Ch. 171..175: The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate Chapter 171-175

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 171

Alexander’s POV…

At Ramona’s announcement, I wasn’t too certain about how I was supposed to react to that. It took her time to catch the look on my face as she mouthed a hurried sorry and walked back out. Every one of the men tried looking at every other place to distract themselves from glancing at me.

I hate how it seems like they are all working on eggshells around me. Maybe I wasn’t supposed to look the way I did, but it was unintentional. Seems like my mind worked on its own.

When Caleb decided to break the silence in the room, I couldn’t be more grateful. “Let’s continue with the talks, please.”

Carlos gulped hard before talking again. You would think he lost track of what he was to do. To my annoyance, he kept searching around for nothing in particular.

“What the hell, man!” Jason whispered at him.

I turned away, the food I had eaten turned sour in my mouth. I wouldn’t blame Carlos for looking so confused; we went from zero to a thousand a bit too quick.

Clearing his throat, Carlos finally got a grip on himself. “If you give the order right now, my men will go down to the tunnel and clear whatever clog we might possibly experience within thirty-six hours. The rest of us can work on ensuring our weapons are in place.”

“Where does the end of the tunnel lead to?” Inquired Caleb.

I was really not interested anymore. My mind worked in the form of a spiral, preventing me from hearing a thing aside from the thoughts running through my head.

Jason answered this time, “now that is where it gets really interesting. Right here….” He pointed at the map. “It had four exit points, one of which leads directly into the packhouse where the pack council members of the sizzlers pack hold their most secret meetings. They had given this information away at that time due to their desperate need for help.”

“How sure are we that these structures are still in place? It’s been a long while, you know.” I finally said, my throat clogged at it, though.

“Alpha bethel isn’t exactly a creative mind. He doesn’t like doing much, from what I have learnt he only had them redesigned, new paintings and furniture. It’s all still the same.” Carlos found it funny as he let out a cackle.

“Then we might have to use this opportunity granted to us on a platter of gold. But, if you know about this, don’t you think Ben would know that too?” Caleb added.

Jason shook his head, “the gamma clan, especially the watchers like myself, are the only ones who are aware of this, and it’s passed on to each generation.”

“How did I not know about this?” It came as an utmost surprise to me.

Bowing his head, Jason mused. “I am sorry, alpha, but it’s just as your grandfather has made my clan promise him. No offence, alpha, but if you had known, Ben would have taken his chance at it because you would definitely have told him about it. Our last resort right now would have been flopped.”

I thought for a while, letting his truth sink in. Jason was right. Ben took advantage of being the beta and used all the depth he knew about the night howlers to infiltrate the pack under my very nose. I want to believe it’s not my fault and probably out of my control.

“I am sorry, alpha,” Jason repeated, his face contorting in worry.

I laughed. He must have been worried that I got angry. “Really, Jason! I am in no way angry, please. I was just thinking of how right you are. Thanks for holding onto it till this crucial time.” I glanced around at each of them. “Thank you all so much for your hard work. It means a whole lot!”

“We are here to serve you and the night howlers pack, Alpha Xander!” Carlos said, smiling at me.

“You can order your men, Carlos. Let’s work start immediately.” I ordered.

Carlos and Jason bowed their heads. “Thanks, Alpha. We will take our leave now.”

They nodded their heads towards Caleb before leaving. Caleb sat, staring at me like he would bore a hole through my skin.

“Don’t say a word,” I warned him.

Sitting upright with a raised eyebrow, he gave me a stern look. “Are you going to sit here and not act appropriately?” Caleb bellowed.

I frowned, “what nonsense are you talking about?”

He let out a loud breath, “I know how hard this must be for you, Xander. Just say something. You don’t necessarily have to show up. You can ask me to go on your behalf, but you can ignore this situation.”

I gulped hard, not knowing what to say. My every thought was jumbled. Me hearing about Sonia birthing the child she had conceived through her betrayal. A child who is the seed of the two people I had trusted with my whole heart, and both took turns stabbing me in the back. Whichever way I was meant to act, I really don’t know. As much as I was healing from it all, it still seemed surreal, and I couldn’t imagine how Edwina would be feeling.

“How do you think Edwina is at this moment?” I directed my question at Caleb.

“She is more forgiving than you are.” He snorted in response.

I laughed, “really?”

“Yes.” Caleb grinned. “You can do this, Xander. You are bigger than all of this. We would go there, congratulate her and let her know you have gone past all of those things. And you have a new life now. What do you think?”

