Ch. 181..185: The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate Chapter 181-185

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 181

Authors POV…

John yawned in exhaustion as he got into the sizzlers pack through the secret passage Ryan’s man had made him pass through. It was long past midnight by the time he eventually got to the sizzlers pack. Ryan had been right about the sizzlers pack being under lockdown. Everywhere was extremely devoid of people.

The person who had helped him out, whose name John had learnt was Damon, made him dress in one of the sizzler’s pack warrior uniforms to avoid being noticed. They entered the military base and headed to an empty space.

“Sit here!” Damon pointed to a lone chair in the room for John to sit in. It didn’t seem befitting, but John couldn’t complain as his whole body was cramped. “As much as Ben is much loved by the alpha, he is strict on his rules. We have been instructed to not allow anyone to enter the pack; anyone found wanting would be severely prosecuted. I’m only doing this because I owe Ryan for coming to my rescue when I needed him the most. Try to stay as discreet as you can while I find a way to reach Ben. Since you said it’s important you see him.”

As Damon explained, John nodded his head like a diligent kindergarten kid. He had never felt so exhausted and hungry in his life. When Damon left, the thoughts he had kept at bay came back in full force.

John had no idea what he had been thinking when he requested to meet with Ben. He didn’t know if going to Ben would be better than surrendering to Xander. However, he would rather suck up to Ben than get humiliated at the pack of his birth.

When he got out of Ryan’s car, John learnt that he had been discovered due to the CCTV footage of him smothering the life out of Sonia.

He cursed loudly, blaming himself for being too trusting of Athena and not suspecting that they would be security conscious. There has to be a way for him to survive without being caught, and he would do just about anything to save himself.

“Ben is here!” Damon arrived, looking relieved.

Bracing himself for Ben’s entrance. John stood up, trying to look like he wasn’t at the enemy’s camp to plead for protection.

“John Sinclair!” Ben grinned, his lips forming a thin line. “Is this you? Thought you were dead?”

He didn’t look in the least pleased. Ben had his d**k buried in the insides of Malia and had plans to f**k her all through the night till the very next day when she wouldn’t be able to move an inch from her side of the bed. Only for his sleep to be disrupted by the arrival of Damon, informing him about the person who had come in from the night howlers pack.

That got his attention, as Ben had been wanting to hear anything that could serve as useful information to his quest. And knowing how tight the sizzler’s pack security was, whoever was sneaking him in must have risked their lives to get to him here. Alpha Bethel wasn’t playing around with the pack’s protection to spread the virus further.

Ben felt a bit disappointed when he saw John Sinclair. That was the last person he would have ever expected to see. He had almost forgotten about everything that transpired between them some years back.

“Can we speak in private, please,” John muttered, sounding down.

Folding his hands against his chest with a raised brow. Ben watched John’s expression for a while, trying to read through him. He sighed, nodding towards Damon to excuse them.

“Before you say a word. When and why did you return to the night howlers pack?” Ben asked out of curiosity.

Blinking his eyes severally, John gulped hard. “actually, I stayed in a neighbouring pack.”

“I didn’t ask where you stayed. I really don’t care. Just answer the damn question!” He growled.

“I had to return because of Sonia.”

Ben chuckled dryly, “I heard she has been exposing your dirty acts. That’s a big hit on her part.” He seemed amused. Noticing John’s countenance, he observed him. “What did you do, John? Why do I feel you have committed another grievous sin at the pack?”

John exhaled, feeling his throat dry. He had thought it wouldn’t be so bad to narrate his story to Ben since they both know he isn’t so peculiar about Sonia.

“Actually, I killed her unintentionally.”

Ben’s face morphed into a horrific look, “what the f**k?”

Swallowing hard, John took a step back. “She was about to expose me!”

Grabbing his neck all of a sudden, “you bastard! You were dead! Even if she did say something about you, your blockhead would still remain dead to them! What the hell did you do to my child?” Ben yelled, holding onto his neck tighter.

Struggling to get free, John pleaded. “P…pl…please let me go.”

Realizing he still had something to say, Ben let him go, dropping him like a trash bag on the floor. “Spit it out!”

“She already gave birth by the time I got there.”

Ben’s ears picked at that. As much as he might seem unbothered, the thought of him having a child had always intrigued him. “She gave birth? Where is my child?”

