Ch. 211..215: The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate Chapter 211-215
The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 211
Authors POV…
Caleb scoffed in irritation as he threw daggers at Ramona with his eyes. It had been hard for him to get over how low she had stooped to get back at him. Having her appear in his home looking all relaxed made him boil terribly. He had just taken a pill to suppress the headache threatening to split his head. The moment his eyes landed on Ramona, it seemed to be coming back with full force.
“Answer the f*****g question. Why are you here?” Caleb blurted again, his eyes catching sight of Xander wheeling himself towards his room.
Ramona sat with gait, staring at Caleb with a straight face. She had no intention of backing away from fighting for his attention. She had known the kind of ruckus the video and document she had sent to Becca would cause. However, she was less bothered about it and couldn’t care less about what anyone thought of her. She wants a home with Caleb and being Ramona, there is no way she would let it go that easily without a fight.
Becca was way older than Ramona, and Caleb still had a thirst for her body, implying that she still had a glint of hope of getting him back to her.
“Why are you getting so worked up?” Ramona eventually said, breaking the staring contest they had indulged in.
Caleb scoffed, “are you even listening to yourself now? You recorded our f*****g s*x. How low can you go.”
Holding a glare, “as low as I can get to make you entirely mine.”
“That’s a dream of yours that would never be fulfilled. I already explained to you, Ramona, that I love Becca, and maybe it took me a long time to realize it, but it’s the simple truth. I don’t even want to spend the rest of my life with someone who acts so immature like yourself.”
Ramona let out a dry laugh, “that sounds like the dumbest thing I have ever heard. Didn’t you know there would be a future between us when you f****d me every damn time and murmured all your feelings out to me? You didn’t realize it would backfire when you couldn’t resist my charm?”
Caleb shut his eyes tightly, trying to steady his breath. “I really don’t want to talk about this with you, Ramona. It’s obvious your mind is made up. And I hope that video is only for Becca to see. If you try to mess around with my private life, I will make you pay.”
Dismissing him with a wave of her hand, Ramona snickered. “Do you think I would want the whole pack in my business too? It’s all up to you to decide what is best for our future family.”
“What future family?”
Tilting her head, “you, I and our unborn child, of course.”
He let out a frustrated huff, holding onto his sides. “What the hell do you want from me, Ramona? Because if it has anything to do with me being with you, then you have got to be daydreaming if you think I would give in to it.”
“I’m moving in with you.” She blurted.
“Wh…what?” Caleb stuttered. “Have you lost your damn mind? Why would you move in with me?”
Rubbing at her belly, Ramona held a sly smirk. “For our baby, of course. I need to be taken care of by my baby’s father.”
“This is a joke, right?”
Shaking her head, “not in the least, baby.” Sighing, she walked close to him, rubbing at his cheek. “Baby, we can work this out. We have been here before. All we need to do is rekindle our love.”
Caleb pulled her hand away from his face. “Don’t touch me! I am not going to repeat myself, Ramona. I would do my duties as a father, but I don’t want us to be any closer than normal, and I hope I am clear about it right now.”
She hissed loudly, taking her bag, which she had dropped on the couch in annoyance. “Don’t you even think this is the end of this discussion, I will be back, and when I do, I’m returning to stay!” Ramona threatened, walking away.
Xander whistled from the room entrance, “that was really heated.” He mused, his eyes staying glued to the shut door.
Caleb slumped into the couch, feeling like his breath had been punched out of him. He would have never thought he would get involved in a mess between two women. Now that it involved a pregnant one, his head felt like it might explode.
Becca sending him out of her room had been the most hurtful moment for him. The look on her face was enough to shatter his heart into pieces. Caleb felt his heart rip out of his chest as he walked out of the place. Almost like a part of him was left in the room, Becca wouldn’t be so lenient with him this time, and he understood it quite well.
“You look like you would pass out any minute from now,” Xander noted, standing up from the wheelchair as he stretched himself on the long couch.
Caleb gave him a shielded look, “why do you seem so unbothered about all of this? You should be in the same mood I am in.”
