Ch. 196..200: The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate Chapter 196-200

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 196

Edwina’s POV…

I must say Xander’s attitude towards me seems really different, but that will be a discussion for later. And if I must admit, I really like this newfound closeness. At the same time, my head might just be messing around with me.

The dungeon looks so unlivable; it’s no surprise that hardened criminals are the ones left to rot in it. But the dungeon appeared to be like heaven for my father; he looked so unbothered, and his eyes unrepentant.

The moment the guards called him out, he appeared by the cell gate. John snickered when his eyes landed on Xander and me.

“You have really got some nerves bringing her here.” John snorted at Xander.

I would have expected Xander to say something, but instead, he kept his eyes glued to me. My hands were sweaty and shaky. I didn’t know how I was really feeling. So many emotions rushed through me. Standing unprovoked in front of me was the man that had caused so much pain to my sister and me. The same one who had faked his own death and made me think I was an orphan for years. And to cap it all, he was the murderer of my sister. Too many things are attached to this monstrous being that I don’t know how to refer to him.

“Dear daughter.” He mused in the voice that I have come to despise so much. “Took you long enough to finally come to see your father.

Rage engulfed me, and I didn’t know when my hands landed on his cheek. The guts he summoned to look me in the eye and try to play smart was really something.

John growled at me, his eyes blazing fire as he held the affected cheek through his cuffs. “How dare you!”

I raised a stern finger, “keep your bloody mouth shut, you despicable being!” I was no longer feeling any actual emotion. All I want to do is fight him with all the rage in my body.

“Don’t…” He tried to growl at me.

But I wasn’t having any of it, “don’t you try to say a word! All you have ever done in your life is cause chaos. How dare you kill my sister! What did she ever do to you?!” I screamed, grabbing the cell door and shaking it violently.

I felt a hand rub at my back. The moon goddess deserves an actual trophy for blessing me with someone as thoughtful as Xander. I needed to actually cool down a bit; my belly ached below as I let out a loud scream.

“You both have been a pain in the neck for me since my beloved wife died.”

“If you didn’t want us, you should have dropped us at the orphanage instead!” I yelled.

“Oh, I would have, but then how would I have had such fun with Sonia?” He had this nauseating grin on his face.

All I wanted to do was headbutt him right away. There is nothing to be deliberated on anymore. He was going to die, and if not by my hands, he would definitely die in front of me.

I turned towards Xander, my eyes lacing with angry tears. “I want him dead, Xander; I want every part of him chopped off. He doesn’t deserve to be breathing.”

Xander stared at me, holding up my hands. Almost like he was communicating with me silently.

John let out a cynical laugh. “You really should be thankful that I didn’t sell you off to someone who would treat you as you deserve. You low life!”

I was about to send him flying with another raging slap when one of the guards did it on my behalf. I heard John scream like a banshee. As terrible as he was, John still couldn’t take in as much pain as one would expect him to.

Holding my hands to stand behind him, Xander wheeled himself forward to face John. “You do know I never actually liked you from the very beginning. I should have suspected how terrible a person you are when you practically sold your first daughter out to me, depriving the other one of what she deserved.”

John sniffed, “you act like you are such a good-hearted person. Does Edwina know you killed Ben for revenge?”

My ears flapped open at the bombshell. I stared directly at Xander, who had a confused look in his eyes. I looked back at my father, who had a devious sneer on.

Xander had no reason to lie to me. I know Ben had hurt him so much, but he wouldn’t go to such an extent as to stoop really low to get his revenge.

“I promise you, Edwina, I didn’t do it. All of the warriors can testify to that.” He said to me.

“That’s a lie.” John countered.

“Enough!” I screamed, stomping out of the place.

I held my head tightly as I ran out of the dungeon. I was almost out of breath when I got out. My head spun so much it felt like I would pass out.

Just as my legs almost failed me, someone held my hand tightly from behind. It was Xander. I wondered how he got to me so quickly. I cried bitterly as I attempted to look away.

“You care about him that much?” Xander sounded hurt.

I sniffed, still not looking at him. “What do you mean?”

