Ch. 166..170: The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate Chapter 166-170

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 166

Alexander’s POV…

“F**k!” I cussed softly.

I had no idea Caleb had been warning me because of Ramona’s entry. I was so engrossed in the discussion I didn’t hear the door click open.

Gulping hard, I looked towards Caleb for help, but he had another thing in mind as he looked away from me. His gaze searched everywhere.

Ramona walked in, still not saying a word, but a whole lot was defined in her eyes. I could hear her wolf growling in anger. I should start watching my mouth right now, but there is no way I am keeping quiet when I can’t seem to understand some things.

Her heels clattered angrily against the floor as she stepped back out. I returned my gaze to Caleb.

“It’s obvious knowledge that I didn’t intentionally do that. But on second thought, you have a lot to explain, young man.”

Caleb gritted, “I am not your little brother.”

I chuckled, “you would have actually passed for one. Anyways, I know I have been quite preoccupied for the past few days. That still doesn’t mean I won’t ask. We would begin with Carlos first. Since when did you two start having each other’s back?”

Crossing his legs, he leaned further into the seat. “You sound jealous.”

I rolled my eyes, “say whatever you want. I need you to spit out all that is in your mouth right this minute.”

“Fine! Carlos was never interested in Becca. Instead, he is into Bella.”

“What!” I blurted, “that’s a joke. Why would someone as coolheaded as Carlos fall for Bella, who is so sassy, bitchy and annoying?”

“More like a female version of you,” Caleb muttered.

“I can really hear you right now,” I informed him, deciding to make him pay later. I kept up with my interrogation. “So, what’s up with you and Becca?”

He tried to suppress a smile as he responded, “Taking our time.”

I shook my head, “you are smitten. And I guess you haven’t told Ramona about it.”

“I did, but she has refused to accept the truth.”

I shivered, “you sound really cold.”

“Pardon me for being selfish, Xander. But Becca gives me peace of mind. After all of the work here and the psychological trauma we go through, she cools my nerves and makes me feel brand new. That’s all I want to feel, not just some o****m.”

“Which duly means you haven’t had s*x yet,” I noted.

“Do you always have to be so cheesy?” He glared at me.

I laughed wholeheartedly, amused at how jelly Caleb was acting. Love does change a whole lot of things for a person. I don’t need to be told, his face radiates with the joy he feels inside, and I’m really happy for him.

“I am happy for you, man. I hope this last for a long while.” I said sincerely

“Thanks, man.” He mused, “I heard Edwina’s sister is in labour.”

“She has been in labour since the early hours of this morning. I had almost advised that she underwent surgery, only to hear that she was still some whatever hours away from letting out the baby. It’s why she was still experiencing the contraction at that time.”

Caleb looked confused, just as I was myself. I had eavesdropped on Edwina and Becca’s conversation as I left home for work this morning. I also would have called Edwina, but I have no idea if she would be in the right mood to talk to me.

“I spoke to Becca, and she told me about it. I do hope she delivers safely.” Caleb prayed.

“Me too. Edwina has had sleepless nights since her sister had a serious contraction a few days ago. Her putting to bed safely implies some good sleep for Edwina…..”

“And good f**k for you.” Caleb finished the statement.

I smirked, “is that how bad you think I am?” I nodded in agreement before he could reply. “yes, no doubt about that.”

After a brief pause, Caleb looked up at me. “What do you intend to do when the sizzler pack gets attacked?”

I bit my lips for a while. I hadn’t really thought of it yet, even though I wake up most times trying to figure out what exactly would be the outcome of the attack.

Do I need Ben dead or captured? Is there a need to have some form of confrontation with him to ease my mind? I would really like to beat the shit out of him. But on a more second thought, I have nothing against the sizzlers pack except for the fact that they stand as a support system for Ben which is what got us here in the first place. The last thing I want is to hurt the members of the sizzlers pack in a bid to fish out a traitor.

Also, alpha Bethel needed to be taught that he couldn’t go around messing with the night howlers pack whenever he wished.

I let out a tired breath, “I can’t tell exactly what I intend to achieve, but I know that the sizzler pack is an enemy and also harbours an enemy.” I said, uncertain of my response.

