Betrayed By Love

Chapter Fourteen

Two Days Later – Lexi POV

"Steaks again? Why? Men and their meat, I swear."

"If you don't like it, start choosing the menu yourself."

"I will. We need more variety."

"f**k variety." he quipped as he stuffed his mouth.

"Seth! You, and that mouth, no wonder you haven't found your mate yet." He froze, shooting daggers at me.

"Have you—found her?"

After staring at me like he wanted to kill me for a few more seconds. He sighed, giving in to my questions.

"No, I haven't."

"Good, I thought you were rejected or something."

"Shut up, Lexi. It's not like you found yours either."

"No. But I just turned 18. How long has it been for you?"

"4 f*****g years. I wanted to feel that connection so badly. To see what it was like to know she truly was mine. Seems, I'll have to take a chosen mate instead."

Regret smacked me in the face as I watched my brother long for something he may never have.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought it up. You'll find her. If anyone deserves a mate, it's you."

"Thanks, sis. How's the princess doing?" His calm demeanor returned.

"It's strange hearing people refer to her as a princess. Just a few days ago, she was simply my human best friend. I felt so guilty having to keep this secret from her. I never thought I would be able to tell her. But, now that I can, I don't know if I'll ever even be able to speak to her again."

Nudging my shoulder, he walked our plates to the sink, "You will. Don't give up on your friendship so easily."

"You're right."

"You never answered my question."

"mmm? Oh, yeah. I heard she's doing a bit better. She's going to the therapist. The maid said she's eating more of her food now, and even hears her laugh every once in a while. But, other than that, she still cries at night, has panic attacks, and fears the touch of another."

"That's amazing progress since it's only been two days. Do you think she can manage when we leave for the palace in two days? I hope she's ready enough to make the trip. We can put her in a car by herself with a woman driver if it'll help her."

"I'll have the maid ask her the next time Mira speaks to her."

The dining room doors slowly opened as Mira's maid made her way inside. "I apologize for the interruption, alpha, Mira requested Lexi's presence in her room. I assumed you'd like to know immediately."

I sprang to my feet the moment those words left her lips.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, Miss Lexi."

Mira's POV

"Can I come in?"

"Yes."

"Hey.." She stood, unsure what she was allowed to do.

"You can sit on the bed."

"Alright. Is— Is there something you'd like me to do? Anything I can get for you?" she asked as she looked over the room.

"Did you know your parents were going to try to kill me?" Her head jerked towards me as her eyes widened in surprise.

"No! I swear on my life. I didn't know. I would've done everything I could to stop them if I had known. I swear, Mira, I love you like my sister. I would never stand by while anyone, including my parents, tried to hurt you in any way. Please, if you believe anything. Believe that." Tears welled in her eyes.

"Where were you the night of our graduation party?"

"After you disappeared, I didn't know where you were, but since you were in my home, I assumed you were safe. I kept drinking, and eventually we worked our way to my room. I figured we would do it. But the next thing I know, I'm waking up. Completely untouched. As soon as I got up, I sent for you. That's when I heard your panic attack in the hallway. Goddess, Mir I—"

"Don't. Do not call me that disgusting nickname." Lexi flinched at my sudden command, but didn't question it.

"I'm truly sorry I haven't been there for you like I promised the day we became best friends. I've failed you. Please tell me if there's anything you need. No matter how big or small."

"You don't have to be at my beck and call. There's nothing you need to ask for forgiveness for. None of it was your fault. You aren't in any more control of your parents than anyone else is. I just— I thought–" Tears forced their way out, as my heart broke all over again.

Lexi dropped to where I was, wrapping me in her arms. The feeling of disgust is surprisingly not there. "I know. I know I'm struggling with their betrayal too. I lost my parents that day. But I still have you. Now, I also have Seth. Something I never thought I would get back."

"Wait. Your brother, who disappeared?" Lexi's smile grew at my words.

"Yes! He's alive, and the alpha!"

"Why did he disappear?"

"Let's talk about that some other time. I'm kinda tired of the doom and gloom. I do have a question I have to ask you.." She seemed nervous to bring it up, piquing my curiosity.

"Yeah?"

"In two days, we have to go to the Royal Palace. I need to know if you'll be okay going? We can put you in your own car, with a woman driver you feel comfortable with."

"Royal Palace?"

"Right, you still don't know everything. Well, I guess I'll explain what I can. So you know of werewolves now, right?"

"Kinda, I guess. I saw a wolf shift into Jax in three seconds."

"Jax, showed you his wolf?" Lexi seemed shocked hearing that.

"Yeah.. Is that not what was supposed to happen?"

"Well, not really. Jax is too young to shift. He shouldn't be able to, let alone that fast. That's faster than most." Lexi seemed extremely worried about what I had just told her. "I'll let Seth know later. No need to freak out now, not like we can do anything anyway. The Royal family are Lycans. They're more beasts than they're wolves or humans, making them stronger than us. Luckily, the whole bloodline has been benevolent—Well, that is, until 19 years ago. But I'll let the queen fill you in on the true events. Her sister was the cause after all. I need to know if you can make the trip in two days?"

I'm terrified, but I don't want to be. I hate being forced to sit in this room, scared of everything. I have to know why I was forced into this when all I've ever wanted was to feel at home, to feel loved.

"Yes, I'll do whatever I need to. I want answers."

"Good. Get rest, I'll let my brother know. I love you, Mira, and I'll do everything I can to make this right." She left without waiting for a response.

I thought I was lost before, but damn, do I wish I could go back to not knowing any of this.