“Don’t think I didn’t notice how you had acted when I announced his death to you, and here you are crying your eyes out again for someone who slept with your sister and humiliated you.”

“Stop! Stop!!” I screamed.

“No, I won’t! I f*****g won’t, Edwina!” Xander sniffed, obviously crying. “Why would you still be hung up on someone as terrible as that? I can’t help it anymore; I have loved you for a while now, but somehow, I just can’t help it. I went through so much to fight Ben off your back and the whole pack. How selfish can you get to be more concerned about having such a terrible individual alive?” He sounded hurt.

I couldn’t take the attack anymore. I turned to him. “He was my first love. Yes, he did me wrong. He was terrible to me. But I learnt to love him.” I cried, getting down on my knees.

I could feel Xander’s eyes bore angry holes into me as he wheeled himself far away from me. My emotions were in a total wreck.

 

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 197

Edwina’s POV…

The gasp kept on consistently, and it made my chest ache badly. Becca rubbed at my back gently as I tried to control myself. Xander had left on his own and had told a driver to pick me up. I couldn’t go up to the room; I had to stay with Becca in hers. I tried to hold my cries back to prevent them from waking Star up. Unfortunately, I couldn’t hold it in as the tears kept coming. A maid had to come for Star to pet her.

“Don’t cry anymore, please. You would fall sick at this rate.” Becca consoled me.

“I didn’t mean to act like that, Becca. I would never intend to hurt him.” I sniffed. “I should have listened to Xander when he asked me to not let my father get to me. He did play on my intelligence.”

“It’s not your fault. It’s just a burst of emotions.”

My lips shook, “He looked so hurt, and he admitted to loving me.”

Everything around me spiralled out of control. Every word Xander said to me resonated loudly in my head. For the first time since we have been together and all of my arguments with him, his emotions were raw this time around. I could see it in every part of him. Xander isn’t the type to give himself away so easily. It must have been pent-up emotions.

I feel so guilty for being the reason for the hurt he was feeling at the moment. All he had done since we got together was protect me and respect all of my decisions. Thinking of it logically, it’s my selfish self that has refused to let go of Ben’s memories. If I must be truthful to myself, I cared so much about Xander and would actually hate to lose him.

My hands rubbed at my belly unconsciously. I was carrying our child, his baby. I feel like an ungrateful brat for not appreciating all of the goodness the moon goddess had blessed me with.

“Edwina!” Becca pulled me out of my long train of thought.

“Hmmn,” I responded, another trail of tears rolling down my cheeks.

I would really get sick at this point. My heart constricted at every deep breath I took.

“Can you just take a deep breath, please?” Becca said to me. “And for the sake of peace, Xander had nothing to do with Ben’s death. His initial plan was to keep Ben alive and bring him down to the night howlers pack.”

I nodded my head, trying to also calm myself down from within.

“I know how you feel, Edwina, maybe you haven’t thought of it yet, but you are so into Xander, much more than you expect. There is no way it would be just about you fulfilling your duty as the Luna. No woman submits herself totally to a man she doesn’t feel for. Not to the extent of wanting to carry his child, especially those moments you sit awake, waiting for him. You think you still love Ben, but you have begun loving Xander, and it’s becoming more prominent. Only your mind is too clouded to realize it. “

I blinked at Becca’s words; she was right. Every night I looked out for the presence of Xander; he always made me feel good about myself. Despite the thoughts of Ben filtering into my thoughts, it never stopped me from wanting Xander’s touch.

“I don’t know, Becca.” I sniffed. “I will never forgive myself if I hurt him.”

“You would hate yourself more if you don’t go to him and sort out this misunderstanding. You know how much hurt the alpha has had to endure, but he still opened his heart to you. You must be really special to him.”

“Really?”

“Yes,” Becca assured me.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. “I would go check on him now. Thanks so much, Becca. I’m thankful for your presence in my life.” I pulled her into a hug.

Becca chuckled, “you are always welcome. Please, don’t cry yourself to death. I should go to Star now before the whole packhouse is brought to a halt by her cry. “

We both laughed lightly as we went our separate ways. I panicked as I got to the door. My heart beat so fast and loud I almost thought it would jump out of its cage.