Xander shook his head, “I would have loved to be like that, but it’s clear our problems aren’t at all related. Yours far beyond. At least I don’t have a side chick intending to come to live with me.” He laughed.
Letting out a slight hiss, Caleb held his head tightly, trying to figure out what to do. “What should I do now?” He directed his question at Xander.
Xander chuckled, “I’m the wrongest person to seek advice from. Our shoes are almost looking familiar.”
“Can you be serious, please?” Caleb glared.
“It’s the truth, Caleb. We would have to swallow our egos and go after these women If we do want them.”
Groaning in pain, Caleb slapped his forehead. “I hate this life I am living in.”
“Sounds interesting,” Xander said, turning his head to the other side as he shut his eyes to get some sleep.
The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 212
Edwina’s POV…
I rolled to the side of the bed, trying to find a comfortable side of the bed to rest in, but I couldn’t. I had been awake since about seven am, but I couldn’t find myself standing up from the bed. I just wanted to remain there, most especially to avoid seeing Xander. At the same time, I was aching badly for food and a nice cup of tea. My baby and I had awoken with a craving for food.
Turning around to get a hold of my phone, I attempted to dial Becca when there came a knock on the door. As I got off the bed reluctantly to open it, I hoped it wouldn’t be Xander. Nothing has prepared me for such a discussion this morning.
Opening it, I found Becca by the door with a platter of food. “Oh my goodness, Becca! You are godsent.” I muttered, opening the door widely.
My eyes glazed at the sumptuous sight of the breakfast of bacon, toast, scrambled egg, sausage, some freshly made juice, and a cup of tea to cap it all.
“How in the world did you do this? Do you live in my mind?” I said to her, settling into the bed to enjoy the meal.
I ate it all like I had been starved for a whole week. Everything tasted exquisite. I didn’t want to stop eating, but then I was filled up and couldn’t go any further. My back rested on a stretched pillow when I noted Becca’s mood.
She appeared gloomier than last night, “what’s wrong, Becca?” I inquired.
Adjusting herself to the single couch available in the room, she sighed. “I wish I could get it off my mind, but I can’t seem to sleep.”
“Me too. The hunger I felt this morning was just the type that makes one forget all about their worries.”
I felt a wave of sadness rush through me again, just as I had felt when I woke up. It was hard to not think of it; being betrayed by someone you love and respect is one of the most painful forms of heartbreak anyone can go through.
And mine seems fairer compared to what Becca was going through. It hurts me to see her going through so much pain and me being unable to help out.
“You don’t have to look so solemn, Becca.” I tried to console her.
“It’s hard to not think of Luna, I thought Caleb would be different, and I have finally found my happiness. How could he do this to me?”. She broke down into tears again.
Standing up, I moved close to her rubbing her shoulders slowly, trying to calm her down. This was the height of it. Becca appears to be one of the strongest people I have ever met in my entire life. She was always quick to brace herself for whatever came at her. She still hummed the tears a bit loudly; I am such a poor consoler.
“Enough of your tears, Becca, please. You know what, let’s head out for some shopping might lighten your mood.” I offered. The perks of being the alpha’s mate is me getting to spend the alpha’s money in whichever way I wanted.
Today won’t be an exception, as I plan on making Becca have a fill if it requires spending his life savings. I really don’t care, even though I do care a bit. But he deserves it, considering what he and his friend have done to both Becca and me.
Sniffing, Becca raised her head up. “Won’t that be too much on you?”
“That’s so sweet of you, Becca,” I said, heading towards my closet to pick out a dress. “You know I suck at consoling. This is my way of letting you know that I care about you genuinely.”
She stayed quiet for a while, not saying a word, “how exactly are you feeling, though?” She asked, sniffing.
I shrugged with my back turned against her, not really knowing what the hell I was searching for in the closet. The perks of being a luna, few clothes had been brought in from the cloth store specially put in the palace for the alpha and luna the very minute I got into the room. All of the clothes appear to be the same design with different colours. If it wasn’t necessary to wear regal clothes as the Luna, some baggy shirts and Jean would do just fine. I haven’t been feeling comfortable wearing long dresses lately.