John shrugged, “she should be with Edwina.”

Rubbing at his head as he turned to the wall. “Why the hell are you here then?”

“My life is in danger. Xander has gone wild in search of me. And I am sure Edwina had put him up to it.”

The mention of Edwina made Ben feel a bit tight beneath him. She always got under his skin, even without being present physically.

“Do you know how pathetic you sound right now, John? You killed your own daughter after making her childhood memories horror-filled.”

John snorted, “you aren’t any better than I am. You betrayed your friend.”

Ben glared, “I won’t do to my own child what you did to yours. Those ladies deserved better, but it’s so unfortunate the moon goddess decided to play chess with their lives. Anyways what the hell do you want?”

“Protection, Ben. I would do whatever it is you want me to. But don’t let Xander have me!” John pleaded, surrendering himself as he fell to his knees.

Ben gave him a despicable look, disgusted at John’s unremorseful act, even after killing his own child. But it didn’t matter to Ben. He needed as many loyalists as he could get for the attack he was planning on night howlers. And since nothing had been forthcoming from his men there, he would need to act fast.

Holding up his nose at John’s exhausted look, he exhaled. “Damon would get you a place to rest. By dawn, we would talk on this more.”

Not sparing him a glance, Ben walked out of the room, mumbling some incoherent words to himself.

 

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 182

Edwina’s POV…

I turned my head, trying to adjust to the darkness around me, my head swirled, and it felt like I was in a whirlpool. Turning on my side, I could sense that it was almost morning. As soon as the memories of what had happened the other day swept me over, the tears fell like an opened dam.

It felt like a part of me had died. I shivered as the tears kept dropping on my pillow. All of a sudden, a pair of strong hands wrapped itself around me.

“Stop crying, Edwina. You would hurt yourself and the baby,” Xander cooed behind me.

I shifted in his arms, trying to figure out his sleeping stance. Looking back, his eyes were shut tightly. His talking about a baby surprised me. But then I remembered who he was talking about, Star.

Wiggling my way out of his grip, I dropped down from the bed, and I felt dizzy. Getting a grip on myself, I walked out of the room. My throat was so dry I almost thought my voice had seized. I decided to go to the kitchen first. The packhouse was still isolated, and everyone was still asleep.

And also, judging by yesterday’s occurrence, I doubted if anyone would want to do much this morning. I was beyond surprised when I got into the kitchen and saw Becca standing by one corner, muttering what sounded like a lullaby to Star with a feeding bottle in hand.

“Have we gotten ourselves a hungry baby?” I mused with tears lingering in my eyes.

Becca looked up at me; her eyes were carrying bags underneath them. She must have had a hard time sleeping. I know for certain I was induced to sleep because there was no way I would have found sleep under a natural circumstance.

“Good morning, Luna. How do you feel today?” She asked, sounding a bit on edge.

I tried to look like my usual self, but pretending to be happy didn’t seem to work this time around. It still seems like a movie to me. I am trying really hard to refrain from indulging in something crazy. My mistake was not pushing Xander to take extra measures to find my father when Sonia had claimed her life was being threatened by him.

But things had been a bit complicated then, and every one of us had thought Sonia was only doing those things to get our attention. Now, I regret not taking action when it was most needed.

“I will try to be okay,” I responded, taking Star from her hands.

My legs felt weak. I was glad when Becca quickly noticed and got me one of the kitchen chairs to sit.

“Did she let you sleep at all?”

Becca tried to smile a bit, “it was nice having someone to look after, but she didn’t disturb much with the bottle in place. I was more worried about you, knowing how much of a big blow this would be to you.”

I exhaled loudly, rocking Star gently when she stirred at my nose. “Truth be told, now that I am more rational-minded thinking about it, I feel guilty for not paying more attention to Sonia.”

She rolled her eyes at me, “I knew you would do this. How is any of this your fault? There was no way you would have known Sonia and your father had something against each other. This was bound to happen even if it is extremely painful.” Becca sniffed.

I tried to hold the tears threatening to fall back. Sonia had suffered just as much as I did. Hers was more of a silent type of suffering. She had endured the abuse from our father for as long as she could, and even when she became a full adult, Sonia was still not entirely free of our father’s torment.

