Chapter 16
ALEXANDER’S POV
HOURS EARLIER
I stood at the top of the stairs watching Eliza’s retreating figure as well as Derek and his new woman as they walked away, leaving the castle.
As soon as Eliza got into a car and drove away, I turned around, entering the building once more with my thoughts running through some things.
As I walked through the hallways back to the throne room, I reflected on recent events.
Pride swelled in my chest when I thought of Eliza's growth.
She had evolved into everything I'd hoped for in a mate - her strength and determination apparent in every calculated move she'd made against Derek's corruption.
The punishment from the King for Derek was disappointingly mild in my opinion compared to what he had done to Eliza but it was something.
Letting Eliza move forward with her plans to rebuild her pack and also sharing the assets that they shared as he saw fit was a good blow to Derek’s ego.
Yet I couldn't deny that his hubris had presented an unexpected gift - a chance to reclaim what I'd lost. A chance to make Eliza my mate.
My train of thought came to a halt when the familiar doors of the throne room came into view. The guards gave me a brief bow before they opened the doors for me to go through.
I walked into the room, seeing the king still on his throne with his head in his hands.
“Explain yourself.” He ordered me, his voice thundering around the room as his eyes dug deep into my soul.
“Explain what?” I replied with a question, shrugging a bit and wanting him to move onto something else.
The king, my father, rolled his eyes and sat up straight, not budging from his stance with that question.
"You have a mate bond with Eliza?" His question echoed out, making me sigh at being caught.
It wasn’t like I was hiding it but my little stunt from before with me pointing my sword at Derek was far too obvious for anyone to ignore.
“Yes. I found out recently that she is my mate.” I answered without hesitation before I frowned at myself.
“Though she remains unaware due to my condition. She has no idea because of what happened at the camp.” I explained, feeling my heart go heavy.
The king’s brow furrowed with concern.
"I remember. Your missing scent. Has there been any progress?" He asked me, his voice no longer thick with authority. He was genuinely worried.
It took me back a bit but it didn’t stop me from answering him.
"The wolf doctor believes proximity to my mate will gradually restore it," I replied, maintaining my composed exterior despite the frustration stirring beneath.
"But I won't use the bond to influence her. When Eliza comes to me, it will be her choice alone. I’ll wait."
There was a bit of silence after I spoke and I watched my father for any sign of disapproval but he gave me a nod seemingly, approving my approach.
“I know the mate bond can be strong and overwhelming but I have one last question to ask. Do you love her? Do you think you would love her without the bond pulling you closer to her?”
My eyes widened at his words.
My father was not one to beat around the bush but he was also not one to speak about love when the mate bond was good enough for me to get a strong heir to lead the pack when I was gone.
He never brought it up before especially when he wanted me to be a soldier and leader so why now?
Regardless of how I felt, I told him the truth.
“I do. I’ve been drawn to her ever since we trained together all those years ago.” I said to him shortly, not going into details.
If I ever wanted to express how I felt for Eliza then it had to be to her face. No one else needed to hear it.
“Very well. I stand behind whatever your choice is Alexander.”
He gave me a nod to which I returned, feeling a smile crawl onto my lips.
I took a step forward, knowing that our conversation had come to an end and gathered the documents about resource donations and property settlements from the desk to the side of the room as I wanted to head over to the Crescent Moon Pack to help Eliza out.
I walked off towards the main doors to leave with the documents in hand when my father’s parting words caught me off guard.
"Bring back a pup with you when you return." He quipped at me, no doubt with his signature knowing look on his face.
I nearly stumbled, heat rising to my face - a rare break in my usually stoic demeanor.
The king's knowing chuckle followed me out the door as I rushed off.
As I left the castle I wasted no time in making a flight reservation to arrive at my destination, ready to help Eliza out in whatever way she needed.
I called my flight agent and after two seconds, he picked up.
“Good day, General Alexander. What can I do for you?”
“Fire up the jet. I’ll be heading to the Crescent Moon Pack in two hours.”
“Of course sir.” He replied before I ended the call, getting in my car and driving off.
*
Hours later, I made my way through Crescent Moon Pack's territory, greeting the pack members and elders as my wolf's senses scanned the area for any sign of Eliza.
I picked up traces of tension in the air, following them to the pack's main building where I suspected that Eliza was since her scent was getting stronger.
I got to the building and was stopped when one of the security guards spoke to me.
“Who are you and what is your business here?” He asked me, blocking my path.
“General Alexander. I’m here to see Alpha Derek and Luna Eliza.” I told him, not bothering to bite words. I needed to enter the building.
The guard's face dropped and he took a step back, bowing to show his apologies.
“I apologize General. Please, go in.” He said to me as the door opened, allowing me access.
As soon as I entered the building, raised voices reached my ears.
I moved through the hallways quickly, wanting to get to the bottom of the kerfuffle. The scene that greeted me when I reached the doorway made my wolf surge forward protectively.
Derek stood aggressively over scattered documents, his posture threatening and his teeth bared.
Eliza faced him with defiant amber eyes, her wolf clearly close to the surface.
Between them, a young female clutched her reddened wrist, watching the scene unfold.
I didn't hesitate.
I stepped into the room, letting my presence fill the space.
My wolf's power rolled off me in waves, a clear warning to not only Derek but also to anyone who stood against Eliza in the moment.
Every instinct screamed at me to put myself between Eliza and the threat, to shield my mate from harm but I held back, knowing Eliza needed no rescuing. She had proven herself more than capable of handling Derek.
Still, I positioned myself strategically - close enough to intervene if necessary, but allowing Eliza to maintain control of the situation.
My mate was fighting her own battles, and winning them decisively.
I would ensure no one interfered with that - least of all Derek.