I bowed my head, letting Caleb’s advice sink in. I searched my heart again to affirm the exact feeling I was getting. It wasn’t that of anger or hate; I just still felt uncomfortable being around her, almost like I was still being forced to forgive someone when I didn’t want to.

But at the same time, letting grudges go brings utmost peace of mind. It’s one thing I really respect Edwina for. That woman has too much of a large heart to be treated the way she got treated. It’s a promise I am making to myself to be a better person for her sake.

I guess it’s time to really face Sonia and let all the grudges go, especially now that I would be going after Ben in less than a week.

Exhaling, I stared at my good friend. “let’s go home and welcome the new cub, Caleb.”

He grinned proudly at me. I have never felt so good about myself.

 

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 172

Author’s POV…

Sonia stared at her little piece of treasure again. Ever since she woke up, got checked and took her necessary vitamins, her eyes hadn’t left Star for a minute. She looked so beautiful and amazing.

Holding out her little hand as she slept, Sonia felt a teardrop on her daughter’s shawl. Now she understood the feeling their mother must have had when she birthed Edwina. Why she was always so protective of Edwina. There was no way she would let any harm befall Star. She would rather fight till her last breath.

Sonia felt ashamed of herself and their father for neglecting Edwina when all she needed was love from them. Whether Star had a wolf or not, Sonia would never let anyone come close to harming her. All she wants at the moment is to protect her daughter.

She checked the time by the bed stand and hoped Edwina would come again. Her sister had become a huge part of her that she always looked out for the time she would come by. There was no denying that Edwina already loved Star like her very own.

Her eyes didn’t leave Star till she left the room. It made Sonia feel at peace knowing she could trust Edwina to care for Star even when she was away. Her eyes went to the window side, and a strange feeling kept reaching out to her. Almost like someone was watching or something bad was about to happen.

She took a deep breath and stretched out to get a glass of water from the bed stand.

“Careful there.” A familiar voice said over her.

Sonia held Xander’s gaze, surprised at the genuine smile on his face. “Were you just trying to strain yourself right now?”

“I…I.” Sonia stuttered, uncertain of what to say.

“It’s okay. Just lay your back,” Xander said, helping her with the water.

Edwina walked towards her sister, sitting next to her as she gulped down the water. “How do you feel? Came to check on you the other time, but you were fast asleep.” She said, caressing Sonia’s hair.

“Congratulations, ma’am.” Caleb smiled widely at her.

“Thank you all so much.” Sonia finally let off a smile.

Xander glanced over at the little being wrapped up on the bed, “She or he?” He asked.

“It’s a she, and I named her Star.” Edwina boasted as she lifted Star up from the bed.

Moving close to Xander, Edwina looked up at him. “Thanks so much for coming. I know you would love to carry her.”

Xander looked towards Sonia, almost like he was seeking approval.

“It’s fine, Xander. Please carry her.” Sonia said.

Lifting the little one in his hands, Xander felt his heart melt. He had thought seeing or being so close to the child would bring back old memories but instead, to his shock, all he felt surge through him was pure love.

Her breath rose and fell gently; her pretty little face nearly pushed him to the verge of tears.

Carrying her gently, Xander found his way to the couch and sat on it. He couldn’t let himself look away from her.

Edwina had tears in her eyes; it was obvious Xander was smitten by Star, which proved that he had no grudge against the little one.

Her assertions of Xander wanting children have been finally affirmed. She chuckled lightly to herself, glancing sideways at Becca, who smiled back as if reading her thoughts.

Sonia sniffed at the sight of Xander and her daughter. It made her wish she wasn’t so thoughtless and just stuck to the love Xander offered her.

Holding her little hands, Star gripped Xander’s fingers tightly. He tried to pull his hands away, but she held on still. Opening her tiny eyes gently, she stared at him, a lovely smile playing on her lips. There was no doubt Xander had fallen in love with the little one. His heart went out to her.

Clearing her throat, Sonia sat up properly. “Dear alpha.” She began calling the attention of the others In the room. “I know I have done so much to you and Edwina. I have realised my mistakes and will do anything to amend them. I really don’t deserve the sympathy and care you both have shown me, but I have one request to make, and I hope you both won’t refuse me.”

Edwina and Xander shared a look. “You can go ahead.” Edwina prompted.

“Will you like to be my daughter’s godparents?” Sonia asked.