I balled my hands in a fist as I thought more of it; there was no way I would let John Sinclair go scot-free. I don’t mind going to the deepest part of the world to fish him out. I cursed the day he conceived my sister and me into our mother. He isn’t and was never worthy of being called a father.

I didn’t stop the tears from falling this time around. Sometimes I wonder what we did to the moon goddess to deserve such a cruel fate.

Becca stood up, enveloping me in a hug alongside Star. I didn’t stop myself from wailing now. There was no way I would get over the fact that my sister got murdered by our own father. Especially at that moment, Sonia was trying her best to become a better person, not just for Star but for our little family.

“I am going to kill John myself, Becca,” I murmured to her.

She caressed my hair, “you have every right to do as you want. He doesn’t deserve to be spared.”

Star’s little cry made us go apart, “it’s okay, my baby. Mama is here.” I cooed, rocking her.

“Give her to me, Luna. You look like you would pass out any moment from now. I would make you a quick coffee.”

I didn’t get to protest, as Becca had turned around to make me a coffee. Placing the coffee on the kitchen island, she took Star from me.

I lifted the coffee to my mouth. She was right about me looking pale. I was also feeling some sort of weakness inside of me.

The coffee made me feel relaxed and revived. I wish I had some supernatural power and, most importantly, had a wolf. I would have shifted and tracked John’s wolf down.

“What would happen to star now?” Becca asked.

“I would have to take responsibility for her from now on,” I responded, shrugging. It wouldn’t be easy, but I had no choice.

Becca snapped her fingers as she looked down at it. “Do you mind if I adopt Star instead? Not necessarily adopt. You would, of course, have access to her. But then I would like to be her sole caretaker.”

I stared wide-eyed at her. There was no way I would have thought Becca would come up with such a suggestion.

“That’s such a relief, Becca. Thank you so much for your considerate thought. I really don’t mind. Thanks so much.”

Becca’s eyes shone with happy tears, “thanks so much for this opportunity, Luna. I promise to not take it for granted. I can’t wait to tell Caleb about this!” She clapped excitedly.

I tried to laugh, but it didn’t seem right. Feeling tired again, I stood up. “I would go find some rest again, Becca. See you soon.”

Kissing Star, I headed towards the stairs wondering why my legs felt so heavy and uncomfortable to walk.

 

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 183

Alexander’s POV…

Turning onto the other side of the bed, I felt it. Edwina wasn’t there, and I could sense she had been away for quite a while. I panicked a bit, hoping she hadn’t gone ahead to do something crazy. I was about to jump off the bed and get into the wheelchair when I heard footsteps behind the door.

I would have really cussed the shit out of myself if I had carelessly acted and ended up being caught red-handed by Edwina. I have no strength to plunge myself into an explanation.

She opened the door, looking exhausted and a bit calmer. By the little light seeping through the window, I could tell it was almost morning, but she looked like she was about to retire for the night.

“How are you?” I inquired the moment she climbed into bed.

To my shock, she leaned into me, resting her head on my chest. Edwina has never been expressive outside of us having s*x. Her getting so close to me feels perfect. I wrapped my hands around her, and she sighed.

“Where were you?” I asked again.

I felt a sensation of some hot liquid on my chest, and it burned ever so slightly. Edwina was crying.

Truth is, I don’t really know how to handle crying women. Not having many female figures in my life made it weirder for me. Moreover, Sonia wasn’t much of an emotional type, and I didn’t have to deal with her most of the time.

Edwina hadn’t cried much since we’d been together, which is why I am trying to adjust to her current situation. Losing someone so close to you in such cold murder isn’t so cool.

“I was with Becca.” She responded, staring up at me. “Becca asked to adopt Star.”

I rubbed at her back, “that is so thoughtful of her. How do you feel about it?”

Resting back, she had her head still pumping hot tears, which honestly turned me on. Why the hell is my d**k reacting to mere speculation? I was only saying I tried to shift, hoping she wouldn’t notice. Offering a shoulder for her to cry on is what is expected of me, not seeking ways to bury myself deep inside her. I should really concentrate on listening and paying less attention to my d**k.

“It felt like a relief. I have no idea if I intend to take such huge responsibility now. Don’t get me wrong, I would do whatever it takes to be there for Star. But with the hurt I feel right now, I really can’t comprehend it.” She responded.