Opening the door, I peeped in first to be sure of his movement in the room. But I found his back turned to the door. He was fast asleep. I tiptoed into the room, sitting on the next side of the bed facing him.

I sniffed, staring at his peaceful face. Despite the stress that hung around his face, he looked so handsome. I had never really gotten a close look at him this way.

“I am sorry, Xander. I promise it’s not what you think. I admit I have been holding on to the feeling for Ben, but it’s not like how you think. He was my husband and first love, there is no way I would have heard of his death and acted nonchalant. I have feelings too. But I promise, Xander, I would never do anything to hurt you. All you have ever done is care for me. I’m so sorry if I made you feel any type of way. I was just so overwhelmed by everything, Sonia’s death, Ben and then my father getting captured. It’s just too much for me. I don’t want to say this, but maybe it’s the pregnancy hormones. I am not even certain if I feel pregnant.” I chuckled nervously.

A hard gulp trailed down my throat as I stared at his sleeping face. He didn’t blink one bit. I had only been speaking to an unresponding person. It was quite intentional on my part, I feared looking him in the eye and exposing myself to him.

Xander deserves a true feeling of love. Probably, I also need to give myself a chance to be happy and not attach it to others. Sniffing really loud, I made a move to get off the bed. But his hand held me back.

“You haven’t had enough sleep. Come here.” He muttered with his eyes closed.

I didn’t bother to protest. My whole body was too exhausted. I lay next to him, placing my head on his outstretched hand as his strong arm wrapped around my waist.

“I’m sorry too.” He whispered, his breath hot on my ears as he snored away lightly.

 

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 198

Alexander’s POV…

I stretched too freely and almost sold myself out to Edwina. She lay sleeping quietly next to me, and the movement I made was too much. It didn’t take long for her to open her eyes.

“Hey!” She whispered, trying to avoid my eyes.

She obviously wasn’t sure if I was still angry or not. The burst of emotions that had happened at the dungeon was really unplanned. Until now, I had always thought I knew just how to hide my emotions well. Feeling like no one can get me to express just how I feel until I want to.

However, I had been proven wrong this morning with Edwina. I wasn’t blind to catching the emotions she emitted at the mention of Ben, and it made me boil. I am not ready to be in a competition with a dead man. A match I had unintentionally been in when he was alive. It got me really reeled when John used that avenue to get a reaction from Edwina.

I have had just about enough and decided to blurt out my emotions the exact way I feel. I felt hurt, and it was different from how I had felt when I found out about Ben and Sonia’s relationship. This pain felt like it would tear me apart.

Tears had forced their way out of my eyes when I returned to the room. If I wasn’t acting handicapped, I would have gone for a ride alone.

It felt good letting my pains out and crying my heart’s content all alone. It’s said men should stay strong; I would say men should be expressive of how they feel, stay focused, and move on after all that.

That was what I did when I laid down to get the sleep my body deserved. I was slowly drifting into sleep land when I heard Edwina talk about everything she was feeling inside. It felt relieving to know I wasn’t alone.

“You don’t have to act this way. I’m sorry for being so insensitive to your feelings too.” I murmured, turning her head towards me.

Edwina gulped, licking her dry lips that had me turned on. “I would never attempt to hurt you. You don’t have to worry about me indulging in that.”

I sighed, “I don’t want you to think that because it’s necessary. I need it to come from here.” I jabbed at her chest, indicating her heart with my finger.

She nodded, leaning further into me. I yawned loudly, checking the time on the bed stand. It was past noon, almost evening. My body felt like it had been beaten with a plank.

I chuckled into her hair, “we have been sleeping all day.”

Edwina’s voice came out in a coarse tone, “I guess we needed it more than we thought.”

With her hair all out due to the sleep and her face so smooth like a newborn, I really want to f**k her. Safe to say that all of my reasoning had flown out the window, and getting down on her was most important at the moment. Before I could get out of my head and carry out my intended thought, Edwina stood up from the bed and went into the bathroom.

“Shit!” I g*****d, taking a peek at my aroused member.