Caleb kept mute, looking blank. “I know you have been hurt so many times, but I hope you wouldn’t stoop so low like Ben just to prove a point. Let him pay for his sins the right way it should go, and don’t stain your hands with his tainted b***d.”

I nodded in understanding, “I would surely keep that in mind.”

Caleb stood up, “I would get back to work now. I have got so many things to attend to.”

“You should add Ramona to that list.”

He snorted, “only if there is probably nothing more to do. Right now…” He spread out his palms. “my hands are full.”

“You bastard!” I cackled at his sarcasm.

After he left, I stood up, looked at the door and paced the room as much as I liked. The thought of what will become of the night howlers pack and the sizzlers pack crossed my mind, but I blocked it out, trying to keep my thoughts from extending too far beyond.

 

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 167

Edwina’s POV…

I paced the doorway back and forth, trying to listen in on what was going on. I was supposed to be in the room serving as a support system for my sister when she needed me the most, but instead, I was about to pass out myself.

For four days straight, Sonia has been experiencing contractions that go back and forth. The nurse assigned to watch her all through the time had been replaced by another person, as they didn’t expect it would take that long for her water to actually break.

I have been having sleepless nights and preoccupied with the thoughts of Sonia that I have deprived not just myself of some sleep but also Xander of s*x. The thoughts made my libido paralysed, but I felt like a monster at the mere thought of having s*x at the expense of my sister wallowing in pain.

Even though Xander has been most considerate, I know it’s uneasy for him to hold it in. About two times, I heard his g****s while he jerked off in the middle of the night. I missed him more, too, and my body ached for his touch.

But there is a need to get this over with, and it seems like the most important thing at the moment. I had been sent out of the room because I was scaring Sonia more with my attitude. Becca had no other choice than to come with me. So, just the theta, her iota and Athena were in there with her. I can hear her loud screams.

If I wasn’t so cowardly, I would have been there to hold her hands tightly.

I felt a soft hand on my shoulder. Looking up, my eyes held Becca’s gaze. “There is nothing you would have done if you were there. All you can do now is hope she scales through the hurdle.”

I nodded, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall. Becca has the right words to say for every situation. It’s almost like a part of her. She patted a long couch that the guards brought out for us to sit on.

I walked stealthily next to her, sitting down. I leaned my head on her shoulder. “are you sure she would be fine?”

Becca nodded, “trust me she is a strong woman and can withstand anything, even a raging storm. Trust her to fight for not just her child but herself.”

I believed Becca, knowing how unrelenting Sonia is, as I knew she would do all she could to survive.

Deciding to stay strong on behalf of my sister, I thought to change the topic instead. I had almost forgotten all about Becca because of Sonia. Now that I had the opportunity to be near her, we might as well talk.

I nudged her playfully by the waist, grinning. “so tell me, how is it with yourself and Caleb?”

Becca’s eyes glazed over as a bright smile played on her lips. “it’s beautiful.” She paused. “When he had come to meet me that night, I had thought it was to scold me and remind me of how much he loves Ramona and to tell me off as usual. It took me by a huge surprise when Caleb admitted how he was feeling to me.”

I stared wide-eyed, “he admitted to liking you also?”

She nodded happily, “yes and not just that; Carlos said he never had a deep feeling towards me. He had only acted that way to annoy Caleb. He is into Bella.”

“Wow, that’s a twist of fate,” I muttered.

“Definitely.” She sighed.

I observed her face for a while and couldn’t help but admit that love makes you glow a bit differently. Becca looks ten years younger, and I’m not even exaggerating, her smile was bright and it could light up a whole room. I felt a bit jealous of her.

All my life, I have never had the liberty of falling in love and having it reciprocated. It’s really nice seeing that love does exist, and it has to involve two people.

“I can bet you are super excited right now,” I said to her.

Becca exhaled, leaning into the couch. “I am over the moon, Luna. Being with Caleb makes it seem like the best thing to ever happen to me. I know it’s only been a few days, but it feels like it would last a lifetime. The last time I had felt this way was when I had fallen in love with my late husband, but it didn’t even feel this peaceful. I need to thank you so much, Luna Edwina. For being a support system when I needed someone the most. I don’t know if I would ever be able to repay you.”