I nodded my head in response; only then did I remember I hadn’t actually told her what the theta had told me. My wolf rose in excitement, the joy of having to see your very own cub is a different sort of feeling.

“There is something I need to tell you.” I began, still not understanding why my d**k kept making a move.

Edwina giggled. Seems like she hadn’t heard what I said. I wondered what I said that sounded funny. I understood why she had reacted that way when her hand moved to my d**k, stroking it lightly.

“Oh, that!” I muttered, biting my lips as the feeling hit me.

Not responding, she got down on me, her lips wrapping around my d**k. Her position made me wonder if pregnant women could kneel like that. But my thoughts halted when she flicked her tongue over my d**k cap. This lady would be the death of me.

Pulling her up to my chest, I almost went wild when I realized her panties were nowhere to be found. How she had expertly taken it off while giving me a blowjob amused me, I raised her butt on my hardened d**k, hoping the baby won’t be hurt in any way.

Sorry honey, daddy can’t help this horniness. I couldn’t help the urge I was feeling. It’s been like forever since we f****d.

With how she sat her whole a*s down on my d**k, it was obvious Edwina felt the same way. An animalistic m**n escaped my lips as she held my shoulders tightly, grinding her a*s against my d**k.

I gripped her waist, raising my waist against hers and ramming my whole length inside her. She gasped loudly, which sounded like that of pain.

I winced, afraid I had shifted her womb to the wrong side. I don’t want a miscarriage at this point, but I was wrong when Edwina increased the pace of her movement. I doubted if I would last a minute longer, and I was right when all of my insides burst into her.

She collapsed onto my chest, our heaves synchronizing. This was the shortest form of s*x we had ever had, and I must say it was the most intensifying moment we have ever shared. Emotions were heavy, and I guess quick s*x wouldn’t hurt anyone.

“I felt bad within myself that I woke up feeling some sort of horny feeling when I was supposed to be mourning.” She muttered.

I didn’t expect her admission but what surprised me the most was her bursting into another fresh bout of tears. I am so doomed. I should be out of bed by now, judging by the serious cases that needed attention.

“Find John, Xander. He shouldn’t be let off. I don’t care how far you have to go to find him. But I want his head.”

“And his head you shall get,” I promised. I remembered that I still had yet to tell her what theta had said. “I need to tell you something, Edwina. I don’t know how you would take this considering the situation on hand.”

Laying her back on the bed, she rested her head on her palm, wiping off her tears. I caressed her face, wishing there was something I could do to stop her from feeling so heartbroken. It made me angrier at how John had been able to get his way without getting caught on time.

“What’s that?” Edwina questioned.

“You are pregnant,” I told her, hoping I didn’t sound too cold.

The look in her eyes got me a bit confused. I was expecting her to probably throw a tantrum and wish this never happened. But instead, Edwina had a blank look on her face.

“What did you just say?” She bickered.

 

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 184

Alexander’s POV…

Now, I am getting really confused. I understand there is a lot of tension flying around, but shouldn’t announcing to Edwina that we are soon-to-be parents be good news to her? I hope it isn’t what I am thinking, probably she doesn’t want to carry a child of mine, or probably it isn’t mine.

I was going to lose my mind at this point if she didn’t clarify my assumptions with a solid reason as to why she reacted that way.

“I just said you are pregnant.” This time I answered with a rigid stare.

I saw what seemed like an uncomfortable movement in her throat. She stared wide-eyed at me. “I am pregnant?”

She asked again, holding onto her belly. The look on my face was a tell-it-all; I was confused about what she meant.

“Xander, I am going to have a baby?” Her expression still wasn’t clear enough. And her eyes were heavy with tears.

Just when I expected her to say something more meaningful than her utterances, Edwina got off the bed and headed straight for the bathroom. To my utmost shock, she got dressed and left the room, still not sparing me a glance.

My whole day has just got ruined. More reason why I need to find John and wring the f*****g hell out of his neck.

***

“She isn’t happy with the pregnancy, I assure you of that.” I lamented to Caleb, pacing around the office with my wheelchair in annoyance.

The moment Caleb had picked me up from the packhouse, I had been whining all through the ride. My head ached; I had waited a long time, hoping Edwina would return. However, she had me on hold and never returned to the room, to my surprise.

