When His Mate Emerges

Chapter 3

Xander’s POV

I paced my office, waiting for word from my men. They should be back by now.

Why weren’t they back yet?

My eyes trailed to the clock again. It was dawn already.

Hours after I sent Dave and the team to save Estella.

“f**k this shit.” I swore impatiently. I didn't really want Estella dead!

Lilith promised me she could secure the votes of the other two elders, ensuring my victory in the Alpha election in two days.

I must save Lilith!

But Estella...

I reached for my phone to call Dave when my wolf picked up sounds from my office hallway.

Estella!

I turned around, my eyes searching as my men filed into the office.

“Your highness,” Dave bowed in greeting. “We—”

“Where is she?” I demanded looking behind them.

Dave shook his head and I paused.

“She’s dead.” He reported solemnly.

My legs lost feeling immediately.

I reached out a hand, grabbing the edge of my table to support myself.

“We tracked down the kidnappers and tortured them for the truth. The lady… She was drugged. Her mind was addled, and while trying to escape, she fell off a cliff.”

“I—” I started, then stopped.

My insides felt numb as Dave handed me a strip of red lace fabric, then bowed and exited my office.

Alone, I stared at the ripped piece of lingerie in my hand and felt my chest tighten.

Estella had always been… convenient. Loyal. Useful.

And yet.

I stared at that fabric longer than necessary, my thoughts swirling and strange. She had looked at me like I was her entire world. I had traded that gaze without hesitation.

“Stubborn girl.” The words left my lips as I pushed to my full height.

Why did she have to escape? Why couldn’t she just wait and let them torture her for a bit?

I still sent my men to save her. I would have been her hero if she had just been a little patient.

My chest felt tight, and I poured myself a drink.

My office door cracked open, and I glanced up to see Lilith saunter in.

She wore a red dress.

Damn red. Just like the one Estella wore that day.

“Xander,” She purred, her voice like butter as she moved to my side.

“Let me thank you.” Her voice dropped to a murmur. Her lashes batting as she drew close and brushed her lips to my jaw. “You did this for me.”

Her palm flattened on my stomach. It began to move downward, but I caught her wrists, pushing her away.

“Not now.”

Lilith frowned. “Xander—”

“I said not now.”

I dropped the drink on the table, outting distance between me and Lilith.

I couldn’t think. In one hand, I still gripped the lacy fabric. My mind replaying Estella’s voice as she screamed my name.

“You’re acting strange.” Lilith sniffled. “Do you regret choosing me?”

I couldn’t regret.

I had made the correct choice. The logical one.

Yet my lips felt heavy to give her an answer.

“I’m busy Lilith.” I stalked out of my office.

—---------------------------

Estella’s POV

I had only been to the Lycan’s palace twice but I had never come through these gates.

Lycan Darius brought me in like it was no problem and set me up in a guest room.

Thankfully, when I opened my eyes, he was nowhere to be seen.

My heart thundered as I stole a robe and quickly dressed up.

Mate or not, The Lycan King was still a cursed monster and Xander’s Father.

I wanted nothing to do with him.

Slipping out was easier than I expected.

No one paid any attention to me and I managed to sneak past the guards.

I had just stepped out of the grounds when I ran straight into a hard chest.

“Estella?!”

Xander’s shocked voice jolted me immediately.

I tried to move back but his hands closed around me and he crushed me to his chest with a stunned laugh. “You’re alive! I don’t believe it.”

“Don’t touch me.” I hissed, shoving him hard.

His shock melted into relief as he shook his head. “I thought you were dead!”

“I was,” I replied coldly. “You made sure of it.”

Xander ran a hand through his hair and my chest twisted.

He looked exactly like the man I loved. Caring, soft. Complete opposite of the icy creature that sold me out only hours ago.

“Estella, don’t do this.” Xander’s voice softened. “Of course, I sent men back to rescue you. Do you think I don’t love you?”

“Stay away.” I spat angrily.

"Estella, be rational." Xander frowned. "I saved Lilith because she promised to help me get the votes... you know, the Alpha election is tomorrow night."

His coaxed softly, "You're the only one I love."

"So for your Alpha ambitions, you didn't hesitate to throw me to those rogue wolves, did you?" I looked coldly at Xander. I once believed every word he said until he easily abandoned me.

"Did you forget my uncle is also one of the elders?" I glared at him fiercely. "You'll NEVER get the Alpha position." I growled harshly, "I will never vote for you. Not now, not ever."

I was an orphan. My Uncle Herry raised me like his own. My mother’s brother was pure human but better than half of these proud wolves!

He had enough money and power to rival a country. A seat among the red moon pack elders and the key vote for the Alpha elections.

“Estella—”

Xander’s face twisted in rage.

Before I could move back, his hand shot out. Fingers closing around my throat and slamming me into the wall.

“X-Xander–” I choked, spluttering and slapping at his hand.

He did not budge.

“Be careful,” he hissed darkly. “Your uncle is still very much within my reach. You know how fragile a human could be.”

My vision blurred. But my chest pounded in fear.

My uncle was all I had. Xander...he’s prince and I knew well about the blood and cruelty of the court.

How could he threaten me with my uncle!

“Well?” He hissed.

Slowly, I nodded, coughing and gasping for air as his grip loosened.

Xander’s hand smoothened my hair and he frowned. “Why do you make me do this to you? You know how much I love you.”

My eyes burned with hurt and I looked away.

A while ago, I would have given anything to hear these words. Now, I just wanted to be far away from him.

“Look at me.” Xander placed a hand under my chin and turned my head to him. “Once I’m Alpha, I’ll cut ties with Lilith. I promise. You and I… we’ll start over.”

My chest burned and my tears dropped but I nodded.

Anything for him to let go.

Xander’s lips split in a pleased smile.

He leaned in closer, then froze.

What was it?

My stomach jolted.

“Estella? Why’s there a kiss mark on your neck?” Xander asked darkly.