Ch. 136..140: The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate Chapter 136-140

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 136

Ben’s POV…

“F**k!!” I exclaimed, getting pissed at everything. All of the lines that I had been trying all morning, none of them were going through. Is it possible those bastards turned their back on me?

I didn’t know what I was supposed to think. Before now, none of them had ever seen my calls and not responded immediately. Did Xander catch on?

No, I doubt that. He is too preoccupied with thinking the attacks would actually come from the outside.

I have waited too long. The intention was to let Sonia deliver my child first, but it was taking too long, and I was becoming impatient. To even think that filthy alpha called Bethel has relaxed so much, he talks less about the attack.

That idiot needs to be in a reform home. I have never seen someone so addicted to p***y and booze. But I must say, he does know how to handle his pack and take care of them appropriately. He handled his businesses well, but not mine, and that is where it occurred to me that I needed to take these steps myself.

One thing I know he wouldn’t deny me of is extra hands. Maybe I just need to put in a few more words to make him come along with the plan.

That f*****g Jared was supposed to handle all of the cases on the inside. I hope he wasn’t planning to betray me. Or did he get caught? I couldn’t place my hand on any of it, and I still couldn’t reach any of the others with the encrypted line.

I would have to see the programmer that had helped work on the phones, probably, a crash has occurred, and I can find a way around it. But first, I needed to see alpha bethel and let him reason on the necessary steps to take towards getting the night howlers.

Talk of the devil, and he appears, was the case of the split seconds of my thought. The damn alpha Bethel opened the door to the study grinning at me like a lost cause.

“Hey there, Ben.” He bellowed in that annoying voice of his.

His happy face always sends me on a spiraling boat; it just annoys me how happy he gets at every opportunity presented to him. I have never seen him work on anything rather than sober up. He would get lost in a pool of p***y and party.

Right now, he is dressed for a golf game, and I can bet all I have that he is here to invite me over. I wonder if he spares any moment in his time to have a rethink of his life.

Forcing a smile, I stared up at him. “How are you doing, alpha Bethel? What brings a great one like you to my small corner?” Buttering him up was the only way to get to the bastard.

He grinned stupidly again, “I was thinking you would like to join me to play golf.”

Now, that is exactly where I have a problem with this almost bald moron. How can he go ahead to think for me without seeking my permission first? Always trying to invade my privacy. But I needed something urgently from him. It was crucial for me to play along.

I stood up, still plastering the smile that was beginning to hurt the veins attached to my mouth now.

“Of course, I would love to come with you.” And also love to strangle you. I thought to myself.

“That’s perfect. I knew you would love it.” Alpha Bethel responded, clapping his hands together. He looked like a clown.

Walking towards him, he had his hand on the door holding it out for me.

“I feel honored.” I lied through my teeth, stepping out.

The golf court is located right in the packhouse. If he was asked what inspired him to own such fancy land inside the packhouse, he would tell you he got inspired by the British royal. I would really love for him to spiral down the lane.

“I have been thinking it’s high time we make our moves on night howlers,” I said, positioning the three golf ball I had in hand that was about to fall off.

He didn’t react, focusing on the ball he wanted to hit, and he left me mouth agape till he was done.

“You know, thinking of it right now, I don’t think it’s really necessary wasting the packs’ resources over all of this.”

I almost roared at his response; I should have known he was trying to play smart when he kept giving excuses. I composed myself, holding up a smile.

“Have you forgotten our deal so soon? I will give you part of night howlers land if you help me. I guess you really don’t want more land borders then.” I pushed, trying to convince him.

He stayed quiet for a while, the wheels obviously turning in his head.

“Are you still on your promise?” He asked wide-eyed.

“A deal is a deal.” Even though I do have plans for him after all this is done.

Sounding excited, “so, what do you plan on doing?”

“I was hoping we would get on to them in a few weeks after sketching out our plans well.” I had to change the date; not hearing from Jared is a big deal. I can’t risk being caught unawares.

“Whatever it is you would need, please let me know.” He grinned, returning his attention to the game.

I watched him closely, wondering how in the world he got fooled by me to get some land. Why in the world would I do that? Especially knowing if I could build enough army to conquer him, I would become one of the most powerful alphas.