I waved my hands in dismissal, “stop spluttering nonsense, Becca. You are like a sister to me now, and the only way you can repay me is to remain happy and never let anything or anyone take your joy away from you.”

Stretching out my hands to pull her into an embrace. She held onto me tightly.

“I will never forget your kind gesture.” She muttered. I could feel my shoulder wet. Becca was crying.

“Hey, hey, don’t do that. You would need to save the tears till when you both are getting married, and I decide to give a toast.” I said playfully, making her laugh.

I had forgotten all about my inner sorrows for a while, and the moment my eyes stayed glued on the door again, my heart became heavy. Noticing the change in my mood, Becca held tightly onto my hand.

Like she knew just exactly what I needed. I decided to think happy thoughts. I couldn’t wait to hold my little niece or nephew in my hands. I’m very certain I would dot on the child so much, it made me more excited knowing that the bond between Sonja and myself would become stronger and our family would finally rise from the ashes.

Nothing made me happier than knowing our joyous days were near. I stood up, walking to the door, trying to strain my ear to hear a sound. The door opened up all of a sudden. The iota stood by the door.

No intention of being rude, but I couldn’t wait to listen to what she had to say before I took it upon myself and barged into the room.

My legs were brought to an instant halt when my eyes landed on the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen in my entire life.

 

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 168

Edwina’s POV…

Staring dolled-eyed at the newborn, I was beyond mesmerized at her sight. Sonia looked more smitten than I was, even as they took her to the bathroom to wash up. The look on her face was priceless. My sister is finally a mother.

“It’s a baby girl!” The theta announced. But my ears weren’t even working anymore; those beautiful eyes got me roped in.

“She looks so beautiful.” Becca sniffed behind me.

It was obvious she had been crying. It turns out it wasn’t just me. The theta placed the newborn cub in Sonia’s hands as she rested on the bed after getting cleaned up.

“Come carry her, Edwina,” Sonia called out to me.

I practically ran to her at the invitation. “You want me to?” I asked, sitting with caution next to her.

Sonia smiled brightly, handing the child over to me carefully. “Here you go.”

She felt so light in my arms I was almost scared she would fall off my hands.

“What would you like to name her?” Sonia inquired next to me. I almost fell off the bed.

“Really?” I whispered in an unrecognizable voice.

“Yes.” Responded Sonia.

I looked towards Becca, uncertain as to what I was supposed to say. “No name is coming up. I can’t seem to pick out any name.”

Sonia chuckled, “take your time. She is right there in your arms. Her name would naturally come to you the moment you look her right in the face.”

Taking Sonia’s advice, I stared down at the purest face I have ever been chanced to see in my lifetime. There was no way I would forget this day and this face in a hurry. Thoughts of how she had been conceived ran through my mind. To think she had survived the storm to come out so beautiful and innocent.

Sonia placed a hand on my shoulders as if reading my thoughts. “I know this isn’t the appropriate time to do this. But I am begging you, Edwina, to please find a place in your heart to forgive me. I have been an awful sister to you, and all you have done in return is be loving and caring towards me. I don’t want you to see her as the seed of the mistakes her parents have made. Please don’t take your anger out on her. I want and need you to accept her as your daughter. Please, Edwina!” Tears dropped off her face as she held tightly onto my arm like her life depended on it.

I blinked, trying to keep my tears away, but they weren’t ready to do my bidding. A tear dropped on the newborn’s cover cloth. I tried not to see Ben’s eyes in hers, but it was clear she already was her father’s daughter.

I knew there was no way I would love her less. I already fell in love with her the very day Sonia made me feel like her very own sister.

I sniffed, “Star would be her name. Being a luminous dot in the dark night that has refused to be taken down. She would always shine even in the darkest of nights. Welcome, my baby.” I kissed her forehead.

Sonia pulled me into herself, kissing my hair. We both stared at the Star like she was a piece of gold.

“Star Sinclair.” My sister muttered.

