His Mate, Her Redemption

Chapter 5: NOOK AND CRANNY

Camila

I quickly entered my hotel room and started packing my belongings. I needed to sell the ring and leave the country to start fresh or take a break. I booked a cab online and hoped it would arrive on time.

I took my luggage downstairs with my small handbag, stopped at the reception to settle my bill, and then headed out. Fortunately, the cab was waiting for me outside.

I got in, retrieved my phone from my bag, and called Mr. Cecaro, who is known for buying all types of unwanted jewelry. He was my best option at that point, so I informed him about my coming.

After I hung up the phone, the driver turned towards me in the back seat and politely asked, "Where to, ma'am?" His voice sounded familiar, so I looked up to see his familiar eyes staring back at me.

“Wait! Are you stalking me?” The words slipped out of my mouth as I gave him a stern look. I couldn't help but wonder why I always seemed to run into him whenever I needed a cab. It was starting to feel like more than just a coincidence, almost as if he was intentionally tracking my movements.

He nervously chuckled, fiddling with his beads, and looked down. “You booked my cab online, so how was I stalking you? And about yesterday, you used my cab twice, it was just a coincidence, nothing more,” he explained calmly. I wasn't convinced by his words, but I decided to let it slide since today would be the last time I would use his cab, resisting the urge to get down.

“Take me to Ceca's store on Greenways No. 12,” I directed, then turned to gaze out the window, avoiding any further conversation with him as I felt a sudden unease in his presence. I decided to use my phone instead.

My mind was flooded with thoughts about the jacket and, more importantly, the ring. I have never been a thief and have never taken anything that doesn't belong to me.

Even if I wanted to ignore the tempting benefits, to whom would I then return it? Because I don't know who he was, and I haven't seen his face or know what he looked like in order to return his lost items.

But then again, I believe this situation is ultimately God's plan. Because looking at my current bank account balance, I am disheartened by the fact that I cannot afford three square meals with such a small amount. Additionally, the cost of my medication has depleted my life savings. Now my only way of survival at the moment is this ring, and I'm going to sell it at a good price.

‘Please stranger, wherever you are, stay there. Please, please let's not cross paths in this life or the next to come.’ I muttered a silent prayer in my mind and let out a big sigh.

Finally, he halted his cab in front of Ceca’s store and I hoped down, and quickly paid him off, and he drove away waving at me which I never responded and walked into the store.

Mr. Cecaro's men greeted me warmly, and I returned the gesture with a smile and a wave. They ushered me inside, but I requested that Mr. Cecaro met me outside as I felt uncomfortable with people staring at me as they came in and out of the store.

After a ten-minute wait, Mr. Cecaro, who appeared to be in his late 50s but had the physique of a younger man, emerged with a smile on his face and his hands in his pockets. "Mila, my dear daughter," he playfully greeted me, motioning for a hug, to which I responded with a side hug.

“Good day, sir,” I warmly greeted, my lips forming a broad smile. He often visits our café to grab some coffee and always insists that I serve him personally. He sees me as a daughter's figure, as he mentioned that I reminded him of his daughter who lived far away.

Fortunately, he always tips me generously and sometimes even gives me extra money. He is truly a kind and generous man, well-known for his generosity in the neighborhood.

“Did you bring something for me?” He inquired, his eyes brimming with curiosity.

I smiled and reached into my handbag, pulling out the ring. It still glowed strangely, just as it had since I found it in the hotel room. I handed it to him.

"Here, I want to sell this," I said, bracing myself nervously for his inevitable barrage of questions.

He picked up the ring and examined it closely, "This is so strange," he murmured under his breath. I could still hear him, and he then looked up at me and asked, "Where did you get this ring from?" His gaze returned to the ring as he awaited my response.

I nervously rubbed the back of my head and replied, "It belonged to my mother, who passed it down to me before she passed away." I fabricated the story effortlessly, determined to keep the truth hidden as I straightened up and tried to appear composed.

He nodded in amazement at the one-of-a-kind ring. "I've never come across anything quite like it," he confessed, his attention still on the ring. "Let me make the payment to your account." He quickly transferred the money, and I received a notification, which brought a huge smile to my face.

He quickly made his way back to his store, and I hailed a cab to take me to the airport. Fortunately, there was a flight to Spain ready for departure, and I knew I would come back once I had taken some time to relax and enjoy my money.