However, I needed to play cool in the meantime. I have too many things to achieve.

Throwing up a golf ball, I felt joyous, knowing I would win soon. Then, holding down to the ball for a hit, I hit at it, and it went miles away, flying past that of alpha bethel.

He stared at me, whistling loudly, “I should learn from you.” He said.

“Of course, you should,” I muttered under my breath, grinning widely.

 

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 137

Authors POV…

Caleb eased himself into the chair, working his head and neck in a circle. Looking through his wristwatch, he realized it was only eight am, and he was already fagged out from all the heavy loading he had indulged in this early morning.

Deep down, he felt grateful for the turnout of the planned attack. It would have been a huge mess if they had caught on to the trick earlier. He was still reaching out to his spy at sizzlers pack, and there was no actual news on what they intended to do yet. It worried him since they were also on low-key, and no one else aside from them knew of their plans. The thought of the sixers also being extra careful only made him more sensitive. However, he was grateful that the moon goddess had been kind towards them.

Finally getting a hold of his thought, his mind returned to the previous day and what had taken place. If anyone had told him he was going to be entangled between two women he really cared about, he would have argued against it.

He had yet to reach out to any of them due to what was at stake. But since that one has been taken care of a bit, all they needed now was some rest. He envied Xander. As soon as he’d given out the orders on what they were meant to do, he asked to be driven back home in an instant.

But Caleb, he was stuck at the office. Ramona was in her space at the moment, but he couldn’t find the courage to meet with her. Instead, he is more concerned with sorting things out with Becca.

He had never seen her act so tense, but it had been his fault for being so blind to her needs in the past years. Xander had advised him to give her some time, but he doubted if he could wait a day longer before having the chance to talk to Becca.

He had been having sleepless nights for days, and all his brain could think of was the relaxing tea Becca made for him and how safe and comfortable he felt in her embrace.

He couldn’t sit still at the thought of Becca not talking to him or being pissed at him. Deciding he couldn’t wait any longer till she was only cool with talking to him, he grabbed his suit jacket and car keys heading towards the door. He almost collided head-on with Ramona.

“Sorry!” He muttered under his breath as he looked up to stare at her.

She looked breathtaking in the Bronx-colored free short dress she had on.

He didn’t know what to say as he hadn’t been expecting to see her; his words hung in the air.

“You won’t let me in?” Ramona asked, sizing him up.

She had been expecting him to come to her and apologize to her. However, he neither called nor texted her. Even though she wasn’t supposed to have acted the way she did the previous day, it couldn’t be helped. She needed to let him know how much she detested being stood up.

On second thought, she didn’t want to end up losing Caleb and let another person be his wife when it had been her dream for a long time.

Caleb regained his composure, still feeling awkward. “Hey Ramona, you are here.” He said, scratching the back of his head with the car keys he had in hand. Seeing he won’t still say anything, Ramona eased herself into the office. Looking around, she took her seat in one of his chairs, turning around to stare at him.

“Don’t I deserve an apology for what happened yesterday?” She questioned him.

Not knowing what to do or how exactly he was meant to react. He took cautious steps towards her and stopped about two feet from her.

“I wanted to give you some time.” He responded

Ramona nodded her head, “of course you do know. I needed some time to be able to figure out what the hell happened yesterday. Now, what is going on between you and Becca?”

Bowing his head like a child being rebuked, he muttered under his breath, “a whole lot.”

She stared at him, wondering why he wasn’t saying anything. “She is just your friend Caleb. Why was she acting up seeing us together?”

Raising his head, he answered, “Becca has been going through a lot.”

“And how has that got anything to do with us?”

“It has nothing to do with you, Ramona, but it’s my place to care for her.”

Letting out an irritated chuckle, Ramona sat up. “And why is it your place? You can’t keep looking out for another lady when we are about to get married.”

The word marriage had his head turning, he didn’t know what Ramona meant, and he wasn’t exactly interested in finding out. Instead, his whole mind was fixed on getting to Becca and having a serious and long talk with her.

He missed her face so much. Seeing her smile at him was always so calming for him.