I glanced at her hurriedly, wondering why she would want to deprive Star of being affiliated with her father. “Why Sinclair, Sonia?”

Sonia gulped, “Neither Ben nor I deserve to be called her parents. Our inconsiderate self and covetous attitude had almost killed our child. If you weren’t so kindhearted, the both of us would have been long gone by now. All I hope is for her to be able to live a good life without getting tagged with the stigma of a cheating mother and a father who is a betrayer. She deserves better than that.” She held my arm again. “I can’t thank you enough for giving me this chance at life again, Edwina. I promise to never take it for granted.”

I couldn’t control the tears that escaped my eyes. This was the most I have heard Sonia say to me in a span of five minutes. Her eyes gave off all of the emotions she was feeling. Excitement flowed through me as I couldn’t wait for this newfound family and love of ours to begin.

“I am going to hold a large feast to dedicate Star to the goddess,” I announced, grinning from ear to ear.

“We can’t do that yet, ” Sonia muttered

“Why?” I questioned, seeming surprised.

“That might get the attention of Ben’s spies, and they would surely head out to tell him about the birth of his daughter. I don’t want him anywhere near her.” She responded.

Handing Star over to her, I nodded in agreement. “That’s very true. There is really no need to involve him in this.”

“You would be safe here as long as it’s in the packhouse.”

“So..” I began turning towards Sonia as she kept her gaze locked with so much love for her newborn. I have a feeling Sonia won’t sleep a wink. “What would you like for a gift?”I asked her.

Sonia raised her head a bit to enable her to think well. “I haven’t really decided yet. But for now, I am hungry.”

“You should make her some nutritious porridge first.” The theta said from behind me. I had almost forgotten they were there.

“I am so sorry, theta. It’s really the spur of the moment. Thanks for helping us out.” I said to her.

“It’s all okay, Luna. We are set now and will take our leave. I would send another iota in the next few minutes to come to check her up. And you let us know if she feels some type of way.” The theta announced, nodding towards her iota to follow her.

“Thanks so much for your help. I will be sure to contact you.” I said to her before turning my attention back to Sonia.

“Can you help me with the food, please?” I muttered at Becca.

She nodded her head smiling, “definitely I would.” Becca responded, walking away.

I crawled back into the bed with Sonia and Star. The both of us watched as Star’s breath rise and fell. I took the child from Sonia as she fell asleep; the birthing session had exhausted the whole of her.

Laying Star next to her, I watched as they both slept peacefully, making my heart beat with extreme gratitude.

 

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 169

Authors POV…

Athena gripped tightly at the end of her phone tip, squeaking in excitement. John was on the line with her. She had stepped out briefly from the room after attending to her mistress, who was fast asleep. Witnessing Sonia birth her child felt like a gift to her, as it was the most beautiful thing she had ever witnessed.

All the fears that gripped her by the chest as she watched Sonia scream in pain dissipated the moment the little girl arrived.

Taking her tired self to her room, they had been awake since the early morning.

Her mistress’s water broke just as the sun rose, and Athena had been kept on her toes till the arrival of the child.

Athena was just about to fall asleep when her phone rang. Her heart skipped a bit at the look of his name showing clearly on her phone screen.

“Hey.” She whispered into the receiver.

John shifted on the bed he sat on as her voice seeped into his ears from the other line. “How are you doing?”

“I’m fine,” Athena responded as she stretched out onto the bed, blushing furiously. Unintentionally, she had begun to develop feelings towards John. It felt strange but nice at the same time, considering how many years were between them. Athena still doesn’t care about what anyone might say about her feelings towards him.

John had a smirk on his face as he could sense her acting mushy at his voice. It made him feel good about himself for getting a girl as young as Athena smitten.

“I haven’t heard from you. What’s going on?” He asked.

She giggled, acting drunk, “guess what?”

John g*****d inwardly. This was one of the reasons he should stay away from cubs called young girls. Wasting time over little talks wasn’t his thing. But then, he still had to sound interested if he was going to need her help.

“I really can’t guess. Can you fill me in?” He replied in a fake eager tone.