It’s almost like I had been s*x-starved for weeks with the way my body craved her. The mere thought of how good it will feel to have her digging into the bed made my d**k turn up harder. While trying to process how I would approach her to express the urge I was feeling, Edwina came out of the bathroom in red lingerie. She went straight to stand by the vanity.

If only she knew what the hell she was doing to me. My eyes went down to her growing belly; one wouldn’t have noticed as the bump looked so faint like it wasn’t even there at all.

“I almost didn’t believe I was pregnant. But looking at this now, I don’t know how to feel exactly.” Edwina mused, rubbing at her belly with tears lacing her eyes.

I stood up, mesmerized by the beauty of her body and her tiny bump. Wrapping my hands around her waist and caressing it, I nibbled at her ear, gently making her m**n softly as my d**k dug into her thighs. I made her m**n again, this time louder.

Trailing my finger down her thighs, I slipped the pant aside, making my way into her p***y. She was damn wet. I m****d in her place. Instead, she was so slick it drove me mad.

I dug my finger deeper into her, putting in a second finger. Edwina gasped, holding the dressing table tightly. I moved my other hand to her breast; it felt so soft. As eager as I was to thrust into her, there was a need to calm down. It just occurred to me a few seconds ago that she was pregnant. If not for that, I would have sat her on the vanity, pushed off all the things on it, spread her legs wide and f**k her till she had no strength to scream anymore.

Placing wet k****s on her exposed neck and shoulder while using my hands judiciously, Edwina pushed my head down deeper with her hand.

I increased my finger’s pace inside her, and she gripped tightly onto me. I sensed she was about to reach her peak; I let out my fingers hurriedly and thrust my hard, awaiting d**k into her making her gasp loudly. Bending her back a bit, her hands were back to holding onto the table edge. I watched her from the mirror as she m****d and sucked in her breath at every thrust. The movement of her eyes made me thrust deeper into her. She ground really hard against me.

Holding onto her waist, I threw my head to the back, immersing all my d**k into her p***y. Tightening her insides against me, Edwina practically yelled in the form of a m**n as she orgasmed with her legs shaking. I watched the sight of her cumming from the mirror, and it was the most beautiful show of emotion that I had ever seen… But I wasn’t done yet, and the vibration of her p***y around my d**k made me thrust faster. Not wanting to squash the baby from inside her, I grabbed the table edge instead and almost sent her headbutting the vanity when I came.

The rest of the day was spent in bed from pleasured exhaustion.

 

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 199

Edwina’s POV…

“My beautiful angel.” I cooed in Star’s ear as I rocked her, placing soft k****s on her cheeks.

“You both look like an amazing pair. I’m glad you look better than before.” Becca noted.

She was right; I didn’t need to be told that I looked better. I know I do feel better. It’s been two weeks since Ben and Sonia’s death and just a few days to when John Sinclair will be executed as ordered by the pack’s council.

I had insisted on a judgement harsh and worthy enough for what he did. He didn’t deserve any mercy in the first place. Killing him for the murder he committed was the perfect punishment. I had made up my mind to never see him till he took his last breath, knowing he would only try to mess with my head if I did. Also, the sizzlers pack alpha had come around for dinner, and I must say he is a delightful personality. It felt really nice that Xander didn’t put up a fight with him. A good leader always makes peace, not war.

Xander, on the other hand, should be awarded as the most thoughtful and loving partner anyone would love to have. He has been supportive throughout my grieving moments, spoiling me with little gifts. I fell sick a week ago due to the stress I was putting myself in. We all knew such would happen since I had been crying every of my insides out.

Looking up at the wall clock in Becca’s room, it turned out I had been seated in the room for some hours. I had intentionally stayed in her room to avoid stressing her with moving around while carrying Star. And the time also made me aware that Xander should have been back. I shifted a bit in my chair, trying not to wake a sleepy Star up.

“Xander isn’t back yet,” I muttered absentmindedly.

“Missing him already?” Becca taunted.

I shrugged shyly, “maybe, just a little.”

I giggled out loud. His arrival had become something that I looked out for every now and then. He makes every time we spend together worthwhile. Xander cuddles me to sleep after long s*x. He has also made it a point of duty to entertain me with stories from his office on a daily basis, joking about how Caleb embarrasses himself during work hours. I must admit I am getting really attached to him.