Caleb appeared disinterested; he had been trying to tell me about the information gathered overnight about John. However, the only thing I want to listen to now is Edwina giving me a good reason why she thought it right to walk out on me during such a sensitive discussion.

“Why do I feel like you are only seeking an excuse to reject this pregnancy?” Caleb mused, looking exhausted.

“Did you sleep all night at all?” I inquired, really sincerely. He had bags under his eyes.

He shook his head, “I only got to the warmth of my bed in the early hours of this morning. All night we were out trying to find John. It’s certain now that he has left the night howlers pack. I have contacted Carlos to let me know if he can get any information on John entering into the sizzlers pack. I have a strong hunch that he went there.”

“We are raiding the sizzlers pack in the next twenty-four hours,” I told him, staying put.

“I thought we still had about two days to that.” Caleb looked unsettled.

“Look at it this way Caleb, if we don’t act on now. The possibility of not just Ben escaping but also John is imminent. I can’t let this bastard keep playing with my pack and my family.”

Whatever made me decide on us attacking the sizzlers earlier than expected had only just come to mind a few seconds ago. Having John on the run and thinking he can escape my men is the wrongest move he would ever make.

“I get you. We are ready whenever you are.” Said Caleb.

“Call Carlos and Jason over. Just so you know, none of us will be leaving until all this is sorted!”

He snorted, “like we don’t know that already. Now, back to our discussion. Xander, you need to understand that this is the wrongest time for Edwina to hear this sort of news. She needs you more than ever, Xander.”

“I really don’t want to talk to her right now!” I insisted adamantly, folding my arms against my chest.

“You really won’t listen, right?” He inquired, pulling out his phone. “I already texted Carlos, and he just texted me that they are on the premises.”

Caleb had only just stopped talking when the door clicked open.

“Good day, alpha.” Carlos and Jason chorused. They nodded at Caleb too.

“Heard about what happened yesterday, alpha. He has escaped us and from the information gathered, he slipped into sizzlers pack yesterday despite the tight security. Someone is definitely helping him out.” Carlos said.

“He is definitely being helped by Ben,” I noted.

Whenever I am forced to mention Ben’s name, it makes me feel extremely angry, and I can’t wait to have him sprawled in front of me, begging for mercy. Maybe not exactly mercy; he is a renowned proud bastard and wouldn’t beg anyone, not even when his life is at stake.

“What is the next step to take now?” Jason asked, looking worried.

“How is the tunnel clearing?” I asked.

“All done. Was about to report back last night but got countered with the John Sinclair search.” Carlos informed.

“In the next twenty-four hours, we are going to raid the sizzlers pack, and I want all hands to be on deck. I need you, Caleb, to work with Carlos and Jason to gather our men. And don’t forget the equipment in need. It might get really bloody.” I mused.

Jason sighed, dipping himself into the available chair. “Is it okay If I admit to being fagged out?”

“No, man, I feel just the same way!” Caleb added.

Watching them closely, I envied how easy it was for them to admit how they were feeling. It would be wrong for someone like myself to make such admittance. I should really reconsider this alpha position.

“I know how hard it is, guys. I promise it’s just for the meantime. We are really close to victory.” I tried to sound encouraging, even though a part of me doubted the whole process. But I intend to trust the intensity of my instincts that insists on us acting now. I must admit John’s killing of Sonia had put my emotions at a crossroad.

They all stood up with a promise to get back to me before evening. Caleb had gotten to the door and was heading out after Jason when he turned around to look at me.

“Call her!” He mouthed at me with a vicious glare.

I rolled my eyes at him in response.

After all of this is over, my hands would surely find their way to wring Caleb’s neck. I really don’t like seeing his face.

 

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 185

Edwina’s POV…

Looking around the room that had clearly been tagged as out of bounds, I sat by the door, hugging my legs to my chest. Thinking about Xander’s announcement, I didn’t know how exactly I was supposed to act. And maybe I shouldn’t have acted unreasonably, walking out on him like that.

But I was overwhelmed by the news, and my emotions weren’t exactly clear. I should have suspected something was different about me, especially when I craved more sleep and felt some irritation in the mornings for the past week now.

Tears flowed freely from my eyes.

When Sonia was alive and pregnant with Star, I had wished to conceive, too, hoping Xander wouldn’t have a problem with it. I hoped he would be pleased with the thought of it.