“Let me help with that.” Becca offered, standing next to me.
I sighed, knowing that was my cue to speak my truth. “The thing is, I really don’t know, Becca. What I do know is I am really tired of being played as the weak one. Being tagged as timid. I won’t let anyone trample on my intelligence and feelings anymore, not even the alpha.”
“You have changed a lot,” Becca noted.
“Is it positive or negative? Whichever way it is, I want to believe I am doing what is right for not just myself but my child.”
She let out a small chuckle, “I mean, look at you. You hardly ever get pissed and let things slide. I am proud that you are standing for what you want this time, not what others think you should want.”
“I was almost worried I might be doing too much.”
“No, you are not; it’s the best feeling of liberation ever. Standing on what you think and know is right.”
I clapped my hands in delight, “let’s go catch some nice fun. It’s been quite a while since the saga of my father returning.”
It surprised me that I didn’t feel any awkward when I made mention of my father. I was finally healing.
“I should go back to my room and dress up then,” Becca said with an unusual look on her face. “Do you need me to help you pick a dress?”
I waved her off,” you don’t have to worry, Becca. I got this. Should we take Star along?”
“Don’t you think that would be too much work, and also, attention would be on her?”
I nodded, “you are right. Alright then, go get changed while I also do. We would shop for her then; I almost forgot she doesn’t have many baby things.”
“Yes. I would leave now.”
Becca bowed a bit, leaving the room. I shouldn’t be this excited, though, humming an unknown song as I checked through the closet, clueless as to what I was to pick. To think I rejected Becca’s help when I am obviously helpless.
Eventually, settling for an emerald green dress with a V neckline. It seemed perfect. I wanted to style myself, not seeking help. I needed to adjust to doing things myself just in case I needed to leave soon.
My heart sank again at the thought, but I was no longer the Edwina of back then. No one would do as they wished with me anymore. That’s a promise I am making to myself.
The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 213
Alexander’s POV…
I shifted uncomfortably in the wheelchair, eager to stand up and not have to deal with the facade I had been living in anymore. Glancing to my side, I tried to keep eye contact with Edwina. It was obvious she was doing everything she could to avoid my ears. A week after she found out about my true disabled state, I tried to get on her good book, but she never paid me any mind.
I had thought coming out to the pack members would be easy, as I had informed Caleb to arrange the process after a week when I might have gotten back with Edwina. To my disappointment, three weeks went by with myself and Caleb wallowing in self-pity and none of our women paying us any mind. For myself and Edwina, we have been going back and forth on her forgiving me.
But she had been really adamant about not wanting to talk to me. The last time I tried to reach out to her, she had told me it would take her a very long time to accept the new me, as she had put it. Sounds frustrating, right? I miss her so much.
Every night, I am forced to jerk off with a kind of unexplainable rage. What I did isn’t so serious, even though it’s quite uncalled for. I still expect her to have gotten over it and accept my apology.
It was tough to get Caleb out of his gloomy state and get his a*s up and running over the pack duties. It was his duty to gather the pack members for any form of occasion. Today, I have chosen to let the whole pack know of the miraculous healing I had been lucky to get from the moon goddess. I thought Edwina and I would have sorted our issues before this day. However, she doesn’t seem to miss me at all. Looking at her again, I noticed she was glowing differently and very beautiful. Her cheeks look so smooth; I imagine running my palm on them.
A part of me stood excited for no reason. I shook my head, hissing in a whisper-like sound. This would get me in trouble if not controlled. Ensuring no one was looking, I rubbed at my d**k to calm it down.
Caleb got onto the podium, breathing into the microphone, causing every soul in the hall to fall into total silence. I gulped. This had better roll out on time.
“Great members of the night howlers pack, it feels delightful seeing every one of your faces. It’s not every day one gets to see such heart-soothing beauties.”
The whole hall burst into a fit of a chuckle. Whatever Caleb was trying to do, it was working. Anxiety had filled my entire being before. However, with him pulling in an icebreaker move first, I feel more relaxed to speak now.