“He hasn’t called me and isn’t back yet.”

“You are going red right now.”

I rubbed at my cheek, blushing hard, “what do you mean?”

Becca laughed loudly, “you are so cute when you act that way.”

“He makes me happy, Becca, and it feels so liberating. It’s not forced, and it comes with complete ease.”

Things were beginning to take a different turn entirely in a positive way. All I ever wanted was coming to me, and I couldn’t thank the goddess enough. Staring down at Star’s beautiful face, I felt so proud of her for holding up nicely. She had gotten accustomed to Becca and didn’t act any demanding. I couldn’t thank Becca enough for taking her off my hands. It’s not like I couldn’t look after her, but I felt I would fit better as a godmother. And it appears that Becca and Caleb are obsessed with her. My hands went to my belly, I couldn’t wait to have a mini Xander prancing around.

“You also make him happy Luna. You deserve every happiness you get.” Becca stated.

I hummed a yes, “let’s go prepare dinner.”

“Are you sure about this? I don’t want you going all pale at the sight of the food.”

“Whatever Becca, I know that’s just a means to stop me from coming to the kitchen with you.”

Becca laughed loudly. Since I became aware of my pregnant state, nausea was no longer far from me. There was a day I had almost puked in all of the breakfast prepared on one of the days Xander decided to stay home. Becca had refused to let me into the space any longer, and Xander supported the decision. She wasn’t being spiteful, though; it was only a means to protect me. Every puking comes with a form of weakness I can’t seem to understand.

“They are back.” Said Becca.

I grinned up at her, “finally!”

“You sound so excited.”

“Well, I had asked him to get me ice cream on his way back.”

“Why didn’t you just make an order for it? I could have had one of the maids go for you.”

I shook my head, “no, I wanted it to be Xander.”

“Thought you said he hasn’t called you all day.”

“We spoke early this morning and had a chat where I told him of my cravings.” I listed like a child.

Throwing her head to the back, Becca had a good laugh. “The pregnancy hormones really got you good.”

“No denying.” I didn’t realize carrying Star would take a toll on my arm. The moment I stood up, I felt a kind of not-so-sharp pain spread through my arm. I g*****d lightly.

Becca stretched her hands, “here, let me have her.”

Handing Star over to her, I practically ran down the hallway and stairs. When I made my way down, it surprised me to see Caleb and Xander stuck at the far end of the room. Their heads together, almost like they were gossiping about something.

“Hey!” I muttered behind them.

The both of them jerked off their seat like they had been caught doing something wrong. It surprised me a whole lot.

“Is everything okay?” I questioned, raising a brow at them.

Caleb gulped, “good evening, luna.”

“Hi, Caleb.”

“Xander, is everything okay?” I had all of my eyes watching his every move.

Xander appears to be avoiding my eyes and he looks really bothered about something. When his eyes eventually met with mine, they held some uncertainty.

“What’s going on?” I turned to Caleb again, knowing he might answer me. “Tell me, Caleb, what’s going on?”

Bracing himself, Caleb took in a deep breath. His hands intertwined with each other. “Actually, Luna, we have no idea how to break this news to you. But I do hope you take it to heart lightly. We learnt that John Sinclair has committed suicide!”

 

 

The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 200

Alexander’s POV…

I should really have a private chat with the moon goddess at this point. Things have been looking fine for the past two weeks, with Edwina and I getting closer and the alliance with the sizzlers pack going well. I felt at peace, hopeful of the good things to come. I had almost totally forgotten about John in the dungeon.

Caleb and I had been returning to the packhouse when Carlos called to inform us about John committing suicide. I couldn’t bring myself to tell Edwina. Caleb, as always, did the talking. For me, it was the way Edwina’s face morphed into an unreadable script.

“You should sit,” Caleb advised, helping her to sit her butt down.

I wheeled myself next to her, rubbing at her hand gently. “How do you feel?” I inquired.

Edwina exhaled, “I don’t know. It feels like it would have been better if he was killed by the law instead of getting away like that.”