“Caleb!” Ramona called out in a harsh tone.

He stared at her squarely, trying to focus on her. But he couldn’t help his thought drifting back towards Becca.

“Can we talk about this later, Ramona? I really have somewhere to be.” Caleb explained.

Ramona couldn’t believe her ears; she had come to him hoping the usual Caleb would beg her and give her some money and relaxing s*x to make her feel better.

But it was absurd seeing him act totally unconcerned towards the matter at hand.

“Is this a joke, Caleb?” she asked.

Shutting his eyes, “it’s not a joke, Ramona. I didn’t say we couldn’t talk. Can we just do so a bit later, please?”

“Where the hell are you going?”

Feeling irritable at her constant questions, he fixed a hand in his pocket. “Like I said, I need to get to somewhere important. I will see you when I return. Bye, please help lock the office door as you leave.”

With that, he took long strides to the door, cracked it open, and walked out on Ramona without sparing her a glance.

 

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 138

Authors POV…

Becca stretched lightly, letting out a soft yawn. The advantage of having a caring and emphatic Luna was being allowed to have a time out when there was a need for it. She had no bad thoughts against Sonia, but she could bet if she had been in Edwina’s shoes, there was no way she would have gotten time off work.

Standing up, she stared out her window; she had cried herself to sleep into the late hours of the night and ended up waking up quite late. It was unlikely of her, though, but at the same time, she needed to let out her feelings and be done with it.

There was no actual need to bother about work; Edwina had instructed her to resume whenever she felt okay. Checking the clock by her bedside, it was past nine, almost heading towards ten. Deciding not to mope around like a fresh widow all day, she got into the bathroom to change.

Becca refused to misuse the chance given to her, so she got dressed and stepped out of the room. The packhouse was bustling as usual, but there was an obvious sign of fewer activities since the alpha wasn’t around, and the Luna being the kind of person she was, gave some level of liberty to the workers.

“Good morning Becca.” Maids passing by chirped at her. With a nod of her head, a quick smile, and a word, she answered each person as she headed toward the kitchen area.

“Hello, Becca. Isn’t it a lovely morning?” Edwina rumbled in excitement as she sat by the mini dining in the kitchen, watching the chefs move around.

Becca let out a chuckle, bowing a little bit. “Good morning Luna.” Looking around, “it sure is a lovely morning. What’s gotten you so excited this morning, and why are you in the kitchen by yourself? That’s if you don’t mind me asking.”

Edwina giggled, “Sonia woke up this morning to some odd cravings. Says she wants bacon, cheese, eggs, pancakes, and mashed potatoes.” Her face scrunched up in irritation. She lowered her voice to prevent the other wolves in the room from hearing. “If her emotions weren’t so out of place, I would have gladly asked her what the hell was running through that head of hers.”

There was no way Becca could pretend to not find it funny, covering her mouth with her palm. She laughed hard, holding out her belly.

“It’s all ready, Luna.” One of the chefs announced.

Clapping her hands together, Edwina’s eyes glazed through the plate content. “Looks colorful.” She muttered, sounding uncertain.

Becca nodded in agreement, gulping hard. “Guess we won’t understand it until we get to feel that way.”

“Where do you intend to take the food, Luna?” A maid inquired.

Edwina looked towards Becca, “you feel okay enough to accompany me?”

Smiling in response, “definitely, I was beginning to feel irrelevant.”

They both laughed as the others watched. Becca picked up the food tray, heading out of the kitchen with Edwina following closely behind her.

Placing both of her hands on her flat belly, “would really love to feel this sort of way too.” Edwina muttered, pointing towards the plate Becca carried.

“Me too,” Becca replied.

“It’s hilarious, though, to think that we aren’t certain of when and how it would come.”

Raising a brow, “I guess that shouldn’t be a problem between you and the alpha.”

Edwina made a resolving sigh. She glanced around to be sure no one was actually listening to them. “I know this might sound odd, but I really don’t trust Xander yet.”

“Why would you say that?”

“I did tell you how I still feel towards Ben.”

“I guess you can squash such feelings out. It’s all up to you; you know the alpha would gladly give you enough babies. All you need to do is ask.” Becca had a glitter in her eye.