“My mistress just put to bed!” Athena announced gleefully, her shriek piercing John’s eardrum.

For a minute, John’s heart skipped for a long while. Sonia’s birthing implies a risky deal for him; she would definitely come after him when she gets a hold of herself. Something had to be done immediately if he were to save his head.

“That’s really nice.” He decided to emphasise more on his excitement.” This is such great news, I can’t believe my niece is finally a mum, and I’m practically a grandpa.” John laughed at his own dry joke.

“Oops, that’s so true. Pardon my manners, please. Congratulations on the birth of the newborn.”

John paused for a second, taking a long breath. “Can you tell when you would allow me to see her now?”

“Hmmn.” Athena thought deeply, changing the position she had laid on before. “Does the money still stand if I let you in?”

“Of course, definitely.” A whole lot of movement occurred on John’s side of the line, making it a bit hard for Athena to hear him.

“You don’t want to give me the money anymore?” She sounded disappointed.

“Hell no!” John chuckled dryly, “that was just a break in transmission. I would definitely give you the money and double it up for you. I promise.”

Athena grinned widely at the empty room as a thought struck her mind. “One more thing.”

John was getting tired of the conversation being so prolonged now, “what would that be?”

“I can’t be out of the house for now due to my mistress present state. Would you love to have some quick s*x when you come around tomorrow?” Her voice went dangerously low, making it sound seductive.

John’s little man rose as soon as he got the message. “Really now? Sure we won’t get caught?”

“No, we won’t. All you have to do is follow my guide.”

“Ok then, when should I come around?”

“Tonight. Don’t forget to come with the money. I would send you a message on where to stand for me to come to get you.”

The excitement in John’s voice was too obvious, “I would definitely come around. Thanks, Athena.”

“You welcome.” She giggled, feeling the sleep pull at her tired eyes.

“I will call you soon then. See you.”

John hung up, almost punching at the wall in excitement, happy that his plans were finally falling into place. There was no way Sonia was going to stay alive till the end of today. He needed to show her that no one messes with John Sinclair.

Adjusting to the bed he sat on, he thought of the best strategy to get rid of her. He wouldn’t want to go all bloody and end up being trailed by it. The best approach was to go for a silent kill that wouldn’t call for any attention. He would handle Athena later and get rid of her, just in case she decides to play funny too.

When his thought returned to how he would get to enjoy two things at the same time tonight, he smiled in satisfaction. Deciding this would be the last time he would f**k Athena, he would make it a totally unforgettable moment for her. Standing up, he checked his time. It was almost noon, and his belly growled for some nice meal. Worry and anxiety wouldn’t let him eat since he woke up, but now that John could finally see the light of him achieving his aims. He felt more hungry than ever.

***

Sighing into oblivion, Athena thought of John screwing every of her insides as the sleep teased her eyes. It made her feel wet with the urge to touch herself. But she decided against it, waiting on the real deal by night.

Every thought of John always made her knees weak. She keeps craving him so much that it has become an addiction. If there was any way Athena could keep up her lifestyle with John in it, then she was very fine with it. John had ticked off her list of a perfect man despite his age.

She hoped as she o*****s, John and Sonia would have a sweet reconciliation.

 

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 170

Alexander’s POV…

I rubbed at my neck as I checked my wristwatch to realize that the time was barely past noon. What time exactly did I get to work? I could feel exhaustion reeking through every of my pores. For f***s sake, why the hell is the time so slow?

A different form of hunger hit the pit of my belly. I could swallow a whole horse right now if given a chance to. Deciding to eat out an early lunch, I picked up the phone and dialled Ramona. The line hadn’t rung when I heard a knock on the door. For the sake of my sanity, I really do hope whoever was at the door has a good enough reason to do so.

“Come in!” I didn’t sound too enthusiastic about the invite.

The door opened, giving way to Carlos and Jason, both of them holding some bag packs in hand. I almost wailed. I thought I had seen about enough of these guys today. Don’t they get tired of seeing my face? I know I am good-looking, and all, but their constant visits might make the beauty fade.

I would love to blurt out all this and more, but for the overtly sweet alpha that I am. I gave a smile that I hoped was polite enough to show that I wasn’t in any way cussing their asses off.