“I would like to present the alpha of night howlers pack to you as you all know him. He has an important announcement to make, which is why we are all here to listen. Thanks for your time.” A round of applause burst through the room as Caleb got off the podium.
An adjustment was made to enable me to address everyone. My heart almost jumped out of its cage; I had never been this nervous all my life. Clearing my throat, I braced myself, hoping my white lie would be really believed.
“Thank you all for coming here today; this means a whole lot. I’m here to announce to you what I believe is good news, not just for myself but for the pack as a whole. It’s been a few years since the pack had to go through the tragedy of having its alpha strapped to a wheelchair. I don’t know how else to thank you all for not going against me and sticking to me despite the deficiency I encountered. Every day it broke my heart to know there was a limit to the assistance I could render to my pack members due to my disability. I couldn’t shift to my wolf, neither could I move around, and I guess you all knew what effect that had on my supposed marriage. It was a depressing moment for me.” I paused for my words to sink in. Noticing the emotions I had pictured was evident on their faces, I relaxed a bit before continuing my speech.
“For years, I suffered in silence, praying to the moon goddess for a miracle. Only a miracle could take place since the doctors had clearly said there was no way I could get back on my feet. However, a different turn took place, and two months ago, I started feeling some sensation around my legs. The first time I took note of it was the urge I had to shift. And I must say it was the most painful shift I had ever encountered, aside from the first time I shifted when I was a child. I tried not to get too excited, keeping the news to myself. I kept noticing the change as I was beginning to move around a bit on my own. My mind felt uncertain, which was why I doubted my healing in the first place. To avoid boring you with my story, great members of the night howlers pack. I’m happy to announce that your alpha is back on his feet.”
I made a dramatic attempt to stand up, and I must say being able to face the world finally on my two feet felt like the most liberating moment of my life. The crowd roared with noises, as some had tears in their eyes. Others hollered, beating their chest consistently.
Looking towards Edwina, she had a blank look on her face, and I don’t know why it felt like I was stabbed in the chest. I thought she would be proud of me for coming out to the pack members with a sincere story. Despite the fact that it wasn’t the entirety of the story I had told, it still doesn’t mean she shouldn’t be proud.
I would never understand how Edwina became so cold-hearted; she was the sweetest and most forgiving person I have ever known. Maybe she got tired of being the most understanding person. I would have done the same too.
The entire hall was still in a wild frenzy as I gathered my thoughts. Almost everyone made an attempt to say one thing or the other, and then my side eye caught a glimpse of Edwina standing up. Excusing myself hurriedly, I practically ran after her.
The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 214
Edwina’s POV…
I stomped my foot through the hallway in annoyance, indecisive as to why my emotions were spluttering all over the place. I could blame it on pregnancy, knowing quite well it wasn’t just about that.
Tears laced my eyes as I bounced off the walls. Seeing him stand in all of his glory, like the Greek god most books describe, was overwhelming. In all truth, Xander is a good-looking man. Every of his body structure, from the chiselled jawline to his legs, made my clit ache.
I was wet beyond measure, and if he slipped right inside me this minute, I was sure to o****m right on the spot. I feel angry at myself for having such thoughts, considering how much he had disregarded me. But what to do when I miss him so much? I ache for his touch every night, and my urges had mounted since I got pregnant.
Probably, just maybe, I would have held back on my sexually consumed thoughts if he wasn’t looking so much like a snack. It’s been a month, and I must say every day is more than ten days roped in one for me. If I were to be asked to calculate how many days and weeks It has been since I last had him so close to me, it would be nothing less than a hundred days and probably more.
Hitting my head against the door in my haste to get back into the room, I bounced back, hitting my back against something that felt hard like a rock. I knew what it was in an instant. The smell of him and the feeling of his chest will forever be ingrained in my memory.
Not wanting to look pathetic in front of him, I snatched the arm he had held onto to balance me away from him. Barging my way into the room, I made a weak attempt at shutting the door on him. But he was too quick, or should I say too strong.