Edwina could tell she was pulling her legs, “that’s so petty of you, Becca.” She laughed loudly.

Laughing along, “I wanted to ask, why did you have to make the meal from the main house?” Becca queried.

“Athena went to visit her mother, and you know how Sonia can be. She insisted on not wanting any of the maids in her quarters to make a meal for her. Claiming they also want her dead.”

“I get it. I should visit Dana soon, though; her sickness seems to be on the stretch as it is.”

“Wouldn’t argue that either. Despite sending some aid, it will be nicer to go in person.”

“Might do so in the coming week.”

Edwina observed Becca for a second, “how are you?”

“Me?” Becca blurted like she just came out of a reverie.

“Yes, you. I know you heard me,” Edwina said with a snicker.

Sighing, “I am okay, feel better than I was yesterday. Trying to accept that life wouldn’t give us all that we want. It’s why I just want to keep living.”

“You really don’t think you should try and talk to him again?”

“What’s there to talk about? I would prefer for it to be buried and for us to move on like that never happened. It’s too embarrassing.”

“You shouldn’t be feeling embarrassed when you are just like every other person.”

At her words, Becca smacked her forehead while holding onto the food plate steadily, “to think I cried in front of him.” She mused, laughing.

Edwina laughed with her, “I can relate since I was also once a fool for love.”

“But sincerely, I feel better after expressing myself. It has been long overdue.”

“How do you think he slept last night?”

“Very well, I guess, while f*****g Ramona, that is.”

“You are so jealous.” Edwina jested, laughing loudly.

Trying to hide her smile, “that isn’t even funny.”

“It’s not supposed to be funny; it’s the actual truth.”

Just as Becca attempted to bite back a response, a young maid ran panting loudly toward her as they were about to step into the guest quarters.

“Becca, ma’am, beta Caleb is here to see you, and he has refused to leave unless you see him!” The maid announced, her eyes darting back and forth.

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 139

Authors POV…

Becca and Edwina shared a look, the same thought running through their minds.

“What’s going on?” Edwina asked the maid.

Trying to calm her breath, the maid heaved. “He had entered the packhouse and headed straight to ma’am Becca’s room. I guess he couldn’t find her there and checked the kitchen. I don’t know what went wrong, but in a few seconds, he had begun to raise a bit of his voice, telling us to find you if we knew what was good for ourselves.” She rasped in one breath.

Edwina giggled lightly, nodding towards the maid, “you should go. Thanks.”

The maid bowed, running off. Edwina then looked toward Becca with an amused glance. “Seems someone is back to his senses.”

“What makes you think he is here for reconciliation? What if he just wants to tell me off.” Becca replied, sounding uncertain.

“You are just feeling paranoid for nothing. Please go to him and let your heart out.”

“My heart is running.”

“You are nervous, and you are letting it show on your face.”

“I’m really trying to compose myself right now.”

“Doesn’t seem like it to me.”

Becca grinned, “I see you are having so much fun teasing me.”

“Can’t help it, and it’s obviously lightening your mood. Go now, Becca, don’t think I don’t know you are trying to stall.”

She g*****d, “am I that obvious?”

“Too obvious. Don’t let the beta raze the packhouse down with him breathing fire.”

Gulping hard, “alright, I will go now. If you don’t see me in the next few minutes, be sure I have gone to commit suicide out of embarrassment.”

Nodding and smirking, “I would be sure to keep that in mind.”

Edwina relieved Becca of the food plate, shooing her off. Becca then walked stealthily, trying hard to keep her nervous breath at bay.

Even though she had imagined it all night and wanted Caleb to come running to her, she had never thought it would be so soon. All Becca had been telling Edwina was all bluff. Now that she has to face her reality seeing him, she feels like turning into a large poodle of water and flowing away into the deepest part of the sea.

Why would Caleb decide to show up when she was still trying to get a hang of the whole situation? A part of her hoped badly that he was here to plead with her, but the other strong intuition made it clear that she was only fooling herself.

The movement from the guest quarters to the main house appeared to be longer than usual, and that was because Becca was practically counting her steps. When she sighted the front door, her heart palpitated, and for a moment, she had thought of passing out to avoid him.