****

ALPHA ZEDEX’S POV

I arrived at Vermillion Wolf Park after a long journey and quickly exited my car. As I entered the heart of the park, I expected that all the park members would gather in front of the mansion with their heads all bowed to the ground; sending my grandpa’s soul to the afterlife.

However, I didn't see anyone, which made me curious and doubtful about what Max had told me over the phone. I hurried towards the mansion and saw Mogan standing in front of it, waiting for me.

To my surprise, he suddenly knelt down, causing me to furrow my brow in confusion. As he began to bow, I quickly reached out and firmly grasped his shoulder to prevent his head from touching the ground.

“You of all people know how much I hate it when people bow to me,” I said, pulling him to his feet. He raised his head, tears filling his eyes.

"I won't forget your kindness," he said, pulling me into a hug, which I reciprocated by resting my head on his shoulder.

Pulling away, I glanced around and noticed how quiet it was. “How's my Grandpa? Where is he?” I asked Mogan softly.

Mogan sighed, his shoulders falling. “When I arrived, I was told that Pa Wilton was ill, so I decided to go see him. However, I was stopped by some wolf guards I had never seen before. Sadly, I also heard they refused to let the park doctor check on him.” He told me.

That was odd because Mogan was familiar with all the wolf guards in Vermilion, so it must have been Max's doing for him to say that those guards stopped him. "Come with me," I insisted, leading him as we hurried into the building towards my Grandpa's room.

As Mogan had mentioned, there were unfamiliar wolf guards stationed in front of my grandpa's door. I scoffed and approached them, knowing that no one would dare to stop an Alpha unless they were seeking trouble.

I walked up to the door and, without hesitation, they quickly opened it for me. I motioned for Mogan to come in with me. As I entered my Grandpa's room, I was surprised to find that there was no one on the bed.

My hand clenched into a fist and my lips tightened into a thin line. "Maxwell!" I groaned as rage surged through me, causing the objects in the room to tremble.

He slowly came out of my Grandpa's study with his hand in his pocket. He approached me without feeling any remorse, as he bravely stood in front of me and staring into my eyes.

"Where is Grandpa?" I asked calmly, but with a hint of threat in my voice.

He laughed loudly, "The old man is dead, and I buried him myself!" he shouted back at me. Without hesitation, my fist flew through the air and landed heavily on his chin, causing him to spit out blood and lose two front teeth.

“How dare you!” I exclaimed in anger, my wolf fur bristling on my skin, but I managed to control my transformation, my eyes blazing with fury, causing him to back away.

He is well aware that, in terms of strength, the difference between an ordinary wolf and his strength is like that of a child compared to his parents. The gap between him and me is like that of an ant compared to a giant. He is fully aware of this.

"Wolf Guards!" I called out, and the Vermillion Wolf Guards swiftly entered the room, bowing before me.

“Take this imbecile to the punishment ground, give him 40 lashes of fire, and banish him from Vermilion Park. He is no longer one of us!” I ordered firmly. The guards immediately took action, restraining him.

Max couldn't contain his laughter, but his amusement would be short-lived. Soon, he would be begging for my mercy, as no one had ever survived the fiery punishment of the fire lashes.

I am still puzzled as to why Max would be so heartless as to murder his Grandpa in such a brutal manner. I am determined to uncover the truth.

With a heavy heart and tears in my eyes, I hurried to the wolf's tomb where our ancestors are laid to rest. As I reached the door, I attempted to unlock it with my ring, but to my surprise, my ring was missing.

I quickly ran out and checked my car to make sure I wasn't mistaken. Despite searching everywhere, I couldn't find my ring. Mogan approached me and asked what I was looking for, noticing my restlessness.

"I can't find my ring," I replied, feeling frustrated as I tried to remember where I had last seen it. Suddenly, it hit me. "Oh, damn it!" I exclaimed, realizing that someone had stolen my ring.

"Bob!" I called out, and he hurried over, bowing his head. "Get me a book and a pen," I instructed. Bob quickly fetched the items and handed them to me.

I sketched a picture of the cunning human fox who had taken my ring, using my drawing skills. Bob and Mogan looked puzzled as they watched me work. Once I finished, I handed the drawing to Bob. "Search every nook and cranny for this thief and bring her before me," I commanded.