Xander had the most shocked look on his face, “do you mean it?”

Sonia chuckled at his reaction, “of course.”

“What do you think, Edwina?” He inquired from his mate.

“I’m in if you are.” Edwina clapped in excitement.

Lifting Star’s hand to his lips, Xander kissed it lightly. “I promise to do my best to protect you.” He mumbled.

The other spectators, Becca and Caleb, looked emotionally at the pair. Becca was mostly happy for them, Edwina most especially had endured a whole lot and still had so much love to give.

“Will you like to return to the main house?” Xander asked Sonia.

Sonia stared at Edwina, “really?”

“Sure, what do you think, Edwina?” Xander retorted.

Grinning from ear to ear, Edwina couldn’t contain her excitement. “I’m totally in support of it. When can she move?”

Xander nodded his head, “Can be right away. Becca, please prepare one of the vacant chambers for Sonia and Star.”

“I don’t think it’s right that she moves around too much now that she just birthed. It will be advisable she does that tomorrow.” Becca advised.

“Is that okay by you, Sonia?” Xander asked.

Nodding her head in agreement, Sonia burst with glee. “I am just fine with whatever you decide.” She smiled widely at Edwina.

Standing up, Xander placed Star on the bed with caution. “Isn’t she suppose to have a cot?” He queried.

“We haven’t really worked it out yet,” Edwina said.

“We should try to work on that then in the main house. You only have to spend tonight here.” Nodding towards Sonia. ” I would leave now, expecting to see yourself and Star soon.”

Edwina walked towards Sonia. Leaning in, she pecked her. “I will come back to check on you soon, just need to attend to something real quick.” She said to her as Xander left with Caleb.

“Alright.” Sonia smiled at her.

They all left, leaving Sonia and Star all alone in the room. It didn’t feel so lonely anymore, knowing she had her family back. Looking out the window, the clouds were getting darker. Feeling tired, Sonia lay next to her daughter, watching her.

When the door clicked open again, she thought Edwina had returned so soon. “Did you forget something?”

No response came, making Sonia turn around. Sonia gasped at the sight in front of her, her voice failing her when she attempted to scream.

 

 

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 173

Authors POV…

John grinned in satisfaction at the fear in Sonia’s eyes. He could see her eyes searching the room for an escape or probably a tool to use against him.

Athena had kept her promise to let him in after a bout of hot s*x that made him shiver. She definitely had been yearning for him and didn’t hesitate to let him feel it from the drip of her p***y. The mere thought of it had him licking his lips.

Sonia stared in disgust and fear. She would have never thought the day would eventually come when her father, who had been tagged as dead after such a long while, would show his face. And today, of all days when she is meant to stay happy and grateful for the turnout of things.

“Hey, there, lovely daughter,” John muttered, still holding up the cynical grin.

A vicious scream bobbed in Sonia’s throat as she heard his voice. She wanted to believe it was just her illusion, but he was standing right in front of her in the flesh. Trying hard to scream, it seemed like something had seized her voice. She looked towards her daughter, who was sound asleep. Sonia wished Edwina or anyone would return to the room.

Pacing the room back and forth, John snickered, “can’t believe Edwina let you have all of these luxuries even when it’s obvious you don’t deserve it.”

She still couldn’t find her voice to respond. John’s eyes roamed Sonia’s entire body. Despite just running a marathon with Athena, he could feel himself getting a hard-on over her sight. Sonia pulled the covers against her body when she noticed the look in his eyes. She recognized that look too well; that had always been the look in his eyes when he came down to her room to have his way with her those years back.

No one needed to tell her that John was thinking about her being naked. And she was right when he took a few strides to reach her and had his finger coming towards her full plump boobs.

Sonia growled at him, slapping his hands off. Within a twinkle of an eye, he had a dagger out of his pocket, looking all vicious.

Sonia gasped, “please.” She whispered in an almost inaudible voice, her eyes pleading.

John laughed heartily, “can’t believe you are begging me right now. Remember, you looked so confident the last time you had come over with Ben. What has gotten over you all of a sudden?” Faking a gasp, he looked towards Star. “Awn, is that my grandchild?”

Sonia shook her head vigorously, “please don’t.”

Putting a hand to his chest, “you really hurt my feelings. Can’t a grandpa be nice?” His mouth ran smoothly on the words, but his eyes say otherwise.