“Good afternoon, alpha.” Carlos grinned.

I was about to grit my teeth at him in the form of a response when he raised up a packed lunch box. If tears were easy to come by, I could really cry right now at this extremely sweet gesture from Carlos. I know for certain now that I’m in love with him.

“Is that mine?” I asked to be sure.

“Yes, Alpha. Since we noticed it was almost lunch on our way here and knowing we might be taking much of your time. We decided to buy lunch for every one of us.” Jason replied.

Carlos observed my expression, which I would never give off so easily. The goddess save my soul.

“I hope you don’t mind?” He blurted.

Hell yeah, I do not mind! Not intending to show how excited and hungry I was, especially with the way my belly growled. I was never going to mind whatever they brought to me in the first place.

“Thanks!” I smiled at them, receiving the pack from Carlos.

Opening the brown paper bag, the smell of chicken, fries and burger that hit my nose almost made me climax. My insides jumped in excitement at the treatment they were about to get. If pride wasn’t much of a thing for me. I would have loved to hug both of them tightly and confess my feelings.

But an alpha should behave like one, which is why I would stay glued to my blank expression. Picking up a fry to eat, I motioned for them to take a seat.

Just when I was about to dig into my precious burger, Caleb burst in. This time, I could release every string of colourful wording in my mouth, and I won’t feel any remorse. Because give me a specific reason why he is here too. When we were together a few hours ago.

“Wow, a lunch party without me.” Caleb sounded heartbroken.

I could tell he was hungry too. Serves him right, though. Caleb hardly worries about eating. But I guess today got a better part of him.

“There is enough to go around.” Carlos offered, lifting another pack for Caleb to collect.

Caleb sighed in relief as he took hold of the pack. Such a shameless beta. Not like I was any better, but I wasn’t so relieved at the sight of the meal. I still needed to show some composure, even though the burger was halfway to being consumed to crumbs.

“Thought we were done meeting today. Why are you both here?” Caleb asked amidst a full mouth.

I chewed on my burger as I watched the exchange. Jason seems to be a fast eater. He was done before all of us, even though we had started the meal together.

“Since we only have a few hours to our attack on the sizzlers pack, we needed to ensure everything is in order and not leave any stone unturned,” Jason said.

“What’s going on?” I asked, sounding a bit eager to know what they had got.

“We have discovered a tunnel that would lead us into the sizzlers pack without being noticed,” Carlos informed.

“How is that?” Inquired Caleb

“About a hundred years ago, when the sizzlers pack got terrorized by a pack of rogues. They needed a form of escape from their pack as they had been surrounded. A message was sent to the night howlers for help. Your grandfather, who had been the then alpha….” Jason nodded towards me. “With the help of the pack members, they found a way to build an underground tunnel where the night howlers passed through discreetly to attack the rogues and help some sizzlers pack members move out with not much fuss.”

“So, they conquered the rouges.” Caleb looked thoughtful, to my annoyance.

Everyone in the night howlers pack knew of the help they had rendered years back to the sizzlers. One thing my father forgot to mention was the tunnel.

“How did you come across it after such a long time?” I couldn’t help to ask.

“We needed to not just attack but do it smartly, and that includes finding every way we can to work through it. We came across the plan for the tunnel.” Carlos said to me. Pulling out an ancient-looking map that smells like it had been kept underground for ages.

“That looks damn old!” I couldn’t resist commenting.

Opening up the map, I was beyond awed at the technicality and brilliance used in its construction. The tunnel was so wide that anyone could walk through it. When I heard about a tunnel, my thoughts were us crawling out through it, which might be a minus for me since I was not ready to expose myself now. But seeing this genius plan right here, I must admit my bloodline are super brilliant.

“How many years did this take them?” Appears I wasn’t the only one fascinated as Caleb asked, his eyes glued on it.

“They worked day and night for two years,” Carlos responded, looking astonished himself.

We were all still lost in thought when the door clicked open. Ramona walked in with a smile on her face.

“The Luna asked to tell you that her sister Sonia has been put to bed.” She announced.