Relief washed over her when she entered the packhouse and didn’t find him by the foyer or the living room. She went towards the kitchen, sighting the young maid that had come to find her. Becca beckoned towards her.

She hoped that, for her sanity’s sake, Caleb would have gotten tired and left already. “Where is he?” She asked in the lowest tone she could muster, almost whispering. Like if she didn’t, Caleb would spring out of nowhere and pounce on her.

“You mean the Beta?”

Becca almost scoffed at the girl’s naivety. “Yes, the Beta.”

“He is up in your room. Said you should meet with him there.” The maid told her.

Almost like time froze, Becca stood still on the spot. Her heart indulged in the race again. Her legs were losing their hold. It’s safe to say she had swung into a full panic attack mode.

She had no idea how she got through the hallway leading to her room, but one way or the other, she found herself moving toward her door. With a sweaty palm, she turned the doorknob.

*

Caleb stood with his back turned towards her, his shoulders rigid, looking out the window.

“Where are you trying to avoid me?” He said, not turning back as he heard the door click close.

Becca leaned into the door, “what are you doing here?”

Trying to compose himself, Caleb made a turn. His heart almost jumped out of his chest when he locked eyes with Becca. For the first time since they had been friends, her beauty radiated so much; he almost could have sworn that he wasn’t aware of how breathtaking she was. Seeing her now, all the speech he had been practicing flew out of his head. Becca looked angelic in the yellow flowery patterned summer dress she had on. It turned his insides into mush.

As Caleb stood rigid, it gave Becca enough time to compose herself. She stood away from the door and walked towards the single couch in her room, settling into it.

“You still haven’t responded, Caleb.” She pressed on, trying to steady her shaky voice.

Mirroring her position, Caleb sat on the edge of the bed. Trying to not give off any sign of anxiousness.

Staring squarely at her, he spoke, “we need to talk, Becca.”

Becca swallowed a dry spit, “about what?”

“About yesterday, and don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about,” Caleb muttered.

“There is no need for that, Caleb. Don’t mind me acting all weird. I must have been overwhelmed from the day’s work.”

Caleb looked pissed as he bore holes into her, “are we really doing this right now?”

“Please, Caleb, I have things to do.” She said, attempting to stand up.

His steps were quicker than hers as he grabbed Becca into his hold. She stared at him wide-eyed.

“What are you doing?” Her words got muffled by his hard chest.

Staring down at her, Caleb could feel his heart soaring. How did it take him so long to realize how Becca felt about him? Her eyes bared it all, and he had been blinded.

Holding the back of her neck, he lifted her chin with his fingers. Placing his dry lips on hers, it felt so good he didn’t want to let go.

Becca’s breath hitched as she got the hang of what he was trying to do. “Stop!”

“Please, Becca.” His eyes pleaded.

Pulling his hands off her face, she shook her head, “I am not doing this with you, Caleb. Not when you are indecisive and only trying to feel good about yourself.” Exhaling, “you should leave now.”

Becca pointed towards the door. When he didn’t move, she decided to take the walk herself. Leaving the room with her heart constricting, Becca ran out as fast as her legs could carry her out of the packhouse.

 

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 140

Edwina’s POV…

Watching Sonia eat her dead-a*s food combo made me almost want to puke, but it felt really sweet seeing her eat with so much relish. She almost looked like a five-year-old eating a bowl of candy.

“Stop staring so hard like that!” Sonia said, her voice muffled by the pancake she was chewing on.

I laughed, “you should know there is no way I wouldn’t stare. Like, who eats all of this….?” I pointed at the leftover. “You sure you won’t get a belly ache?”

“It’s not my fault; the baby wants it.” She argued.

“Really now, ” I taunted.

She held out her tongue at me, making me smile. I leaned back into the chair, looking towards the door.

Somehow, I was expecting Becca to spring through the door and let me in on whatever it was Caleb had come to discuss. But she hadn’t gotten back for close to thirty minutes now. Somehow I was getting excited that they might have sorted out their differences, and Caleb might have professed his feelings.

“What’s up with you?” Sonia’s voice seeped through my thoughts.