Still searching around, Sonia tried her hardest to let out a loud scream. But nothing came out, her voice had seized due to shock, and with the look of things, she might be long gone before anyone came to her aid. She stared ahead helplessly.

John checked his watch and noticed he still had enough time to play around. He wanted to make Sonia feel the fear and humiliation he had felt the day she had brought Ben to barge in on him and take away his life. Turning him into a walking dead.

“Tell me, Sonia, how did it end between yourself and lover Ben. Thought you both were a pair made from heaven.” He taunted

“It’s none of your business.” She finally found her voice. “get the hell out of her now before I scream, and you get caught.”

He smirked, “your sassiness has always been a turn-on for me. Can’t help how you always seem ready to give an answer to whatever is thrown at you.” Glancing over at Star. “so is it a he or she cub?”

Sonia snorted, “why would you want to know that?”

“Of course I do, Sonny. This is my first grandchild we are talking about. I need every detail about the child.”

“Get out!” She stood up all of a sudden.

John stood at the same time, his eyes looking more vicious than ever. In an instant, Sonia grabbed the small vase she had been eyeing next to her bed stand and threw it at him, screaming at the top of her lungs.

The vase hit him in the shoulder as he tried dodging it. John grabbed her arm tightly, slapping her hard across the face. Sonia fell to the ground, whimpering. She still felt weak from the child birthing a few hours ago.

John spat bitterly, “you bitch!” He hit her hard across the face again when she attempted to stand up. “I did all I could for you as a father, gave you whatever amount you ask for. Let you get married to the alpha and all in exchange for mere s*x. You should be grateful; it’s the only thing I ask for in return. You now intend to ruin my name and reputation?”

Sonia let out a dry chuckle, trying to hold her weak body up. Her lips had a cut from the thunderous slaps. “You are sick in the head. A psycho.”

Laughing like a maniac, “maybe so, but don’t think that would stop me.”

She didn’t let him finish before using all her strength to pull John’s leg out, hoping he would hit his head against the glass table in the middle. Sonia miscalculated. John pulled her up to him, held her by the neck and pinned her against the wall. Choking her tightly.

“How dare you try to fight me back?” He grumbled in anger.

Sonia tried to get his hands off her neck, but he was too strong. Her eyes darted towards the bed where Star lay, then returned back to that of her father. She knew at this point that if no one came into the room to rescue her, it was definitely her end. Tears dropped from her eyes as her life flashed right in front of her. Karma really was a bitch, just when she thought her life would be reformed and she could live a happy life with her daughter. Her past came back to haunt her.

“Let me go…” she gasped. “Please….”

John only gripped her neck harder when he could sense her breath slowing down. She struggled and struggled for minutes, but his grip was too strong.

In a few seconds, Sonia had stopped fighting, and her hands dropped by her side. After dropping her to the ground like a sack of potatoes, his ear picked up footsteps behind her door, and his phone vibrated loudly in his pocket.

Leaving out Sonia’s lifeless body, his eyes caught sight of her child throwing out its hands. Had there been enough time, he would have strangled the cub too, but he thought against touching it as the footsteps drew nearer. He went through the exposed balcony and jumped out into the dark night.

 

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 174

Authors POV…

Athena wondered why John wasn’t picking up her calls; he had only said he would use about twenty minutes or less. Her skin pricked at the thought of the s*x they had just had before he left to see Sonia. It was the most intense s*x she had ever had.

She was practically screaming her lungs out, not caring that anyone around would hear her.

She had let John in through the secret back door most maids use to sneak out of the packhouse. And as promised, he had brought the money and his d**k along, fully prepared to make her feel good. The s*x had been so wild that she couldn’t resist the sleep that eluded her after her bath.

All Athena could remember was John telling her he wouldn’t take long to return. She thought that maybe she could make him stay for the rest of the night since everyone in the packhouse was busy with jubilation at the newborn’s arrival.

She woke up about twenty minutes later, it was a brief sleep but the best she had ever had. When she couldn’t get through to him after waking, she headed out of her room to check if John was still in Sonia’s room.

Getting to the door, she realized it was locked from the inside, which was very unlikely. Sonia never locks her door. Thoughts of if John had been the one who locked it came to her mind, and she panicked.

He wasn’t supposed to lock the door. Running back to the main floor where other maids and guards were, Athena called out for help for the door to be opened.

“How did it get locked in? Aren’t you her maid?” One of the guards directed at Athena as he followed her towards the room.