“Really, Edwina,” Xander muttered, his face contorted in a painful way. He threw his hands up when I eventually gave in to him coming into the room. “You still won’t let this go?”
I nodded my head absentmindedly, keeping my eyes glued to the hem of my dress as I sat comfortably on the edge of the bed. “It’s nice to see you come out and support the truth eventually.” I taunted
“You know I can sense the mockery in your tone, right?” He bickered.
I stared blankly at him, “you really think I’m concerned about what you think?”
I shrugged, not sparing him a glance. “please leave when you are done here.”
That must have gotten him reeled. Next, I noticed him grabbing my hand in a not-so-painful but tight manner and dragging me towards the door.
“Get your hands off me, Xander!” I yelled, slapping his hands off with my other free hand. But it was no different from hitting a rock.
Not minding my tantrums, he pulled me out of the room, and we began heading down the hallway, then an underground stair that surprisingly looked clean even though it gave off a shady feeling.
My heart picked up at a high pace. Was he going to kill me? There weren’t many guards around, considering how everyone had gathered in the hall. My free hand went to my belly almost immediately. I can’t believe I would have to beg the father of my child and the man I have eventually found myself falling in love with to not kill his unborn child and me.
“Where the hell are you taking me, Xander?” I asked, my voice shaky.
However, he didn’t stop or respond until we came to an abrupt halt in the middle of the room we had landed in. It looked like a basement but bigger than all of the rooms combined in my dead father’s house. I should really go sell that property off; no one would want such infested space.
“What’s this? I am not going to listen to you, Xander, not even if you tie me down.” I threatened, even though I doubted I would go by my words. I was tired of not talking to him. All I want to do is rest in his arms at this point. But my ego appears bigger than my yearnings.
“Stop, Edwina!” He yelled, making me draw back. His face looked like he would cry. “Please, baby, just stop!”
Turning his back to me, Xander held his waist with both hands as he looked around the room. His eyes were searching for something. He eventually walked towards a box that looked dusty as hell and brought out what seemed like a journal. What surprised me was how neat the journal appeared, despite being pulled out of such a dirty box.
“Oh, sorry for the dirt around. I was too selfish and didn’t like letting anyone into the space. Would have asked for it to be cleaned up.” Xander explained when he noticed the look on my face.
“Why did you bring me here again?” I asked, trying to assure myself he wasn’t a killer.
Opening the journal, he glanced through it as his eyes watered. “You know, not growing up with a mother and having to be looked after by almost everybody in the packhouse put an emptiness inside my soul. Despite my father’s attempt at ensuring he was present, it didn’t seem enough. I also had to be strong and sometimes unresponsive to my feelings because, as the future alpha, this behaviour was expected of me.”
He paused for a moment sniffing. “It was hard, really hard. I couldn’t have the life every other pub had. Even though they envied me for being the alpha’s son and future alpha, I envied them more. They had too many joyous childhood memories, which I was deprived of. They were free-spirited to act naughty, and I saw mothers hide their children from their fathers when they did something wrong. They had silent jokes that they shared; I had a view of all of this whenever I was eventually let out of the packhouse, which was always to check around the pack and the members. Something didn’t feel right, and it took me time to realize how much love and affection I lacked.”
Letting out a deep breath, Xander stood still, staring out into space. I almost thought he had frozen.
The Alpha’s Exchanged Mate – Chapter 215
Edwina’s POV…
For what seemed like a lifetime, he didn’t say a word. I was getting bothered, and my standing didn’t feel good, considering my position. I would like to think that Xander reads my mind. Almost in a split second, he had dusted a chair that sprouted out from among the piles of antiques in the space and had me seated on it.
I gulped nervously, feeling bad for thinking ill of him. “Xander…”
He held a hand up, “please let me finish.” He pleaded.
“Okay.” I let out in a whisper.