“Yeah?” I looked up, not realizing I had gone deep in thought. “I’m good.”

“You don’t want me to know about it. I understand that.”

I sat up, realizing what she was driving at. “It’s nothing serious, I promise. I was just thinking about Becca. I was expecting her to join me here.”

“Oh, that’s true,” Sonia responded, easing up her legs on the center table and rubbing at her belly slowly. “I haven’t seen her for some time. She wasn’t here yesterday too.”

“Becca has been going through quite a lot, and I just decided to give her a break.”

“She works really hard.”

We both stayed quiet as Sonia chewed on her food slowly. It was obvious her interest was no longer on the food. I caught her shifting uncomfortably with a wince.

I stood up immediately, moving towards her. “Are you okay?”

She g*****d, “I am fine. She just kicked. Has been doing that quite a lot lately.”

Rubbing at her belly, I smiled down at her. “She is going to be a lovely child.”

Sonia stared up at me, “I am quite sure of that.” She mused amidst a yawn.

I giggled, “sleepy?”

Nodding, “yes.”

“Alright, let’s get you to bed.”

Helping her lift her leg off the table, I assisted her in getting up. She weighed more than I could remember from yesterday. Heading to the bed, she got into it, balancing her whole self. The mattress practically dipped with her weight. Covering her up, Sonia was in lala land in less than a minute.

It amused me how she could catch on to sleep so easily. I chuckled; the perks of being pregnant are immeasurable.

After a while, I was beginning to get bored with the book I had picked from the bookshelf In Sonia’s room. Something didn’t sit right; I felt unsettled. To think that Becca had jokingly said she might commit suicide if things didn’t turn up as expected. I almost tripped off the chair I sat on.

It didn’t seem like Becca to indulge in such petty act, but that was one thing about heartbreaks. You never can tell what will go wrong next.

Taking one quick glance at my sister, I practically danced out of the room. I needed to go find Becca, my first thought was to go to her room, but then I doubted if she would be there. My mind kept hammering on her being by the garden where we had been some weeks back.

Without arguing with my intuition, I went to the garden, and there she was. She was sitting with her back bent, her hands wrapped around her legs like she was trying to console herself.

“Hey!” I muttered next to her, mirroring her sitting position.

“I knew you would find me,” she said in a croaky voice.

Observing Becca now, all I want to do is punch the living daylight out of Caleb for putting her in such a dilemma. I could almost tell what had transpired between them. Caleb is obviously Indecisive on what he is supposed to do. Becca didn’t and does not deserve such treatment from him, and to think that she had been considerate enough to not throw any tantrums. Guilt rode me as I blamed myself for letting her go, even when Becca said she didn’t want to.

“What did he do to you?” I asked, settling my butt in the wet grass.

She let out a dry laugh, “it’s more like what did I do to myself. How and when did I become so vulnerable?”

“There is no harm in having a particular moment of weakness. And it’s not your fault for loving an a*****e like Caleb.”

Anger was really working its way to my head, and I definitely would like to explore and find some group of people to help whoop Caleb’s a*s since I am obviously too weak to do so on my own.

Becca sniffed, “when I saw him, I thought he had come around to tell me off. But I would have preferred that than what he had in mind to do.”

It sounded like she was speaking in parables. I didn’t understand what she meant by her statement. “Can you make it clear, please?” I asked her. As much as I might appear really smart, I, at times, couldn’t seem to understand simple sentences and would love for them to be broken into bits.

“Caleb wanted to figure out if he could feel the same way I felt. I could tell he was really unsure about what he acted on. I hated how he thought me so weak, and all he could do was have pity on me and probably give me what I wanted to save face.”

Right now, I was more confused. There was no damn way Becca was speaking English. I couldn’t pick out a damn word from it. All I know is she probably hates him now. I could just pretend I understood all she said, but Becca wouldn’t have done that if I were in her shoes. Trying to act responsibly, I gathered my thought. And to the goddess, if I still don’t understand what the hell she says, I’m so not trying again.

“What did he do exactly?” I hope the question didn’t sound like it had come out in frustration, but Becca didn’t seem to notice, even if it did.

“He tried to k**s me.” She eventually said.