Athena snorted at him discreetly, “it probably got keyed in. Just help me out.”

The door seemed harder to open with just a mere kick. A running foot won’t just go it. Needing a chisel, the guard finally got through to the door.

Athena almost passed out at the sight of Sonia on the floor. She ran towards the lifeless body.

“Ma’am! Ma’am!” She called out shakily.

“Move aside!” The guard pushed Athena, bending down to have a look at Sonia. Feeling her pulse, he shook his head. “What the f**k happened here?!” He spat out.

Panicking,” what is wrong with her?” Athena asked, her breath unsteady.

“She is dead!” The guard responded almost in a whisper.

Athena gasped, falling to the ground, “how did that happen?”

Standing up, the guard gave her a stern look. “That would be for you to explain when you get taken in for questioning. Don’t move an inch from here!” He glared at her, leaving the room.

Moving stealthily towards the bed, Athena stared at Star, tears falling from her eyes. She couldn’t understand what had happened right under her nose. The only thought that occurred to her was to call Becca. Picking up the phone used just in case of emergency, Athena breathed hotly into the phone.

The packhouse had never felt so lively and exciting as it was tonight. Becca grinned widely at the joke Caleb threw at Edwina, teasing her if she would like to have three cubs at the same time.

Xander had been the one to react with a heavy cough. The moment they had returned to the packhouse, Edwina had been sending maids back and forth to make some additions to the room Sonia was to move into. When Xander had told her not to worry and leave it to Becca, she had insisted anxiety would get the best of her and prevent her from having a restful sleep. Her insistence had kept the others with her as she chatted on excitedly.

Xander seemed like the most amused of all; he had never seen Edwina so excited and full of life.

Becca got distracted when her phone rang. Excusing herself, she picked on the second ring.

“Is everything alright, Athena?” She asked, her voice laughing

“Ma……ma….” Athena stuttered. She sounded weak.

Becca’s senses peeked as her wolf stood on alert. “What happened?”

“Sonia, ma’am!” She breathed heavily.

“Sonia?” Becca whispered, trying to reduce her voice to prevent the others from hearing. “You know what, calm your nerves. I am on my way now.”

Because Becca’s hand shook against the phone, she hoped her hearing had gone bad, and she didn’t quite hear what Athena had said. Her gaze turned towards Edwina, who looked over the moon. Calming her breaths, she took a step forward to call on Caleb.

A guard burst in, almost running out of breath. Bowing his head, he rasped out. “An unfortunate incident has taken place, dear alpha.” He began looking deeply solemn.

Xander raised one of his thick brows, “what’s the matter?”

The guard sighed like whatever he had to say was just too heavy for him. When he noticed Xander giving him an impatient shrug. He eventually let it out.

“I just found miss Sonia’s lifeless body a few minutes ago.”

Silence dropped like a warning bell into the room. Everyone stared with wild looks on their face. Most especially Edwina, who had a screwed-up face trying to decipher the guard’s message.

Caleb seemed like the only one with the guts, “what do you mean?” He sounded a bit distant and shaky.

Gulping hard, the guard looked around, his palms becoming super sweaty. “the Lunas sister is dead, beta!” He repeated.

Edwina let out a loud shriek like her tongue would pull out of her mouth, jolting up like she had been pricked with sharp objects. She dashed out towards the guest quarters. As fast as the others were, they couldn’t seem to keep up with her as they dashed after her.

Panting hard like she had run a thousand miles, Edwina burst into the room, her eyes scanning it real quick. It caught sight of Athena carrying Star in her arms. And on the floor next to the wall lay Sonia looking cold like she had been dead for a while.

“F**k!” Xander muttered softly, with Becca gasping for air.

Moving like a zombie towards her sister’s lifeless body, Edwina hadn’t gotten too close before her legs failed her, and she passed out.

 

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 175

Alexander’s POV…

“Edwina!” I yelled out the moment my Luna slumped against the hard floor.

My whole body was still paralyzed with shock. I am still trying my hardest to wrap my head around it. Running towards Edwina, I barked out for the infirmary to be called.

I asked Caleb to lift her up to the bed until my eyes caught sight of the maid carrying a hysteric-looking Star. It then dawned on me that some shit had really gone down.

“Stay with me, baby.” I patted Edwina’s cheek consciously, trying to revive her, even when I wasn’t sure about what I was doing.

In a few seconds, I bypassed the theta herself as she checked for a pulse, asking for Edwina to be taken out of the room first.

