphas were acting sneaky. But who could it be? Who could be Rowan's spy?”
“That's what I'm trying to figure out,” I looked at Rick. “Make sure Autumn doesn't walk alone, at least till Gwen's parents return. We can't allow anything to ruin our plans for now.”
Rick nodded once, in agreement. “That's right. I will be very careful now,” he assured. “But what do you suppose we do now?”
I thought about it. Anything I want to do has to be carefully decided or I might end up helping my enemies.
“Why don't you go ahead and mark Autumn then? It will confuse whoever is behind this,” Rick advised.
I looked at Rick for a moment. This was exactly what I planned to do but I don't think I can proceed with it any longer.
“I can't,” I muttered. “I can't mark her. Not when Gwen is still alive. Let's just make sure Gwen's parents’ stay in this place is comfortable for them. We will know what else to do after.”
Rick nodded once. “Alright. But maybe we can be able to find out who sent the wolf. Where is he?”
“Dead. I killed him immediately because he had already seen Autumn. If I wasn't fast enough, he would have mindlinked whoever sent him.”
He nodded again, “That's right.”
“You are dismissed,” I muttered.
Rick bowed and walked away.
I released an exasperated sigh. If I had marked Autumn the other time and Gwen had shown up, it would have been a disaster. It would be best to avoid the truth from leaking in another way.
But fuck! Where is Gwen? Where have I not searched? The only place left to check is Rowan's kingdom.
But I know just what to do. Either Anthony or his wife, one must die this week.