I exchanged glances with Caleb, “so, you are not bothered about it?”

She chuckled, “I am glad it’s all over, and I don’t have to worry about him anymore.” She sniffed.

Somehow It felt like she was lying; the look on her face was too blank for someone as emotional as Edwina. I was right about how much turmoil she might be feeling inside when she excused herself to head out.

“You should go to her,” Caleb said

I shrugged nonchalantly, “it’s not like I don’t want to. What if she wants to be alone?”

Caleb snorted, “it’s just an excuse on your part to avoid having to deal with how to console her.”

“What if I say the wrong thing?”

Slapping his forehead, “if you weren’t my alpha, I would have said something along the line of you acting really dumb.”

“That’s a straight shoot at me, and it doesn’t sound nice.” I snickered.

“Just do as I say this time, alpha….” He dragged the alpha, sounding like he was enjoying the moment.

I snapped my fingers at him, “I would really get you back for this. I promise.”

Throwing a middle finger at him, I wheeled myself out, holding a hand for the guard attempting to render a hand.

“The Luna is by the garden.” One of the guards informed me when I stayed still, looking around.

Edwina was seated on the grass, hugging her legs tightly to herself, staring out into space. She was hardly blinking. Wheeling myself next to her, I stayed quiet.

Sensing my presence, she laid her head on my knee, sniffing softly. My fingers instinctively trailed her hair. She leaned deeper, resting her whole head and neck on my lap.

“I had always wanted their attention, Sonia and dad, when I was growing up. And then that of Ben when I eventually came of age. Dad’s affection mattered so much to me. It made me pray fervently to the moon goddess every night to let my dad have a touch of heart and love me instead of loving Sonia. Little did I know the goddess protected me from hate as I grew. I never knew he wasn’t just going to ruin my life, but Sonia’s too.” She paused to look up at me. “Do you think if our mother was alive, she would have protected us from him?”

Now, this question is one reason why I told f*****g Caleb that I would love to stay back. How am I to answer this without overstepping bounds? I gulped hard.

“You never could tell, Edwina. She might not have been able to protect you, and probably that would have been far worse.” I tried listening to what I said again. Sounds good, I guess.

She nodded her head in agreement, returning to her former position. “How do I ensure Star is protected from this awful family story of ours? How do I stop her future and happy memories from being tainted?”

“By not worrying about the said future and waiting for the time when you will get to the bridge and cross it.”

We both stayed quiet, reminiscing on whatever it was that came across each person’s mind.

“We should get in now. It’s becoming cold.” I told her.

Becca summoned us all for dinner, and it was really quiet. There wasn’t much to talk about despite Caleb’s sour attempt at cracking a joke. No one, especially Edwina, liked it because I did not fancy whatever he was trying to say, all majorly to spite him for refusing my wish tonight.

The dinner ended with no casualty. Edwina still wasn’t acting like her usual self. I nodded towards Becca to help take her up to our room and probably keep her company.

“Thought you went out to be a consoler. Why the hell is she still in such a sour mood?” Caleb bellowed the moment Becca and Sonia were out of hearing.

I rolled my eyes, sneering at him. “Don’t your dare talk to me! I was almost biting my tongue off, trying not to say something I might regret.”

“Stop being such a whiner.” He had a mischievous look in his eyes.

“I would really have you dealt with for ever making attempts to mess with me.”

Caleb sat back, closing his eyes and humming a tune to himself. I observed him for a moment. His face looked really relaxed.

“It’s all over now. I know this might sound unlike me, but I was almost losing my mind from all the troubles flying around.” He said.

I nodded my head in agreement. It might seem cold, but we have been on our toes trying to figure out ways to protect the pack from being invaded by people of greed. One crucial thing I have learnt from the three deaths in a row that had occurred was; for every decision you make, there is an obvious repercussion, even if it might take some number of years before coming to play. It would definitely catch up with one. John had thought he played everyone, but unfortunately, his same past had brought him back to where he had started from.

I rubbed at my head slowly, “I should join her, Caleb? Thanks for today, man.” I shook his hands.

“Anytime, man!” He mused, helping me to my destination.