Still standing, Xander had his back turned to me, obviously trying to hide the tears in his eyes. “over the years, as I grew, I leaned on Ben as he was the only person really close to me. I felt safe trusting him with all of me. Also, the idea of family grew within me so much. I couldn’t wait to have a Luna. When I did come of age, I pleaded hard with the moon goddess to show me my desired mate. When she showed you to me, I was too greedy and thought I was doing it for the sake of the pack. Eventually, fate caught up with me and took me through the most painful form of betrayal ever.” He said, sniffing, “I don’t know what I did to deserve a second chance of getting you back in my life. Maybe I never emphasized this, but you were and still are my mate Edwina. “
My mouth was wide agape when he muttered his last statement, he appeared really sincere with his words, and it sent thrills down my spine.
Xander caressed the journal as he held my gaze, “I had been so angry at my mum that I didn’t get to connect with her in any way. My father must have intentionally kept her stuff for me to find. Me finding out she was human-made me more curious about my other identity. This journal…” He raised it up. “…gives the entire details and truth that I have been searching and longing for all my life. She had loved me even before I was born and was protective till her last breath.”
I rolled my eyes. His story sounds intriguing and mind-blowing, but I am so not ready to listen anymore. I don’t know what he was driving at bringing his mother into our discussion. And as much as I wanted him back, there was no way I would make it easy for him.
“It’s obvious you are just trying to buy your way in, which isn’t really working,” I said, standing up as I intended to leave.
He held my hand back before I could make any move. “Please, Edwina! I’m just trying to explain to you that I can’t live without you. I am in love with you, I can no longer hide how I feel, and it’s killing me inside. I know I wrong you and how hurt you feel, but I am just as hurt as you. All I want is your love, baby. I just crave to be loved properly. I no longer want to doubt my feelings or yours anymore.” He swallowed, “let’s start afresh, baby. Let’s forget all about this mess. For the sake of our love, for the sake of our unborn child. Please, mama.”
I have never seen Xander so vulnerable, his eyes were filled with unshed tears, and they made my heart ache. Life sure is really funny. Who would have thought someone as influential as Xander had practically lived the same life I did. Anyone would think he had it all. Now, I understand why he was insistent on talking about his mother; she would have shielded him from so much, no doubt. Just as my mother would have done the same for Sonia and me if she was alive. But one thing I have learnt is; to try hard to not live our lives as victims.
“Say something, please.” Xander’s voice jolted me out of my thoughts. He had dropped the journal and was holding both of my hands now.
A tear trailed down my face, “I have been hurt too, Xander. I have been unloved and betrayed too. As much as it hurts you, it hurts me the same way too. We shouldn’t be the ones doing this to each other. Do you know how awful I felt finding out that you could walk? And then you claim to have used it as a test. How lower can you get, Xander? I wish you had come out to me sooner. But you didn’t, and that broke me; it made me feel like a fool once again. Because you know just how vulnerable I am, and you still chose to do something like that to me? How in the world do you think I’m supposed to cope with that?” I didn’t stop the tears from coming now. I have had just about enough of playing okay, even when I am clearly not.
“I know, baby, and I’m sorry. I miss you so much, Edwina. I didn’t realize how much you mean to me and how much I have become accustomed to your presence. Until this past weeks, and I must say it’s been the most tormenting moment of my life. I really can’t deal with this any longer. I want you back, baby. I want to be present in not just our child’s life but in yours too. I want us to build this pack together and make the best out of everything. You have been my support system since the day you walked into this packhouse, Edwina. I can’t do this alone, please, baby. I need you.” He said
I blinked my tears back, almost hurting my eyes. “What if I can’t birth your cubs with wolves. What if I give birth to pubs just like me….”
“Shh!” Xander cut me short, placing a finger on my lips. “Don’t say that. I don’t care. I’m completely fine with it as long as it’s my child and yours. I’m really less bothered about what others would say. All that matters is our happiness. And you really mean the world to me. Please, baby.” He confessed, placing our foreheads on each other he kissed my nose.
I held firmly onto his hand, sighing. I kissed him on the lips. “I love you, Xander.”
A sweet smile spread out on his lips. “I love you too, baby. Welcome back home.” He whispered, sealing it off with a k**s.”