I had heard some situations occur where the new mum might feel dizzy and lose so much b***d, which could result in death. But it seemed uncertain in Sonia’s case since the theta had been assured that she was just fine. And not to brag, but the night howlers pack has the best of hands in terms of medical care.

I wheeled my chair near the body and almost barked out at the sight; there were bruises on her face like she had been hit several times. I didn’t need to be told that Sonia hadn’t died naturally but had been killed by someone.

Backing away from it, I looked back at Caleb, who moved closer to affirm my findings. He stood up almost immediately, too. There was no need to taint the evidence. It was no doubt a murder. Why it happened and who could harbour such hate against Sonia was still unknown.

The paramedics had arrived just in time to whisk her away after Caleb and the theta had affirmed she really was dead.

“Seems like a death by strangling.” The paramedic officer mused as he was about to leave. “Which is obvious due to the finger marks on her neck. But a proper autopsy would be carried out.”

I held onto my head after a bit of calmness had enveloped the room.

Star had been crying so loudly one would think she knew about the tragedy that had just befallen her mother. I had asked Becca to take her out and probably find a way to feed her. She might be hungry.

A side of my head ached as I tried to think it through. Is it possible that Ben’s men are still lurking around? Even if they were, knowing Ben, I feel he would be more interested in getting his child out of here rather than just killing the mother. At the same time, maybe he had almost been caught. My eyes stayed glued on the balcony. I could bet my life the killer had gone through that place.

Even though I still couldn’t wrap my head around it, I remembered Sonia talking about her father wanting to kill her. However, Sonia had put up with us for months. I want to believe that she must have been hallucinating. But now that this situation is on the ground, I don’t know what to believe exactly.

“Who do you think did it?” Caleb’s question made me more aware of my environment.

I had almost forgotten that I wasn’t alone.

“I would say John, but that sounds like the most absurd thing to say. That old man died a long time ago.” I pulled at my hair in frustration.

To think whoever did it had the guts to carry out such a heinous crime right under my nose. I would definitely do all I could to get to the root of the matter.

Caleb stood quiet for a while, almost like he was thinking about something, and then he snapped his fingers.

“Do you remember the time the Luna had pleaded with you about letting Sonia stay here, and you were a bit sceptical about it?”

“Yes,” I responded, not picking up any clue.

“Her claim about someone being after her life and all of that. And since you seem so distraught and bothered about her presence, I decided to work something out to clear our doubts. I had installed a camera in this room…” He drawled, looking around in search of the device. “There it is!” Caleb pointed out excitedly.

He had kept it discreetly near the chandelier, and no one would have ever thought something like that would be there.

Caleb returned his gaze to me. Knowing Sonia had a history with Ben, I had thought they might intend to play a trick on us, prompting the camera’s installation. After watching it consistently for more than a month and nothing came up, I stopped watching.”

That jolted me up, “did you disconnect it?”

“No, I was too busy with the pack duties.”

“Where do you watch it from?” I was getting really impatient.

“From my tablet. Now the problem is knowing where I dropped it exactly.” Staring weirdly at me, he blurted, “I would borrow one of your cars for a minute. I need to get to my house.”

Caleb didn’t let me reply before storming off. I pulled at my head as I stared in disbelief at the spot Sonia’s body had laid a couple of minutes ago. Guilt almost ravaged me as I sat up, wondering if it was my fault that she was dead.

With a clean heart, I had come to check on her and the child, and I swear I have never been so mesmerized by such awesomeness before. Star is definitely a miracle; I had thought it would be hard for me to stare the child in the face. But instead, I found myself melting at her presence. She was a beauty to behold.

I knew at that moment that I couldn’t hold any grudge against Sonia anymore, I was happy and content, and that was just fine by me. So many plans of me putting Edwina in extreme positions with the intention of pumping her with enough cubs had been the only thing swimming in my mind when we left the guest quarters.

Every time I stared at her, I couldn’t wait for us to get into bed. Today was looking like my best day yet until this news.

The goddess knows I would crush whoever did this to death.

“Here, Xander!” Caleb panted heavily next to me.

Almost like a flash, I could tell he drove beyond normal speed to get to his house and back here.

“Have you watched this?” I asked, gulping hard, fearing that I might be unable to unsee the whole mess.

The look on Caleb’s was enough for me.

“She was murdered by a man that looked exactly like her father.” He announced with a perplexed look on his face.