Somehow, I feel like this doesn’t seem like the right time. To think that I had s*x with Xander this morning makes the guilt weigh more on my shoulders. I wish I had spent more time with Sonia while she was alive.

I would never forgive our father for doing this to my sister. I had to find a way to push Xander more to help find him, he has to pay for his sins, and I promise to ensure he dies by my bare hands. My heart ached badly; I wished I didn’t let excitement get the better part of me and stayed with her.

I felt guilty as I couldn’t help but blame myself for not paying extra attention. My hand drifted towards my belly. A life was growing inside of me. I can’t believe something I had wished for, for quite some time now, had come true.

I didn’t know if I was to laugh or cry, but the only thing that escaped my lips was a wail. Sitting out, I stared blankly at the wall of the room. The door barged open, and Becca came into sight, panting hard.

“I was just about to call out a search party to look for you. I had only thought otherwise and felt to check here.”

I turned my head towards her, “why are you here?”

“The alpha is almost losing his mind not being able to reach you. Where did you put your phone?” She asked me.

I opened my palms like my phone was supposed to appear all of a sudden. I remembered leaving the room from the bathroom. There was no way I could have had the mind to hold onto my phone.

Becca handed her phone to me after dialling his line back, “you should talk to him.”

Taking the phone from her, I feared he would yell at me for walking out of the room and not bothering to return. “Where is he?” I inquired.

“At the office.” Becca responded, “you didn’t know when he left for work?”

I didn’t respond as I placed the phone by my ear when he picked.

“Where in the world have you been hiding?” Xander’s voice bellowed into the receiver, sending a shiver down my spine.

“Sonia’s room,” I muttered in a low whisper, scared that he would rebuke me.

“You okay? You can talk to me if you want. And as for the pregnancy, we would find a way around it, don’t worry too much. We will be fine.” Xander said

It’s how he kept saying we. I felt like he considered both of us as partners. Or, he is probably too excited by the news of his child on the way.

“Thank you,” I responded absentmindedly, handing the phone back to Becca.

Becca had a worried look on her face. She took a seat next to me. “Star is taking a nap; she isn’t much of a handful. Tell me, I had only just seen you about an hour or less time ago.” She said.

“I’m pregnant,” I announced.

She gasped loudly, pulling me into a tight embrace. “This is such good news, Luna! I’m sure the alpha would be over the moon.” Becca clapped excitedly

“Clearly, I am not,” I told her, sounding frustrated.

“Do you feel bad about the news?”

“I feel like it’s not in my place to be happy with the death of Sonia. She had only died recently, and it seemed like I had already moved on.”

“Why are you beating yourself up so much for something that was not your fault?”

I sniffed as the tears rolled down my face. The tears I have shed for the past few hours might lead to me becoming partially blind. All I had done with my eyes aside seeing was cry.

“It’s all my fault, Becca. I should have searched for our father when Sonia had talked about it at first.” I insisted.

Becca held my hands, “you trying your best to ensure she gets justice and taking full responsibility for her daughter is enough, Edwina. None of this is your fault; this was really bound to happen.”

I leaned into her crying my eyes out, “she doesn’t deserve to be killed that way.”

Becca patted my back, “I know that. You can only do right by her when you are okay yourself. Don’t do this to yourself, Edwina; you would hurt your child.”

Resting my head on her shoulder, I heaved slowly. “do you think I would make a good mother?”

The pregnancy scared me too much on different terms, even though I had craved it. It didn’t occur to me that there would be some things in place that I would need to pay attention to. One of it being the fear of infecting my child with my disability. That would be a huge shame on the alpha. Xander would hate me for sure.

“You would make a perfect mother,” Becca responded.

“I don’t know about that, Becca. I’m carrying a child for the alpha, and you know I don’t have a wolf.” I told her, lifting my head off her shoulder.

“And?”

I stared at her like she had grown two heads. “Don’t be like that, Becca. You know what I’m talking about exactly.”

She chuckled, “you worry your pretty head too much. Let’s get you something nice to eat this morning, and then we can talk about this over breakfast. You would thin out at this point.”

Pulling me up, I decided against arguing with her as my body was sagging due to fatigue. Like the obedient sheep, I followed, letting her lead the way.